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Breaking Into The Biz

Writer's picture: Kenny LambKenny Lamb


"Breaking into the biz." It sounds like breaking into somewhere you’re not supposed to be.

“Hey, looks like someone broke into the biz yesterday. They haven’t caught them yet.”


Then there is “Getting a break.” Which is a lot like, “Man, they’ve been at it a while, let’s give them a break!"


These sayings are more like voices from the gatekeepers of a faceless industry rather than inspirations toward opportunity. How we think about a very changed music business these days is so key to finding your way as an artist or songwriter. So often we create our own limitations by our perceptions, including how we view our own talent and path to success.


Of course, there are challenging and competitive aspects to the journey, but when these challenges are understood clearly, they can become more like navigational realities rather than road blocks. How we view the creative process and the business that comes with it is one the most powerful tools we have in finding a more measured and productive path into the industry.


And he reality is, the "industry"is not what it was. We are the industry now.


There are still those in powerful positions at labels and other corporate aspects to the music business. But now, so much of the real power is in our hands.


This means we need to think in more entrepreneurial ways. Build something real. Grow our creative worlds. But this can put pressures on learning how to do these things, along with creating great, authentic music. That can be a lot to figure out.


Where it leads us is to face ourselves. More than ever, understanding ourselves and our perceptions is as important as performing and creating. Without a clear awareness of our personal part to play in the journey, it can be a struggle.


This means as we grow as creatives, we must also grow as humans, and face our shortcomings in our processes. If we have a strength in one area, there is often a weakness in another that will need attention.


Healthy mindsets. Work ethic. Communication skills. A willingness to see things clearly for what they are, not what we wish they could be.


Sooner or later, we have to look in the most difficult direction – inward. So much happens there, beneath the surface, that defines how we do what we do.


Here are a few areas that can add fuel to the journey, in real ways.


Honesty. Looking fearlessly at our talent and work ethic is a must. Do we hold our songs up against the highest bar? We have to aim high. This doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy the process. We should celebrate our victories, do our best while we immerse in the joy of writing, and get on to the next song. The journey of songwriting will be one for a lifetime. The idea is to be continually growing, pushing ourselves, and learning more about the craft along the way. Honest evaluation of our progress keeps things going forward.


Practice with purpose. Do we continue to do the same things we've always done?

We need to practice in targeted ways that can turn our weaknesses into strengths. Without this, we are stuck on the comfortable treadmill that keeps us right where we are. Examples of targeted aspects of songwriting to practice may be melody and phrasing, lyric writing, staying current with our themes, and vetting concepts and ideas in broader ways.


Optimism with a twist: I believe in the power of positive thinking. I also believe in believing in ourselves. I haven’t found a better option. In fact, once we realize the we are the thing we are looking for, then we are looking the right direction. The twist is the discipline it takes to think positive, believe in ourselves, but also add in the reality of the honest evaluation it takes to identify opportunities to grow. Yep. Back inside we go.


Humble confidence. Talented but always learning. This is the way. Being coachable and understanding the process of self growth on the journey may be one of the most important attributes we have in finding our potential. Looking back on my career, I can clearly see the moments I learned something from someone that added valuable new skills to my tool set. I can also see the times I thought I already knew what I needed, only to look back and realize I didn’t, and fell short of my goals because of it. If you can balance positive thinking and belief in your talent with coachability and honest assessments of your craft, you will experience real momentum.


The point of this blog? We don't really break into the biz, we grow into it.

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