David Bolno Discusses Making a Mark on the Music Industry
David Bolno is a well-known music industry executive and partner at NKSFB, a leading business management firm for entertainers. With years of experience in the industry, Bolno has a wealth of knowledge to share with aspiring artists looking to make their mark. Here are some of his top tips:
- Focus on developing your unique sound and brand:
You need to find your voice and identity to make it as a musician. There are a lot of great musicians out there, but to stand out, you need to develop your unique sound and persona. The first step is to create a unique musical identity that incorporates your tastes, inspirations, and goals.David Bolno advises artists to take the time to experiment with different genres, instruments, and production techniques to find their unique sound. This may involve collaborating with other musicians, producers, or songwriters to explore new creative possibilities and push the boundaries of their music.Bolno stresses the significance of building a brand and image that resonates with your audience alongside the development of a distinctive sound. Your branding encompasses your logo, record artwork, social media profiles, messaging, and the entire artist’s image.
- Build a strong team around you:
As a highly respected business manager who has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Justin Bieber, Drake, Post Malone, Pharrell Williams, and Will.i.am, Bolno knows firsthand the importance of building a solid team. His expertise and guidance have helped these artists succeed and build their empires.Bolno’s work has been acknowledged by the artists he has worked with, including Drake, who publicly thanked him in the liner notes of his 2011 album Take Care. This is a testament to Bolno’s ability to build strong relationships with the artists he works with and provide them with the support they need to succeed.
- Stay informed and adaptable:
“Staying informed and adaptable is essential in the music industry,” says Bolno. “Things are constantly changing, and artists need to be able to pivot and adapt to stay relevant and competitive.”Artists can stay informed and adapt by keeping up with industry news and trends. This may involve subscribing to industry publications, attending conferences and events, and following key influencers and thought leaders on social media.Networking with other professionals in the industry is also crucial, as it can open up new opportunities and collaborations. This may involve attending industry events, reaching out to other artists and professionals on social media, or working with a mentor or coach who can provide guidance and support.
- Embrace technology and social media:
Technology has revolutionized the music industry, making creating, promoting, and distributing music effortlessly. Bolno advises artists to embrace technology and social media platforms to connect with fans, build their brand, and grow their audience.
- Work hard and stay committed:
Success in the music business requires the same qualities that have brought others to the top: hard work and dedication. To impact the music industry, David Bolno stresses the need to put in long hours of hard effort.Focusing on your objectives is crucial to your success in the music industry. A career plan and working hard to reach your goals is essential. Being authentic is not watering down your work or sacrificing your principles to pursue commercial success. Bolno adds, “It’s a long road, but anything is possible with hard work and dedication.”