17 Brutal Truths I Wish I Knew About Music In My 20's

Summary

Chris, also known as The Artist Manifest, shares 16 essential pieces of advice for aspiring musicians based on his 20+ years in the industry. From understanding taxes and taking care of your health to mastering songwriting and avoiding self-sabotage, Chris emphasizes the importance of building a sustainable career. He advises musicians to be patient, focus on collaborations, and stay authentic to their craft. Chris also highlights the value of investing in real estate, surrounding yourself with like-minded people, and charging what you're worth. His insights aim to help artists avoid common pitfalls and accelerate their success in the music business.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand taxes to avoid costly mistakes and ensure you’re maximizing deductions for your music business.
• 😀 Don’t rush to quit your job before your music career is financially stable. Keep investing your job income into your music.
• 😀 Focus on writing hit songs rather than just more songs. A hit can open doors that money can’t buy, like touring and radio play.
• 😀 Collaborate and build relationships rather than seeing others as competitors. Networking opens doors to new opportunities.
• 😀 Take care of your health. Burnout can hinder your ability to hustle and succeed in the long term.
• 😀 Stay authentic to your sound and avoid the temptation to sell out for mainstream success.
• 😀 Don’t engage with trolls or negative comments. It’s best to focus on your work and ignore the distractions.
• 😀 Don’t let fear or self-doubt stop you from taking risks and seizing big opportunities.
• 😀 Avoid drugs and alcohol, as they can cloud judgment and hinder both your personal and professional growth.
• 😀 Set boundaries and prioritize rest. Going to bed early can help you stay focused and productive in your career.
• 😀 Be patient and trust the process. Rushing decisions out of impatience can lead to mistakes that hurt your career.
• 😀 Practice forgiveness to release grudges and maintain focus on your growth and success.
• 😀 Invest in real estate for passive income. Land and property can provide long-term financial stability.
• 😀 Charge what you’re worth. Don’t undervalue your work or your talent; higher prices reflect higher value.
• 😀 Focus on progress, not perfection. Start your dream sooner and take action to make it a reality.
• 😀 Surround yourself with like-minded people. Being around motivated and successful individuals can help you level up.

Q & A

Why is understanding taxes important for musicians?

Understanding taxes is crucial because it helps musicians avoid costly mistakes, such as missing deductions for business expenses. Without knowledge of tax write-offs for things like car expenses, travel, and equipment, artists can end up with large, unexpected tax bills.

What mistake did the speaker make when withdrawing money from their business account?

The speaker withdrew a large portion of their advance from the business account, not realizing that the withdrawal would be taxed at a higher personal rate. This mistake cost them a significant amount, and they regret not reinvesting the money into their music business or property.

What advice does the speaker give about quitting your job to pursue music?

The speaker advises against quitting your job too soon. Instead, they recommend keeping your job while using the income to reinvest in your music career, such as paying for producers, marketing, and equipment. This ensures financial stability while building your music career.

Why is writing hit songs important for an artist's career?

Hit songs open doors for touring, radio airplay, streaming, and important relationships that money can't buy. A successful hit song makes marketing easier and leads to greater visibility and opportunities in the music industry.

What does the speaker say about collaborations?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of collaborations and relationships. Instead of seeing other artists as competition, they suggest building connections through collaborations, as these can lead to new opportunities and a stronger network.

Why is it important to take care of your health as an artist?

Health is crucial for sustaining a long-term career. Without good health, it’s difficult to keep up the energy needed for success. The speaker stresses the importance of sleep, proper diet, and exercise to avoid burnout and maintain productivity.

What does the speaker mean by 'don't sell out' in your music?

The speaker advises against changing your music style just to chase commercial success or appeal to a broader audience. Authenticity is key, and they refer to Adele's decision to stick with her true sound rather than compromising to meet industry expectations.

How should an artist handle negative comments and trolls?

The speaker recommends ignoring trolls and not engaging with negativity. Responding to hate only escalates the situation and detracts from focus. They suggest turning off comments if necessary and staying focused on your work and mission.

What advice does the speaker give regarding self-sabotage?

Self-sabotage occurs when fear or self-doubt prevents you from seizing opportunities. The speaker urges artists to overcome their fear and take risks, emphasizing that growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new challenges.

What is the speaker's advice on patience in the music industry?

Patience is key in the music industry. The speaker shares a personal story about making a rushed decision with a manager, which led to disappointment. They advise waiting for the right opportunities and not rushing decisions, even when impatience creeps in.

Why is real estate important for musicians, according to the speaker?

Real estate is a solid investment that provides additional income streams. The speaker encourages artists to buy properties and rent them out, as real estate appreciates over time. This can provide financial security and passive income, which is especially useful for musicians who experience income fluctuations.

How does the speaker suggest pricing your services as an artist?

The speaker advises artists to charge higher prices once they understand their value. Lowering prices often leads to undervaluing your work, while higher prices are associated with higher value. They encourage artists to stop offering discounts and to recognize the true worth of their work.

What does 'done is better than perfect' mean in the context of pursuing your dreams?

The speaker stresses the importance of taking action instead of waiting for everything to be perfect. Starting sooner and working hard on your dream, even in small steps, is better than delaying because you're seeking perfection. Procrastination can hinder progress and prevent you from reaching your goals.

Why is it beneficial for artists to surround themselves with like-minded individuals?

Being around successful, motivated people helps you grow. The speaker suggests joining masterminds or groups of successful artists to learn, push yourself, and get inspiration. These environments stretch you and provide opportunities to learn from others who have achieved what you're aiming for.