Music can be a tough area to break into - and it can be even tougher to stay there.
That's why events such as Take Note are so important. A one-day multi-artist discussion point, Take Note aims to de-mystify the music industry, to make it more accessible - and safer - for young artists.
It's a laudable aim, and they've certainly managed to pin down some stellar names. Norman Jay, Toddla T and more are taking part, with evergreen production talent Danny Daze also on hand to dispense advice.
Breaking out in 2011 via the Hot Creations stable Danny Daze has built up an imposing catalogue, one that criss-crosses genre lines with breathtaking confidence.
Since then, he's released on Ultramajic, Kompakt, Ellum and more, while also focussing on his own Omnidisc imprint.
Yet it's not always been easy-going. Here, Danny Daze delivers a few vital nuggets of advice...
DO...
Stick to your guns. Do not let yourself be influenced by another's biased opinion. The one thing that counts for any artist is pushing your vision of art.
A lot of new artist tend to follow trends because they see it works for others, but what many don't understand is the fact as soon as you follow a trend, you simply become part of someone else's umbrella, which in the long run does not help you out, only makes you potentially vulnerable to a trend which will eventually die out.
DO...
Make sure and master your craft before stepping onto the big stage. I've seen many new artist be given the opportunity to showcase themselves in front of a widely curious audience who've never heard them, only to fall short because they did not master their art before going on stage. I've always felt an artist needs to be 100% confident in skill as a DJ/Performer before fully commuting to this as a career.
DO...
Surround yourself around positive people. With a lot of different sorts of art, there's no question there's a bit of negativity. Surrounding yourself around positive people not only keeps your spirits up, but it helps create a movement around you which only grows exponentially. It's not about having "yes men" around you, but people who see the glass as half full.
DON'T...
Be overly aggressive. The best work relationships happen organically. If you feel the music you make is in line with a record label or a DJ you like, all you have to do is give them music and if they like it they will come to you. Things in the music industry align themselves fluidly and true collaborations are often felt by everyone in the room without even saying a word.
DON'T...
Big yourself up. Let the music do the talking. There's nothing more detouring than someone who speaks about themselves or about how great or innovative their work is. I've always thought the best way to keep things fresh and appealing to yourself is to constantly challenge your workflow.
Whether it's using a different synthesizer at the start of a new session, or making music at a completely tempo than you're used to, these technics will hopefully help you create music which lets it do its own talking.
DON'T...
Get a manager before you really need it. Many artist feel it's a necessity to get a manager as soon as possible. The proper time to seek management is when you've got so much on your plate you can't handle it on your own. Before getting a manager, you should already have a vision of where it is you want to go and what it is you want to do.
A manager does not go out and make your career, a manager echoes your ideas and makes your goal reachable through teamwork.
DON'T...
"Label whore". The most traction you'll get from releases is constantly releasing music through two to three imprints. Having a sort of "family" helps you get recognition by affiliation. Even if you haven't released music in a couple months.
Being part of a "family" helps cut the slack of not making music being you're attached to an overall movement that's represented by the label, rather than being an artist who released on 10 different labels and doesn't have steady message.
- - -
- - -
Take Note hits Second Note, London on November 19th - ticket LINK.