Breaking into the music scene can be a challenge no matter what genre you’re interested in.
For a long time, it seemed like country was the most difficult to enter. However, that has changed in the past decade!
These days, it’s something that can be attainable for anyone. Of course, that’s if they have enough passion, drive, and dedication. It can be hard to strike a balance between those, too.
There are a lot of steps along the way, no matter what route you take. Today, we’d like to cover some of the things you need to know if you want to break into this industry. Stay tuned to learn more, or check out resources like this one: https://online.ucpress.edu/jpms/article/32/2/128/110772/Redneck-ChicRace-and-the-Country-Music-Industry-in.
The History of Country Music
For anyone interested in entering the country music industry, it’s important to first understand some of the history. That will eventually help you enrich your own songs, after all. There’s a lot to cover here.
Roots
Keep in mind that when we discuss this history, we’re referring to the progression in the United States. Country music originated in the Southern United States in the early 20th century. It blends influences from folk, blues, and gospel music.
Key Areas
We mention this because they tend to influence a lot of current and past country music hits. Nashville, Tennessee, is often considered the heart of country music. Other influential cities include Austin, Texas, and Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Genres and Subgenres
Another thing that’s important to understand is the variety of genres and subgenres at play. When you’re trying to break into the industry, you’ll want to settle one or two of these to specialize in. That comes into play with personal lessons as well. How so?
Well, when you’re getting private voice lessons, you can tell your instructor what you want to focus on. In this case, you can respond with one of the genres we’ll be discussing. Small disclaimer: there are probably some that we’ve missed!
Traditional
Often, this is the type we hear on the radio. It includes classic artists like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. The format is usually simple story telling, with some sort of message included.
Outlaw
This is a subgenre that emerged in the 1970s. Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings are the big names here. They popularized it, pushing back against the “commercial” sound coming from Nashville.
Pop-Country
Compared to the others, this genre is more recent. It was popularized in the 1990s, in fact. Garth Brooks and Shania Twain are some of the front runners.
This style incorporates pop elements and broad appeal. For the most part, it’s what many newcomers in the industry will start with. After all, it’s “pop” for a reason!
Bluegrass
When many of us think of “classic” country, this could come to mind. It’s a fast-paced, acoustic genre with roots in folk and blues. A well-known feature is instrumental accompaniment and harmony.
Alternative Country
This is the final genre we’ll be covering today. You see, it includes artists who blend country with rock, punk, and indie influence. Examples are Ryan Adams and Lucinda Williams.
Breaking into the Industry
Now that we’ve explored some of the basics, we can delve a bit deeper. Obviously, there are a lot of moving parts in the country music industry. This is true no matter which genre you want to start in.
Develop Your Craft
A general starting point is simple: start to develop your craft. This might include taking lessons on the guitar or singing. There are even online options for them these days, so you can do this on your own schedule.
Great songs are the heart of country music. Work on your songwriting skills in conjunction with the rest of it. It can help to focus on an emotional beat or a story that you’re looking to tell.
Whether you play an instrument or focus solely on vocals, practice is key. Ensure you have a strong command of your musical abilities. Again, that’s why lessons can really come in handy.
Finally, don’t forget to hone your live performance skills. Play at local venues, open mics, and community events to gain stage experience. Easier said than done, of course, but still!
Build Your Brand
Develop a distinct brand that reflects your personality and musical style. This is often known as “personal image.” It could include things like your visuals, fashion, and general public persona. Even when you’re just starting out, forging an identity for yourself can be quite helpful.
Another aspect of this is utilizing social media. Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to share your music. From there, you can engage with fans and build yourself a following.
Don’t neglect your professional image, too. Create a high-quality press kit. Components should include a bio, professional photos, and links to your music. That way, you can be prepared for any circumstance.
Networking
Networking makes the world go ‘round. That’s true no matter what industry you’re in. It should come as no surprise that it includes the music industry, right?
Industry connections are a big one. This can start as early as when you’re taking voice lessons. Build relationships with fellow musicians, producers, songwriters, and industry professionals. You can accomplish that by doing things like attending industry events, workshops, and conferences.
Additionally, you can seek guidance from established artists or industry veterans. When you’re getting lessons and honing your craft, for instance, you can find veterans to guide you. Most instructors are quite involved in this world, after all.
Work with other artists and songwriters to expand your reach and blend your styles. This helps to expand your reach. Collaborations are a huge part of the music industry as a whole.
Stay Authentic
On one last note, don’t forget to stay true to yourself. It can be easy to get swept up in the glitz and glam of the industry. However, the more authentic you are, the more your music will resonate with your listeners!
