Year in Review

There are no doubt countless other blogs, articles, features, etc. being written this time of year with that same headline – or something awfully close.  In this particular case you’re probably expecting a look back at the major music news headlines from 2014.  You’re thinking this is going to be a recap of which artists’ new albums soared and then those that flopped.

Or perhaps you’re awaiting a reminder of who all the award winners were or, say, another commentary on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.

Heck, for that matter, a Year In Review written within the music industry might even be one that takes on a more somber tone, reflecting on the great contributors who were lost during the year (including right near the end, like Joe Cocker, who just died last week).

But this particular blog actually doesn’t aim to do any of the above.

For that matter, some probably feel this space will be used to tout the successes of Now Hear This over the course of these last 12 months.  Again, though, not the case.

The aim once again is to assist – and motivate – the up-and-comers who are gaining tips and heeding advice from blogs on this website and/or the weekly “Now Hear This Entertainment” podcast.

Rather than using this point in the year as a time of reflection in a nostalgic way, use it as an opportunity to further your career.

How?  Do a self-audit.  Make a list and check it twice.  Yes, even though Christmas has passed.

Did you make some music-related New Year’s resolutions back on January 1, 2014?  If so, how many of them did you follow through on?

Do a year-in-review sales-wise, or earnings-wise.  Meaning, did you sell more music (CDs, downloads, or otherwise) in 2014 than you did in 2013?  Did you achieve higher pay for live shows you played this year versus 2013?  What about merchandise sales?

What about some measurable that aren’t dollars and cents-related?  For example, what percentage increase did you see on your mailing list?  And then what about the ever important online data – traffic to your website, Likes on your music page on Facebook, followers on Twitter, views and subscribers on your official YouTube channel?

If this is the point in your reading when you find yourself saying, “I didn’t keep track of those metrics last year, so I don’t have anything to compare them to,” then you just made a New Year’s resolution for January 1, 2015, didn’t you?

Take stock of what worked well in 2014 and what didn’t, react accordingly, and go out with your best show of the year on New Year’s Eve. 

See you on the other side!