More on the Need to Plan

"Bands need to learn to create a plan, set goals, create roles within the band where everyone takes ownership of part of the process and has a job description". Great interview/blog post with the founder of http://musicnomad.com/. (Link to the full blog post below).

Personally, after three years in the industry and 'knowing' this because of an extensive business background, it is nice to get some validation through the many, many music industry blogs that abound now. The music business is a business. If you are going to put a price on something and sell it - you are in business. The music industry is not exempt from that because it is creative. If you want success, then you need business basics. Visioning, planning, and executing that plan. Each and every day.

“This new music business will require a new level of business sophistication. So the artists who learn the business and have a good business head will be the ones who survive and thrive.”

If music is your hobby - then it can still benefit by being treated as a business, but it doesn't need to be treated that way. If you aren't relying on your music industry income to live; then it is less of a necessity. There is nothing wrong with having music as a career or as a hobby. What becomes problematic is when you say you want a career, but you don't want to treat music as a business. Get clear with yourself. If you want a career, set goals, make a plan, and then execute the plan. Live that plan ... every day.

http://www.examiner.com/x-16453-Salt-Lake-City-Entertainment-Industry-Examiner~y2009m9d15-Music-Nomad--a-philanthropist-to-Indie-artists