Useful hints for breaking into the music industry from ISO
It’s a well-known fact that the South African music industry has grown significantly over the last few years. More local music is being played on radio stations than ever before, festival and concert tickets have been selling like hotcakes and more local artists are getting recognition and attention for their talent that they deserve abroad.
Because the music industry is booming, more South Africans are making the choice to pursue music as a full-time career. Breaking into the music industry in South Africa takes a lot of hard work and is a tough process. The road to success will most likely be paved with rejections, discouragements and other negative elements, but it could turn out to be all worth it when you finally get your big break. Doing something you love for a living can be the most rewarding experience you can have after all. Sometimes you just need a little patience.
We recently spoke to Alex Parker (keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist) and Richard Brokensha (lead vocalist and guitarist) from the South African band ISO. They offered some useful hints for aspiring musicians thinking of breaking into the South African music industry.
In the interview (which is part of the #YouWantMyJob series on the Job Mail YouTube channel) Parker highlights that you initially need to have the urge to be a performer of some kind and a natural musical ear and Brokensha points out that studying music at school level helps to build a foundation, but you need to educate yourself and study different kinds of music and aspects of music to ease your break into the industry.
Parker also points out that you need to be able to market yourself and “sell” what you’re doing on stage in order to cope with the attention you may receive during shows. He also points out that passion for your art plays a huge part in making it. Brokensha urges aspiring musicians not to limit themselves (in terms of music) and try to give back to the musical community.
Huge thanks to Richard, Alex and ISO for taking the time to answer our questions. You can follow ISO on Twitter via @ISOband or check out the ISO Facebook page for more information about the band. Check out the full interview video below:
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