Reinvent Rock Star Responsibly

Remember the good old days? The days when artists could be artists, all feather boas and flare, and didn’t have to pay attention to the business of making music? The days when artists could focus solely on being creatives and let the suits take care of the tedious stuff like budgets, contracts and lil ol’ details like terms of the deal.

You know, the days of Run DMC, TLC, MC Hammer, Billy Joel, Toni Braxton, etc.? The days when multi-platinum artists could have financial trouble or suffer losses at the hands of grifters.

Turns out those days weren’t so good for everybody after all.

So, how do you reinvent your version of rock star responsibly and avoid singing the chanteuse blues?

Know your business.

Just as you cultivate your vocals and practice fingerings, so should you be up on the business. Whether it’s uncomfortable or not, it’s important to learn everything you can about the business of your affairs. Even if you do not handle the day to day of the details, you should understand them and be able to make a smart decision or ask intelligent questions regarding or be able to delegate to those who can and can help and can also be trusted.

Regardless your genre of music, the new concept of rock star includes self-empowerment, fiscal savvy and a healthy dose of do-it-yourself.

Ask. Learn. Google.

A couple of cool music business and industry Web sites to regularly check out and/or be affiliated with include:

ASCAP http://www.ascap.com/index.aspx

BMI http://www.bmi.com/

SESAC http://www.sesac.com/

Billboard Magazine http://www.billboard.com

The Recording Academy (National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences) http://www.grammy.com/

The Latin Recording Academy http://www.latingrammy.com/

Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) http://www.riaa.com/

American Federation of Musicians
http://www.afm.org/

The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists http://www.aftra.org/home.htm

The Oklahoma Music Hall Of Fame http://www.oklahomamusichalloffame.com/

Variance Magazine http://www.variancemagazine.com

Work smart as you approach every aspect of your career. When Tate recording artist and multi-award winner Country singer Neal McCoy was asked about what his career by Tate enterprises founder Dr. Richard Tate, he said, “It took me 13 years, Richard, before I had a hit. Thirteen years of any and every kind of gig until things took off. I work harder today than ever to keep us on the road doing what I love.”

Empower your inner artist. Rock on, rock smart and rock responsibly!