Tips for new musicians do not just include how to write music, make sure you love what you are doing, etc.... Tips should also talk about what they need to be prepared to experience while in the business. I am enrolled in a music business class that deals with current issues in the industry. Not only have I learned a few things from taking this class, but also from being a fan of a couple local bands.

One issue I am currently researching is about radio paying to play music. Of course all the big artists will always be on the radio, but what about new and upcoming artists? As we all know, sales and revenues have declined severely due to downloading the past few years. More people are listening to internet radio and their downloaded music instead of terrestrial radio. Because of this, artists and record companies do not believe that radio is giving necessary exposure. Yes, it used to be very necessary in increasing sales, but not so much anymore.

Radio, on the other hand, does not agree with this. For several decades they have not paid artists for broadcasting their music. In a recent article I read on www.royaltyweek.com, radio may not be playing as much music if a "performance tax" is agreed upon. They may change their format. This means that it will be harder for newer artists to even have a chance of getting heard through radio.

The second thing I would like to share deals with downloading music. Through observing a couple local bands, my respect for them has increased. They do not offer their music through downloading. I have learned that this is a very smart decision. If fans want to listen to their music, they will have to do so by purchasing their CDs, visiting their MySpace page, or see them in concert.

It is very important for artists to be researching current issues. They need to be prepared to deal with things that will come as they grow. Maybe they will reconsider offering their music to download.

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