New Years resolutions are funny things that are often ill thought through and fall by the wayside before February has even begun. However, for musicians, the New Year allows for new goals to be made and achievements to be accomplished.
Here is a list of five new years resolutions suitable for musicians, regardless of instrument… may this be a successful year for you all!
1) Network, Network, Network
Networking is important, regardless of how successfully your musical career is going.
Though it may sound like a fancy term, it’s really just another way of getting to know people in the same industry as you and hopefully making some influential friends.
Whilst musicians can network in various ways, face-to-face is still the best way to make a good first impression.
Meeting those involved with record labels, entertainment agents, publishing companies and promoters is a great way to progress a musical career.
It is also important to network via social media, keeping up appearances using Facebook and Twitter.
By regularly posting updates with videos, photos and perhaps a few new recordings, bands will appear more appealing to potential clients.
Connecting with promoters and making friends with other bands will also ensure that new and exciting opportunities come your way.
For help doing this, check out our 60 top tips for how to promote your band (which includes lots of networking ideas).
Arguably, the most effective way of networking is to attend local gigs and participate fully in your local music scene. Showing your support to local bands and promoters will hopefully mean that you will be introduced to well-connected people.
2) Evolve your sound
Having a unique sound is one of the most important aspects of being a musician.
Even if you are performing songs that everybody knows well, creating new, interesting arrangements and working on your sound as a band can be a great way to progress throughout the year.
This may involve anything from intense rehearsals to buying new gear!
3) Learn a new instrument
For those hoping to advance into session work, being able to play a selection of different instruments will greatly increase your chances.
Multi-instrumentalists are likely to being hired as deps in bands, back original artists and perhaps even for pit theatre work if they are able to build up a reputation and gain work from word-of-mouth.
4) Encourage clients to leave reviews
When potential clients are looking to book entertainment for their events, the reviews left by previous clients play a hugely significant part in which act they choose to hire.
Just a friendly message a week or so after the performance encouraging them to leave a review can be a great way to build up some testimonials!
If possible, leave a memento of your band behind after the performance – business cards will encourage your clients to tell their friends about you, potentially bringing in new business.
5) Start a new project
Many successful musicians are in more than one band. Whether it be performing acoustic solo sets during weeknights and filling in on electric guitar for a band at the weekend, the more work you have, then the more your reputation and musicianship will improve (as well as your bank balance!).
Many musicians also DJ or even run music studios whilst also performing in bands, however it’s important to not attempt too much.
Those who take on too many projects and are forced to cancel performances and bookings at the last minute will not only lose out financially, but also in their reputation, so don’t bite off more than you can chew!
What resolutions are you aiming to achieve this year? Let us know in the comments below…
