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Differences Between Management, Entrepreunership and Business within the Music Industry

16 December 2024 by
Differences Between Management, Entrepreunership and Business within the Music Industry
Lelia Heringer Salles

The post explores the distinct yet interconnected areas that make up a musician's career. Career management focuses on the planning and guidance of the artist's professional trajectory, while entrepreneurship highlights the capacity for innovation and the creation of new musical ventures. On the other hand, business management concentrates on the efficient administration of operations, including marketing and contracts. The overlap of functions, the lack of specific knowledge, and the subjective nature of a musical career can create confusion between these areas. To achieve success, especially for unknown musicians, strategies such as the use of digital marketing, streaming, networking, and building a strong personal brand are presented. The text also emphasises the importance of planning, continuous learning, and resilience, recognising that each musician must find their own path to success in the music industry.

  1. Career Management in Music:
    • Career management involves the planning and guidance of musicians' professional trajectories. This includes decisions about performance, pedagogy, academic involvement, and other areas related to music. The musician must equip themselves to steer their career according to their aspirations and goals.
  2. Empreendedorismo na Música:
    • Entrepreneurship in music refers to the ability to create and innovate. It is the creative and visionary drive that leads to the establishment of new ventures in the musical landscape. This can involve the founding of a record label, the creation of soundtracks, or the development of innovative musical projects..
  3. Negócios na Música:

In summary, career management is focused on the individual artist, entrepreneurship seeks innovation and creation, and business involves strategic management in the music scene. I hope this information is useful! 

Let's analyse the reasons why the three areas can be confusing for musicians due to their intersections and nuances.

  1. Function Overlap:
    • Often, a musician needs to perform multiple roles. For example, an artist can be a performer, composer, and producer at the same time. This overlap can make it difficult to distinguish between career management, entrepreneurship, and business..
  2. Falta de Conhecimento Específico:
    • Not all musicians have a deep understanding of business management or entrepreneurship. They may be more focused on musical creation and less familiar with aspects such as marketing, contracts, and finance.
  3. Natureza Subjetiva da Carreira Musical:
    • The music career is highly subjective and personal. What works for one musician may not work for another. This makes it difficult to establish rigid rules on how to manage a music career.
  4. Evolução do Setor:
    • The music industry is in constant flux. New technologies, streaming platforms, and emerging business models are affecting the way musicians approach their careers. This can be confusing and challenging.

Ultimately, understanding these areas requires continuous education, networking, and seeking specialised guidance. Musicians must be willing to learn and adapt to changes in order to succeed in their musical careers. 

How an Unknown Musician Can Achieve Viral Success: Management and Entrepreneurship Strategies

  1. Digital Marketing and Social Media:
    • The musician can use platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and SoundCloud to share their music. Smart marketing strategies, such as relevant hashtags and collaborations with other artists, can increase visibility.
  2. Streaming and Digital Distribution:
    • Publishing music on streaming platforms (such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer) allows the audience to discover your work. The use of playlists, promotions, and release strategies can attract more listeners.
  3. Networking and Collaborations:
    • Participating in music events, meeting other artists, and collaborating on projects can expand your network. Partnerships with other musicians or producers can lead to unexpected opportunities.
  4. Visual Identity and Personal Brand:
    • Having a consistent and authentic image is important. This includes logos, profile pictures, biographies, and visual style. A strong personal brand helps to create connections with the audience.
  5. Innovation and Originality:
    • Captivating and original music has a better chance of standing out. Experimenting with genres, instruments, or unique approaches can attract attention.
  6. Leveraging Trends and Virality:
    • Keeping up with musical and cultural trends can help. If a song goes viral on a platform, it can boost the musician's career.

Remember that viral success is not guaranteed, but investing time and effort in these areas increases the chances of being noticed and appreciated by the audience. 

Managing all these resources independently can be challenging for musicians, but it is possible with strategy and dedication. Here are some steps and challenges:

  1. Planning and Organisation:
    • Stage: The musician must create a detailed career plan. This includes short-term and long-term goals, marketing strategies, and timelines.
    • Challenge: To remain disciplined and focused on your goals, even when facing obstacles.
  2. Continuous Learning:
    • Stage: The musician should learn about marketing, finance, social media, and other relevant areas. Online courses, books, and workshops can help.
    • Challenge: Balancing learning with music creation and other responsibilities.
  3. Automation and Digital Tools:
    • Step: Use tools such as social media schedulers, digital distribution platforms, and task managers.
    • Challenge: To find the right tools and learn to use them effectively.
  4. Networking and Collaborations:
    • Stage: Participate in events, meet other musicians and collaborate on projects.
    • Challenge: Overcome shyness and build genuine relationships.
  5. Balance between Creativity and Business:
    • Stage: Finding a balance between creating music and managing the career.
    • Challenge: Not allowing administrative tasks to affect creativity.
  6. Finance and Budget:
    • Stage: Create a budget for recordings, marketing, and other costs.
    • Challenge: Manage finances responsibly and avoid debt.
  7. Resilience and Persistence:
    • Stage: Continue even when facing rejection or challenges.
    • Challenge: To maintain motivation and confidence during difficult times.

Remembering that each musician is unique, and the path to success can vary. Perseverance, adaptability, and a passion for music are essential to overcoming these challenges.