COMMON MISTAKES ARTISTS MAKE WHEN TRYING TO BREAK INTO THE MUSIC BIZ...

1. Many aspiring artists don't realize the difference between a publishing company and a record company. Sending songs to a record company is a waste of time. Publishing companies look for songwriters with new music to sell to a record company or artist for recording. Record companies own the recording property.

2. Know your market. Don't send demos to everyone. For example, don't send rap songs to country/western publishers. Look at the publishing companies' names on CD's.

3. Never sell more than three songs at a time. Don't cram 10 songs on your demo. More than 3 or 4 and publishers will trash.

4. Have a hook - a memorable part of the song. Get to the hook early, not half way through the song.

5. Package vs. Content. A professional sounding demo is important. Many artists are audibly motivated but not visually motivated. The outside cover should look presentable. Must have an overall presentation.

6. Negotiate. Don't assume that anyone in the business is on your side if you are offered a contract.

7. Don't be overprotective. Take what you can get. Billions of songs are written in U.S. every year. Approximately 2000 may circulate in the industry. Very few are aired on radio.

8. Pro vs. semipro. Great songwriters have written hundreds of songs to every one hit. Most songwriters only write a few songs and then start shopping for a deal. The art/craft takes time and effort to develop.

9. It is not necessary for a songwriter to record his own music. Publishing companies can match a songwriter's music and style to an appropriate singer.

10. Publishing companies represent songwriters and they own the copyright to the song, but anyone can perform the song live and pay no royalties. If it is recorded, a royalty MUST BE paid to the publishing company.

11. Artists can record their own music and try to sell on an independent basis. After some sales have been made, you may then approach a large recording outfit with a track record and look to sell your property. Moving to Hollywood to get a record deal is usually not the best thing that an aspiring artist can do.

12. Technical knowledge and an understanding of the business of music is critical to breaking in and sustaining a career in music. Lots of people with talent in music are not on stage, but behind the scenes. An understanding of the creative process of making art, what makes a good song, the mechanical nuts and bolts is essential.

13. The recent revolution of technical equipment that allows artists to make professional recordings at home is a misnomer. Assistance on how to learn the techniques necessary to operate the technology is not available from the manufacturer or the vendor, and owners become frustrated with the technology. Equipment owners should take professional instruction at an Institute to learn the process.