So, you want to be a musician?

For whatever reason, a lot of people ask me how to get into music. While I'm flattered that those people think I know what I'm doing, I'm not going to sugarcoat things or lie to them.

I've been singing since I was four years old. I spent over a decade in school choir, community choir, school and community theater, and vocal coaching. I did not just decide one day that I wanted to be a musician. In fact, I didn't really choose music; music chose me. I've know since I was a kid that music was all I wanted to do. It called me. I tried to do other things and nothing ever fit me; my heart wasn't in those things the way it's in music.

If you really want music to be your career, there are some things you should know first.
Being a musician is NOT for everyone. Though, who could really tell with the overwhelming amount of artists these days that aren't talented yet somehow famous, right?

Fact #1
It doesn't happen overnight.

Look, you're not going to post a couple of demos on Myspace and get offers for a record contract the next day. It just doesn't work like that. (Unless, of course, you're friends with Pete Wentz.) Sometimes, less deserving artists make it big quick thanks to their connections. But for most of us, there is work involved. A LOT of work, actually. If you're in a band, you're going to lose members and replace them. If you're a solo artist, you're going to be expected to brand and market yourself. Leave one band and join another? Well, unless the band you left is famous, you get to start from scratch on the next one. That's just the way it works.

Fact #2
Pay your fucking dues

Are you allowed to walk into a store and just take whatever you want without paying for it? No, legally, you are not. So, what makes you think you can walk into music without paying your dues? What makes you think you can expect things to be handed to you? Don't pull that shit. It takes time to build a name for yourself and to earn respect from others. Your first tour is probably going to suck. You're not going to make a lot of money. Your first album may not sell a lot. You may not sell any merch at some shows. Oh well, that's all part of it. You've got to climb the latter to get the top. When you're successful, wouldn't you much rather know that you earned it?

Fact #3
It's not a party.

Now, I know some bands and artists make music look glamorous, but it isn't all sex, money and parties. In fact, the majority of your time is spent writing, recording, promoting, networking and performing. Sure, when you're signed to a major and your records are platinum, it's a lot more exciting. But until then? Have fun working your ass off. Have fun getting used to days without a shower and a month without sleeping in a real bed. Get used to being hungry and tired and annoyed with everyone around you. Get used to a lack of personal space and privacy, because that doesn't exist in a tour van. You'll miss your family/friends/pets/lovers. It's not the party everyone makes it out to be.

Fact #4
You will need to make sacrifices

Not all of your friends are going to be supportive. Not all of your lovers are going to love what you're doing. Not many jobs will hire someone that plans on being gone for a month at a time. I suggest you start a savings account now, because you're going to need the money. Starting out, sure, band practice once or twice a week and shows on the weekend. But when you make the decision to do music full time, it's hard to fit much else in your schedule. Just know that you will , at some point or another, have to make decisions you're not going to like. And that you will likely have to sacrifice other things to pursue music.

I encourage everyone to find their artistic side and do what they love. Music is a beautiful thing and it's a good thing to be a part of. However, if you want to do music purely because you think you're going to become rich and famous and party all the time, you should rethink things. It's work, love, passion, and more work. Do it for the right reasons or don't do it at all. If you love it, pursue it with all you've got.