Make it in Music: How to Make Records, Performances, and Music Careers through Community

In 2010, my former band’s manager Sal Vasi, who was an old school music business man with a storied career, used to tell me on our long phone calls: “Keep going Joe! Write, write, write!” He was full of encouragement and optimism, as he was shopping our band for a record contract in NYC along with our management team. (A good and long story for another time) Without ego, without greed, without the pursuit of power or fame, our long and rambling phone conversations were life long lessons, grounded in the music making process and connecting with audiences that I carry with me and think about often. Sal passed a few years ago, but I still feel like I owe him a phone call. There’s a poem that he would recite to me by heart that really resonates with me.

There is a destiny that makes us brothers [and sisters]

None goes his [her/their]  way alone.

All that we send into the lives of others

Comes back into our own.

-Edwin Markham

There’s a romantic and storied idea that comes from the 20th century music business, that our talents will be discovered and as if it were a charming prince, well funded, and with a great plan, will finance a record and elevate the music career. I’m here to say that rather than hope, and seek that Ex Machina magic carpet ride, there is something much better out there. You can make it in music, and the way you do that is by making it now with your community.

None of us have all the skills. We’re each like 10 sided puzzle pieces, with something to give to others, and something we need. Humans are complex. There is no normal, or ideal. There isn’t an absolute deficiency or disorder that necessitates medication in order to go towards this ideal. Yes, we need to function, but each of us has a valuable perspective and piece to contribute to the whole. Your perspective and contribution are not only appreciated, but needed.

I approach music both from the perspective of a drummer, and from a collaborative songwriter. When I zoom out, I hear the big picture of the meaning of a song, the message, and the mood. When I zoom In, I’m focused on phrasing, articulation, style, accuracy, and attitude. Musically, as well as with collaboration, I know what I’m capable of giving to the music and where my strengths lie, and I also know when I need help and support. When I need support, I turn toward my creative community to find ways to keep making.

The Creative Pulse community is full of talented individuals, and continues to grow. Through this community I have found the more I give, the more music we create together. My focus has been on what I can do to build up those around me. Perhaps this is my drummer ethos, prioritizing making everyone around me sound great, knowing that by taking care of the music first, how I sound will take care of itself. If there’s something I can do, within my abilities, to grow those around me, I will do it. If I can’t, I will refer a fellow artist or friend to where they can get what they need.

A community collaborative perspective can sound nice and easy to read in theory, and we know there are a lot of nuts and bolts to take care of.

We need to co-write, track, schedule rehearsals, writing, and recording sessions, strategize how to budget for, source funding, understand and execute recording contracts, partnerships agreements, set our rates for services, pay one another, and acknowledge each other as professional artists. This side of the music business needs to get done, because it’s the framework behind what it takes to make something. It’s a lot, and it’s a challenge, and you can do it.

There are plenty of model examples to draw inspiration from within the Creative Pulse community. Look to the dedication, raw expression, and professionalism of Sophie of Sophie the Stray, or the relentless persistence and style of Angie Jayne behind the vision for Creative Pulse, the individual projects of the House Band, and each of the Featured Artists who have crossed the stage. Each of these bands and individuals are models to look to to find inspiration and support to make the next record or band happen. 

The next record producer, band member, or graphic designer might be standing right next to you at an open mic night. Say hello, and ask about how they are involved with music and take a real interest in their experience. Maybe you’re actually the person they’re looking for, and it’s likely you’ll find great friends along the way as well.

Through collaboration, expressing a need for support, and putting the focus on how we can grow one another, we can make it in music, by making music and music business with our community.

Joe Hamm is a Nashville-based Drummer and Producer, who performs with the Blue Sky Bandits, Triple Dare Jazz Band, Sophie the Stray, and as a member of the Creative Pulse House Band. Joe is available as a session drummer, producer, and runs Mix it Up, a co-writing workshop. Learn more about Joe and reach out to collaborate with him at @JoeHamm.music on IG, or www.JoeHamm.com