by Virginia Galfo

Created on: March 14, 2010

I have been an active participant in the music industry for most of my life, and I feel that now, as never before, there are more and more opportunities for older artists. The record industry that existed in 1990 is no longer relevant, and with the introduction of iTunes, and other platforms, the indy artist actually has the chance to succeed.

Home recording equipment is now affordable, and easy to learn, and if you don't play an instrument, you can "play" almost anything on a keyboard with virtual instrument patches. The internet has made it incredibly easy for one musician to send a file to another, and have that person record their tracks and email the file back. In fact, my husband recently recorded a harmonica track in Florida, and emailed it to the artist, who lives in Texas. When I began my career, that was a dream for the distant future - it's amazing that the future is happening right now!

I believe that the older artist has an advantage over the twenty- and thirty-somethings. We have more connections, we know what it's like to starve, we've been all over the country in creaky vans with amplifiers that sometimes worked, and sometimes didn't... in other words, because we've paid our dues, it's easier to manage the business side of the music industry. I am involved in music licensing and publication, and had a song included in a movie two years ago. I no longer kill myself in nightclubs and bars, instead, I was able to translate my experience into a lucrative job in communications. The best part, for me,  is playing with friends has never been more joyful.

I recently spoke with a recording engineer with whom I worked 15 years ago - we are both now 50. I was thrilled to learn that he won a Grammy last year for his engineering on Dr. John's Night Rider album. It took awhile, but as I said to him, "You have finally arrived!"

Years ago, when the major labels held court, if your were a female and over 35, they wouldn't even look at you, let alone listen to your demo. Now that their power has diminished to the point of pointlessness, age no longer matters. I honestly believe that anyone can "make it" in the industry. The resources are out there, one just has to look for them. For inspiration, check out my web site. I  just posted a music video I made several years ago there and on youTube. Take heart, and then get out there and live your dream.

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