9 Great Pieces of Advice

I’ve never subscribed to any specific school of thought. I think it’s a lazy way of thinking to completely adopt someone else’s beliefs or philosophies. However, I am a huge believer in studying the giants who came before us, and implementing the practices that suit us.

The same goes for following someone else’s blueprint. It’s important to examine what’s worked for others who have achieved success, but it’s just as essential to find your own path, and more importantly, your own voice.

This week, I wanted to revisit a thread I posted on Twitter and LinkedIn a while back containing some of the sound advice I’ve received over the years, and expound on the ideas.

Here are 9 pieces of great advice I’ve received from music industry experts over the years…

1. You should just introduce/ connect people that you think will be able to do something dope together, with no expectations to be involved.

I wrote more about this a couple weeks ago in the newsletter here, but I wanted to include the advice again, because it’s so important. In an industry known for its shadiness and cutthroat nature, I find unselfishness is a true attribute; and like-minded people take notice. Also, as we know, the music industry is a place where “your network is your net worth”, and great relationships are essential. Introducing people you know who might work well together is a great way to build those relationships and help others succeed. And if something comes out of that connection that involves you, that’s incredible! But that’s NOT the objective here. It's all about building good will and helping others.

2. Build relationships to the point where, when you speak, you barely speak about business. So when you call someone, you’re talking about family, sports, etc. The business is a given that you wrap up at the end of the conversation.

This comes back to the importance of solid relationships, and the benefit of really getting to know people beyond the surface level. Creating rapport builds trust and makes the business flow effortlessly.

If you’re nervous in speaking with certain clients or perspective customers, practice being yourself. Let your personality break the ice, and don’t overthink it.

3. Never be afraid to walk away from a deal or a bad situation.

When you’re starting out in any position, you may feel like you’re unqualified or not completely confident with your level of expertise. And when you start to negotiate deals and opportunities, you may either feel so excited or so insecure that you’re all but praying for the deal to go through. Try to remind yourself that you’re in this current position for a reason, and don’t ever let the person you’re negotiating against sense any feelings of desperation or self-doubt.

Always trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, it’s best to walk away.

4. All of the problems you normally have to deal with on site magically solve themselves when you’re not around.

I learned this advice from a manager I worked with early on. If you’re a leader, people will look to you to solve all of the problems which arise, and may even feel the need to blow minuscule issues out of proportion. However, when you’re not around to complain to, all of a sudden the other members of your team find a way to communicate effectively, and become leaders and problem solvers in their own right. The less you micro manage, the better your team can develop their own methods of leadership and critical thinking, because they don’t have you to do it for them.

5. Your reputation is everything. Guard it with your life, and never compromise, no matter how much money is on the table.

In an industry as competitive as the music biz, your reputation is the end all be all. Honesty, professionalism, and dependability are critical. Remember, you could operate with integrity for decades, and then have one misstep that costs you your entire career. It’s that easy to blow your reputation.

Once you allow yourself even the tiniest bit of leniency with your integrity or loyalty, you become everything you’ve probably complained about others doing to you. So, never play the short game, which only benefits you— And never step over a dollar to grab a quick dime. Think long-term.

I also know supremely talented and brilliant artists and professionals who are their own worst enemies. They complain constantly and act selfishly, until nobody wants to work with them, despite their undeniable talents. Be kind and easy to work with, because none of us are so great that we’ve earned the right to treat others with disrespect.

6. Create it yourself (whether buzz, product, art, or a fan base). Hold onto your ownership, masters, I.P., publishing, etc. Don’t even think about selling until you have significant leverage.

Don’t allow your impatience or being in a personal bind to affect your decision making. Vultures are happy to take advantage of this lapse in judgement. Grow your leverage by growing your brand and your own community, which trusts you to deliver a quality product. Once you sell the rights to the brand you’ve built, you are on someone else’s timeline; and with less creative control. There’s no putting the lid back on that box.

7. Learn to do it all yourself, so you’re never stuck waiting around for anyone, and also so nobody can overcharge you once you do start to outsource.

This was something I’ve learned to do throughout my career, which has allowed me to play numerous positions in countless different situations. The diversity in skill set is invaluable. Just make sure you avoid becoming a “Jack of all trades, master of none”.

8. Every release must have an angle. Your story is what people will latch onto. A quality project isn’t enough to stand out among the noise.

I used to hate being put in a box. It felt incomplete, like people didn’t want to know the full story, or couldn’t fully grasp anything that wasn’t served in a nice, curated simple package. But as I’ve grown, I’ve realized I follow certain sources for specific information. And our personal brands are no different. Remember, “the riches are in the niches”. Grow your trust with a specific audience, and then you can expand your voice from there.

9. It should be obvious, but think about others’ needs before approaching them. What’s the void they’re looking to fill (or don’t even know they need to fill) that you can handle for them. Be clear and precise. And don’t come to them with your hand out- Show and prove.

This advice is something we all figure out eventually, but few understand it from the jump. It's really about having empathy and putting yourself in others’ shoes to understand what they might need that you could bring to the table. And again, a diversified skill set may allow you to approach different opportunities with a unique solution. Then, once you’ve built trust within the relationship, your position can grow and expand.

We are aware of many of these lessons. Sometimes a reminder is nice for all of us though, so I hope at least one of these pieces of advice can help you on your journey.

Thanks again for all of your support. Please keep spreading the word to friends, fam, and co-workers who could benefit from this newsletter.

Til next week.