Skills that will Take Your Band Far in the Music Industry

There are skills that will take your band far in the music industry and you probably have a few of those already.

Maybe you don’t know how to utilize them or where to focus.  Skills that are often used interchangeably as they both involve planning, decision-making, problem-solving, communication, delegation, and time management are very important if you want to take your band to the next level and be taken seriously as a professional musician. 

In this article, I’m throwing light on the most fundamental skills that will take your band far in the music industry, in the hopes of helping you fine-tune your skill set. 

I know you are busy, so let’s dive into it:

These are the basic skills that will take your band far in the music industry.

Image: Mark Landman

Effective Delegation

As a band leader, one of your most important jobs is to delegate tasks efficiently.

This involves knowing your band members’ strengths and weaknesses and assigning tasks accordingly.

Conflict Resolution

When band members butt heads, it can create a tense and unproductive environment, especially during crucial times e.g., recordings, tours etc.

Conflict resolution is something that all band leaders should be skilled in. It will help you to quickly and efficiently resolve issues and get band members back on track.

Storytelling

Pretty much every organization has a story and being able to tell it through your music and branding is a powerful tool.

Whether you are pitching to a potential label or trying to inspire your audience, being able to tell a story that captivates is very important.

Innovative thinking

Innovative thinkers and band leaders are always looking for new and better ways to do things. If you can tap into this type of thinking it can really help your band stand out of the crowd and come up with creative solutions. Example: The era of the CD is long gone. You will not be generating revenue from selling CDs. Think outside the box and create merch that your audience finds irresistible and adds real value to their lives.

Remember, you are selling art.

…and art is meant to make life more manageable, tolerable and enjoyable. There’s a utilitarian aspect to it that you can monetize while contributing to making people’s lives better. I always use Efthimis Karadimas of Nightfall as an example (thank you Efthimis). He went through a vicious cycle of depression, and he used that as a narratable story to educate people, connect with his audience, and make himself relatable, vulnerable yet fierce.

Networking

Having a strong network is essential for the success of your band. The biggest your network, the more people you will have to turn to for advice, help and opportunities. Networking leads to the exchange of ideas and learning about people around you. It’s not just about meeting people that will help you go places.

I hope you found this helpful.

Until the next one,

Chelf