Happy New Year!

2007 saw a lot of changes in music, technology, and the business of music. A lot of flux, some confusion, and difficulty, were found as the traditional systems seemed to be breaking down. The record deal is no longer considered the "holy grail", according to the MTV story in my previous post. If that's true and if artists can't expect record labels and managers, the people who traditionally have the knowledge and experience to "make it happen" for them, then what are the creators and performers of music supposed to do? These seem, at first, to be dark times for those who want to make music a career.

And so the first blog post of the year will be about something we can all probably use

right now: hope.

Here's the story

It's about a young composer, only 16, who's recently had his work played by the Yale University Concert Band. One of the better quotes talks about the qualities this young composer has exhibited in his, still very young, career:

"He has the right combination of talent, passion and entrepreneurial spirit," Duffy said. "This is a pretty significant accomplishment for a beginning composer."

In truth, it's also too rare in so called "older, more experienced" composers and musicians as well.

So if you can't rely on the traditional powers that be, to make you a success, who can you rely on?

This young composer, and many, many others are have already answered that question for you: in the 21st century, more than ever, you have to make it happen for yourself. Others can advise, help, and even "evangelize" your music, but ultimately it's up to you to make it happen.

So, what are you doing about your career in 2008?

Stay tuned here throughout the year for more news, ideas, information, and with luck, some inspiration as well.

The very best to you in the coming year,

JG