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Insights from a Music Industry Bigwig: The Essential Skills Needed to Succeed in the Music Business

Emphasizing the importance of personal expression over market appeal in creating music, the text suggests that an individual's unique skills and creativity play a significant role in the music-making process rather than the commercial viability of their work.

Learning from a Music Mogul: Key Ingredients for Music Success
Learning from a Music Mogul: Key Ingredients for Music Success

Insights from a Music Industry Bigwig: The Essential Skills Needed to Succeed in the Music Business

In the dynamic world of music, success often stems from within, rather than external factors. This is according to Waylon Barnes, the founder and CEO of C2 Management, a global music marketing agency that works with independent artists and labels.

Barnes, who leads an invitation-only community of executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative, and advertising agencies - the Forbes Agency Council - emphasizes the importance of self-belief and personal responsibility in shaping one's career.

Overthinking is a common pitfall for creatives in music. Barnes suggests that instead of dwelling on perfecting every detail, artists should embrace their stream of consciousness and view music-making as a state of being, not an overprocessed, robotic action.

Identifying oneself as a creative person, rather than a musician, can lead to long-lasting happiness in the industry. This approach allows artists to navigate the ever-changing and often hostile environment of the modern music industry with resilience and adaptability.

Making art, including music, requires making mistakes and learning from them. Barnes encourages artists to embrace their errors, as they are essential stepping stones towards growth and innovation.

The music industry is not just about the artists; it is an industry with various roles that require creativity and can lead to success. The globalisation and overconnectivity of our world ensure that there will always be a community for any sound or niche in music.

Affirming oneself as the best artist can help build confidence and encourage others to believe in one's art. However, Barnes reminds us that while knowledge is crucial, making it in music has more to do with the individual than the marketability of their music.

In the words of Robert Kiyosaki, author of 'Rich Dad Poor Dad', the moral is to just make the product and get it to market. The quickest to market are the quickest to profit in music.

By believing in oneself, taking personal responsibility for one's image, and being willing to pay the cost of making it, artists can carve their own path in the music industry and find success on their terms.

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