Notes from a Musician

Imagine being a world renowned musician performing around the world on international stages, having millions of fans, limo rides decked to cater to your  taste, hotel suites in only the finest hotels, dining with celebrated and well known figures and having so much money that your pet chiwawa  only drinks imported bottled water straight from the Alps!

We associate such extravagance to the lifestyles of rich and famous musicians, forgetting how difficult it must have been for them to get where they are now. I had the opportunity of interviewing Jarrad Ricketts, one of Cape Town’s finest and extremely talented young musicians. An up and coming singer who was kind enough to give us inside information on how the South African music scene is at the moment and how he, through much sweat and hard work, entered the industry as a vocalist.

How does one generally start their career in the industry and how did you go about it?

Jarred: Firstly …make sure you can sing. You are not a vocalist because you tell yourself you are, a true singer is able to dazzle many with their spectacular vocal abilities. you are a vocalist when you know you’re able sing so beautifully that other people compliment and recognize it as talent! 

I started by doing small shows in my community and Church …this is the perfect way to give back and also see peoples response to your voice and music. I then gained confidence, slowly progressing to performing with live jazz bands, this is where I became easier with crowds and also learnt how to work with other musicians (how they think, etc). I joined many jazz/funk bands as well as boy bands – I tried to surround myself with like-minded, positive people so that I have a support structure when the bad times come, also, being with people with similar goals uplift each other and make your goals more tangible.

I then became a backup singer for 2 local artist, “T.J” a Gospel singer, and “Eclipse” a pop singer and also now my producer. At the same time worked for a production company, I was employed as their resident male vocalist …I recorded/sang radio adverts (jingles) and voice over’s for radio. This is where I was able to gain a bit more knowledge as far as how the recording process works. All this whilst studying. I then got another sideline job as a marketing assistant for Heart 104.9FM, this was great as I got to see how they plan events and book singers for these events. Looking back, I noticed that I always tried to find jobs that would assist me in my music career indirectly, which helped me get a broader perspective of the industry.

About two years after that I became a qualified graphic designer …so I could earn enough money to start recording my own music. I never really wanted to be signed up by record labels, as I heard some horrific stories where contracts are concerned. I approached my producer Eclipse to assist me in making my debut CD a reality, and he agreed, for a fee of course (nothing comes for free …and if it does, then there is something wrong with the situation). While I was recording, I searched the internet to educate myself on how royalties work and how percentages should be split between producers, song writers, publishers, etc. I think it is very important to do research, this is how you can have a “one up” on someone trying to scam you, and trust me there are sharks out there.

After recording my first 3 songs, I started putting my music on radio. This is a difficult process as most radio stations take at least three months (with a panel)  to decide if your music is suitable. This is where you really have to think about which producers you want to use, as each producer has a different style of mixing. This is very, very, very important because if the mix is not right, they will not play your music!

Is there an ‘easy way ‘into the industry? What route did you opt for?

Jarrad: There is no real easy way to get into the industry; you have to think cleverly about how you go about it. I can’t say that I took a specific route. I went with my gut and tried to look for short cuts which do not lead me into compromising situations. People think it is so easy to break into music, but what they forget is that there are 50 quadrillion other people  trying to get into the industry as well, so you really have to create a product that works ….this comes with trial and error. I’m still learning as I go along.

What are the challenges one should expect to face? Where there any challenges unique to you?

Jarrad: With every venture, there are bound to be challenges that put a spanner in the works. This is why I maintain that you should try to educate yourself before hand, so when these challenges do arise, one has an idea of what to do. I faced quite a few challenges ….firstly, I am and unsigned artist, so people in the industry doesn’t really take you too seriously, but I let my music speak for itself. Secondly …I am self funded, I pay for everything myself, the recording, photo shoots, clothes, etc. I don’t earn a lot of money so you can imagine how hard it gets. Though I don’t make excuses, If you want to succeed then you should suck it in and work! Nothing comes easy, and if it did, you would not appreciate your achievements if they materialize.

What are the current trends in the South African music industry? What does your music offer/contribute to the variety of sounds at present?

Jarrad: The trend seems to be leaning towards funk, jazz, house.  Many artist are producing their own music these days. I sing pop and jazz, so what I think my music offers is a mix between genres, so that people in our country enjoy it, but it could still work on an international stage. When I record music, I try to cater for the international market to.

Can one make a living form the industry? Do you plan on focusing solely on your music career or branching into other fields?

Jarrad: I think you can make a living out of it. People have a misconception that music is not a job, and with that mentality it could never be. But I think if you plan each and every step, and radiate self confidence, you can sell ice to an Eskimo! I would like to first focus on music, and then work my way into the TV industry. I studied design, so I would like to one day have my own clothing label. I want to eventually become a music and media mogul, and I will get there.

Too all who have hopes of entering the music industry, keep informed, keep focused, keep motivated and keep on pressing through and eventually you’ll get to the top of the charts!