INDUSTRY TALK: Five STUPID Things to Avoid When Becoming a Music Artist

I come into contact with aspiring artists all the time, as I am a music producer. While i'm not as successful as Timbaland or Dr. Dre in terms of international acclaim and exposure, my experience and associations are rich, strong and go back for many years. Now there are certain things I find to be common among inexperienced artists. The ones I'm about to talk about in particular just PISS ME OFF! These are 5 common ways I've seen artists take an epic tumble towards NOWHERE in terms of their music careers:

• Claiming to be too broke to invest in your music, yet you always have the latest Jordans. Seriously. What the f*ck. I can't tell you how many times I've heard an artist say that he/she can't afford to pay for studio time or even spend $15 to lease beats online. If you don't show that you are serious and willing to invest in yourself and your chosen career, how can you expect someone else to do it?

• Trying to get 'signed'. In this day and age every unsigned artist should be educated enough about the present state of the industry to know that it is futile to sit and wait for a magical deal to appear simply because simply because they sent in a demo. (A demo? Really? Who the f*ck does that?). Begin to grind on your own and establish your own real movement. Use the social media tools at your disposal and MAKE people notice you.

• Creating in your own little bubble. Ok so just because you think it's epic doesn't mean the world will always share your view. No man is an island (a cliche but a truth). I've found that drawing real inspiration from around you is vital, whether it be other artists music, people around you or just your natural environment. Open and expand your mind and understand what makes things and people tick. That will help make you a better artist.

• Procrastination. That's a no brainer. Seize opportunities and avenues when they show themselves. Makes no sense to sit and say 'I'll catch that when it comes around again' because it just might not.

• Last but not least (drumroll please): Using WACK ass beats. Obviously, everyone won't like the same type of beats and what's regarded as good can be a matter of opinion. However, there is a certain standard one should adhere to and there are beats that make you go 'who produced that sh*t? elmo?' Listen to the trends in music and understand the styles that garner the most positive attention. If you're into hip hop then you should know what feels hot when you hear it. Now comes the shameless self promotion. You can solve this particular problem by going to the best place to buy beats online, my site Stratcater.com.

This is Strat signing out. Hope this helped at least one person! Blessings coming to you live from the Stratosphere.