Self Development Tips | vewaproductionsltd

1. HONE YOUR CRAFT!

There's an old saying ''Practice makes perfect!'' As a singer, performer, composer and or producer it is vital to keep honing your craft. Using platforms such as; YouTube, Instagram & TikTok to share your journey is another way to keep you accountable. And of course having a tutor supporting you in your development makes good for having someone around to have interim reviews on your progress too.

2. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE!

We all know that music is 'Universal' however, knowing your target audience helps to support your artistic journey so that you have a clear view of where you are heading as an artist. For example if you are creating reggae music you'll more than likely perform at the Sun Splash Festival in Jamaica rather than Readpop Festival in Reading. When you know your target audience this will always begin to form what type of merchandise you produce, the age range will be considered and how you will reach your audience. So make sure you have a good think about this!

3. WHAT'S YOUR LOOK!

Styling is part of your brand and package! As you grow your style will change from time to time but it's vital to create a look for yourself. Creating a Mood Board with colors, textures and sketches is a good place to start. And this can be created in a digital sense too. Remember your audience will not only be buying into your music sonically they shall, ''We hope!'', be buying into your brand, meaning; your sound, your look & your merchandise. The power of social media has helped artists to be seen and heard without necessarily having a huge label and or a label behind them...My point is 'Your Audience' will also be buying into your opinions. A lot of people are drawn to the visual side first. Use this to your advantage. Especially if you have a huge audience.

4. A TEAM OR INDIE?

Knowing how you're going to support yourself or who your team will be is a huge decision to make and should not be taken lightly. If you 100% feel that going independent is for you then be sure to write a plan, for your creative works and business works. The music industry is a business at the end of the day and there is no way around it. Having the creative talent is 5% of what the industry is made of so if you do not decide to be independent and you have a team you also need to make sure that your team see and understand YOUR VISION! Interview people for your team, get recommendations from other artists, do your online research as much as you can before you bring anyone on board and or you sign to a label. Legal representation is also important too.
Organizations such as, PRS and Musicians Union are a good place to start for information regarding the industry.

5. WHAT'S THE FORMAT?

Decide whether you're going to create an album, mix-tape or single. Knowing how to start can be a tough decision to make especially because the industry is forever changing at such a fast pace. Once you got the idea at hand you can move on to decide how many tracks you are going to create and choose the best one or ones.

6. PLAN PLAN PLAN! What is your plan?

Knowing that you are talented and or could work on your talent is not enough! Plan your practice, plan your outfits, plan your budget, plan how to make connections, plan where you want to perform, plan what your performance would look like/sound like, Plan what your next move would be. You get the picture? Planning helps you to have something to refer back to even if things go a bit wobbly.

7. MERCHANDISE Create your merchandise!

There are so many platforms to do this independently or you could hire a graphics designer via platforms such as; Instagram, LinkedIn and or Fivver. Have a good look out there you're bound to find something you like and or that supports your budget and needs. Also merchandise is a great way to generate extra income.

8. YOUR CARE!

It is important to have your health and vocals in tip top shape. Certain drinks and foods can have an effect on your overall performance. Make sure you don't over do it with late night outs and or alcohol. No body wants to see a tired performer or someone who can not perform at all.

9. THE BUSINESS As mentioned before the music industry is a business. And knowing your stuff helps! Take time out every once in a while to do a course, read articles or a book about it. Trust me you will not regret it. The courses that you apply to need not be long exhaustive courses either. There are so many people/companies curating packages that you will find something that fits your level of aptitude.

Be sure to sign up to companies that support artists, such as PRS, MCPS & MUSICIANS UNION. They have advisors that you are able to speak to in the event that you're unsure of something.