How to Become a Music Star

Becoming a musical star is one of the most challenging ambitions a creative individual can have, but the rewards can be great. In this article, you will find strategies and resources that can catapult your musical dreams to superstar status. Although there's not just one single method of becoming a star, the following steps will increase your probability of fortune and fame.

Things You'll Need

• Talent
• Hard work
• Demo music
• Press kit

Instructions

Got Talent?

1. Find your musical talent. The most valuable asset an aspiring musical star can have is sheer talent. There is no substitute or amount of embellishment that can replace talent. Some musical talents are singing, songwriting, playing musical instruments and producing popular music. You might have several abilities, but if you want to be a music star, you must find one that can bring you distinction.

2. Develop your talent. Once you have found your musical talent, develop it. The best way to develop your talent is to practice your art. Although record labels might recognize and applaud your raw talent, you'll never be a star if you don't refine your talent. If you sing, sing more often. If you play instruments, play more challenging pieces and push yourself toward excellence. Practice. Practice. Practice.

3. Take lessons. A surefire way to develop your talent is to take lessons from an expert. Check your ego at the door and submit to someone with preeminence in your musical discipline. Even if singing lessons cost a small fee now, the sacrifice will be rewarded with your increased skill level later. Lessons are also an effective way to expand your talent base. If you have already taken singing lessons, then learn to dance while you're singing.

Making the Demo

1. Find a studio where you can record your music. The best way to showcase your talent is by creating a demo. If you're going to be a music star, you have to present your work. Finding a recording studio is a big decision. Studios are only as good as the people working in them. The best equipment available won't help you if the sound engineer is not critical, patient and dedicated to quality.

2. Find artists and producers that match your musical style. Unless you're a one-man band, you're going to need other talented people to help create your demo. Music networking sites such as MySpace and Soundclick help artists connect and even exchange musical tracks online. It's important to find a sound that typifies your artist persona. Your demo should showcase your ability to collaborate with other musicians, enhance a musical performance and most important, make hit songs.

3. Accompany your demo with a well-written biography. The biography should be geared toward music, even if you have professional experience in other industries. The writing should be voiced in third person with an objective description of your background, experience and approach to music.

Lights, Camera, Action

1. Develop your image. Your image is one of the most important elements to making you a musical star. You should have a recognizable persona that is unique yet reminiscent of something familiar. If you're too edgy, then you might lose the popular fan base. If your look reminds people of everything else on the market, you might get lost in the shuffle. Developing your own personal style and image requires skill, art and maybe even a personal stylist---someone in the know on all things fashionably cool.

2. Have a photo shoot and produce some images for your musical demo. The CD should be accompanied by some personal information and professional photos that really catch the eye. Find a photographer who either specializes in musical artist photography or has experience working with musicians. Be sure to review all images of yourself before distributing them to the public. Once pictures of you are out, you rarely get them back.

3. Cross over into acting. Although it might seem strange, working as an actor can help make you popular as a musician. Even if you only land nonspeaking roles, getting your face seen on camera will help you become a music star. Go to auditions in your city or network with video directors and other artists. The more you get seen, even if in a small capacity, the more recognizable you'll become as a star.

Show and Tell

1. Join networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and MySpace to target individuals who might like your style of music. To become a musical star, you must reach your fan base and promote yourself. Tell the world what motivates you. Let everyone know your progress through an artist blog page. If people feel they can connect with you and your music, you're well on your way to becoming a musical star.

2. Perform your music in front of a live audience whenever possible. Find a venue in your area that supports up-and-coming artists. Many clubs and bars have an open mic night where you can showcase your talents. Build a reputation for having memorable performances, and more people will become interested in your music. Performing live helps you to engage your fan base and connect with the consumers who buy your material. You can also make some superstar bucks by drawing large crowds of adoring fans to your show.

3. Network with other individuals and companies that support your goal of becoming a musical star. Make yourself available to collaborate with other artists. This increases your fan base and multiplies your opportunities to perform before new audiences. Develop a support team that will help promote and develop you as a musician. Some key support roles for an artist are publicists, stylists and promoters.

Tips & Warnings

• Studios usually charge by the hour. The best way to keep costs down while recording your sessions is to rehearse beforehand. Also, be sure to post show dates several weeks in advance to allow adequate time for promotion.

Resources

• MySpace Music