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Print this page Print Version The long view

You can always find a story about the latest young thing who has signed a big recording or publishing deal. So you are over 25 and can't get anyone interested in your songs? Don't tell me - "the music industry is just full of people who are just into image and not really good writing?" How often have you heard someone say that?

Plot a strategy that is between five and ten years ahead.

Well, fortunately this isn't the case. The music industry is interested in talented songwriters, although it is a numbers game. The number of deals that are made in the music industry, year on year, is actually very small. Even so, it is still true that for talented people there is enough of the cake to go round - your slice just might take longer to get to you than you think. OK, not everyone is going to get the mansion and the swimming pool, but there is a fair number who make a decent living out of their songs.

Catherine Bell Catherine Bell, Director of Rights, Chrysalis Music Ltd
"You have to spend a long time working to get where you want to."
Listen to Catherine
Audio help So, like the lottery, you have to stay in it to win it. It therefore helps to take a long view of a career in the music industry. Try doing these things:

• Lose the desire to be an overnight success. As soon as you drop the idea that you can make it in a year or so, or the feeling that time is constantly running out, it's amazing how much pressure comes off your shoulders to concentrate on what's important.
• Concentrate on honing your writing skills - if you are talented, someone will recognise it.
• Don't get jaded. Rants against the music industry will only drag you down and make you a bore to be with.
• Take a long-term view - plot a strategy that is between five and ten years ahead. If you get to where you want to be much sooner, then all well and good, but if you don't at least you will be prepared for the long haul.
• Explore every possible income stream for your songs, from library music to selling tracks online. But think carefully about any deal that involves the wholesale handing over of your copyright in songs. Get independent legal advice first.

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