Mix Room: Featuring Jesse Jags, Davido, Efe, Mr Eazi and Ini Edo

THE STORY OF 1,000 TRUE FANS

If you want to connect with anybody anywhere there is a theory you can use to achieve that, it's called the six degree of separation. It states that for every two people in the world there are at most 6 people standing between you and them. But well, you have to find them to get you there.

What if you want to make a living as an artist or a content creator, this one is called the story of a thousand true fans. Well, it's not actually a story but a theory. A theory i learned recently from a friend Asugh Iyorlaha

It says that you don't have to be a Davido or a Wizkid to make a living as an artist, you only need 1,000 true fans. By 1,000 i don't mean 1,000 followers on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook but a 1000 true fans.

Then what exactly is a 1000 true fans. Relax, we are getting there shortly, press play to Jack and Jill by Edge Golbador below and continue reading..

Now, let's proceed. A true fan is someone who will purchase anything and everything you make, put it out there and they will buy. They will drive for hours to see you sing. They will subscribe to your mailing list, waiting for you to announce your next event. They will buy your event T-shirts and talk about you to their friends. They are true fans.

How about that person that repeatedly tell you about Jesus. that's a true fan.

The Maths:
If you can get 1,000 people to buy 1,000 Naira worth of tickets for your shows spread over a year, you would have made 1M Naira per year. That would be 80k per month, an amount that would make you live comfortable in Jos.

"Whatever your interests as a creator are, your 1,000 true fans are one click from you. As far as I can tell there is nothing - no product, no idea, no desire — without a fan base on the internet. Everything made or thought of can interest at least one person in a million. The trick is to practically find those fans, or, more accurately, to have them find you." - Kevin Kelly

The robust tech infrastructure of Alewa House is built around this idea of a thousand true fans. It aims to help artists make a living off their art and this is how it addresses these problems:

• My friend Tabitha spent a lot of money to buy equipment to create contents for her YouTube channel. However, she is fed up. She does not have the required number of subscribers to earn money on YouTube, even though she puts in a lot of work. She's broke.
• I also know of filmmakers who have invested time into making good movies, and have to go through the hassle of pitching to Netflix or to film agents. Most of them are broke.​
• I pay $5 per month on apple music to listen to my home boys. By month end, their total earnings is less than 1 cent and they pay $15 to distribute the music globally. They are all broke.​

How Alewahouse works:

• A premium member contributes 30% of his membership fee ($9.9) shared equally to all the artists s/he follows​. Tabitha a content creator will make up to $594 per month from her 1k followers (Well assuming they also follow five (5) other artists on the platform).
• 70% of premium membership fee is shared equally across only contents that user has access to that month. Repeated views don't count. Tabitha will make an additional $693 if at least 1 of her content out of say 20 contents (from other artists) is accessed by her 1k followers on the platform.

If you have spent time on this platform before then you would know that to "Follow" a content creator on Alewa House is not free and requires a premium membership. Shoutouts to our premium members! This is unlike YouTube right? Basically, we pay you when somebody follows you and that way, you can earn and make a living with as little as 1,000 followers. Sounds cool right?

Register on Alewa House and access the following benefits:

- Grow with your 1,000 true fans
- Measure the loyalty of your 1,000 true fans
- Monetize effectively your 1,000 true fans

Do what you will with this information. This is the problem we are solving as the global digital content creation market size continues to climb.

Are you looking to pursue a career in the music industry? Check out these five essential careers in music business! They keep the music industry moving.

HOW TO GET INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?

The music industry has needs that go beyond the music itself. In today’s music job market, it takes business professionals to elevate music into a cultural phenomenon.

The music business is a vast, complex industry. It employs millions of people across different career paths. Everything from event production planning to music law.

However, it’s difficult to make a decent living in the music industry. Succeeding in music requires various disciplines, strategies, knowledge, and experience beyond creating or performing music. Versatility is key to a sustainable career in music!

Pursuing a career in music business opens doors to more opportunities. Plus, learning and practicing the business side of music is essential in this competitive industry.

Are you passionate about music and want to find a music related career path? Consider these five entry level music business careers:

5 PROMISING CAREERS IN MUSIC BUSINESS

This list of five career paths are perfect for those ready to pursue the hustles of music business.

1) ARTIST MANAGER

Behind each successful artist is a hard-working and talented manager. An artist manager plays a significant role in shaping an artist’s career.

An artist manager represents and serves as an advisor to their artists. They find opportunities, represent their interests, oversee day-to-day schedules, negotiate contracts, counsel them on career decisions, and more.

Artist managers are also the middleman between the artist and the music industry. They work on behalf of the artist, handling the business and professional development of their career. This allows the artist to maintain their mental health and focus on creating their art.

Depending on a manager’s style, they can also become a mentor to the artist. For example, teach them music business skills, music production techniques, mental health management, and more. This guidance will help the artist reach their full potential.

Professional Skills and Duties:

• Apply music business experience and strategies
• Help guide the artist development process
• Network with industry professionals and create a contact list
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Advise and guide career decisions
• Negotiate record label and licensing contracts
• Create marketing and merchandising strategies
• Manage day-to-day schedules and activities
• Oversee budgeting and money management
• Build relationships with record labels, music distributors, event promoters
• Handle music licensing, music publishing, and performing rights
• Plan and organize tours, events, and interviews
• Collect royalties, revenues, fees, and other payments
• Oversee the production and distribution process
• Help improve the mental and physical health of their artist

2) TOUR MANAGER

A tour manager (TM) travels with an artist and ensures the tour runs smoothly. They organize, plan, and manage various touring logistics.

The responsibilities of a tour manager change depending on the size of the tour. But certain aspects of being a TM remain consistent across any tour.

Professional Skills and Duties:

• Arrange travel plans
• Confirm reservations
• Manage tour finances
• Arrange transportation
• Make lodging arrangements
• Manage the tour schedule and set times
• Coordinate equipment needs, soundcheck, and set times
• Ensure everyone gets where they need to be on time
• Deal with promoters, venue managers, ticket agents, etc.
• Coordinate media and marketing coverage
• Network with industry professionals and create a contact list
• Demonstrate excellent leadership skills
• Work under pressure and meet demands
• Implement time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Another essential aspect of being a tour manager is keeping everyone happy and healthy. Touring is a demanding and stressful lifestyle. A good TM will make sure everyone is performing at their best.

3) BOOKING AGENT (TALENT AGENT)

A booking agent’s primary responsibility is to book gigs for their clients. They’re the point of contact for talent buyers interested in booking an artist.

Booking agents also facilitate the logistics involved in securing live performances or appearances. This includes securing venues, negotiating details, arranging equipment needs, organizing hospitality, managing finances, and more.

Agents work closely with promoters, venues, festival organizers, record labels, and managers. They make sure the artist plays dates and venues that align with their capabilities, goals, and artistic profile.

Like a manager, a great booking agent will also build connections in the music industry. They can also work independently or for a booking agency that represents a roster of artists.

Moreover, having industry connections allow booking agents to advance their clients’ music careers. These advantages are also a big reason artists sign with a particular agent or agency.

Professional Skills and Duties:

• Search for new talent to represent
• Find and secure live performances or appearances for artists
• Locate and secure appropriate venues for artists
• Negotiate artist fees, contract terms, set times, and guest lists
• Develop connections with talent buyers, venues, and promoters
• Arrange hospitality, transportation, and hotels
• Arrange equipment needs, soundcheck, and other technical requirements
• Liaise with the artists’ management team to agree on logistics and goals
• Network with industry professionals and create a contact list
• Manage ticket sales and related finances
• Manage marketing and promotional strategies
• Coordinate media coverage, appearances, and interviews
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Implement time management and organizational skills
• Help increase the artists’ exposure within the music industry

4) RECORD LABEL MANAGER

A record label manager coordinates and oversees operations at a record label. They implement a release schedule, manage contracts, coordinate marketing strategies, manage royalties, and more.

A label manager also guides the entire musical project from early planning to the release. They work with the A&R department, the label’s artist roster, management teams, and digital music distribution services.

However, the manager’s role varies depending on the size and budget of the record label.

For example, at a smaller, independent label, the manager can serve as A&R and various other roles. With a major label, the manager focuses on more big-picture planning.

A major label will have separate departments for A&R, marketing, design, distribution, and more. This structure allows the manager to delegate smaller tasks to individual departments.

Professional Skills and Duties:

• Develop and maintain relationships with the label’s artist roster
• Manage the entire music project from planning to release
• Maintain and update a release schedule
• Distribute and manage artist contracts
• Manage the label’s budget, artist royalties, and various fees
• Oversee the different departments depending on the size of the label
• Delegate tasks to the departments and ensure timely delivery of release assets
• Network with industry professionals and create a contact list
• Manage the digital music distribution account
• Plan the release strategy and monitor analytics
• Manage marketing and promotional strategies
• Coordinate media coverage, appearances, and interviews
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Implement time management and organizational skills
• Oversee non-music relate aspects of running a business

5) A&R REPRESENTATIVE

A&R stands for “Artists & Repertoire.” It’s the A&R’s job to find and curate new talent for record labels.

You may want to also read “WHAT IS AN A&R IN THE DIGITAL AGE”

A&R’s continually search the internet for up and coming artists. They also talent scout at various shows and festivals. That’s how they stay up-to-date with what sounds and styles resonate with the music community.

The first part of the A&R rep’s job is finding artists they want on their roster. Then they approach them with a record contract offer and convince them to sign.

The A&R will also help facilitate the recording and production process. It’s their job to give them the platform that best fits the particular artist’s needs.

Also, an A&R is most valuable to a label when they identify artists ready for success. The next big thing!

Up and coming artists are much more open to contracts. Plus, it’s a massive boost for business if the label finds a huge star early in their career.

Whereas artists who established huge success have more leverage. This makes it more challenging to secure a record contract.

Professional Skills and Duties:

• In-depth knowledge of musical trends, movements, and styles
• Have an exceptional ear for music
• Talent scout and oversee the artistic development of artists
• Network with industry professionals and create a contact list
• Maintain an artist roster and a release schedule
• Understand and manage artist contracts
• Manage and oversee budgets of new music projects
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Liaison between the artist and the record label or publishing company
• Spend time listening to music, scouring clubs, watching social media, reading music blogs
• Represent an artist’s interests within the record label
• Help guide the artists’ subsequent career
• Find music collaboration opportunities
• Organize promotional and marketing efforts
• Supervise the entire recording process

CONCLUSION

The music business requires more than musicians to advance. While the musicians get most of the attention, there are roles in the music industry equally vital.

Someone on the business side of things could have a significant effect on the future of music. As long as they have an unwavering work ethic and the right skills.

That effect can take various forms. For example, a great manager could develop the next Wizkid. A talented agent could secure an all-star lineup for the next Afro Nation. While the next wave of A&R reps will find the new generation of hit makers.

The End.

Oh Wait! Before you leave, check out the most recent music release Sweetness (feat NIK) by 3Li Barzini and Alewa House