In a recent Interview by Carol Ozemhoya with BRE, Mathew Knowles (most notably known as the Father and Manager of Beyoncé Knowles) spoke about the “DNA of Achievers” and what it takes to become successful in such a competitive industry. Within the article, Knowles decided to give artist ‘A Reality Check’ on what the Music Business is really about. Here's what he had to say.
Knowles says a lot of people, especially in the entertainment business, get a disease he likes to call “Big-itus,” but it applies to many who want to be entrepreneurs and big time bosses as well. “You have to understand this, “he says. “ There is no fairy tale in business and no fairy tale in the entertainment industry where it ends ‘happily ever after’. In order to get to the top, you have to be prepared and have a strategy. We are conditioned to think in a box, but you have to learn to think outside the box.”
Knowles adds that it is especially important for parents of aspiring artist to learn the business as well. He offers a lecture series on being in the entertainment industry. “We need to teach how to build that team. Ninety percent of artists fail. Blame it on the Big-itus. The Beyoncés and the Michael Jacksons are not going to happen everyday, but artist can still sell their music and write music and be successful. You have to learn to start small. Everyone wants Big-itus, but all the costs for putting together a release and pursuing that goal are ridiculous, and the record label is going to recruit that, so unless you know what you are doing, you’ll end up with nothing; you might even owe money.”
Matthew Knowles went on to state the traits of successful people; “ What I have found from so many successful people is that were passionate.” he said. The music industry is full of talented individuals all with the same goals and dreams. What separates those who make it from those who don’t is not usually the talent. At the end of the day, it comes down to passion, the people you know, the team behind you, and understanding that the music industry is first and foremost a business. There are numerous, talented individuals who sign major label deals and are never released. By the end of it, they are in debt with less options than they had before signing the record deal. Recording artist who treat this industry as a business, grasp that with the right team around them, they can succeed in this industry without the financial backing of the major labels. As Mr. Knowles said, “…artist can still sell their music and write music and be successful. You have to learn to start small.”