Music
5 tips to become a successful musician
by Andrew Uyeno
March 18, 2016
We asked PUP, Cancer Bats, ShaqIsDope, The Elwins, and Union Duke for the keys to their success.
Photo: PUP by Jessica Flynn
Finding group members, learning to play, and creating your own sound may be difficult – let alone enforcing rules, schedules, and a success plan. For anyone out there who’s just getting started, we’ve assembled a guide to enable you to get out of your parents’ basement and onto the big stage.
Spanning the genres of punk, rap, indie-pop, folk, and metal, we reached out to some of the most talented artists we know. Read on for their creative tips and tricks to become a successful musician.
PUP
Toronto punk hasn’t been the same since PUP burst onto the scene with their aggressively poppy sounds that leave your ears ringing with happiness. After years of perfecting their craft, the quartet let us know that they are here to stay with their game-changing self-titled debut album.
PUP have scratched and clawed their way to the top, allowing them to understand exactly what it takes to be a successful band. For them it’s all about putting in the work and never giving up.
“When you’re starting out, play as many shows as you can. Play a million gigs in every shithole town that you can get to, even if no one is coming out to watch you play. Getting good live is totally different than sounding tight in the jam space. And when you finally get that big opening slot you’ve been praying for, you don’t want to screw the pooch just because you aren’t comfortable on stage. The only way to really be ready to slay a great show is to play 1,000 crappy ones first.”
ShaqIsDope
Toronto rapper ShaqIsDope has been paying his dues for years while climbing up the hip-hop ladder to contend for the top spot. Seeing him open up for D-Pryde years ago at the Mod Club left a strong mark after experiencing his pure energy and stage presence. Even back then, the rapper knew what it took to make a name for himself in the booming competitive industry.
After releasing a wide variety of mixtapes and making music with the man himself, Shaquille O’Neil, his buzz has grown as his fans fly faster towards him. ShaqIsDope gives us his advice on becoming a successful musician and rapper.
“Upcoming artists should know the music industry is not all about music but it’s a business. Like all businesses, the goal is to make a profit. Having a real business plan in place can make things a lot easier. I say pray to God. Believe in yourself even when others doubt you and focus on your craft.”
The Elwins
The Elwins found their way onto your music libraries after their 2015 indie-pop hit “So Down Low” took over the radio waves. The boys from Keswick have collected an impressive fan base as listeners have fallen in love with their quirky charm and catchy tunes. Currently in Japan, guitarist/keyboardist Feurd tells us it’s all about planning out exactly what it is that you want.
“Take a good amount of time to envision what you want to do with your career. I think in doing this the more detailed you can be the better. Dream of all the things you want to accomplish and write them all down. In order to know where to start you should have an end in mind. That helps you decide all the steps along the way to get where you want to be.”
Union Duke
Traveling all over Canada, Toronto country-folk band Union Duke has inspired everyone to hop off of their chairs and onto the dance floor, swinging to their upbeat sound. Knowing exactly what it takes to become successful, they have proven themselves in a specific side of the Toronto music scene. Singer Matt Wary-Smith offers some excellent advice on the steps to start a band with your “bros.”
“You ARE and ARE NOT the shit. Believe in what you’re doing and be confident but remember you are definitely not the smartest/most talented person in the room. Be ready and willing to learn from anyone and everyone. Stay humble, even if you think you’re the best, you probably aren’t. And if you are, nobody wants to hear it.”
Cancer Bats
Heavy metal rockers the Cancer Bats worked tirelessly to become everything they had ever wanted as a band. They played as many shows as they possibly could until, gradually, the citizens of Toronto knew their names. Now, Cancer Bats are one of the biggest metal bands in the city and for good reason. Frontman Liam Cormier offered his thoughts on the key to making a successful musical living.
“Don’t be an asshole. In any of this it’s just about being a genuine person who loves what they’re doing. In the music scene there are people all around. Whether it’s someone doing an interview, someone booking a show, someone in a band or someone going to a show, it’s all about just wanting to see and hang out with likeminded people who love music. As long as you’re never forcing that because you want to be a rock star. There’s no secret – just have fun, be a normal dude, and do it because you love it. It’s really fun and you will get that enjoyment out of it.”
Tags: Music, Lists, Toronto, Cancer Bats, PUP, shaqisdope, the elwins, union duke
