Do The Right Thing

In 1989 there was “a Spike Lee joint” called “Do The Right Thing.”  While only its director might be recalled rather than its stars, the title still resonates some 25 years later.  In particular, there is a ‘do the right thing’ application in the music business.

While I’m tempted to take the angle here of the way that I choose to run my business – quality over quantity (see pledge here) – as opposed to others who make some people wince when this vocation is discussed, today I’m more in a headspace of encouraging performers to think things through.

In particular, doing the right thing in today’s blog is pointing squarely at paying your bills.  On-time.  Doing business the right way means honoring your commitments.  If you’ve signed a contract with someone, there are certain terms that you’ve agreed to.  Taking a cavalier attitude toward that can backfire on you. 

The music business is so competitive that it’s of the utmost importance that you do everything to establish – and keep – a good name.  No matter what market you’re in, the music community is smaller than you think.  Bad news, or, in this case, a bad reputation, travels fast.

Would you tell the electric company or the cable company or the county water department, or even your cell phone provider that you don’t think you should have to pay this month?  Or receive their bill but say that you’ll pay it over the course of the next ten months in increments that you determine?

People just starting out in the music business are always encouraged to find someone to help them that is truly passionate about their music and devoted to them and, thus, willing to help out.  While the implication there is that this assistance will be free, get an understanding upfront, including how long such services will be provided at no cost.  Know the difference between someone who’s doing you a favor or doing something as a hobby versus someone who is working as a business.

I am one of many who talk a lot about “you never know who might be there” as I encourage performers to always put on their best show.  But as they say an hour to the east of here, over in Disney, it’s a small world, after all.  You never know who might know who that can get doors closed on you rather than opened for.

My aim is always to establish a first-class image of my clients and whether you’re currently working with Now Hear This or not, you must strive for the same.  You are a brand and the way you run the business that is your music career sends a message.  Do a self-audit to make sure that each aspect of your efforts on and off the stage are what will set you apart as a true professional.  Do the right thing.