Unsigned Artists

Kenny has produced gold and platinum records for the likes of KISS, Gladys Knight, Badfinger and Teena Marie.

Q: Am I ready for a career as a musician?

KK: There is a huge difference between a career as a "Musician" and a career as a "Recording Artist." As a musician, you can play casuals on weekends, teach others how to play, jam in the basement with your pals on holidays, write and record your own songs in your home as a hobby, etc... As a recording artist you will have to write original material, make master quality CDs, go out on tour, promote your CD, create a web page, build a fan base, get your product reviewed, be away from your home and friends--sometimes for months at a time, and on and on and on. So you tell me. Are you ready for all that? Can you handle all of that--and more--for years at a time knowing nothing may come of it? Can you handle the frustrations and the disappointments? The answer is really simple...if music is in your blood. If you eat, sleep and breathe music..then there is nothing else you can do!

Q: When is it time for me to quit my day job?

KK: Well, assuming you have a day job-- here's what I always tell my students: You can quit your day job (and by the way..nobody says you have to quit your job at first) when you have at least 2 years worth of money for survival saved in your savings account, when you've cereated a solid, meaningful business plan outlining your steps for success over the next year and when you are comfortable with taking the many risks the business will have in store for you.

Q: what sort of issues might I be dealing with regarding my friends, family and relationships?

KK: Friends: Many might be jealous. Some might be lost because you're devoting more time to your career than you are to them. A few of them will be pissed if you don't allow them to accompany you to rehearsal or to gigs or on the road. some of them will want jobs with your band and expect you, as a friend, to hire them. ALL of them will think you've changed.

Family: Parents will have a hard time understanding that it is possible to have a career playing music! You will probably hear parents say this a few thousand times..."if you spent as much time in school as you do playing your music, you would have a lucrative career already." Most parents believe music is just a weekend hobby. You may often be compared to a brother or sister who chose a profession like doctor or teacher or lawyer. Here's another one you'll hear a few thousand times..."finish your college education so you'll have something to fall back on."

Relationships: This one is really a lot more difficult because you want to be with your boyfriend or girlfriend but, this is a business. they don't take you to the office where they work, do they? So why should you take them to gigs or the recording studio or on tour? Remember that having a relationship with someone means you respect them. You support and inspire them. You don't force your way into their attempts to build a career. Spending hours and hours working on a song does not mean the artist loves you less. It just means he's trying to succeed. don't be selfish...help.

Q: How do I get my friends involved?

KK: In certain areas, friends can provide much needed assistance in helping your career blossom. They can compile mailing lists, send out press packages, make follow-up calls, schedule press interviews and help build a fan base on the Internet by hitting the chat rooms, etc.

Kenny Kerner is a former record producer with 18 gold and platinum record awards, and is currently Vice President and Director of the Music Business Program at Musicians Institute in Hollywood.