The question of all questions - how do I become famous? It’s an interesting question to me as most people believe this relies solely on talent. I'm telling you right now - it does not. We are surrounded everyday by an abundance of extremely talented and hardworking individuals, who in my opinion hold 10x the talent of people who are famous. From time to time trade workers and similar come to the studios on a job, and before anything they ask ‘What famous people have you had in here?’. Note how they never seem to ask the about the array of remarkably talented people that walk through our doors, which begs the question are we interested in the fame of the bands we listen to or the talent? When we thrive to become the most talented musicians, are we doing it with the end goal of fame, or for the knowledge that we are extremely good at what we do? These questions aside, let's dive into the skills I believe people must possess in order to become famous within the music industry.
Stamina
It may sound like an obvious one but the stamina needed as a famous musician is phenomenal. It is becoming a common occurrence that artists are pulling out of multiple tour dates due to physical and mental fatigue, and I really can’t blame them. Imagine performing, rehearsing and writing day after day after day, the chance of burning out is extremely high. A marathon runner is not expected to run a marathon day after day after day yet musicians must continue to entertain. I’m not saying it isn’t possible to do so, but the pure mental and physical stamina needed to continue under this pressure is HUGE.
Drive
For anyone that has experienced the industry, you will understand the need for pure grit and determination. They say that our industry is one of the most saturated industries, it can take years to even poke your head through the surface and there will be plenty of knock-backs along the road. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to meet someone famous within the industry you will understand what I mean when I say the determination oozes out of them. For example, look at Adele. I can promise you that there are thousands of singers who are just as good if not better than her, but it's her drive and dedication that got her to where she is today. It’s the musicians who can pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and continue to power through that can make it to the other side.
Confidence
It’s in the job description as a performer to create a show that entertains - we want to see real passion on the stage, and this is only possible if you have the confidence to be up there. If you don’t have faith in yourself and your abilities then how can you expect us to! As they say confidence is key and we want to see it glowing out of you.
Modesty
Confidence can sometimes walk hand in hand with arrogance and I’m telling you, nobody wants to support that. If you want people to gravitate towards you and your music, you need to come across as approachable, and if someone is walking around like they own the place with a ‘diva’ attitude, it only pushes supporters away. Theres a fine line between confidence and arrogance and its up to you to find it. Until you’ve earned the right to become egocentric, stick to being humble!
Talent
As we’ve said previously, it is somewhat impossible to become famous on talent alone, but I’m not saying you don’t need it! There isn't a single person who lacks talent in something, everybody has their thing, and if yours is music then keep at it. Your talent is what makes you, work on it, stay healthy, push your limits and make the most of the talent you were blessed with!
Uniqueness
Without sounding like RuPaul, uniqueness and individuality is CRUCIAL. You need to stand above the rest, and make yourself known. This is something needed in all walks of life, think of the business entrepreneurs on Dragons Den - without their unique ideas and business plans, they would never get funded. We remember Bowie for his eccentric style, Mariah for her whistle tones and Flea for his bold hairstyles. There are so many carbon copies of people in the industry nowadays and record companies are in need of something different. Only you can determine your uniqueness so go out and find it!
Contacts
The sickening C word. This one comes with time and unfortunately, it can’t be rushed. The more people you know, the more chance you have of knowing the person that just might give you that golden ticket. My only advice on this one is to be kind, be friendly and be approachable. Friends have friends who have friends, and this may just be the person you need. As they say, whoever you kick on the way up will kick you harder on the way down so tread very carefully.
Right Place, Right Time
And here it is - the worst one. Unfortunately for us this one relies on luck and luck is something that cannot be moulded. It was luck that brought Freddie Mercury to Queen, it was luck that someone spotted Amy Winehouse in a bar and its was luck that brought Elton John to join forces with Bernie Taupin. All of these were founded on the idea of being in the right place at the right time. Sometimes in life you may find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time and hell, even sometimes the right place at the wrong time, but I urge you to keep doing what you’re doing. One day luck will be on your side, and your time will come.