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Mentor Karen Angela Moore
Q: How can a female break through the good ole boy network in the music industry? You have had a lot of success, there must be some tips you can give the rest of us that work, and also things to avoid as you try to claw your way into the business?
First and foremost - work hard and do your homework. This is paramount. Pay attention. Be on top of your game and what's going on in the biz. Be able to carry on an intelligent conversation about what's going on. Cream rises to the top and crap only floats for a short time. Be solid.
Secondly - Be professional. Don't use the old feminine wiles and flirtatious stuff to get what you want...it will backfire...and quite honestly - it holds the rest of us back! If you're working - leave the too much perfume and cleavage at home. I'm a hugging person - but there is a fine line. Know when a handshake is the better sentiment to offer. Surround yourself with people that at least believe in you - and people that will be open to giving you a chance. I spent a lot of years trying to please a few top players and producers only to find out they never really liked what I did. That's a mistake! MOVE ON! Find your niche.
Last but not least - decide what you want and DO IT! Say it outloud to others in conversations, and make it known what you want to do. Don't make excuses and don't be wishy washy. If you want to write then write. If you want a record deal - say it! If you want to produce - don't be afraid to ask to sit in on sessions and just observe and shut up! Don't be afraid to ask for help...but then again put your money where you mouth is. EVERYONE in this biz makes sacrifices - you will have to as well.
Look at the current list of females in the biz. Don't model yourself after them - but learn where they came from and how they got there and how long it took. It's harder for us in some respects - but in others - it's not! Evelyn Shriver - Asylum Records - had a hugely successful Public Relations firm for years before she got this position. She's one of the hardest working people on Music Row here in Nashville - and she's savvy as you can get. There are more men than women in the music biz - but honey - it's that way all over this country in every biz right now. We all have what we've inherited. Be a part of the change - and do it with a smile and conviction.