Business is business... I was in a band in the 70s & early 80s. We did the club circuit in No Cali. In 81 we were working with a producer/studio in LA. They ripped off our song retitled it and sold it to some band that butchered it. It got a little radio play then died just like their band. But the infighting broke us up (that and the grueling club circuit). Personally I think RUclips & social media have revolutionized music, especially for musicians. You are your own boss. You don't have a label pulling your chain and you can go in any direction you choose. It doesn't cost that much to put together a small studio. With a good laptop & software, a couple cameras, a few mic's and a decent mixer you can get some darn good results. Of course you need the instruments etc as well but it doesn't have to cost a fortune. I guess what I'm saying is if I was a talented young musician I'd beg borrow n steal enough to get what I needed and start my career on RUclips, podcast my songs and just put it out there. It's the just the beginning of the future of music and its exciting as hell because there's almost no limits! Thanks for your chanel Sensei, I wish you nothing but success!
"Developing your skills and developing your relationships." That is pretty solid advice for any profession. This is where new ideas and new opportunities come from.
Me internally thinking: "So I could write a song called Bohemian Rhapsody? Actually that would be a bad idea I think..."' Samurai Guitarist seconds after me thinking this: "While you could write a song titled Bohemian Rhapsody it wouldn't be a good idea." ...please stop reading my mind.
After doing A&R for a year in the business I couldn't agree more with this. I left the job not because of disillusionment but because I realized there's just a better natural path for me....its truly entreprenial road. Networking for me only made sense when I came to a deep understanding of "collaborating." I may not have the same $ flow right now but working on an original musical project with a great talented friend with a good heart is the deepest joy. We go to gigs to support others, correct each other when were negative and insecure, strive to further our "business," and most importantly, make the absolute best expression of music that we can. That's collaboration to me. Cheers all be hopeful and smart with the business
Great video. One minor correction--mailing yourself your art has no legal meaning and offers zero copyright protection. The US Copyright Office specifically advises people not to bother attempting this
I'm not sure this is correct. Your art is copyrighted if it is mailed to yourself, but it is not copyright-registered. If there is an infringement, registration at the US Copyright Office will ensure compensation. If it is not copyright-registered, ownership will be restored, but there will be no compensation. Bear in mind also, that laws vary across jurisdictions.
thank you! I wish you and your channel prosperity. I'm not sure I've been looking hard enough, but I'm still wondering if you have any bass player related videos. If not, that'd be soooo great!
I don't have anything that is exactly a bass lesson but I feel like the video on improving rhythm works for any instruments ruclips.net/video/QrQ8oF8B0nU/видео.html
I have been taking lots of notes in a notebook to stay confident and so I can teach to make a little extra cash! Your videos I have seen are super great for confidence and you make me feel smarter and more entertained and confident ! You are awesome man keep it up! You definitely just gained a subscriber and you helped me understand that I need to be a more DIY musician! Thanks man! Rock On!!
#4 - Even though recording your song in your phone, the digital record date can be tampered by software/tools. Much better is to upload it or email a copy of it, since you don't have control over the send_date of your email servers. Just saying. Great content sensei.
I'd like to see a video where you are talking about your future goals outside of RUclips? Do you still want a band? What is it that you want? For me, I'd like to get through recording my old songs and then, possibly tab them all and move forward. For me the goal was recording. Which is hard to do when I want a distinct sound but only have a smartphone. We record our practices with the smart phone but my PC needs a hard drive, a USB keyboard and mouse and an OS. I have some gear but not all of it and my friend just got a rehearsal space for all his members so I'm really glad about that.
Business! As a part time musician (I've got a day job and I'm quite content doing the odd bar gig) I can back up a lot of what was said about being a busy musician. No, I'm not the best bassist, but I try and be professional. That means being on time (rehearsals and gigs), being as prepared as possible, being low drama and being flexible. If you are, you'll get jobs because you can be trusted and depended on.
Wow Samurai, I really like this side of you. You seem very hopeful in this video and not so disappointed like some of the later ones. I think this was like how I used to be before hitting 30
Business.... Also, thanks for making these videos. I get discouraged because I just never seem to have time to get what I want done with my projects, but these videos help encourage me to keep trying. I've been playing and writing for nearly my whole life so there is no "quitting" but it's still easy to lose focus. Anyways, thanks again.
Another great video! Gave me a lo of unknown information! But I would suggest that for releasing songs and covers, Distrokid is an amazing source to use. its just $20 per year and they get all of the licensing that you'll need to release all music!
The BUSINESS is definitely not well run from Facebook, either. It really helps to put in footwork and maybe make invitations, learn to talk to strangers and hand out flyers face-to-face instead of always just sending facebook "invites" to shows to fam and friends. But, THANK YOU about the copy right thing. I spent nearly $80 on "song registration" once. Crazy. Awesome vid.
I know this is an old video but watching his hands in this video reminds me of the interview scene in Talladega Nights, I'm not sure what to do with my hands. Anyway, I really do enjoy the channel and hope you keep making these great video's.
business is an ugly matter, but if your doing it right and for the right reasons it can be a breeze. I'm not looking to get famous or anything I just want people to enjoy my music as much as I do. growing up musically I didn't have anyone to look up to or help me so your videos and others like it have helped me alot! thank you for that!!
Great video. I would suggest doing a video on originality from the get go when you are starting your career. So many new bands and artist get caught up in doing what is in the top 40s and try to duplicate that instead trying their best to create a new sound or vibe and start their own scene from scratch
Great 'No-Nonsense" guide. Its amazing how often i have to tell other musicians that a CD will most likely not make them ANY money unless they TOUR TOUR and.. TOUR! Sell it!
Good video for me to see. My dad and myself have recently been talking a whole lot about the business of music and making ourselves known in the local area. Our primary difference lies in ideas. He wants to perform covers. He sees Instant popularity, going out to a bar and playing what folks know and want to hear. I see everlasting mediocritity, and feel that to be an artist, you have to create something of your own. If I was a painter, I wouldn't want to make my living painting copies of the Mona Lisa. I'd prefer to paint my own original pieces and see what people thought of them.
Great points. Also, great because it applies to more than music! Really, just change a couple words and it can be applied to many other categories, such as gaming and non-profits. Business is a positive thing, it must simply be learned.
Boy! Art is art, business is business. But if you don't learn to mix them propperly, you can forget about actually getting a living from music. It might be sad for some people to hear (or read) it but it's a new world. Either you learn to survive in it or you die... figurativelly... Though you'd actually die if you can't buy food.
Business, you wanted that word mentioned, so I won't hold it back. I've been a singer all my life, but haven't found my band, up to a successful group? I don't know where to find these other musicians, and I hate auditions, but I'll go if I know where they are. Thank you for your friendly, honest and informative video, I hope to find more.
My band just cut our EP. We are going the official copyright route before disc production to be safe. The business side can be ugly, but it can be useful if the musician is diligent to read contracts and be patient for the right deal, not necessarily the highest paying deal
Networking is key in this business. You have to get out there and see people. Even if you aren't meeting the "higher ups" of the industry. I've gone to other people's gigs and have ran into people I've met before through playing music. I went to one last week where a guy I know offered to share an incoming show with our bands. You can never know too many people.
Hi, I really like your videos and I find them very interesting being a musician myself. I would like to suggest to make a video about the ways that musicians have to make money, not easy nor fast money, but with enough hard work and a mindset that I feel I lack myself and perhaps a lot of other musicians. I almost forgot the word business, but here it is. Greetings from down south.
Don't know if someone already mentioned this in the comments, but in Germany, we've got the GEMA, an institution that collects money, whenever your original material is played, be it in a club or as a live performance. The catch is, that you also have to pay them, if you play your own songs (or so I've heard, I'm by no means an expert on this). They are probably quite similar to the organisations mentioned in this video, but they always seem to be focused on their own profit and not on what benefits the musician they represent most. For example, lots of official music videos on youtube were inaccessible in Germany due to the GEMA.
I'm not really looking to pursue music as a career, but learning about the business is really interesting to me. I'm amazed at how much I've learned! Thank you!
Dude,.. you hit the nail right on the head ! Some things I already knew,... but about half of the information was new ! Well done sir,.. well done ! :)
Hey man, Could you do a video on on view of how as a musician, you'd go about charging Artists looking to hire you (the guitarist) to accompany them on track or in a live event; making sure you are paid/charging a fair price for your services. And lastly, tips to avoid conflict when the Artists hiring you is a (close) friend of yours.
Great vid! Would love to hear what are your thoughts on how to deal with a lack of motivation and creative blocks when it comes to making music and producing.
+G00DGUYPETE Good question. First, I'd recommend my how to get out of a musical rut video ruclips.net/video/r53Nzn4q-sI/видео.html . I think the big thing is to always keep things fresh. My first successful video was me playing all the parts to "Don't Fear The Reaper" on an iPad. If the only videos I made were me doing iPad covers of songs I would be so bored of it I would have no motivation. So a big part is to always try to do something new and exciting!
You have a wonderful channel here and are making high quality and informative videos. Thank you for your work and insight, seriously. I just found this channel and you're doing it right. Thank you.
Hi +samuraiguitarist - been watching a few of your videos and they really help me to work on my musicianship. I love this topic on music business that you are covering - especially in the context of my country (Singapore) there's been difficulties reaching out to the mass audience with our originals. Just dropping by to give you a thumbs up for whatever you have done thus far!
Hiya! I've been half-binging your videos because I've recently been trying to get back on guitar, and RUclips recommends one video to the next haha. I've always wanted to record a debut album, that I wrote a long long time ago, in a studio, but keep telling myself that I'm not good enough to play what I used to and wrote down years ago, so have to practice more, and I can't afford it right meow anyways... I just have to say, this really helped me a lot. At the very least, helped my mentality in what I think is the correct line of thinking. You seem like a genuinely swell dewd. I know you might not even read this, but big thanks. Truly. I hope you blow up soon and more people hear about you! I'm not in a position to support you financially at this moment, but you've at least got my YouTUbe subscription and views haha "business"
Ok then. Business. I actually found this pretty helpful. While I'm not sure if the music biz is necessarily right for me, my previous failures to do so could have been rectified by improving my methods of getting noticed and not obsessing over "not quite being good enough". As one of the RUclips musicians I most respect, knowing that you've come across similar issues gives me at least a little more confidence. Thanks, Mr Samurai.
+Mr Luxarina Glad you enjoyed, I think everyone deals with the same things. I think inner musical peace comes when you realize there will always be people who are better musicians than you, and there will always be worse, but no one can express yourself as well as you can, no one can write your song like you. Know what I mean!
I think I do, actually. I spent way too long comparing myself to people with 20-60 years more experience than myself, and it took actually performing for strangers who had no vested interest in my thinking they liked it to realise I was any good. Who else is going to write 8-bit progressive kletzmer metal, or cover slayer on the ocarina? ^^
Hi samurai sensei.. I love your videos! So informative... I was wondering if I pick any random backing tracks on youtube to jam along and uploaded the video on RUclips does it consider as copyright?
One money-making angle that many songwriters who gig don't seem to know....you can go online with your PRO (BMI / ASCAP/ SESAC) and log performances of your own songs from your gigs at venues which have a performance rights license. They pay a fee for that license....you get part of that fee if your song is played there...it doesn't have to be played on radio or cd etc. Most restaurants and clubs over 3500 sq ft have to pay for these licenses...usually there will be a sticker on the front showing they have one.
thank you so much for the advice you give in your videos they really do inspire me and make me think more carefully about what to do since I do want to pursue in a career with music I kind of just found myself making covers every now and again I'm just still really unsure where to start getting in touch with anyone related to going to gigs or even if I am good enough, this was an eye opener though!
Another great video in this series! I'm not a musician, but I always watch this series because I feel like I still get something out of it. Can't wait to see what you some up with next! (P.S. Business)
There are two songs I know called "Hello" One is by Evanescence, and one is by Adele - both are COMPLETELY different songs. Evanescence's "Hello" is about the frontwoman (Amy Lee) and her loss of her late sister who died quite young. Adele's "Hello" is about a trying to get over a bad breakup. Lionel Richie also has a song called "Hello" but I've never actually listened to it sooo
Just recently got my hands on "All you need to know about the music business 10th edition" and, BOY, it's a must for any one who wants to work with music in any form at any point in his/her life. It's boring as hell, though... But the hundreds of coffe cups are totally worthy.
Hey, I'm a (recent) fan of your channel. Your videos are very helpful! About the "being ready" thing, do you think that there is some sort of basic skill set that you need as a pro musician? (like playing over chord changes, reading, etc) And if so, how do you go about acquiring said skill set? I'd love to make a living in the music business.
+justsomeguitarstuff Cheers man! Now you should know the laws about copyright and what not get a little weird with youtube. The laws were written a long time before streaming became a thing. Technically you need a whole other license to synch up a song with a video, but I think the vast majority of youtubers don't do this. Instead you might see a publisher flag your video as copywritten content. This isn't a bad thing this just means they can put up adds on it and earn revenue. This has been my experience anyways.
This was very helpful... thank you. The business of the career business how things have changed in the digital age. Maybe some some advice on cyber-tools to help become more accessible to fans.
Business. I've been a gigging musician for seven years now and I wish I saw this video when I first started. Self doubt is hugely debilitating. I was always the laid back guy in my bands, I never took the horse by the reigns. I was stricken by self doubt and felt afraid to express my opinion all the time, compromising to the point that I wasn't satisfied with the finished product. I mean, what's the point of having a Band if you're not going to really go for it? Now I'm in a Band where I feel I have more creative control and I'm not afraid of offending someone, because we all are self critical. It's nice to have bandmates who really want to be good. There are so many examples of times where I wish I expressed my opinion and said something but instead I held it in to avoid confrontation, and it ended up hurting me in the end.
I find these videos interesting. I'm a filmmaker, and i can play some music. I know many filmmakers that distance themselves from business as much as possible. But since i don't know business people or have the money to hire business people i had to dive into that. It's hard but it pays off when you make a fully functioning budget to obtain your goals. hey, films won't make themselves.
I used to draw and paint and of course it was easy to get friends and family to look at my work. I now spent two weeks recording a song and nobody has got three or four minutes to listen in between watching soaps, playing Xbox or going outside for a smoke. Very frustrating!
It is frustrating but that's the reality of the music industry. There is so much stuff that people don't care about most of it. People like us need to try and create something so cool that people will watch it over their other distractions.
It's business, it's business, it's business tiiiiime
+samuraiguitarist Down to your socks already? :O
+samuraiguitarist TEAM BUILDING EXCERCICE NINETY-NI-I-INE!
Business hours are over, babaaaaay
I know what you're trying to say you're trying to say it's time for business it's business time. Ooh!
"Business socks."
Business is business... I was in a band in the 70s & early 80s. We did the club circuit in No Cali. In 81 we were working with a producer/studio in LA. They ripped off our song retitled it and sold it to some band that butchered it. It got a little radio play then died just like their band. But the infighting broke us up (that and the grueling club circuit). Personally I think RUclips & social media have revolutionized music, especially for musicians. You are your own boss. You don't have a label pulling your chain and you can go in any direction you choose. It doesn't cost that much to put together a small studio. With a good laptop & software, a couple cameras, a few mic's and a decent mixer you can get some darn good results. Of course you need the instruments etc as well but it doesn't have to cost a fortune. I guess what I'm saying is if I was a talented young musician I'd beg borrow n steal enough to get what I needed and start my career on RUclips, podcast my songs and just put it out there. It's the just the beginning of the future of music and its exciting as hell because there's almost no limits! Thanks for your chanel Sensei, I wish you nothing but success!
Don't tell me what to comment! That's none of your business!
... oops.
+derula hahah
"Developing your skills and developing your relationships." That is pretty solid advice for any profession. This is where new ideas and new opportunities come from.
Playing good music might get you layed, but good business gets you paid. lol
You edited this but you didn't correct the word "layed"? You realize it's "laid" right? Lol.
Me internally thinking: "So I could write a song called Bohemian Rhapsody? Actually that would be a bad idea I think..."'
Samurai Guitarist seconds after me thinking this: "While you could write a song titled Bohemian Rhapsody it wouldn't be a good idea."
...please stop reading my mind.
This morning I woke up and thought, "geez I want to watch a SamuraiGuitarist video" and here it is, a new one! Also business.
Too often the boring "business" part gets left out of the conversation. You've done a great thing here - well played!
Some of that was pretty motivational! Thanks Samurai!
+Ginseng Thank you for watching!
After doing A&R for a year in the business I couldn't agree more with this. I left the job not because of disillusionment but because I realized there's just a better natural path for me....its truly entreprenial road. Networking for me only made sense when I came to a deep understanding of "collaborating." I may not have the same $ flow right now but working on an original musical project with a great talented friend with a good heart is the deepest joy. We go to gigs to support others, correct each other when were negative and insecure, strive to further our "business," and most importantly, make the absolute best expression of music that we can. That's collaboration to me. Cheers all be hopeful and smart with the business
Great video. One minor correction--mailing yourself your art has no legal meaning and offers zero copyright protection. The US Copyright Office specifically advises people not to bother attempting this
I'm not sure this is correct. Your art is copyrighted if it is mailed to yourself, but it is not copyright-registered. If there is an infringement, registration at the US Copyright Office will ensure compensation. If it is not copyright-registered, ownership will be restored, but there will be no compensation. Bear in mind also, that laws vary across jurisdictions.
thank you!
I wish you and your channel prosperity.
I'm not sure I've been looking hard enough, but I'm still wondering if you have any bass player related videos. If not, that'd be soooo great!
I don't have anything that is exactly a bass lesson but I feel like the video on improving rhythm works for any instruments ruclips.net/video/QrQ8oF8B0nU/видео.html
I have been taking lots of notes in a notebook to stay confident and so I can teach to make a little extra cash! Your videos I have seen are super great for confidence and you make me feel smarter and more entertained and confident ! You are awesome man keep it up! You definitely just gained a subscriber and you helped me understand that I need to be a more DIY musician! Thanks man! Rock On!!
so....what's the beautiful music playing in the background?
also business.
+Chill Beats & VG Remixes (Dj K i R) Haha I just searched "royalty free japanese music" and I got this, it's by www.erictaylormusic.com
Literal LOL on the Vandelay Industries reference. That earned a subscription right there. Great channel, Sensei. Keep it up!
Thanks for the info on copyrights, another part of the business I didn't know.
#4 - Even though recording your song in your phone, the digital record date can be tampered by software/tools. Much better is to upload it or email a copy of it, since you don't have control over the send_date of your email servers. Just saying. Great content sensei.
I'd like to see a video where you are talking about your future goals outside of RUclips? Do you still want a band? What is it that you want? For me, I'd like to get through recording my old songs and then, possibly tab them all and move forward. For me the goal was recording. Which is hard to do when I want a distinct sound but only have a smartphone. We record our practices with the smart phone but my PC needs a hard drive, a USB keyboard and mouse and an OS. I have some gear but not all of it and my friend just got a rehearsal space for all his members so I'm really glad about that.
Business!
As a part time musician (I've got a day job and I'm quite content doing the odd bar gig) I can back up a lot of what was said about being a busy musician. No, I'm not the best bassist, but I try and be professional. That means being on time (rehearsals and gigs), being as prepared as possible, being low drama and being flexible. If you are, you'll get jobs because you can be trusted and depended on.
I can't express in words how grateful I am of your channel and your way
of educating. It's extremely pedagogical and regardful. Thank you!
Wow Samurai, I really like this side of you. You seem very hopeful in this video and not so disappointed like some of the later ones. I think this was like how I used to be before hitting 30
Business.... Also, thanks for making these videos. I get discouraged because I just never seem to have time to get what I want done with my projects, but these videos help encourage me to keep trying. I've been playing and writing for nearly my whole life so there is no "quitting" but it's still easy to lose focus. Anyways, thanks again.
Another great video! Gave me a lo of unknown information!
But I would suggest that for releasing songs and covers, Distrokid is an amazing source to use. its just $20 per year and they get all of the licensing that you'll need to release all music!
Jake Bailes yepper but I think there's an extra $15 charge to license covers also.
My band is looking into this at this time. But haven't used it. Have you???
The BUSINESS is definitely not well run from Facebook, either.
It really helps to put in footwork and maybe make invitations, learn to talk to strangers and hand out flyers face-to-face instead of always just sending facebook "invites" to shows to fam and friends.
But, THANK YOU about the copy right thing.
I spent nearly $80 on "song registration" once. Crazy.
Awesome vid.
I know this is an old video but watching his hands in this video reminds me of the interview scene in Talladega Nights, I'm not sure what to do with my hands.
Anyway, I really do enjoy the channel and hope you keep making these great video's.
This video is the kinda business we need to see on the musician side of RUclips.
Thank you for creating, I have learned a lot.
It seems like so much so many barriers, so many years... I pray my music is at least heard if nothing else
Great vid Sam Sen - talking music business is tricky but here you made it sound so much... friendlier. Keep 'em coming! Peace
I have enjoyed your commentaries on the business. Thought-provoking. Real word.
Being your own business advocate does not invalidate your art! Thanks for the video.
The whole "people won't discover you," thing REALLY helped me. Super good advise. New to your channel and I'm just watching all of them!
business is an ugly matter, but if your doing it right and for the right reasons it can be a breeze. I'm not looking to get famous or anything I just want people to enjoy my music as much as I do. growing up musically I didn't have anyone to look up to or help me so your videos and others like it have helped me alot! thank you for that!!
You know when I'm down to my socks, it's time for business. that's why they're called business socks
RoRoBaggins FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS
Great video Samurai, thanks for helping those new musicians turning their talent into business
Great video. I would suggest doing a video on originality from the get go when you are starting your career. So many new bands and artist get caught up in doing what is in the top 40s and try to duplicate that instead trying their best to create a new sound or vibe and start their own scene from scratch
Thank you so much for the copyright bits, you have no idea how many unclear answers I've gotten when asking about the subject
Great 'No-Nonsense" guide. Its amazing how often i have to tell other musicians that a CD will most likely not make them ANY money unless they TOUR TOUR and.. TOUR! Sell it!
Good video for me to see. My dad and myself have recently been talking a whole lot about the business of music and making ourselves known in the local area. Our primary difference lies in ideas. He wants to perform covers. He sees Instant popularity, going out to a bar and playing what folks know and want to hear. I see everlasting mediocritity, and feel that to be an artist, you have to create something of your own. If I was a painter, I wouldn't want to make my living painting copies of the Mona Lisa. I'd prefer to paint my own original pieces and see what people thought of them.
Never feel ready !!!so true
Great points. Also, great because it applies to more than music! Really, just change a couple words and it can be applied to many other categories, such as gaming and non-profits. Business is a positive thing, it must simply be learned.
Man, I don't care about click bait titles. Do what you gotta do. Your channel is awesome. Keep it up!
Business is the death of art maaaannnn
No business is the death of the artist
Boy! Art is art, business is business. But if you don't learn to mix them propperly, you can forget about actually getting a living from music. It might be sad for some people to hear (or read) it but it's a new world. Either you learn to survive in it or you die... figurativelly... Though you'd actually die if you can't buy food.
Business, you wanted that word mentioned, so I won't hold it back. I've been a singer all my life, but haven't found my band, up to a successful group? I don't know where to find these other musicians, and I hate auditions, but I'll go if I know where they are. Thank you for your friendly, honest and informative video, I hope to find more.
My band just cut our EP. We are going the official copyright route before disc production to be safe. The business side can be ugly, but it can be useful if the musician is diligent to read contracts and be patient for the right deal, not necessarily the highest paying deal
killing is my buisness........
And business is good \ m /
Justin Haddow and business is fuckin' cracking!
Renivius so far so good
Thatchman so what
Networking is key in this business. You have to get out there and see people. Even if you aren't meeting the "higher ups" of the industry. I've gone to other people's gigs and have ran into people I've met before through playing music. I went to one last week where a guy I know offered to share an incoming show with our bands. You can never know too many people.
you are razor sharp and so chill sam
Hi, I really like your videos and I find them very interesting being a musician myself. I would like to suggest to make a video about the ways that musicians have to make money, not easy nor fast money, but with enough hard work and a mindset that I feel I lack myself and perhaps a lot of other musicians. I almost forgot the word business, but here it is. Greetings from down south.
Don't know if someone already mentioned this in the comments, but in Germany, we've got the GEMA, an institution that collects money, whenever your original material is played, be it in a club or as a live performance. The catch is, that you also have to pay them, if you play your own songs (or so I've heard, I'm by no means an expert on this). They are probably quite similar to the organisations mentioned in this video, but they always seem to be focused on their own profit and not on what benefits the musician they represent most. For example, lots of official music videos on youtube were inaccessible in Germany due to the GEMA.
I'm not really looking to pursue music as a career, but learning about the business is really interesting to me.
I'm amazed at how much I've learned!
Thank you!
Dude,.. you hit the nail right on the head ! Some things I already knew,... but about half of the information was new ! Well done sir,.. well done ! :)
Hey man, Could you do a video on on view of how as a musician, you'd go about charging Artists looking to hire you (the guitarist) to accompany them on track or in a live event; making sure you are paid/charging a fair price for your services. And lastly, tips to avoid conflict when the Artists hiring you is a (close) friend of yours.
Great vid! Would love to hear what are your thoughts on how to deal with a lack of motivation and creative blocks when it comes to making music and producing.
+G00DGUYPETE Good question. First, I'd recommend my how to get out of a musical rut video ruclips.net/video/r53Nzn4q-sI/видео.html . I think the big thing is to always keep things fresh. My first successful video was me playing all the parts to "Don't Fear The Reaper" on an iPad. If the only videos I made were me doing iPad covers of songs I would be so bored of it I would have no motivation. So a big part is to always try to do something new and exciting!
Hey man. Great chat on the business aspects of the modern music industry. All great points.
You have a wonderful channel here and are making high quality and informative videos. Thank you for your work and insight, seriously. I just found this channel and you're doing it right. Thank you.
Live long and prosper.
Hi +samuraiguitarist - been watching a few of your videos and they really help me to work on my musicianship. I love this topic on music business that you are covering - especially in the context of my country (Singapore) there's been difficulties reaching out to the mass audience with our originals. Just dropping by to give you a thumbs up for whatever you have done thus far!
Hiya! I've been half-binging your videos because I've recently been trying to get back on guitar, and RUclips recommends one video to the next haha. I've always wanted to record a debut album, that I wrote a long long time ago, in a studio, but keep telling myself that I'm not good enough to play what I used to and wrote down years ago, so have to practice more, and I can't afford it right meow anyways... I just have to say, this really helped me a lot. At the very least, helped my mentality in what I think is the correct line of thinking. You seem like a genuinely swell dewd. I know you might not even read this, but big thanks. Truly. I hope you blow up soon and more people hear about you! I'm not in a position to support you financially at this moment, but you've at least got my YouTUbe subscription and views haha
"business"
You make tons of sensei ! I have enjoyed your wisdom and great advice , thanks for putting yourself out there .
I'm looking to start a business in a different creative field, but your advice applies to my area of interest in many ways. Thanks!!!
I didn't quite think all about your points of interest thank you for the insight and help with breaking into the business.
Ok then. Business. I actually found this pretty helpful. While I'm not sure if the music biz is necessarily right for me, my previous failures to do so could have been rectified by improving my methods of getting noticed and not obsessing over "not quite being good enough". As one of the RUclips musicians I most respect, knowing that you've come across similar issues gives me at least a little more confidence. Thanks, Mr Samurai.
+Mr Luxarina Glad you enjoyed, I think everyone deals with the same things. I think inner musical peace comes when you realize there will always be people who are better musicians than you, and there will always be worse, but no one can express yourself as well as you can, no one can write your song like you. Know what I mean!
I think I do, actually. I spent way too long comparing myself to people with 20-60 years more experience than myself, and it took actually performing for strangers who had no vested interest in my thinking they liked it to realise I was any good. Who else is going to write 8-bit progressive kletzmer metal, or cover slayer on the ocarina? ^^
And you want to be my LaTeX salesman.
Good advice, great video! The harder you work, the luckier you get. Thanks
Hi samurai sensei.. I love your videos! So informative... I was wondering if I pick any random backing tracks on youtube to jam along and uploaded the video on RUclips does it consider as copyright?
It's a Business... Thank You for this video. I learned a lot, and it got me motivated.
It's hard for me to think of my music craft as a business, but it's very important.
One money-making angle that many songwriters who gig don't seem to know....you can go online with your PRO (BMI / ASCAP/ SESAC) and log performances of your own songs from your gigs at venues which have a performance rights license. They pay a fee for that license....you get part of that fee if your song is played there...it doesn't have to be played on radio or cd etc. Most restaurants and clubs over 3500 sq ft have to pay for these licenses...usually there will be a sticker on the front showing they have one.
thank you so much for the advice you give in your videos they really do inspire me and make me think more carefully about what to do since I do want to pursue in a career with music I kind of just found myself making covers every now and again I'm just still really unsure where to start getting in touch with anyone related to going to gigs or even if I am good enough, this was an eye opener though!
Business, business, business. I enjoy your presentations. You do good work.
And by the way, I love your videos and the music you put up here on youtube.
Back in Business (again!) - AC/DC
(great tune)
This was a great one. That last point was great, really enjoyed this
3rd video I've watched by you. Decided it was time to subscribe. Taking care of business. Thanks Samurai Guitarist.
Another great video in this series! I'm not a musician, but I always watch this series because I feel like I still get something out of it. Can't wait to see what you some up with next! (P.S. Business)
+Sir Sep Thanks for watching! I've got something pretty whacky queued up, taking a break from shooting it right now
+samuraiguitarist Looking forward to it! All of the RUclips musicians I watch have been killing it lately, yourself included!
You look and sound like a great and genuine guy. Thanks for the video!
Love your videos. Please keep making them.
There are two songs I know called "Hello"
One is by Evanescence, and one is by Adele - both are COMPLETELY different songs.
Evanescence's "Hello" is about the frontwoman (Amy Lee) and her loss of her late sister who died quite young.
Adele's "Hello" is about a trying to get over a bad breakup.
Lionel Richie also has a song called "Hello" but I've never actually listened to it sooo
your videos are great.
Dom Westwellr9
Just recently got my hands on "All you need to know about the music business 10th edition" and, BOY, it's a must for any one who wants to work with music in any form at any point in his/her life. It's boring as hell, though... But the hundreds of coffe cups are totally worthy.
Pro studio player and published composer here:
You are correct on all points.
Hey, I'm a (recent) fan of your channel. Your videos are very helpful! About the "being ready" thing, do you think that there is some sort of basic skill set that you need as a pro musician? (like playing over chord changes, reading, etc) And if so, how do you go about acquiring said skill set? I'd love to make a living in the music business.
Thanks for teaching us about the music *business*
Good topic and want to hear more about this business of music. Thanks!
Awesome 101 lesson on the music business. Thank you!
From first glance I thought you were guitarist Dave Navarro. Good information & new subscriber from the 6ix.
Awesome Videos dude! glad I found you one here..I subscribed can't wait for more!
for someone just starting to do covers on youtube, this was very informative, thanks!
+justsomeguitarstuff Cheers man! Now you should know the laws about copyright and what not get a little weird with youtube. The laws were written a long time before streaming became a thing. Technically you need a whole other license to synch up a song with a video, but I think the vast majority of youtubers don't do this. Instead you might see a publisher flag your video as copywritten content. This isn't a bad thing this just means they can put up adds on it and earn revenue. This has been my experience anyways.
Happy to be in the Business with you!
This was great never knew all of this about the "music business"
show business - an acdc song that describes the business well :)
This was very helpful... thank you. The business of the career business how things have changed in the digital age. Maybe some some advice on cyber-tools to help become more accessible to fans.
business! thank you the quality content man! i learn a lot from your videos!
I found this video extremely helpful, and it really enlightened me about the music business! Thank you!
This is brilliant!! Thank you so much for sharing this!
Business. I've been a gigging musician for seven years now and I wish I saw this video when I first started. Self doubt is hugely debilitating. I was always the laid back guy in my bands, I never took the horse by the reigns. I was stricken by self doubt and felt afraid to express my opinion all the time, compromising to the point that I wasn't satisfied with the finished product. I mean, what's the point of having a Band if you're not going to really go for it? Now I'm in a Band where I feel I have more creative control and I'm not afraid of offending someone, because we all are self critical. It's nice to have bandmates who really want to be good. There are so many examples of times where I wish I expressed my opinion and said something but instead I held it in to avoid confrontation, and it ended up hurting me in the end.
Loving the channel man, thanks for the upload. Also, business.
+MariaHillMusic :-)
I find these videos interesting. I'm a filmmaker, and i can play some music. I know many filmmakers that distance themselves from business as much as possible. But since i don't know business people or have the money to hire business people i had to dive into that. It's hard but it pays off when you make a fully functioning budget to obtain your goals. hey, films won't make themselves.
Business
It's businesss tiiiiiimeeee
iknowhatchatryintosay, yatryintosayitstimeforbusinessitsbusinesstime OOH!
I used to draw and paint and of course it was easy to get friends and family to look at my work. I now spent two weeks recording a song and nobody has got three or four minutes to listen in between watching soaps, playing Xbox or going outside for a smoke. Very frustrating!
It is frustrating but that's the reality of the music industry. There is so much stuff that people don't care about most of it. People like us need to try and create something so cool that people will watch it over their other distractions.
I agree. I will get there eventually I suppose. Thanks for replying!
Whats up Mister SAMurai!!! Thanks for all the cool vids. this really motivates me! got yourself a new sub.. so i guess its business time!!!