Building Relationships: 5 Ways To Success in the Music Industry!
So you've made your way into the music industry and creative realm; how exciting! Yet, the African or Nigerian Music industry scene can be both intriguing and exhausting at the same time. Working in the industry can become overwhelming for a newbie (veterans are not excluded), but do not fret there is a solution to relieve your stress — mentoring.
There are many ways to stay motivated and continue in your journey as a music newbie, whether you are an A&R, Lawyer, Artist Manager, Marketing Manager, or even an Artiste. The most recommended is solid mentoring.
Why Do You Need a Music Industry Mentor?
Mentors provide a support system. They function as counsellors and guides since they have been in your shoes and have gained knowledge and experience that they can educate or share with you. Find a mentor if you want to have a great career in the music industry.
Here are some reasons why you need a mentor:
- They hold you accountable for the goals you set for yourself and encourage you along the way.
- They share their experiences and lessons learned on their journey with you.
- They give you direction and wise career advice.
- They provide emotional and financial assistance as you grow.
- They identify and strengthen your weaknesses.
- They build a network for your career.
These are just a few of the reasons why you should choose a mentor whose journey and experiences are relevant to the music industry in which you are growing.
Please note that choosing a mentor in the music industry can be difficult because you may be too enamoured with who they are and what they have accomplished in their job.
Choose a Mentor in the Music industry with these Tips
- Discuss their availability for you and if they are taking mentees at the time because it is essential to reach your mentor when you need to.
- Ensure they have similar goals as you; you cannot be a manager or an A&R seeking mentorship from an artist. They have to have gone through a similar path to guide you better.
- They should be respectable individuals, people of honour and dignity so you can in turn respect and listen to them.
- Choose a caring and trustworthy person, someone you can confide in and be sure that your story will not be all over the industry.
- Ensure you pick a mentor who is honest. You need a mentor who can offer constructive criticism. You need someone who will be truthful to you. If you are losing your way as an artist or an executive, you need someone who can truly be honest with you.
- Choose a mentor who encourages you and your goals, someone who throws in encouraging words like “You can do it” as this will go a long way in your tussle to shine in the industry.
Positioning Yourself as the Right Mentee in the Music Industry
As crucial as choosing the right mentor is, keep in mind that mentoring is a volunteer job, therefore accept responsibility for your own development. Are you the right mentee for the "job"? Here are some pointers on how to be an excellent mentee:
- Be vocal about your needs, communicate them to your mentor, and ask questions.
- Be willing and ready to follow up on tasks assigned by your mentor, develop new and sharpen already existing skills.
- Show commitment. Your mentor should not have to chase you. Be dedicated. Follow through with plans and be punctual to meetings.
- Be open to constructive criticism and feedback, and use them to improve yourself.
- Hold yourself to the same standard that you hold your mentor to. Be respectful, trustworthy, considerate and very discreet with personal information or conversations you have with your mentor.
Finally, mentoring is a crucial growth avenue for newbies and comes highly recommended when breaking into the music industry.
Written by: Jane Chimbruoma Amadi
