Promises and Pitfalls

Now that you’ve proven that you have the talent, the moxie and the passion to pursue your dream, it isn’t as easy as just jumping on the bus and going on tour. I for one certainly wish it were. However, as I pointed out in a previous post, a key element in the equation is to seek representation. Yet, beware the promises and pitfalls that come along with not only choosing representation, but also that exist within the entertainment industry as a whole.

There are a lot of things no one ever tells you about making it in the industry. Following your dream and not giving up is a great place to start, but there are many entities out there that may or may not have your best interests at heart. The fact is that there are many who are only in it for their benefit and are willing to sacrifice your future for their short-term gain. The worst place to start your dream journey is by being naive, uninformed and ultimately exploited.  

Peter M. Thall is an attorney in entertainment law in New York City and has been in the game long enough and has seen the good, bad and the ugly. He offers aspiring artists, as well as seasoned professionals in the industry, insight into the inner workings of the business in his book entitled, What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Business. Thall’s book contains these topics and much more.

• Is one person's money another person's motivation
• What a personal manager should and should not be expected to do managing your money
• How 25% can equal 100%
• Radio promotion
• Touring concerns
• Merchandising
• When your publisher forgets you
• Copyright issues

The bottom line is that before you sign on the dotted line and jump in head first, make sure you read the fine print, do your research and surround yourself with those you trust to guide you along the way. The decision to pursue your dream is as big or bigger than any you will ever make in your life. Approach it as such, while understanding that even those who have your best interests at heart may not always be able to work miracles. It is a difficult industry for even the most talented individuals and those who represent them. Yet, being prepared and understanding some of the pitfalls that you can expect along the way will put you in a position to lay claim to your future and find success in pursuing your dream.