In the world of music, it’s often not just about what you know; it’s about who you know. Sometimes, individuals with exceptional musical skills and boundless creativity get overlooked because they lack stage presence or social finesse. They can find themselves passed over in favor of someone with a captivating smile and limited skills, but who simply connects with everyone. Within a band, there’s often a family dynamic at play. It’s about chemistry as much as it is about skill. Developing stage presence and social skills becomes crucial if you want to thrive in the music business.

Take my friend Little G for example. He had a rather limited repertoire, but what he played, he played exceptionally well and with unwavering conviction. He radiated confidence on stage and appeared wholly committed to his music. He always maintained eye contact while playing, a rarity even among seasoned musicians. Little G understood the power of space in a band context, avoiding the common mistake of overplaying. He knew his role and executed it flawlessly.

Now, let’s talk about my friend Billy. He’s the embodiment of showmanship on stage. He thrives on attention and truly comes alive when performing. His natural rhythm is impeccable, even though he only knows one rhythm. He lacks formal technique or advanced skills, but that’s beside the point. People adore having him on stage for the vibrant energy he brings.

Then there was this highly talented friend of mine, whom I even took lessons from initially. Mr Kay. However, his mere presence had a way of dampening the energy in any room. Eventually, I had to take him aside and have a candid conversation. “You’re incredibly skilled and a fantastic player, but your vibe needs a transformation,” I told him. It was a wake-up call, and he gradually started working on it. Others had given him similar feedback, and in his instructional videos, he even introduced a forced, albeit improved, smile. Whenever my friends and I saw a fake smile, we’d jokingly call it the “Mr. Kay smile”. I introduced Mr. Kay to Little G because they were polar opposites, each possessing what the other lacked. Kay had the skills, technique, and profound knowledge, but he lacked charisma and stage presence. Little G on the other hand, was overflowing with charisma and daring on stage.

Now, let’s talk about succeeding in show business without really trying. To make it, you must step out of your comfort zone. No one will come searching for you. If you want to be part of a band, you have to approach them and ask to sit in. Sometimes, you might even need to do it for free initially to showcase your value and fill a need the band didn’t know they had. Remember, percussionists are often the first to be cut if needed, so don’t take it personally. To survive as a percussionist, it’s essential to be proficient with various instruments and styles. Developing teaching skills is equally important because you’ll find yourself in educational roles in various situations. The drum itself might be popular, but drumming knowledge is not widespread. So, you not only need to be knowledgeable but also capable of calmly and clearly educating others.

Promotion is key. You must have a website, a Facebook page, and an active presence on social media. You need to be visible, reaching out to everyone and anyone. Of course, I’m not suggesting randomly jumping on stage, as I’ve seen a few people I know do. The truth is, the ones making real money often venture into the corporate world, offering team building, training, or entertainment services. Facilitated drum circles and similar activities have gained popularity. Playing gigs can be tough for financial survival. In my case, I’m getting paid the same as I did 30 -40 years ago. Networking is essential. You might need to get creative and persistent in making connections.

It’s a challenging journey, but with dedication and the right approach, you can carve out your place in the music business.