If you are an upcoming artiste and you really want to take your music career to another level, it is necessary that you take extra actions. You'll agree with me that a lot of people are doing music for their very many reasons (money, fame, passion, etc), to stand out from the crowd, you have to think out of the box.

Here’s is our top 5 pick of things you MUST do to improve your chances of reaching the limelight in the music sphere.

1. Invest
Music is now more like a business enterprise where you can make your money work for you if you do it in the right way. Endeavor to spend money on your musical career, no matter how small it is. Patronize music producers and studio engineers that you can pay for good productions. Employ professionals to help you manage and promote your music, backup your music with well designed and high quality cover art. This is not to say you can not do all these yourself, especially when you are not financially buoyant enough, but the fact is, you can always find an area to spend on.

2. Promotion
A good piece of music without promotion is like a family name, it only ends on your family and friend’s devices. A good piece of music would only serve its purpose ONLY when it reaches its target audience. There are now hundreds of ways to spread your music across thanks to the internet. Submit works your blogs and radio stations (Yes, a lot of blogs, websites and radio stations would gladly help publish/air your work if it’s a good one). You can as well create artistes profile and upload on hundreds of free music sharing sites such as Reverbnation, Soundcloud, 4shared, etc. Facebook, Instagram, twitter and the likes has also proven to be a good platform for music promotion – Use them to your advantage.

3. Socialize
Familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Attend shows (big and small ) where you get to meet with other artistes, On-Air Personalities (OAPs) and DJs; make friends and let them know what you do. Never go out without arming yourself with one or two copies of your promo CD. This is very important so you don’t end up the annoying phrase “… put on your Bluetooth” WTF! Lol

4. Build Your Skills
Truth is, most of the artiste you find around – the made ones inclusive – would not go near scaling through a Project Fame or Nigerian Idol‘s audition. Endeavor to improve upon your musical skills. Go for auditions, voice trainings, music symposiums and seminars, read materials on music (there are millions of free versions on the internet, Google is your friend!), learn to play at least one musical instrument.

5. Pray
Now, this is very important. Prayer is the Master Key. Support every of your efforts with prayers and the heavens will surely smile on you. You need all the luck you can get.

Do not be in a hurry, never give up, bring it on! The world is waiting!

You can add yours using the comment box below. Cheers!

PS: I will write on ”How You Can Take Your Music Worldwide and Earn From It" in my next post.