TRYNA MAKE A DOLLAR OUTTA 15 CENTS...

It’s funny how when you’re trying to get that ever-evasive glimpse of stardom…that taste of fame, you have to pay to get five minutes on a stage to do your thing. But, when you finally make it…when you finally arrive…the same people, whether it be promotional companies, radio stations, etc., are now willing to pay you. So, here’s my advice: think of all the expenses you incur on your way to the top as a sum of investments. Say for instance, that you heard, I Do Music was that monthly jump off event of the summer, (shameless plug # 1) an entry fee to perform may seem a little daunting. However, think of the opportunities presented every time you can perform in front of masses of people, actually there to see you…this is YOUR dream, right? You don’t know who could be in the crowd: Russell Simmons, Coach K, (Young Jeezy’s manager) DJ Drama, etc. Go ahead and make that investment. Really broke? Lucky for you, I had a conversation with a millionaire just the other day that may prove to be of some use. I told him your story. He responded, “Your first step is to start with asking your family and friends for the money…you gotta hit up the people that believe in your music…fans too.” Now understand, the young millionaire’s advice is not to ask for large sums of money…that would be unreasonable. (1) Ask for small donations that he/she would be comfortable with giving. Think big. If you ask 100 people for $5, you’ll have $500. A band once financed its entire album through donations made on a website by dedicated fans. (You can even thank contributing fans in the liner notes.) Keep in mind, your biggest supporters may not have money to give you…that doesn’t mean that they cannot help. Think outside the box. (2) Reach out to producers, engineers, managers, etc. that you may already know. These good folks may be able to help your career in ways you didn’t even consider (offering studio time for free or at a reduced price, “pulling strings” to get you hooked up with the right people, offering beats and instrumentals for free or at a reduced price, etc.) (3) Budget your money. The music business is expensive (promo flyers, studio time, transportation costs, creating cds, etc.) and your going to need every penny you can get your hands on. It may not be a bad idea to open up a bank account solely for your business in music. Now you’re on your way. You can submit that entry fee to I Do Music (shameless plug #2) and get the shine you really deserve. Until next time, do YOU, do music.

-Gilles