Hello guys.
I have a question that I think bugs a lot of the music enthusiasts here. I'm only 16 years old, so I guess I don't know much.
I aspire to be a performer in the future (I play drums). My dream would be to perform with my band in front of a crowd, with them cheering and all. I LOVE THE ADRENALINE RUSH AND EXCITEMENT!
However I heard many people (including my own parents) saying that making money with music in Singapore is nearly impossible. So, what are your thoughts? How difficult is it to make a living out of music in Singapore?
Hello Mr. Mouse. What a cute nickname!
Anyway, don't listen to what most of these other posters say. They speak from their heart, most of them, but not their minds. They are well-meaning and intend to be helpful in their suggestions though. But let me put something into a more realistic perspective for you, then you can decide whether pursuing a music career is for you.
1) If you are doing it for passion
By all means, go ahead! The creation of music stems from passion in the first place. And if you don't have the passion for music to begin with, I doubt you'd be posting this thread in the first place. Every business man, musician, lawyer, doctor, etc who goes on to achieve great things in their careers all have one common denominator - a love and passion for what they are doing. And if you have it, embrace it.
2) The Thrill of Performing Live!...
....is by far an unmatched experience. Having hundreds, if not thousands, of your friends, family and fans cheer you on is a sensation that is surpassed only by....well, I can't think of anything. I hope you can achieve your dream in that aspect. Because nothing beats that moment of euphoria or somebody appreciating and respecting you for the art you create, be it on drums, guitars, singing or ballet (if you're into that kinda thing
)
3) But wait....let's be realistic!
But let's be realistic here. Whether you see the music industry as a business or not is entirely dependent on you, but here's the catch - sustaining your interest in music in a commercial sense requires a lot of financial input. For example, the costs of recording an album, buying professional equipment and generating interest amongst fans does require a significant amount of finances.
If you are doing it as a hobby, you will be more than satisfied in occuring losses during the progression of your semi-professional career. However, if you are hoping to make a living out of doing music, it requires commitment and time
beyond just the music-making aspect of it. You have to create sources of income to cover your running costs and have a little on the side to live on decent terms. In order to make that kind of money, you
have to invest your intellectual learning into marketing, promotions and getting your music heard
and purchased. Doing so requires a lot of your time and commitment, and anything less will usually lead to a failure in generating significant income.
4) Look outside of Singapore
Demographically, Singapore is not big enough to sustain your career as a musician (if you are looking to be an original recording artist and not a pub player). I emphasize the word
sustain for two reasons. 1) Sustaining a career means a steady form of income as an original artist. 2) Sustaining your finances is just as important as feeding your passions. Without finances, you can have great talent but no avenue to showcase it to the world with an album or advertising. Even recording a professional sounding album is a financially draining process, but it is not impossible. That is why you need to look outside of Singapore for a wider demographic of appreciation which obviously leads to an increased sales rate to feed you the finances to sustain and improve on your music career.
ANYONE who says passion is enough to make a living out of music is talking nonsense. Passion is a
must, but it also must be coupled with risk taking, making intelligent decisions, a creative and focused work ethic, and an undying desire to prove to your detractors that you can make it happen for yourself.
5) But all is well, if you have the dream
However daunting I have made things out to be, don't fret. If you fill your heart with the determination to succeed as a musician, you will. It doesn't matter how many peopel tell you that it's impossible. With your creative spirit, grit and passion to go against the odds to not just make a living out of music, but inspire fans to celebrate in your creative output, I am sure you will grow up to be a capable musician who will learn the ins and outs of the industry and shape them to your advantage.
Of course, that's quite a lot to take in for a 16 year old. Maybe you should focus on your O Levels first.
Once again, listen to this advice, and your dreams to become a full-time professional musician just might one step closer to being fulfilled, bit by bit. It comes from someone who has done it from experience and not from posting or listening too much to SOFT.
I wish you the best of luck in your pursuit of happiness, and cannot wait to hear your music soon. Cheers!