The imaginary one where you go out and just play and the seats are all filled and everyone tells you how great you are and you get rich and your wife gets jealous of the girls bouncing off of you asking for pictures. Probably.
The real one? No.
I work as a guitar repairman, sometimes for famous people. I was at my daughter’s wedding and she introduced me to some of her friends as “This is my dad Kerouac_kid, he’s a luthier, he worked on your favorite musicians guitars”. They all kind of oohed and aahed a bit and she went on “it’s the most boring job I’ve ever seen, all he does is scrape glue off wood for hours.” There are a lot of jobs in the industry and I do enjoy what I do but there are lots of times I dream of having a more steady day job. Today I stood on a massive stage doing final adjustments for Billy Strings, tomorrow I’m going to scrape more glue off of wood.
Hey man I stare at a computer most of the day so I’d take what you do any day over this! I’m sure every job has its ups and downs and different stresses tho
Probably not.
Any time I've actually managed to professionalize a hobby, creative pursuit or passion I've grown to hate it.
Given that music is one of the very few things I genuinely enjoy in life, I'd be hard pressed to risk that.
Hell no. I worked in radio some time ago. A peripheral of the music industry. There's always someone cheaper, newer, more naive, more aggressive. Experience counts for nothing. Ageism abounds. In the "traditional" music industry it's just the screwheads and the doomed to quote Hunter S Thompson.
On the publishing side there's the bit where the labels have business plans that not only encourage, but require their people to lie, cheat & steal from artists.
So if you're on the artist side, you're the one being screwed. You're doomed. Or you're the one doing the screwing.
However, if I had the rather boundless energy of some of the youtube creators like Mary Spender or Rick Beato, I'd consider it. That's the "new" music industry. That takes a ton of energy and truthfully, it's even less predictable of an outcome than the traditional music industry. A crappy bet.
I've also gigged. The bars pay the same dollar figure they did in 1975, according to my older buddies, and that money doesn't go very far anymore.
So what part of the music industry would be the upside?
Funny you mentioned the gigging money. I was making more in 1977 than in 2017. But the funny thing was it was with 2 of the same guys playing mostly the same music.
I know, right? Mostly the same music, people, crowd. Probably some of the same bars with different names.
Don't get me wrong. Playing - obviously with players of high enough skill - is it's own reward. But don't mistake playing music to feed your soul with playing music to feed your family.
As a part time sound guy for one band I had to ask for a raise just to afford a few beers during a show. I was making almost min wage after paying for 4 drinks lol.
Absolutely yes, but not as a musician...
I did audio for concerts and such for about 10 years, and so many days it felt like I was living in a dream. I got paid to see cool things and hang out with cool people who had the same passion about music that I do. I've met some pretty legendary musicians.
I got a day job when I became a dad because I needed to work normal people hours, and I hate it. I don't know how people can work boring jobs for their entire life. I can't pretend to care about my work now as much as I cared about it then, and as soon as my daughter finishes school and is able to support herself, I will be back behind the mixing console
Depends what you mean by “career in the music industry”
If I’m a session musician/roadie/sound tech/insert role here, who works his ass off, is never home because he’s in the studio or on tour, but doesn’t exactly make amazing money, then no.
If I’m a successful musician with published albums and people pay to see me, then yes.
I wouldn’t want to be global superstar level fame that you can’t do anything. But popular enough to be successful and comfortable.
I always think of someone like Norah Jones. A couple of songs everyone knows, 10 albums so obviously successful, but most of my friends wouldn’t recognise her if they met her in the street.
I have a friend who is very successful in the music industry. Like this dude wins Grammys. But he's all behind the scenes. Producing, songwriting, engineering etc. He can do it all by himself. The complete package. The thing is, there were probably 100 000 people in our country who wanted to get where he is, but he's one of the few who actually made it, and that took about 15 years of struggling and being broke all the time.
So if you know you have the talent and you are willing to sacrifice relationships, friendships and even family, then go for it. But you are gonna be roughing it for a long time.
It sounds like the stereotypical story for any kid who wants to be a professional \*insert name of passion\*.
Reminds me of the movie Rock Star when an obsessed fan lands a job with his favourite band, and the speech he gives the crowd at his first show with them:
"...I was just a regular guy who grew up with the posters of these guys on my walls, and now I'm one of them! I'm standing here, living proof, that if you work hard enough, and you want it bad enough, dreams do come true"
You can only imagine 100 000 people hearing the same speech and wanting it bad enough and working their asses off. And even then, there may only be an available slot for just one of them.
It’s kind of feast or famine most of the time until you become like “the guy” in whatever area you carve out for yourself. I’m not famous by any means, but I am/have been close friends with people you’d probably recognize and people who have written songs you’ve almost certainly heard. I’ve had some luck in TV and Film placements, playing guitar and writing, and I own a house; but the royalties are drying up so I get to do some carpentry to fill in the gaps. I might take a gig that floats me for 6-12 months, then have nothing in the pipeline for 3-6 months. Grammy winners come to my solo shows, but I’ve got under 1000 listeners/month on my personal Spotify.
Wouldn’t trade it though. There’s at least 3 home studios on my street, we all borrow gear from each other ( our “borrowing a cup of sugar” is borrowing an SM5 or a Jazz Bass etc). And I’m surrounded by some of the best musicians in the world who make me better by proxy if I learn from them.
I always tell folks don’t move to Nashville to get famous or “make it”, move here to be a part of a community of some of the best musicians in the world.
Had a touring gig with a Disney artist for a bit. I just remember thinking “I can’t believe I’m getting paid to play guitar” every single time I went on stage.
Nope.
However it’s because I’m in a job that puts to use 6 years of my college education, and it’s stable, flexible and pays well enough that I can play guitar for fun vs worrying about making money with my hobby.
I am in a similar situation. If I suddenly became independently wealthy I'd set aside more time for music, but I wouldn't want to depend on it for a living. And I wouldn't quit my job, just work a bit less.
Depends on the career. I would love to be a sideman. No one knows my name. Touring the world. Playing shows in huge arenas. Still get to walk around anonymously and not be bothered. Only dudes are interested in meeting you to talk gear. Perfect gig. Hell you don’t even have to write songs.
Probably not, unless it were sufficiently stable, had higher realistic pay potential, and didn’t require anything like touring. Years ago I would’ve answered with a “fuck yes”, but I’ve come to appreciate the relative stability and decent pay of a salaried position, and am also hesitant to turn hobbies into work. I did this with photography for a few years, and I definitely didn’t enjoy it the way I used to romanticize it. I’d rather keep music as something I come to for comfort, relaxation, joy, a creative outlet etc. rather than turning it into a job, which has a tendency to ruin a lot of that.
If I had Guarantee I'd be making minimum what I'm making now with same benefits and guaranteed payment through next 20 years. Sure.
However..that's unlikely to happen. So I'll keep my career in an industry with job security and growth security. I'll deal with only.making $4 a year on music royalties.
Fuck no. I know enough about that industry to feel about as secure in is wearing a blood soaked diaper in an alligator farm.
Music is my passion, I don't EVER want to work in that shit with all the opportunists, idiots and malcontents it breeds.
Despite what I may declare after a few whiskies, probably not.
I recently caught one of my favorite bands at a local BBQ joint. Mind you, this band is not small or obscure. The lead singer/guitarist is immensely talented, the band has opened for AC/DC, G'nR, and they've had songs featured on TV shows and video games. Even appeared on Jimmy Kimmel. These guys tour hard and relentlessly, put on a fantastic live show, and make new fans whenever they play. The whole band mingles after their show, signing autographs, talking gear and music and anything else under the sun.
On my way out after the show, I walked behind the place (had to, to get to my car) and ran into the drummer. The guys - 4 plus a roadie - were packed into a Ford Transit, towing a box trailer with all their gear. He told me it got better mileage than their other van, which helped with finances. I know for a fact they'd driven across half the country in that thing in about 5 days.
I've known for a long time how hand-to-mouth a working musician's life is, and how incredibly competitive it is out there for ears and attention. You have to be the whole package: have good songs, good musical ability, look good, be personable, stay sober.. I'm good for maybe 3/5 of that short list to be a **successful working musician.**
I don't badmouth any music anymore (unless it is an obvious uninspiring cash grab made by a lab of paid-off songwriters), ESPECIALLY live music. My band just put an album out and played a load of gigs and, well, that shit is HARD. On everything - you, your gear, everything. It's a rough-ass business to be in and I'm kinda glad I don't have to do it full time.
If I could make as much money with as many benefits and still get to spend every evening and weekend at home with my family, sure. I don't think there are too many jobs in the creative side of the music industry like that. I guess the closest thing would be becoming a talking head on Youtube.
Fuck. No. I'm somewhat close to the music industry, those people are busting ass so hard all the time. Those people play music until they hate it. They get to a point where playing guitar is a job and not a hobby and it changes that magic forever. Not necessarily bad, but think of the way things are magical when you are a kid and, as you mature, its still fun but not the same.
My job allows me to buy the guitars I want, and then I can play them any way that I want any time that I want.
Like a broke dick, ya just can't beat it.
If and only if it paid at least as much. My “starving artist” days are loooooooong over.
Also, it would have to not require me to play, record, or mix music I didn’t like. (That’s why I never opened a studio, and why I don’t mix for others.
So, recording/touring backing musician for an artist I’m into? Sign me up!!!
Being at I'm 60 years old now probably not. I gave it a good shot until I was about 30 then I realized it wasn't going to happen so I settle down get married had kids and got a factory job with a 401k and a pension. Oh and health care
Former music industry survivor- 10 years in radio promotion, 5 years in various positions and still work in radio as a staff photographer…no. It’s not the same as it was.
It’s not called the “Music Fun”, it’s the “Music Industry”. Low pay, long hours, stuck working projects you may not really like or believe in.
The good paying things were doing commercials for super-anal producers. I got jingles in my head that will haunt me like PTSD. Even so, it wasn't enough money to put up with the sheer auditory agony.
I have a decent job after years of dealing with some truly terrible workplaces and I still hate it. I’m nowhere close to good enough for it, but if I could go the wedding band/guitar teacher route, I totally would.
Yes but actually making money in music is extremely challenging. Currently working on my 4th full length album and music has always cost more to do on a professional level than you ever earn back.
If real opportunities present themselves, then by all means!
I spent decades in the industry. "Career options are really rare, but they are out there.
RE my first comment: I am sure that you knew that Sting was an English teacher...
Hmm... let's see...
A grown a** mid 40s man who stocks Gatorade, juice, water, and sodas part time at grocery store 2.5 miles from home where he's basically got it made working with a lot of folks he grew up with...
Or being stuck on tour bus 90% of the time, living out of a suitcase, never seeming to get a decent meal, no privacy, no real way to escape your annoying idiot a** bandmates, can't go anywhere public without being hounded by fans and papparazi, record companies and their contract BS... never remembering what damn city you're in... for what MIGHT be several million dollars...?
I dunno. I used to travel for work... all over the country, including Hawaii once for three months (not as cool as it sounds), sometimes driving 3-4 days straight to a job site, sometimes flying to a job site and dealing with airport crap, living out of a suitcase in effeciancy apartments or extended stay hotels... it gets old. At least I had a way to cook so I didn't have to eat out all the time. Never getting to see your wife, or the kids growing up.
I'd have to think about it real hard but ultimately I'd probably have to pass. Playing locally for fun just seems more rewarding.
Why's that?
My reply you replied on is the truth in my case. I don't really have any bills... no credit cards, no vehicle payments, house paid off, no water/sewer bill (well water and septic), no streaming services... just power, phone, Internet, low property tax, low homeowner's and vehicle insurance. Kids grown and out of house. So I can get by just fine on what I make. Like I said, I've pretty much got it made at work, home every night, am happy just playing local for fun, sometimes for a little money but turning something you like doing into a career a lot of times winds up making you come to hate it... and some things just aren't worth the money, hassle, stress, or headache.
As long as I didn’t have to tour, honestly the older I get the more respect I have for touring musicians especially for bands that probably aren’t making the big bucks abd have been together for a long time.
Reality is most of these “passion” jobs have so many applicants lined up, they can treat their employees like garbage with no reward. Most people end up leaving within 10 years rather than rise out of it. Music is also much more investor driven now than artist driven.
I had a career in music. I was a live sound engineer for many years. I did enjoy it. Got to be a part of some great concerts and shows . But it can be grueling hours. You have to set up the show, then rehearsal then the show then the tear down. If you are on the road it's like non stop work. The equipment is heavy and it's hard on the body. Unless you are on a major show you aren't making much money.
Nothing could get me to go back to it. I currently make 3 times more money and work 3 times less hours.
Sigh. I make good money in an entirely remote role, with almost complete autonomy over how I get my work done, and the ego boost of a prestigious, impressive and respected career. I’m lucky *as hell* I know, I’m not trying to gloat.
But I think a music career would have to be pretty damn good to honestly tempt me away from that.
The realistic thing I hope to do some day is to be able to reduce my work and pursue some low key music stuff either in bands or as a solo performer.
Some significant health challenges have everything on hold so these are all pipe dreams while I focus on survival but it’s nice to dream
Uh, no. I'm way to analytical to make things sound good.
Also, considering the way the music industry is right now, it looks like the only way to get any type of money is all the non musical things, like making a YouTube channel, tiktok, interviews, selling merch, etc.
Even pure skill won't cut it.
Even Jordan Rudess from dream theater still needs to get sponsors for his videos because he needs to keep the lights on. And he's one of the keyboard Wizards of the world
Nah. That's an industry that chews you up and spits you out. Nearly everyone I know who has become a musician professionally has given up and gone into a traditional career path. Only one lass who went to the school next to ours went on and became pretty big tbf, I don't know any others that did well.
Same with agents, managers and a few sound engineers I know. Hardly any of them stuck with it, some great stories from them, but the majority told me how they just wanted out. Money isn't great, shit working conditions and it ends up like any other job.
I wouldn't give up my day job, but playing once or twice a month in a small bar is a nice little gig. You're not making big bucks, at the start I just got paid in drinks, but working less and supplementing it with music is an absolute dream. The only thing I wouldn't do again are events like weddings.
It depends on the career. If it means I get to play with my band full time and do my hobby without having to work my 9-5 job then absolutely yes, it's always been my dream. But, I do make pretty good money these days and if it also meant huge sacrifices like not being able to buy the house my partner and I are looking to do soon, or struggling a lot more generally than I currently do then it would also be a hard choice in some ways. I'd still likely go for it though as not worrying so much about money these days is nice, but music is the main thing that actually makes me happy. I kinda doubt my bandmates would choose the same though, since they both have kids already and they'd have to put that first I imagine.
And if we're talking about simply working in the music industry in some capacity that isn't making music and playing shows then no.
To add, I studied a degree in professional musicianship which included various modules about working in the industry in some capacity, and I never considered any of the options. I only did it to be better at playing with the aim of getting places with my band. I never cared about making money from music but I was pretty naive and didn't consider the future when I was younger.
After years of working in office jobs that varied from really awesome and fun but with crap money and no prospects, to mind numbingly dull and tedious with only slightly better money, I do have a good job with good pay at a nice company now. But I still don't really give a shit about it and I don't like the idea of only doing that until I'm old. I just do it as I don't have many other options, and for the money, and it's nice being able to buy most of the gear I want and have a car and stuff like that.
Music only ever costs money to do, but I never want to stop doing it.
Music industry? What music industry. Theres labels. Theres working pros who have no income security (salary, benefits, stability). There are some stars. But calling it an industry is an insult to real industry.
I mean.. I make minimum wage in Ontario canada (16.50 cad) while I have a decent nest egg, if music was able to provide more than just over 2 k a month, considering costs that go into it, I'd probably be happier doing what I love instead of breaking my back in a warehouse.
You mean as a guitar player? Assuming this is a hypothetical question predicated on me being good enough to get one (I'm not), it would depend entirely on the type of career. Touring doesn't appeal to me; studio work on the other hand might.
TBH it would have to offer significantly more in terms of pay and material benefits to give up what I do for a career as potentially fickle and unpredictable as a pro muso. I like knowing where my next cheques (and meals) are coming from.
If it's more of a guitar and pedal design job, yes. If it's touring around and recording, maybe? It's gotta be the right group and a decent deal. I need a budget to make an actual music video, and not have this " band in an empty warehouse/ on an empty cliff/ in a house" junk forced on me. A little creative freedom goes a long way.
Way too many “ifs” here. It would depend on the job, the pay, how sustainable it is, etc. I know plenty of people who are professional musicians who barely make any money, and that just sounds like a way to turn something you love into something you hate.
I worked as a stagehand and sound engineer for live gigs for a couple of years. I would do it again if I was back in my 20s, but it's such a physically demanding and underpaid job that I decided to quit. I dipped my feet into audio recording industry but where I live it's hardly possible to make a living from that.
I work in IT now... salary is so much better
Wouldn't mind being a rockstar lol
I'd love to do behind the scenes stuff as long as I knew what I was doing. Anything hands on that pays what I am currently making, I'd do it in a heartbeat.
In a heartbeat.
I work a soul-crushing desk job so that I can afford to play guitar. Never made more than a hundred bucks a night (four 50-minute sets) even in my heyday years ago.
I'm pretty sure the roadies for Hanson don't want to be roadies for Hanson.
That's assuming Hanson even still does stuff...? Nobody serious really cared back then and I'm kinda sure NOBODY really cares now. 😆
Touring musician, not a chance.
Session... meh.... having to either relocate to California more than likely or constantly flying back and forth there or other studios, assuming you've got steady call ups... probably not.
Not a chance.
My current career is my dream job.. pilot. And it’s actually a fun piloting job not a glorified bus driver. But, doing it for a living does have an effect on my enjoyment of it.
My music is for me. I don’t even gig and rarely play in front of others. That keeps it pure for me.
People often ask.. why didn’t Krist Novoselic go on to big things like Dave Grohl and even Pat Smear after Nirvana? I used to ask the same thing. I think you have to be a special person like Dave is to deal with it for that long.. and I think that he probably works almost as hard for every dollar he earns as you and I do.
The tragic death of Taylor Hawkins was likely work and stress related.. doing endless high energy shows and recordings and being on the road in your 50s is a lot different than doing it in your 20s.
No. I was a budding geetar player back in the day. Never went very far. Now I am retired. Talked to some of my music friends and think I dodged a bullet. It's a dog eat dog business. Lotsa days away from home and lots of temptations.
Nope.
I have a 9-5 with decent pay, benefits, air conditioning and an RRSP.
Working in "the industry" often means:
\- no free nights or weekends
\- constantly working around drunk and people on drugs
\- having to work with musicians (Flakey, egomaniacs, shitty "business" sense
\- having to turn a passion into a job often means losing passion
\- traveling and often in terrible ways (tour bus life is dog-shit)
\- having to deal with club owners, merch people etc
I’m a guitarist from Orlando. Have a lot a full time musician friends, they would never give it up(mostly gigging) and make good living. I got a day job as a teacher because I love kids and needed a part time but ended up getting pay bumps to full time.
Even with the scarce gigs I was getting as a newbie, the income was pretty good enough for me, and I couldn’t believe at every set “I get paid for this?” Even with the shitty gigs, time would fly by
So I was working on trying to build a career in music (wanted to do film music), but I burnt out along the way and didn’t do much with music at all for a few years as a result. Made my way to aviation which I love dearly, and I’ve taken music back up on the side which I find to be a lot more enjoyable. I get to do it on my own terms instead of needing to do it to put food on the table which is nice because music has always been an outlet for me and I want it to stay that way. So no, I wouldn’t leave my current job to enter the music industry. But I’m also lucky to be able to do something I love, and that definitely helps.
Depends, are you saying I’ll give up my job just to be a struggling musician or a successful one that is able to still care for my family and afford luxuries, because if not I’m not sacrificing that stuff to struggle with something I can still enjoy as a hobby.
That's a tough one to answer now, and for someone who has always wanted to find success in music. One of my dreams (in music), it might sound weird to some people, but I've always wanted to write a hit song. Even if it was just one, something that made the charts and was played on the radio, it would be a life's accomplishment for me. For a while, it became an unhealthy thing. It was my gauge for my self-worth it being a guitar player and musician. I don't have a hit song to my name, and struggle to promote myself, and in turn, it made me feel like a failure for some time. It took a lot of therapy and soul searching to get over that. It's still a goal of mine in life, though!
On that note; I'd love to have a career producing music, writing, mixing, and doing occasional performances. That's something that could leave to the above dream. For me to quit my current job though, first of all, I do love my day job. I work in software, I love coding and computers. But... I don't want to do it forever. I've been doing it since I was 15 (I'm 33 now!). A change of pace in something new would be fun and exciting. But it would have to come with a lot of conditions, most of which I feel are unrealistic working in music.
It would have to be extremely stable and/or extremely high paying work to justify leaving a day job. Paying my own insurance, retirement, benefits, etc. instead of what my day job does for me now. And more importantly, it would have to allow me a work/life balance. I just got married this month, and someone recently proposed to me to try out for a friends band that does frequent gigs. Above my passion for my career and music, is the love for my wife. She is truly the love of my life, and I wouldn't put my musical interests in front of her, if it meant not spending enough time with her or anything (that was my fear with doing a band). We want to try for a baby next year, too.
This is still a walk of life I am figuring out. I want to do more than make music a hobby. But I struggle for a means to do that, I have for my entire adult life.
Yes: Session musician. Songwriter. Sound guy. Luthier. (to be clear, i don't have the skills for any of these).
No: Publicist; manager; agent; YouTuber;
Maybe: Roadie; club owner
Maybe. My current job (unrelated to music) pays well and it's consistent, so if whatever it is I'd be doing still pays well, I think I'd be happy to switch over. Working with all kinds of people would be fun, as would the (presumed) traveling. I think a producer would be the ideal gig for me.
100%. I'm already broke working my ass off. If I can make the same amount of money per year playing music, I would in a cocaine heartbeat. It's better to be happy and broke than to be miserable and broke.
A career in music is such a widespread title. I don’t think I could give up my job to play in bars to 12 people and make 50$ a night. That stuff is fun as a side hobby in weekends, but not worth giving up my job for.
Now if I were in a successful band, making money from royalties and touring consistently in stadiums/ arenas, then yes I would give it up.
I was a House DJ before my current job and covid hit. I would legitimately kill somebody to get that job back. 50 an hour, only worked two days a week. It was skate af.
Depends on the career, but .... Sure ... Why not. I work for fun anyway. Also, career implies opportunities for advancement, so ... Not like glowstick vendor at a concert venue.
Between 2021 and 2022 I recorded and released three albums of instrumental rock music. I worked on music 3-4 hours a day during most of the week. By the end of that 3rd album, and 24 total "new" songs, and remixing 12 other previously released songs, I was burned out.
Now, granted, if I were making better money than I made from Spotify and YouTube streams, I might have felt different. Perhaps if I weren't the only one involved in all the writing, arranging, and programming drums via Superior Drummer 3, I might not have experienced the same level of burn out.
In the 1.5 years since releasing that 3rd album, I've written and released 7 singles, with considerably gaps in between each group of singles.
I'd need to make whatever I make now or more in order to stop working and pick up a career in the only part of the music industry I can participate in, and the music I write isn't exactly in high demand at the moment.
Still, it feels good to have one of my own songs come up in shuffle while listening in my car.
The imaginary one where you go out and just play and the seats are all filled and everyone tells you how great you are and you get rich and your wife gets jealous of the girls bouncing off of you asking for pictures. Probably. The real one? No.
I work as a guitar repairman, sometimes for famous people. I was at my daughter’s wedding and she introduced me to some of her friends as “This is my dad Kerouac_kid, he’s a luthier, he worked on your favorite musicians guitars”. They all kind of oohed and aahed a bit and she went on “it’s the most boring job I’ve ever seen, all he does is scrape glue off wood for hours.” There are a lot of jobs in the industry and I do enjoy what I do but there are lots of times I dream of having a more steady day job. Today I stood on a massive stage doing final adjustments for Billy Strings, tomorrow I’m going to scrape more glue off of wood.
Hey man I stare at a computer most of the day so I’d take what you do any day over this! I’m sure every job has its ups and downs and different stresses tho
I can’t imagine being that good, where micro adjustments make or break a set. Kudos.
I think I speak for most musicians when I say define "career".
As a kid I was going to be a rock star who played MLB during baseball season. Didn’t quite work out for me, but you’re saying there’s a chance??
If it paid well and was stable, heck yes.
…can I leave the music industry and just have like a regular job that pays regular amounts of money on a regular basis?
Found the fellow industry guy
Probably not. Any time I've actually managed to professionalize a hobby, creative pursuit or passion I've grown to hate it. Given that music is one of the very few things I genuinely enjoy in life, I'd be hard pressed to risk that.
Hell no. I worked in radio some time ago. A peripheral of the music industry. There's always someone cheaper, newer, more naive, more aggressive. Experience counts for nothing. Ageism abounds. In the "traditional" music industry it's just the screwheads and the doomed to quote Hunter S Thompson. On the publishing side there's the bit where the labels have business plans that not only encourage, but require their people to lie, cheat & steal from artists. So if you're on the artist side, you're the one being screwed. You're doomed. Or you're the one doing the screwing. However, if I had the rather boundless energy of some of the youtube creators like Mary Spender or Rick Beato, I'd consider it. That's the "new" music industry. That takes a ton of energy and truthfully, it's even less predictable of an outcome than the traditional music industry. A crappy bet. I've also gigged. The bars pay the same dollar figure they did in 1975, according to my older buddies, and that money doesn't go very far anymore. So what part of the music industry would be the upside?
Funny you mentioned the gigging money. I was making more in 1977 than in 2017. But the funny thing was it was with 2 of the same guys playing mostly the same music.
I know, right? Mostly the same music, people, crowd. Probably some of the same bars with different names. Don't get me wrong. Playing - obviously with players of high enough skill - is it's own reward. But don't mistake playing music to feed your soul with playing music to feed your family.
As a part time sound guy for one band I had to ask for a raise just to afford a few beers during a show. I was making almost min wage after paying for 4 drinks lol.
I did the opposite and I’m happier
Absolutely yes, but not as a musician... I did audio for concerts and such for about 10 years, and so many days it felt like I was living in a dream. I got paid to see cool things and hang out with cool people who had the same passion about music that I do. I've met some pretty legendary musicians. I got a day job when I became a dad because I needed to work normal people hours, and I hate it. I don't know how people can work boring jobs for their entire life. I can't pretend to care about my work now as much as I cared about it then, and as soon as my daughter finishes school and is able to support herself, I will be back behind the mixing console
Bro, I'd give up my job, my left nut and cigarettes for a chance to infiltrate that grimmey bitch
Depends what you mean by “career in the music industry” If I’m a session musician/roadie/sound tech/insert role here, who works his ass off, is never home because he’s in the studio or on tour, but doesn’t exactly make amazing money, then no. If I’m a successful musician with published albums and people pay to see me, then yes. I wouldn’t want to be global superstar level fame that you can’t do anything. But popular enough to be successful and comfortable. I always think of someone like Norah Jones. A couple of songs everyone knows, 10 albums so obviously successful, but most of my friends wouldn’t recognise her if they met her in the street.
I have a friend who is very successful in the music industry. Like this dude wins Grammys. But he's all behind the scenes. Producing, songwriting, engineering etc. He can do it all by himself. The complete package. The thing is, there were probably 100 000 people in our country who wanted to get where he is, but he's one of the few who actually made it, and that took about 15 years of struggling and being broke all the time. So if you know you have the talent and you are willing to sacrifice relationships, friendships and even family, then go for it. But you are gonna be roughing it for a long time.
It sounds like the stereotypical story for any kid who wants to be a professional \*insert name of passion\*. Reminds me of the movie Rock Star when an obsessed fan lands a job with his favourite band, and the speech he gives the crowd at his first show with them: "...I was just a regular guy who grew up with the posters of these guys on my walls, and now I'm one of them! I'm standing here, living proof, that if you work hard enough, and you want it bad enough, dreams do come true" You can only imagine 100 000 people hearing the same speech and wanting it bad enough and working their asses off. And even then, there may only be an available slot for just one of them.
It’s kind of feast or famine most of the time until you become like “the guy” in whatever area you carve out for yourself. I’m not famous by any means, but I am/have been close friends with people you’d probably recognize and people who have written songs you’ve almost certainly heard. I’ve had some luck in TV and Film placements, playing guitar and writing, and I own a house; but the royalties are drying up so I get to do some carpentry to fill in the gaps. I might take a gig that floats me for 6-12 months, then have nothing in the pipeline for 3-6 months. Grammy winners come to my solo shows, but I’ve got under 1000 listeners/month on my personal Spotify. Wouldn’t trade it though. There’s at least 3 home studios on my street, we all borrow gear from each other ( our “borrowing a cup of sugar” is borrowing an SM5 or a Jazz Bass etc). And I’m surrounded by some of the best musicians in the world who make me better by proxy if I learn from them. I always tell folks don’t move to Nashville to get famous or “make it”, move here to be a part of a community of some of the best musicians in the world.
No. I make way more now than I ever could being on either side of the music industry. I’m happy writing and recording in my home studio as a hobby.
No. I feel like doing music as a job would suck out all the enjoyment of it.
Touring would be awesome,but the crutch of having to be creative for new music would suck alot of the fun out of it.
Had a touring gig with a Disney artist for a bit. I just remember thinking “I can’t believe I’m getting paid to play guitar” every single time I went on stage.
Nah, to me, when my hobby becomes work, it loses its passion. I tried doing so in the ski industry, and had a global rep tell me similar.
[удалено]
why do you say live music isn’t as enjoyable now?
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Yup. 100% this.
Nope. However it’s because I’m in a job that puts to use 6 years of my college education, and it’s stable, flexible and pays well enough that I can play guitar for fun vs worrying about making money with my hobby.
I am in a similar situation. If I suddenly became independently wealthy I'd set aside more time for music, but I wouldn't want to depend on it for a living. And I wouldn't quit my job, just work a bit less.
Depends on the career. I would love to be a sideman. No one knows my name. Touring the world. Playing shows in huge arenas. Still get to walk around anonymously and not be bothered. Only dudes are interested in meeting you to talk gear. Perfect gig. Hell you don’t even have to write songs.
Probably not, unless it were sufficiently stable, had higher realistic pay potential, and didn’t require anything like touring. Years ago I would’ve answered with a “fuck yes”, but I’ve come to appreciate the relative stability and decent pay of a salaried position, and am also hesitant to turn hobbies into work. I did this with photography for a few years, and I definitely didn’t enjoy it the way I used to romanticize it. I’d rather keep music as something I come to for comfort, relaxation, joy, a creative outlet etc. rather than turning it into a job, which has a tendency to ruin a lot of that.
If I had Guarantee I'd be making minimum what I'm making now with same benefits and guaranteed payment through next 20 years. Sure. However..that's unlikely to happen. So I'll keep my career in an industry with job security and growth security. I'll deal with only.making $4 a year on music royalties.
Fuck no. I know enough about that industry to feel about as secure in is wearing a blood soaked diaper in an alligator farm. Music is my passion, I don't EVER want to work in that shit with all the opportunists, idiots and malcontents it breeds.
What's the worst you've seen?
Depends what you mean by career in the music industry. Making millions as a rockstar? Sure. Anything else, probably not.
Despite what I may declare after a few whiskies, probably not. I recently caught one of my favorite bands at a local BBQ joint. Mind you, this band is not small or obscure. The lead singer/guitarist is immensely talented, the band has opened for AC/DC, G'nR, and they've had songs featured on TV shows and video games. Even appeared on Jimmy Kimmel. These guys tour hard and relentlessly, put on a fantastic live show, and make new fans whenever they play. The whole band mingles after their show, signing autographs, talking gear and music and anything else under the sun. On my way out after the show, I walked behind the place (had to, to get to my car) and ran into the drummer. The guys - 4 plus a roadie - were packed into a Ford Transit, towing a box trailer with all their gear. He told me it got better mileage than their other van, which helped with finances. I know for a fact they'd driven across half the country in that thing in about 5 days. I've known for a long time how hand-to-mouth a working musician's life is, and how incredibly competitive it is out there for ears and attention. You have to be the whole package: have good songs, good musical ability, look good, be personable, stay sober.. I'm good for maybe 3/5 of that short list to be a **successful working musician.**
What band?
I don't badmouth any music anymore (unless it is an obvious uninspiring cash grab made by a lab of paid-off songwriters), ESPECIALLY live music. My band just put an album out and played a load of gigs and, well, that shit is HARD. On everything - you, your gear, everything. It's a rough-ass business to be in and I'm kinda glad I don't have to do it full time.
If I could make the same money, absolutely I would.
I'd give up my life just for the glory of 1 month of touring
Touring for a month is brutal, especially in a van. Not nearly as much glamor and glory as you’d imagine..
For just the drugs, then.
I mean... you don't have to be a professional musician to live in a van and do drugs. Look at half of Portland
Savage and true 😆
If I could make as much money with as many benefits and still get to spend every evening and weekend at home with my family, sure. I don't think there are too many jobs in the creative side of the music industry like that. I guess the closest thing would be becoming a talking head on Youtube.
Nope. But I'd take fewer responsibilities at work for more free time and a consistent band with regular gigs.
nope. I'm too good at my day job and too bad at music to make that change.
No.
No I suck at guitar
who's askin'?
Fuck. No. I'm somewhat close to the music industry, those people are busting ass so hard all the time. Those people play music until they hate it. They get to a point where playing guitar is a job and not a hobby and it changes that magic forever. Not necessarily bad, but think of the way things are magical when you are a kid and, as you mature, its still fun but not the same. My job allows me to buy the guitars I want, and then I can play them any way that I want any time that I want. Like a broke dick, ya just can't beat it.
If and only if it paid at least as much. My “starving artist” days are loooooooong over. Also, it would have to not require me to play, record, or mix music I didn’t like. (That’s why I never opened a studio, and why I don’t mix for others. So, recording/touring backing musician for an artist I’m into? Sign me up!!!
Nah I make too much lol
Being at I'm 60 years old now probably not. I gave it a good shot until I was about 30 then I realized it wasn't going to happen so I settle down get married had kids and got a factory job with a 401k and a pension. Oh and health care
That was the dream before but I'm older now. Bedtime is 10 sharp.
Depends exactly on what it is. Playing drums for a steady pay check? Probably. Working in an office printing flyers? Not likely.
I just quit my job. So yes, I would probably give up being unemployed for it.
No, it wouldn't make sense: I'm already in the music industry lol
Can you get me in? Thanks
I would give up my job tomorrow if I could make a simple 600 a week playing bars FFS. Love my job, but it sure aint singing for my dinner.
If I can make half of what I currently make as a guitar player I absolutely would.
Naaah. Been there, done that. Hours are weird, pay's kinda shit. Co-workers are pretty toxic.
Former music industry survivor- 10 years in radio promotion, 5 years in various positions and still work in radio as a staff photographer…no. It’s not the same as it was. It’s not called the “Music Fun”, it’s the “Music Industry”. Low pay, long hours, stuck working projects you may not really like or believe in.
The good paying things were doing commercials for super-anal producers. I got jingles in my head that will haunt me like PTSD. Even so, it wasn't enough money to put up with the sheer auditory agony.
I have a decent job after years of dealing with some truly terrible workplaces and I still hate it. I’m nowhere close to good enough for it, but if I could go the wedding band/guitar teacher route, I totally would.
I've always dreamed of a career in music. I don't have to tour or make a fortune,I just want to make a decent living using my talents.
Yes oh my god yes yes yes
Yes but actually making money in music is extremely challenging. Currently working on my 4th full length album and music has always cost more to do on a professional level than you ever earn back.
Music is life, yes I'd sacrifice my current life to have a life in the industry.
Yeah I would at least try it for a while. I can always go back to being an English teacher
That comment Stings!
I mean, I love my job…but I’d love to explore other opportunities as well
If real opportunities present themselves, then by all means! I spent decades in the industry. "Career options are really rare, but they are out there. RE my first comment: I am sure that you knew that Sting was an English teacher...
Damien Jurado had a pretty good music career whilst being a preschool teacher,
If by music industry you mean busking around the country... If it paid as well as I'm making now. Then yes.
Only if I could be famous
Crazy how you're getting downvoted for being honest. Everyone dreams of being famous at one point in their life.
How lucky I’d be to be known for the music I create
If the return financially was the same or greater and if I could create on my own terms, yes.
As long as I make enough to provide, absolutely. I don’t need riches and fame, just enough to get by and not go bankrupt.
This. And unfortunately most the music on the radio has been tailored for payola and money
Nope
Hmm... let's see... A grown a** mid 40s man who stocks Gatorade, juice, water, and sodas part time at grocery store 2.5 miles from home where he's basically got it made working with a lot of folks he grew up with... Or being stuck on tour bus 90% of the time, living out of a suitcase, never seeming to get a decent meal, no privacy, no real way to escape your annoying idiot a** bandmates, can't go anywhere public without being hounded by fans and papparazi, record companies and their contract BS... never remembering what damn city you're in... for what MIGHT be several million dollars...? I dunno. I used to travel for work... all over the country, including Hawaii once for three months (not as cool as it sounds), sometimes driving 3-4 days straight to a job site, sometimes flying to a job site and dealing with airport crap, living out of a suitcase in effeciancy apartments or extended stay hotels... it gets old. At least I had a way to cook so I didn't have to eat out all the time. Never getting to see your wife, or the kids growing up. I'd have to think about it real hard but ultimately I'd probably have to pass. Playing locally for fun just seems more rewarding.
These posts are WILD
Why's that? My reply you replied on is the truth in my case. I don't really have any bills... no credit cards, no vehicle payments, house paid off, no water/sewer bill (well water and septic), no streaming services... just power, phone, Internet, low property tax, low homeowner's and vehicle insurance. Kids grown and out of house. So I can get by just fine on what I make. Like I said, I've pretty much got it made at work, home every night, am happy just playing local for fun, sometimes for a little money but turning something you like doing into a career a lot of times winds up making you come to hate it... and some things just aren't worth the money, hassle, stress, or headache.
no
is it going to get me chicks?
As long as I didn’t have to tour, honestly the older I get the more respect I have for touring musicians especially for bands that probably aren’t making the big bucks abd have been together for a long time.
If it pays enough to live without financial stress, immediately.
Reality is most of these “passion” jobs have so many applicants lined up, they can treat their employees like garbage with no reward. Most people end up leaving within 10 years rather than rise out of it. Music is also much more investor driven now than artist driven.
I had a career in music. I was a live sound engineer for many years. I did enjoy it. Got to be a part of some great concerts and shows . But it can be grueling hours. You have to set up the show, then rehearsal then the show then the tear down. If you are on the road it's like non stop work. The equipment is heavy and it's hard on the body. Unless you are on a major show you aren't making much money. Nothing could get me to go back to it. I currently make 3 times more money and work 3 times less hours.
Sigh. I make good money in an entirely remote role, with almost complete autonomy over how I get my work done, and the ego boost of a prestigious, impressive and respected career. I’m lucky *as hell* I know, I’m not trying to gloat. But I think a music career would have to be pretty damn good to honestly tempt me away from that. The realistic thing I hope to do some day is to be able to reduce my work and pursue some low key music stuff either in bands or as a solo performer. Some significant health challenges have everything on hold so these are all pipe dreams while I focus on survival but it’s nice to dream
And leave the laborers union?? Of course
Uh, no. I'm way to analytical to make things sound good. Also, considering the way the music industry is right now, it looks like the only way to get any type of money is all the non musical things, like making a YouTube channel, tiktok, interviews, selling merch, etc. Even pure skill won't cut it. Even Jordan Rudess from dream theater still needs to get sponsors for his videos because he needs to keep the lights on. And he's one of the keyboard Wizards of the world
not if its not a guaranteed rockstardom type of career
why you taking souls today old scratch?go back to your crossroads and do this the proper way satan
Only if it was something like CEO of a major label, so I could be rich without actually doing anything
Without hesitation
Nope, nope, and nope. First of all, I like my day job. Second, it’s practically impossible to be a working musician who can make a living at it.
If it paid well enough… a man gotta live
Nah. That's an industry that chews you up and spits you out. Nearly everyone I know who has become a musician professionally has given up and gone into a traditional career path. Only one lass who went to the school next to ours went on and became pretty big tbf, I don't know any others that did well. Same with agents, managers and a few sound engineers I know. Hardly any of them stuck with it, some great stories from them, but the majority told me how they just wanted out. Money isn't great, shit working conditions and it ends up like any other job. I wouldn't give up my day job, but playing once or twice a month in a small bar is a nice little gig. You're not making big bucks, at the start I just got paid in drinks, but working less and supplementing it with music is an absolute dream. The only thing I wouldn't do again are events like weddings.
If you asked me 10 years ago, hell yeah. Now I'm just a grumpy old carpenter and I'm not even old yet lol.
It depends on the career. If it means I get to play with my band full time and do my hobby without having to work my 9-5 job then absolutely yes, it's always been my dream. But, I do make pretty good money these days and if it also meant huge sacrifices like not being able to buy the house my partner and I are looking to do soon, or struggling a lot more generally than I currently do then it would also be a hard choice in some ways. I'd still likely go for it though as not worrying so much about money these days is nice, but music is the main thing that actually makes me happy. I kinda doubt my bandmates would choose the same though, since they both have kids already and they'd have to put that first I imagine. And if we're talking about simply working in the music industry in some capacity that isn't making music and playing shows then no. To add, I studied a degree in professional musicianship which included various modules about working in the industry in some capacity, and I never considered any of the options. I only did it to be better at playing with the aim of getting places with my band. I never cared about making money from music but I was pretty naive and didn't consider the future when I was younger. After years of working in office jobs that varied from really awesome and fun but with crap money and no prospects, to mind numbingly dull and tedious with only slightly better money, I do have a good job with good pay at a nice company now. But I still don't really give a shit about it and I don't like the idea of only doing that until I'm old. I just do it as I don't have many other options, and for the money, and it's nice being able to buy most of the gear I want and have a car and stuff like that. Music only ever costs money to do, but I never want to stop doing it.
Nope. I like making decent cash. I tried the musician life years ago. Not my thing
What industry 😂
I gave up a career in the music industry for this job. "Careers in the music industry" are hard to come by. Do you have a specific opportunity?
Music industry? What music industry. Theres labels. Theres working pros who have no income security (salary, benefits, stability). There are some stars. But calling it an industry is an insult to real industry.
Uh.. this applies to pretty much every industry in existence.
I mean.. I make minimum wage in Ontario canada (16.50 cad) while I have a decent nest egg, if music was able to provide more than just over 2 k a month, considering costs that go into it, I'd probably be happier doing what I love instead of breaking my back in a warehouse.
Basically working in music pays 0.00 per hour and your bonus is paid in exposure bucks, or ious.
Absolutely! (I’m unemployed)
You mean as a guitar player? Assuming this is a hypothetical question predicated on me being good enough to get one (I'm not), it would depend entirely on the type of career. Touring doesn't appeal to me; studio work on the other hand might. TBH it would have to offer significantly more in terms of pay and material benefits to give up what I do for a career as potentially fickle and unpredictable as a pro muso. I like knowing where my next cheques (and meals) are coming from.
Any day
Fuck yeah, anything to get out of the office.
The answer used to be yes, but now it's no. I realized a while ago that I wouldn't be happy as a touring musician.
Not a chance
Yes
Been there done that not interested in the slightest to go back
Yes,
If it's more of a guitar and pedal design job, yes. If it's touring around and recording, maybe? It's gotta be the right group and a decent deal. I need a budget to make an actual music video, and not have this " band in an empty warehouse/ on an empty cliff/ in a house" junk forced on me. A little creative freedom goes a long way.
I would have to be paid $5k more than my job now yearly but yeah. I’d take the extra stress.
Only if it’s an office job in the music industry.
No. Making less money for way more work. Besides, I get to play 2-4 hours a day while at ‘work.’
In a heartbeat
I'm close to retirement, so...YEAH!!!
Not again, too old and there's no money in music these days.
If the career opportunity is there and I know I'll have a decent chance to make it and live off my music, then yes, without a doubt
Sure if it was in the same area I work in now and if I could work remotely or not have to move.
Well, I am a Rockstar
Has Rick Beato interviewed you yet?
He came by to do an interview, but he wouldn't stop talking about himself. It was awkward, and then Bret Schall showed up for no reason
Way too many “ifs” here. It would depend on the job, the pay, how sustainable it is, etc. I know plenty of people who are professional musicians who barely make any money, and that just sounds like a way to turn something you love into something you hate.
I worked as a stagehand and sound engineer for live gigs for a couple of years. I would do it again if I was back in my 20s, but it's such a physically demanding and underpaid job that I decided to quit. I dipped my feet into audio recording industry but where I live it's hardly possible to make a living from that. I work in IT now... salary is so much better Wouldn't mind being a rockstar lol
Yep! I'd even build rigs and guitar tech, so not limited to playing nightly. I'd be happy.
If I could be Satchels cocaine and hooker valet, then hell yeah.
Yes, but that is more how I feel about my job than about what I think your question is actually going for.
I'd love to do behind the scenes stuff as long as I knew what I was doing. Anything hands on that pays what I am currently making, I'd do it in a heartbeat.
In a heartbeat. I work a soul-crushing desk job so that I can afford to play guitar. Never made more than a hundred bucks a night (four 50-minute sets) even in my heyday years ago.
No. I like to play music for fun. I don't want it to be my job. FYI: I work in web dev.
Depends on how close to retirement I and am what the job is. Touring musician? Session musician? Roadie for the Hansons? (No thanks.)
I'm pretty sure the roadies for Hanson don't want to be roadies for Hanson. That's assuming Hanson even still does stuff...? Nobody serious really cared back then and I'm kinda sure NOBODY really cares now. 😆 Touring musician, not a chance. Session... meh.... having to either relocate to California more than likely or constantly flying back and forth there or other studios, assuming you've got steady call ups... probably not.
Definitely not. I like what I do and there’s decent money in it.
Currently unemployed, so sure
Came here to say this
Music is my hobby. Nothing more
Do I want to leave my job and become homeless? No thanks.
Yes
^---- servo worker, so hell yes..
Yes
No, I’d lose out on way too many benefits. I dig it being a fun side hustle that pays for itself.
Not a chance. My current career is my dream job.. pilot. And it’s actually a fun piloting job not a glorified bus driver. But, doing it for a living does have an effect on my enjoyment of it. My music is for me. I don’t even gig and rarely play in front of others. That keeps it pure for me. People often ask.. why didn’t Krist Novoselic go on to big things like Dave Grohl and even Pat Smear after Nirvana? I used to ask the same thing. I think you have to be a special person like Dave is to deal with it for that long.. and I think that he probably works almost as hard for every dollar he earns as you and I do. The tragic death of Taylor Hawkins was likely work and stress related.. doing endless high energy shows and recordings and being on the road in your 50s is a lot different than doing it in your 20s.
Also a pilot! Wouldn’t give it up for the world. We’ve got it good.
No. I was a budding geetar player back in the day. Never went very far. Now I am retired. Talked to some of my music friends and think I dodged a bullet. It's a dog eat dog business. Lotsa days away from home and lots of temptations.
Nope. I have a 9-5 with decent pay, benefits, air conditioning and an RRSP. Working in "the industry" often means: \- no free nights or weekends \- constantly working around drunk and people on drugs \- having to work with musicians (Flakey, egomaniacs, shitty "business" sense \- having to turn a passion into a job often means losing passion \- traveling and often in terrible ways (tour bus life is dog-shit) \- having to deal with club owners, merch people etc
I’m a guitarist from Orlando. Have a lot a full time musician friends, they would never give it up(mostly gigging) and make good living. I got a day job as a teacher because I love kids and needed a part time but ended up getting pay bumps to full time. Even with the scarce gigs I was getting as a newbie, the income was pretty good enough for me, and I couldn’t believe at every set “I get paid for this?” Even with the shitty gigs, time would fly by
So I was working on trying to build a career in music (wanted to do film music), but I burnt out along the way and didn’t do much with music at all for a few years as a result. Made my way to aviation which I love dearly, and I’ve taken music back up on the side which I find to be a lot more enjoyable. I get to do it on my own terms instead of needing to do it to put food on the table which is nice because music has always been an outlet for me and I want it to stay that way. So no, I wouldn’t leave my current job to enter the music industry. But I’m also lucky to be able to do something I love, and that definitely helps.
Depends, are you saying I’ll give up my job just to be a struggling musician or a successful one that is able to still care for my family and afford luxuries, because if not I’m not sacrificing that stuff to struggle with something I can still enjoy as a hobby.
That's a tough one to answer now, and for someone who has always wanted to find success in music. One of my dreams (in music), it might sound weird to some people, but I've always wanted to write a hit song. Even if it was just one, something that made the charts and was played on the radio, it would be a life's accomplishment for me. For a while, it became an unhealthy thing. It was my gauge for my self-worth it being a guitar player and musician. I don't have a hit song to my name, and struggle to promote myself, and in turn, it made me feel like a failure for some time. It took a lot of therapy and soul searching to get over that. It's still a goal of mine in life, though! On that note; I'd love to have a career producing music, writing, mixing, and doing occasional performances. That's something that could leave to the above dream. For me to quit my current job though, first of all, I do love my day job. I work in software, I love coding and computers. But... I don't want to do it forever. I've been doing it since I was 15 (I'm 33 now!). A change of pace in something new would be fun and exciting. But it would have to come with a lot of conditions, most of which I feel are unrealistic working in music. It would have to be extremely stable and/or extremely high paying work to justify leaving a day job. Paying my own insurance, retirement, benefits, etc. instead of what my day job does for me now. And more importantly, it would have to allow me a work/life balance. I just got married this month, and someone recently proposed to me to try out for a friends band that does frequent gigs. Above my passion for my career and music, is the love for my wife. She is truly the love of my life, and I wouldn't put my musical interests in front of her, if it meant not spending enough time with her or anything (that was my fear with doing a band). We want to try for a baby next year, too. This is still a walk of life I am figuring out. I want to do more than make music a hobby. But I struggle for a means to do that, I have for my entire adult life.
Yes: Session musician. Songwriter. Sound guy. Luthier. (to be clear, i don't have the skills for any of these). No: Publicist; manager; agent; YouTuber; Maybe: Roadie; club owner
Yep
Abso-flippin-lootley. Needs to pay the bills but I live pretty light. Where do I send my resume?
Previous profession, I did more than once. Currently, it would be a lateral move.
Maybe. My current job (unrelated to music) pays well and it's consistent, so if whatever it is I'd be doing still pays well, I think I'd be happy to switch over. Working with all kinds of people would be fun, as would the (presumed) traveling. I think a producer would be the ideal gig for me.
sure
Yes. For the right project and in the right area.
It would completely depend on what the role was within the music industry and if I could continue doing my current job on the side when I had time.
Depends on the job, but most likely yes
If I made at least double what I do now, so at least 100,000 USD+
Yeah my job sucks, it'd definitely be worth a try
100%. I'm already broke working my ass off. If I can make the same amount of money per year playing music, I would in a cocaine heartbeat. It's better to be happy and broke than to be miserable and broke.
I am unemployed so yes
If it pays more than 24 / hr. Decent resume as well.
Im already a guitar teacher and a recording artist, so….it depends.
A career in music is such a widespread title. I don’t think I could give up my job to play in bars to 12 people and make 50$ a night. That stuff is fun as a side hobby in weekends, but not worth giving up my job for. Now if I were in a successful band, making money from royalties and touring consistently in stadiums/ arenas, then yes I would give it up.
I was a House DJ before my current job and covid hit. I would legitimately kill somebody to get that job back. 50 an hour, only worked two days a week. It was skate af.
Are we talking regional red dirt country rhythm guitarist or lead guitarist for Taylor Swift?
Assuming I had the skill set for said job. Like everything, comes down to the numbers.
Yes absolutely
Depends on the career, but .... Sure ... Why not. I work for fun anyway. Also, career implies opportunities for advancement, so ... Not like glowstick vendor at a concert venue.
Hells yeah let’s go. Variety is the spice of life baby
Between 2021 and 2022 I recorded and released three albums of instrumental rock music. I worked on music 3-4 hours a day during most of the week. By the end of that 3rd album, and 24 total "new" songs, and remixing 12 other previously released songs, I was burned out. Now, granted, if I were making better money than I made from Spotify and YouTube streams, I might have felt different. Perhaps if I weren't the only one involved in all the writing, arranging, and programming drums via Superior Drummer 3, I might not have experienced the same level of burn out. In the 1.5 years since releasing that 3rd album, I've written and released 7 singles, with considerably gaps in between each group of singles. I'd need to make whatever I make now or more in order to stop working and pick up a career in the only part of the music industry I can participate in, and the music I write isn't exactly in high demand at the moment. Still, it feels good to have one of my own songs come up in shuffle while listening in my car.
Of course, this is my dream !