[UPDATED] We have a very long way to go before women are fairly represented in the music industry and music tech. But there are already many amazing ones doing exciting and important work. Here, Ariel Hyatt of Cyber PR shares her list of advice from “every badass woman I could think of.”
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By Arial Hyatt, author, speaker and founder of Cyber PR
This series honors woman in the music industry.
In case you missed the first half of this 2-part series of 100 incredible pieces of advice from some inspiring women, here’s the first batch of fierce, fabulous, female music business entrepreneurs and I’m thrilled to be showcasing now 100 women.
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Artists/Producers/Composers
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The 3 PS- 1. Patience. 2. Perseverance. 3.Practice (Makes perfect).
ACHEINI AKA CHRISTINE BEN AMEH
RECORDING ARTIST/SONGWRITER, LONDON
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Be excellent, be committed, be bold.
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CARSIE BLANTON
INDIE SINGER/SONGWRITER, NEW ORLEANS
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Envision your destiny and take small daily steps towards it. Don’t be afraid to fail, the more often you fail the more likely you will succeed. Be your authentic self, don’t try to fit in, carve out your niche.
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ROSE BARTU
ARTIST, CEO OF QUEEN ROSE, INC., NEW YORK
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Make the very best of where you are; it’ll take you where you want to go.
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ANN KLEIN
ARTIST (SINGER/SONGWRITER/MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST)
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Tell the truth – in music and life – never sing a lyric that you wouldn’t have as an epithet. Never do anything artistically to please anyone else. It’s all you – be authentically you – in your passion, your joy and your dreams. Shine your light big and bright no matter how big the challenges. Love every minute of the journey.
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ERIN DICKINS
JAZZ VOCALIST – RECORDING ARTIST ON DOT TIME RECORDS
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Dream BIG and often! Never let a little thing called life get in the way of your grandest dreams! If you dream it, put it out into the Universe, truly believe and work crazy hard to make it happen, your dreams can come true. Listen to your muse, believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to be a pioneer; if it hasn’t been done before, pave your own path!
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AOEDE
SINGER-SONGWRITER, AWARD-WINNING POP & CHILDREN’S MUSICAL STORIES, SAN FRANCISCO
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Work with people (whether it be a manager, a producer, an agent, a publicist or a record label) who GET you. Having someone fully understand what you’re trying to say with your music is crucial. It’s much more important than how connected they are in the industry.
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BARB MORRISON
PLATINUM RECORD PRODUCER & FILM SCORE COMPOSER, NEW YORK
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Your results are not about you- they show up when you create an opportunity of value for someone else. I use this nugget when pitching music-to-music supervisors, getting a film-scoring gig, when talking with a potential coaching client, or even when inviting a friend to a movie. “What’s in it for them?” is the phrase I have running through my head before making a request of anyone.
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CHERYL ENGELHARDT
SONGWRITER / COMPOSER / CREATIVE CAREER COACH, CBE MUSIC, NEW YORK
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Don’t let your own ego supersede your humanity while building relationships or promoting your business. Although music is global, people in this industry travel in a small circular world. Music and creativity in general holds a valuable place in society, however, we’re not saving lives, feeding the poor or sheltering the homeless (unless donating our time, resources or earnings for these purposes).
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TRUDEE LUNDEN
SINGER / SONGWRITER / MUSIC PUBLISHER, SCARAMOUCHE MUSIC, ALLENTOWN
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Do your dream: Know what your dream is, and work hard at achieving it. DO it, don’t just dream it. Get really good at your craft, whether it’s playing an instrument or songwriting or singing, being a manager or an attorney, whatever it is. And I mean, get REALLY good at it. Learn from each opportunity, even if it is not exactly what your dream is.
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BETTIE ROSS
COMPOSER / KEYBOARDIST / SONGWRITER, DAME ROSS MUSIC PUBLISHING, LOS ANGELES
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If it can happen to someone, it can happen to you. We are all talented beings, and the winners win because they don’t give up.
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SARAH PETRELLA
SINGER/SONGWRITER
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The thing that filters out the good from the great is stamina, persistence, and an undying faith in yourself that this will happen for you. If this is what you’ve been put on this earth to do then do it and never stop. After all, if you truly love it then it shouldn’t be about money or fame. If you love it then you’re successful just by being one of the few that is living their love every single day.
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JEANNA ISHAM
DREAMR PRODUCATIONS
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Never Stop Growing – Developing your skills and talents should be an ongoing process. Immerse yourself in the industry and gain as much knowledge as possible. Be confident and proud of what you’ve accomplished yet avoid becoming complacent.
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CHAISE CANDIE
SINGER / SONGWRITER / PERFORMER
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Work hard and ALWAYS be the last one standing.
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ANNA LAVERTY
PRODUCER / SOUND ENGINEER, AUSTRALIA
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Never give up. In the music industry I find that there is always a path toward success that is not always easy. Facing difficulties and barriers is often disappointing but they make you stronger. Being able to remain motivated, inspired, passionate, creative and stubborn about your art and about your goal, that is what I consider the right path to victory and success.
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TANIA STAVREVA
CONCERT PIANIST, BILLBOARD TOP 10 ARTIST
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There is a difference between giving and being taken advantage of. Find and define the line between both and keep it balanced.
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HOLLY BREWER
COMPOSER / SINGER / MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST & CO-OWNER AT NERVOUS RELATIVES RECORDS
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There’s no such thing as overnight success. Slow, steady progress over time adds up. Craft your vision and keep working towards it every single day. You will make mistakes. Leave your ego at the door, be flexible, and keep moving forward. Your contribution matters.
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LEANNE REGALLE
SONGWRITER, OWNER LIVIN’ OUT LOUD MUSIC & BLOGGER AT MAKE CREATIVITY PAY
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Your best investment is in a solid self-esteem and a goal that evolves you and others. You’re the first person you get up with and the last you go to bed with for the rest of your life so better learn to become your own best friend. Without inner peace, money does not bring true lasting happiness.
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MARCOME
CANADIAN NEW AGE MUSIC VOCALIST / SONGWRITER / MUSIC PRODUCER
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It’s damn tough. But when I hit a wall, I no longer continue to bash it. I take a step back and wait. A person, opportunity or event will come along and open a door so that I go through the wall unscathed. I call them my ‘wall-angels’.
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DEE HANDYSIDE
SINGER, SONGWRITER, SPEAKER, AUSTRALIA
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Sure, sure, heed good advice… but also find a way of doing it that is different than the way its been done before.
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ZOE BOEKBINDER
ARTIST, OAKLAND
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Make sure to surround yourself with other women! Seek out women’s groups and the advice of women who are kicking ass and taking names. Remember that you are a reflection of the 5 people that you spend the most time around. Make sure those people are the top of the top.
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NORMANDIE WILSON
ENTERTAINER, SAN DIEGO
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Passion and persistence will get you far. Don’t be afraid to go big. Surround yourself with smart, motivated, like-minded people (join or start a mastermind group). Listen. Listening will get you further than anything else.
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MADALYN SKLAR
FOUNDER, GOGIRLSMUSIC , TWITTER MARKETING STRATEGIST, HOST OF #TWITTERSMARTER, HOUSTON
Artist Management/Agents/Publicists
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Don’t look sideways. Summon your gut and trust your instincts. Try to always do right, it will make you happy and happiness is contagious.
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CARLA SACKS
FOUNDER, SACKS & CO., MEDIA RELATIONS, NEW YORK
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In the rock-music business, every artist wants to become famous, it seems. I can assure you that success is not dependent on fame. Every step counts. Too many people in the business still believe the myth that fame will solve all your problems. Don’t believe that, it adds more problems than you can imagine.
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HILDE SPILLE
EUROPEAN BOOKING AGENT / ENTREPRENEUR / PERSONAL E-COACH FOR ARTISTS / BLOGGER
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Nurture your vision. Know that it will take longer to realize your vision than you expect, and it will look different than you thought. Know that you will encounter criticism, naysayers, roadblocks and delays, but it’s part of the process that will help form and fashion your vision into reality.
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SUSAN FONTAINE GODWIN
FOUNDER/PRESIDENT OF CCS
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Realize that this industry is ever changing and relatively small. Not only should you respect everyone you meet and/or work with, but also you should always offer help where you can. The people you help today will be the ones helping you tomorrow.
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LAURA BULL
BRANDING EXPERT
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Never feel the need to apologize for life balance choices. If you can’t take that Skype call at particular time because you are doing the school run, that’s okay! Just reschedule, don’t feel the need to justify and explain every reason and decision. Be vigilant.
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LEANNE DE SOUZA
ARTIST MANAGER, ASSOCIATION OF ARTIST MANAGERS
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Never try to do things exactly the way others tell you to do it or exactly the same way they did it. Promotion of your brand has to be done in a way that is true to you. Not every species of flower blooms at the same rate or under the same conditions!
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LORI BUMGARNER
IMAGE CONSULTANT & OWNER OF PANASH STYLE LLC
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Stay positive, work hard, don’t expect it to be easy, and always treat everyone with respect, fairness and kindness, even those that may not show it in return; that shows true strength.
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NATASHA BENT
VP AT THE AGENCY GROUP, LONDON
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Work hard to build your business but always make time to work on your personal growth and well-being. When I just started my own company I felt I had to put in many hours and had to be available at all times because my dream of running my own PR company was finally coming true. I never made time to take good care of myself and eventually became ill. Over recent times I have cut back my working hours drastically and am planning ‘me time’ again. When you’re feeling well, you’re company will do a lot better too.
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JESSICA DE WAL
MUSIC PUBLICIST AND OWNER AT IT’S ALL HAPPENING & VIRTUAL REALITY MARKETER
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Pay attention ALL the time. The next big thing in social media, distribution, touring, etc could be right in front of you. Take time to keep up with what’s going on.
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BLAIR CLARK
ARTIST MANAGER & OWNER, DANCE PANDA ENTERTAINMENT & CO-FOUNDER BROOKLYN BASEMENT RECORDS
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Don’t allow yourself to fall into stereotypes. The music business tends to sideline women that are too aggressive in the “bitch” category and women that are too passive in the “doormat” category. Break the glass ceiling by being the most prepared in the room. Speak up and defend your positions passionately.
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CAMEO CARLSON
PRESIDENT OF MTHEORY NASHVILLE
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When a door closes, never stand there like a dummy, find another door!
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LAURENCE MULLER
LABEL MANAGER, MANAGER, CONSULTANT, SNOOT, PARIS
Educators
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Someone once told me that goals without deadlines are only dreams…dreams are important, but goals are what propel us to dream even bigger.
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KRISTIN YOST
OWNER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR MUSICAL MINDS
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Be true to your vision. Have gratitude for all your blessings and let your defeats humble you and help you grow.
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AJDA SNYDER
VOICE TEACHER, STUDIO 44, BOSTON
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Enjoy the process and remember, sometimes you build the road as you go!
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DR. JILL TIMMONS
PRINCIPAL AT ARTSMENTOR, AUTHOR THE MUSICIAN’s JOURNEY
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Don’t take rejection personally. Keep working on improving your craft and persevere. Sooner or later the doors that are closed to you now will begin to open — or you’ll find other doors, or maybe crawl in through a window. Persist because you love music and you have a mission; not for any imagined pot of gold you think you’ll find at the end of the rainbow.
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CELIA SLATTERY
VOICE AND PERFORMANCE STUDIO, BOSTON
Music Biz Professionals
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Always put your fans first. Too many bands & artists are concerned with attracting the interest of the music industry. But the best way to do so is usually to forget all about it! Concentrate on your fans. Communicating with them and working hard to expand your fan base. Making the music and sharing it with people who really appreciate what you do is the enjoyable part. Your fans will help create the buzz for you and if you’re doing your own thing with a keen and constantly growing following, the music industry will no doubt catch up to you in due course.
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LOUISE DODGSON
EDITOR, THE UNSIGNED GUIDE, MANCHESTER
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We live in an era where everyone’s constantly bombarded with the invasive nature of technology and its demand for us to always stay up to speed. This constant connectivity can affect your ability to nurture your creativity. We must allocate time, even if it’s 15 minutes a day to stop, slow down, and get inspired.
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ISABELLA ACKER
FOUNDER, PRISM CREATIVE GROUP, MIAMI
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Strive to create win-win situations. That means every relationship is about finding a happy medium so everyone involved had something to gain. It is not about today…. but about tomorrow and the years to come when building a career. The win-win builds lasting relationships. Interns become bosses. Colleagues become friends. Strangers become allies. Every door that opens to your next great opportunity will be from someone you know.
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KERRY FIERO
FOUNDER FIERO FLAIR, ADJUNCT PROFESSOR CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE
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Never get sucked into negativity. Even though the music industry is predominately men, never believe yourself unworthy to be on the same level.
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LYNN SPIN
MANAGER & VICE PRESIDENT OF JAHMA MUSIC, LAS VEGAS
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Never underestimate the power of female colleagues. They can be your most valuable allies.
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KIM CAMERON
LABEL OWNER, SIDE FX PARTNERS, BILLBOARD CHARTING ARTIST
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Come armed with a strategy based on data. Know how to collect it, how to analyze it and how to use it so you can make informed decisions about what fans want and how they discover/buy new music.
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VELDA GARCIA FAYZ
FOUNDER FAYZ MEDIA GROUP, DETROIT
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With faith passion & action, all things are possible. Love changes things.
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JENNIFER ALLISON
FOUNDER JENNIFER ALLISON PUBLICITY, CO-FOUNDER OF LOVE THE LITTLE ONES
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Remember, it’s not about how you feel, it’s about how you believe. Keep going.
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MELANI ISMAIL
PRESIDENT OF MAI PRODUCTIONS, MANAGER, LOS ANGELES
Creative Entrepreneurs
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Your business decisions need to feed your passion. Everyone has ideas about what you “HAVE” to do to make it. If you do everything they tell you to do, you’ll end up hating what you used to love. Take their advice but listen to your own gut feelings.
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FARIDEH
FOUNDER & CEO OF SCENEPLAY & BUSINESS STRATEGIST FOR CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS
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While you’re building relationships with industry folks, remember they are normal people with families and lives just like you and I. Get educated, treat them with kindness and respect, don’t take “no thank you” personally, and above all, persevere!
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GLORY REINSTEIN
OWNER, MALLETTS BAY MUSIC & DIRECTOR OF LICENSING AT SONG & FILM
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Be sincere. Man or woman, your integrity in this business makes you stand out. Your enthusiasm mixed with a determined sensibility helps you tread through all kinds of obstacles and allows room for great success.
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JENNIFER DIMITROV
TALENT BUYER, BOOKER, CREATIVE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP (CEG), NEW YORK
