When you’re a new artist, making it is only half the battle. Most artists want to survive, and eventually thrive in the business. Here are some of the biggest mistakes that they should try to avoid along the road to stardom:
1. Lip synching– Back in the late ’80s, Milli Vanilla ruined their career when one of their songs began to skip during a live MTV performance, and it was later revealed that they were imposters. If you can’t really sing, don’t try to fake it.
2. Not rocking your own style– If you want to stand out from the rest of the pack, having your own unique style is pretty much mandatory. You might even want to hire a stylist. Ever wonder why Rihanna and Nicki Minaj are so popular? Their individuality has a lot to do with it.
3. Beefing with management-When former Destiny’s Child members Letoya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson began to have issues with manager Matthew Knowles, it wasn’t long before they were dismissed from the group. If you’re searching for a new manager, don’t let your current manager know.
4. Beefing with group members– If you’re in a singing group, and you don’t get along with everyone else, it could result in your downfall. In Making the Band 4, fans saw firsthand how Que got into frequent disagreements with his fellow members of Day 26. Later that year, Day 26 asked him to leave the group.
5. Competing with other artists– If you’re a brand new artist, it’s common to be compared to other artists. But don’t try to outshine the person who probably paved the way for your career. Take it as a compliment, and keep it moving.
6. Breaking the law– Rappers like Gucci Mane and T.I. are notorious for catching cases, but a stint in jail could hinder your career. If you know it’s illegal, just don’t do it.
7. Acting like a crazy fan– When Alicia Keys and Jay-Z performed “Empire State of Mind” at the VMAs last year, Lil Mama surprised her own fans and everyone else when she jumped onstage during their performance. You should never find yourself on stage with another artist unless you were invited.
8. Cheating on your significant other– The easiest way to find yourself in tabloids and on blogs (in a not-so-good way) is to get caught cheating. If you aren’t able to commit to one girl or guy, just don’t be in a relationship. You’ll save yourself a lot of heartache and loss of fans if you ever get caught.
9. Disappointing your fan base – Cheating is one way to disappoint your fans, but some artists find a way to do so on a grander scale. Case in point: Chris Brown. It isn’t easy to keep a squeaky-clean image, but it’s important to remember that your fans are likely to watch your every move, professionally or personally. And since they are the reason you’re famous, keep your actions in check.
10. Becoming arrogant– The worst thing a rookie artist can do is let the fame get to his or her head. Humility is one of the best qualities to retain regardless of the magnitude of your success. When Diddy let Aubrey O’Day go from Danity Kane, he stated “I just want to work with the young lady that I signed, not the person that fame has made her.” Regardless of what fame may bring you, remain humble.
—— By: Crystal Tate
Are you an aspiring artist who wants to make it big in the music industry? Then you’ve come to the right place. Here, we discuss some of the most common rookie mistakes that new artists tend to make when trying to break into the biz. It can be difficult for up and coming musicians to know what works and what doesn’t in this competitive market – but fear not! We’ve got your back, with our list of top 10 rookie mistakes made by new artists.
Whether you are a musician just starting out or have been around for a while, these tips will ensure that you don’t fall victim to any rookie blunders. From taking on too much work without proper preparation, to oversaturating yourself with gigs – there’s no shortage of pitfalls awaiting those who lack experience in the world of music production and promotion. So take note: if you want success as an artist, avoiding these ten rookie mistakes is essential!
With so many options available for creating unique sounds and promoting them online, making sure that your efforts aren’t being wasted is key. To help guide you through this process, we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of tips and tricks tailored specifically for new artists looking to maximize their chances at achieving success within the music business. Read on to find out more about avoiding typical beginner errors and kickstarting your career properly!
Common Pitfalls
As an artist, there are many potential pitfalls to avoid if you want to have a successful career. New artists often make mistakes that can be easily avoided with the right planning and knowledge. Here are some of the biggest rookie mistakes newbies tend to make:
The first mistake is not developing their brand early enough in their careers. Many new artists don’t think about how they want to be viewed in the eyes of fans until it’s too late. It’s important to develop your sound and image before launching into the industry so that people know what kind of music or art you create and who you are as an artist.
Another big mistake is not having realistic expectations when it comes to success. While every artist wants immediate fame and fortune, this isn’t always feasible. It takes time for artists to build up a following and fan base, so expecting instant results will only lead to disappointment and frustration down the line. Instead, focus on building relationships with other artists, managers, producers etc., while creating quality content consistently over time.
Finally, failing to protect yourself legally is another common issue among inexperienced musicians or creators. Not understanding copyright law or negotiating contracts correctly can lead to lost income or worse – someone else profiting from your work without permission or compensation! Make sure you understand all legal aspects of being an artist before signing any deals or agreements; getting professional help (such as a lawyer) may be necessary for certain situations.
Avoidable Errors
Now it’s time to look at some of the mistakes new artists tend to make that can be easily avoided. While these errors may seem minor, they can have a huge effect on an artist’s career and success in the long run.
One mistake many rookies make is not having a good system for tracking expenses related to their music. Without keeping detailed records of all money spent and earned, it can be easy to lose track of important payments or miss out on potential revenue streams like royalties or streaming income. Make sure your finances are organized so you don’t end up losing more money than necessary!
Another major blunder beginners often fall into is investing too much in promotion before they’re ready. It’s crucial to have established fans before spending lots of cash on marketing; otherwise, there won’t be anyone around to listen when those expensive ads start running! Instead, focus on building relationships with other industry professionals and creating quality content first, then use promotional strategies once you have an audience already interested in what you do.
It’s also essential for aspiring musicians and creators to network strategically – something many inexperienced artists fail to prioritize. Making connections within your genre will help open doors down the line, as well as give you access to advice from experienced pros who know how things work in the industry. Don’t just rely on social media; attend events, conferences, workshops etc., where you’ll meet people who could potentially help further your career!
Conclusion
As an emerging artist, it can be difficult to navigate the music industry and avoid rookie mistakes. It’s important to take time to become familiar with the ins and outs of potential pitfalls so that you’re best prepared for success. Knowing what to watch out for when starting your career is essential in avoiding costly errors that could potentially damage your reputation as an artist.
Some of the most common rookie mistakes include not having a clear plan or vision, failing to protect one’s intellectual property rights, neglecting networking opportunities, undervaluing yourself and overspending on unnecessary costs. All of these errors can easily be avoided by taking steps such as properly researching all aspects of the music industry before jumping in head-first, gaining knowledge from successful colleagues, valuing your work appropriately and being mindful of spending habits.
Being aware of these top 10 rookie mistakes will put any new artist ahead of the game; doing your due diligence and learning from others’ experiences are key ingredients for success. With this knowledge comes confidence – a must-have asset if you want to make it big in the music scene!
Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.