Eric Walsh debunks 5 common misconceptions about the music industry

Artist Eric Walsh is a firm believer in transparency. After all, it is a must when connecting with your audience. He is also something of a myth-buster as he strives to give people a clear picture of this tough industry. He was kind enough to debunk 5 common misconceptions for us and what he has to say is quite an eye-opener.

The More Gigs the Bigger the Chance of Hitting it Big

Live performances are no longer the path to getting discovered, per Eric Walsh. In fact, he advises that musicians focus on social media to increase their chances of being discovered. Producers and executives want people who have a large following which means more potential sales. A talented guy playing in a club is one thing, but a talented guy with thousands of followers is more likely to get noticed.

It Pays Well

Unless you are packing stadiums, being a musician does not pay well. Online streaming royalties are paltry, and that’s putting it generously. Music is an expensive industry so while you might see artists with some decent equipment, they have sacrificed in other areas to afford it. Even those who book club gigs are not walking away with enough to make a living off their passion.

Girls, Girls, Girls

Hate to break it to you ladies and gentlemen but being a musician does not mean you will walk away with a pretty armpiece. Sure, you might encounter a few groupie types, but to find lasting love on the road is rare indeed. You will meet some interesting people, but to meet the love of your life is a long shot.

It’s Hard to Break Into

Pre-internet, yes, the music business could be difficult to break into. To even get a foot in the door, you needed to know someone. Today, anyone can put up content on YouTube or Spotify and start making money. What hasn’t changed is the amount of hustle musicians have to go out in order to get an audience. It used to be putting out flyers, today, it is all about a good social media marketing strategy.

Ego Check

If you decide you want to act like a “rock star” or “diva”, you are self-sabotaging yourself. There is no room for egotism in the music industry. The stereotypical heyday of the ’80s and even 90s is long since gone. To make it in this business, be prepared to be kind, grateful, and humble. No one likes working with jerks.