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In no particular order, we go straight into the 7 deadly sins that any musician can find themselves in, if they’re not careful.

#1 Fear

I’m sure we’ve all heard this acronym for FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real – I find this to be true because it’s impossible to really know an outcome or a reaction before it’s happened. So do it afraid! Feel the fear and do it anyway. Be wise but unconventional; shock people, be creatively different, think outside and sometimes inside the box.

#2 Procrastination

The more you focus on how bad or hard a situation the more effort it will take to complete it, or as Brian Tracy puts it on his book Kiss That Frog! “the more you look at how ugly the frog is, the worse and harder it will be, so kiss the frog straight away” So tackle your biggest task first and prioritise, then work your way down the list. Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today.

#3 Ego and Arrogance

There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance which we may not always be aware of, as you can’t know how other people truely perceive or interpret your words or actions. First impressions are important, both online and offline. I do think it’s okay to be confident in your abilities when the music, achievements, and testimonials can back up your speech. Have humble confidence. 

#4 Lack of Goals, Focus and Discipline

Failing to plan is planning to fail. You must have a big goal, a dream a vision, a purpose which will be your light at the end of the tunnel.  What are you doing today to get you closer to your goals? If you ever want to be successful at something you have you devote time and effort, working at your craft and defining your skills. Hours. minutes, days, weeks, are vital. Malcolm Gladwell said 10,000 hours of deliberate practice are needed to be an expert at something.

#5 Not Knowing Your Strengths From Your Weaknesses

You need to focus on your strengths and outsource help from people who have skills you lack. This, in the long run, will save you both time and money, and can also help you get further because your collaborators will also want to promote the thing they worked on. So now you’re not just promoting to your fan base but theirs too. Also, the quality of your work will be higher.

#6 Lack of Preparation

Make sure you’re ready for your opportunity when it arises. If you’re a songwriter then you should work as if you already have a publishing deal. Define your niche, have a body of good songs, record, write & rewrite, pitch, network  enter competitions, hustle so that you’re ready for when the door is opened for you and your opportunity arises you can walk through with confidence.

#7 Complacency

There is always more to learn, more to do, more to see etc, to help your creativity. Don’t get complacent because there’s always more to do, someone working harder than you. To have longevity you need to be able to learn, adapt to trends and continually grow as a brand, artist, writer, producer etc. You also have to find a niche in the market and start something that no-one else is doing. There’s no space in this business for you to be complacent, or average or mediocre, you have to be the best and better than the rest, or at least unique enough to do your own thing.

Written by: Influence

Influence is a multi talented Songwriter/Topliner from South West London. Specialising in R&B and Hip-Hop, he loves to co-write and collaborate! So check out his website here and Music Gateway profile

Feel free to have a listen and contact him for co-writes and collaborations.

He has written for BASCA and performed at City Showcase Sessions (Apple Store, Regent Street) MIDEM 2014, and over 50 schools and venues throughout London and UK. He’s also attended numerous Songwriting Camps and was a finalist in the UK Songwriting Contest 2 years in a row.

Are you another artist who is yearning to get your music out there? What are you waiting for? Start networking!

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