1. Learn all you can about what you want to do in this Industry.
You should use all the resources available to you regarding your chosen field you want to pursue. I know this sounds obvious, but believe me, the music industry has a lot of moving pieces to it that affect the artist, and they are dynamic and ever-changing.
Most times, just when you think you have learned about aspects of the music industry, be it about songwriting, publishing, artist deals, branding, streaming, touring, etc., things change. And on top of that, legislation is usually the last one to catch up to the changes.
I know it can be intimidating, but the more you know, the better off you will be. And guess what? You’re never going to know everything, but there are tools available free on the internet, YouTube videos on just about everything, and always utilize your friends or acquaintances who are doing what you want to do in the real world. There are a lot things about this industry that are not in books and guides, and it helps to talk to someone who is doing what you aspire to do for a living.
2. If It Does Not Fit, Do Not Force It
Be yourself and try to be as original as you can. And this may take time to accomplish; however, there is only one you, and that can be your strength, and what sets you apart from what is bound to be many others pursuing their dreams as well.
Try to resist the urge to copy your idols, but be sure to learn from them. You are never going to make people forget the original artists, you are going to make them recall the original artist if you imitate them, and that takes the attention from you. Develop your own style, artistry, and talents to come through to garner your own audience. And if you are getting advice from those who want you to be someone you aren’t, you are being guided to a place you could lose yourself. Do not do that. You are too special for that!
3. We Each Have A Path. Know and Follow Yours
Resist the temptation to compare what is going on in your career to someone else’s career. The path to our dreams is an individual one, and unique one as well. I have never heard of two stories to success that are the same in fruition. I witnessed similarities, but everyone has their unique challenges in arriving at the destination of their successes or failures. Praise the success of others and learn from the cautionary tales of others. And some lessons will be hard earned, but you will be the better for them, and maybe help others to avoid the same pitfalls.
4.Believe in Yourself
Whether you have support or not, you need to have the confidence and drive to reach your goals. This may sound cliché to some, but it still applies. And if you are doing anything in this industry, chances are likely there will be times you will face rejection. You may not have the right song, sound, look, style or edge they may be looking for, but do not let that stop you from pursuing your goal. Keep working. Keep fighting. Keep believing. Your audience is trying to find you. And they can only do that if you are still in the game!
LAMONT DOZIER, JR. is a singer-songwriter who's musical influences range from gospel to soul and jazz roots. He hails from Detroit, Michigan, where he began his musical career, honing his talent for song, first in church, then branching out to local productions of television, radio, musicals, and then live entertainment venues and nightclubs. He has shared many a stage with many music industry notables, such as The Temptations, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Ollie Woodson, Rick Braun and Gregg Karukas, Greg Manning, and Dave Koz, to name a few. He has also worked on show productions featuring Jennifer Hudson, and Jay Leno. Lamont also shares strong roots to the legacy of Motown, as his father, Lamont Dozier, Sr. is one-third of the world-renowned songwriting team, Holland-Dozier-Holland, who wrote many hit songs for the label.
