Making money in music

Musicians who are trying to start their careers are faced with daunting odds of success. It’s not possible to make a decent income on PEI simply due the small size of any market segment. There aren’t enough people to buy the product. Money is made in the larger centers such as Toronto, New York, Los Angeles and more recently Nashville. Once the home of country music, Nashville is the largest recording market in North America for all types of music. Perhaps Bob Dylan knew what was blowing in the wind when he went there in 1966 to record Blonde on Blonde, his 7th album.

Atlantic Canada’s Gordie Sampson made his breakthrough by traveling to Nashville because that’s where it’s at. Lennie Gallant is spending much of his time there now as well trying to take his career to a new level. To be a success in music requires musical talent, a unique sound to break through the clutter of other musicians, hard work and some plain luck. The chances are about the same as winning a lottery. Don’t take my word for it: keep trying and enjoy the ride.