Essay on A Career in Music Management

“It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change” (Charles Darwin). Due to the constant changes in the music industry, individuals are forced to question whether they should participate in endorsement deals to help uplift their music. In order to have a sustainable career in the music industry, people must promote their music through different sponsors or corporations.

To begin with, it could be an opportunity for growth. Some have welcomed the idea of streaming music, saying that it offers smaller artists a chance to reach a wider audience (Carter 4). To emphasize, many people could simply stumble across one song then fall in love with the rest. For instance, “New Slang”, produced by The Shins, grew in popularity because it was used in one of McDonald’s commercials, movies, and some TV shows(Coates 7). With popularity comes money, with money comes coverage for equipment, touring, and living expenses. Instead of worrying about all the fees, your sponsors or corporations assist the expenses as a thank you for uplifting their brand as well.  

Furthermore, in financial aid, support from sponsors and corporations can take you farther, Black Eye Peas is an amazing example. Focusing on exposure through advertising cars, electronics, clothing, etc. Prioritizing being known as they worked on more music(Coates 8). In other words, they discovered that the more they invested in marketing and branding, the more successful they became with the world(Coates 8). In today's music business, smart moves make a difference.

Regardless, others agree that the change presented now is stressful and risky. The instrumentalist for indie-pop duo Beach House says that when bands get corporate sponsors, they may lose the image they have worked so hard to build(Carter 5). Indeed, bands or artists could be portrayed in a certain way based on how they or their music is presented. Although Scally does state that every band or artist could have different outcomes(Carter 5). However, adaptation is necessary if they want to grow in the music industry. Everyone is going to have an opinion of who you are and what you bring to the table. At the end of the day, it should be about the meaning or reasoning of your songs.

As we have seen, to have a sustainable career in the music industry, people must promote their music through different sponsors or corporations. This can give the artist or band growth opportunities and financial support because adaptation is necessary.