My kid's musical career? What should I do?

[Jam Man]

What's a parent to do? My kid is so talented musically. There's no possible way that he's is not going to be a professional musician. He plays the guitar and he's 16 but already has a really talented band. They just play in our garage, but darn it they sound really good!! I'm really impressed and proud of him, but I'm afraid that he's heading in the wrong direction with all this MTV stuff on television all the time.

I've already made the desicion that "yes" I'm going to support him no matter what, but now what steps do I take?

So far, there's this program called Inside Sessions that I've heard through the grapevine. You can see for yourselves on Insidesessions.com. It just teaches people about the music industry on all kinds of topics. Well, after doing some of my own research, this company is claiming that once the program has been completed by the purchaser, A & R Universal Music will accept three of the artist’s best songs for a chance to be signed on to a record label. But even if they don’t sign them, they promise a professional written critique on the music sent. It’s seriously a win-win situation.

I really think my kids’ got the talent for the big time, but more importantly, we parents need to know this industry inside and out if my kid and his friends want to get into this business. It costs about 70 bucks (divided by 4 families =$17.50), but I just want to know if the program helped your kid or if you have any other advice or methods of getting my kid heard.

Also, do you agree that I'm doing the right thing as a parent? He wants to live the life of a rock n' roll god, and we all know what type of lives they end up really living.

Well, THANKS for your time and I’d appreciate any response!!!

[AnnW]

If he is that good, I would try to get an agent rather than paying a company to look at him.

[Diane]

I agree with Ann... :D :D :D Good luck!!!

Diane... :wave:

[RCT]

Ditto, get an agent, don't waste your time with the other...:)

good luck :)

[Marla]

It sounds like you need an agent. Good luck

[Lynda-WA]

DH was in a band when we got married. They did gigs at bars and clubs. Sometimes things like a base picnic or dance at the rodeo. They were approached by someone, I guess an agent. Of course that happened on their last gig together before all of the band members were moving away!

I'd suggest they look into band competitions. I'm sure the local music store has fliers. I'd also see about hiring themselves out for jobs. At 16 they may be very limited. Or you may need to accompany them. Not really sure how the age thing will work.

The school music department may also know of competitions. When I was in HS some guys formed a band and were in some competition. They must have been fairly good since they got to meet the country group Alabama.

My SIL's best friend (Jay) is also in a band. Her's is more of a folksy type but it fits in here in the Northwest. They have a steady job on a boat that travels the river serving meals. One thing they did was cut a record. I think they've done two or three. You can do that with your own funds. Then everywhere they play they sell their records. They've had to do alot of free/low cost stuff to establish a reputation. For example, when they cut their first record they put on a free show at a movie theatre. My SIL was set up in the lobby with the CDs on sale. I think Jay said they made enough selling to family and friends and that one show to pay for all of the CDs. Anything after that was profit.

No way would I pay.

[imamama]

I'd go with Lynda's advice. I'm sure you can find a studio and book them some time to lay a few tracks, then saturate the market with them. Mail them to labels, go to label offices (if there are any around you). I definitely wouldn't pay... there are too many hungry execs out there waiting to discover the next big thing. Look into getting them booked to do some free local shows, as Lynda said, that'll get the word out. And check with the high schools to see if they could play at some function or another.

It's wonderful that you're being so supportive. Kids need that! Like you mentioned, the rock and roll lifestyle is usually not what a parent would want for his/her child, but drill it into his brain that if he gets caught up in things he shouldn't, he could lose it all before it ever has a chance..

Good luck! Let us know how it's proceeding.

[TXmom]

Oh, I agree - never, EVER pay a service for this, find an agent.