by John aka Jupiter King, Jun 25, 2008

The must-haves for any musician worth their salt.

Blues man Jack White is one of my favorite musicians, what got me hooked on Jack's music was when he did the song Portland, Oregon with Loretta Lynn. Another reason I like Jack White's music is because of the album Consolers of the Lonely. I was reading about Jack in Rolling Stone and it was then that I realized his talents are far reaching.

It is said that some just have the gift, and Jack evidently is one of those blessed with the talent it takes to make it in the harsh world of music. Music, as any seasoned musician will tell you, is like a relationship, you nurture it and it will grow.

Not to say that along the way there won't be pitfalls, but if you know what to look for and what not to do you can avoid those.

What's the Difference Between a "Good Song" and a Hit?

This question is key to any musician's bid for success in the music industry.

A "good song" might have all the right beats, it might have great musicianship, it might even be by a world-famous band, but what makes a "good" song into a Hit is how it touches the audience.
There are 10 must-haves for any musician:

1. Talent

2. An ear for other talent

3. Must work well with others

4. A distinct sound,(if you're "forcing it" the audience can tell.)

5. Authenticity (goes back to my point in the 4th must-have)
Before I go on to the next five must-have's keep in mind these are the observations of an author and that each person's ideas of music may be different.

6. A musician must have heart, I know I may have put that as the 6th point, but it is essential

7. A musician must be willing to diversify, repetition can become nauseating and redundant.

8. A musician that knows his/her audience will do far better than a self-absorbed musician

9. A clean nose (what I mean by this is, while the "bad" image may have sold in 1965, we have since learned that drugs kill, so stay away from them)

10. Most important must have for a musician is Soul, after all if your music is empty, then what's the point?

To All who read this, take it to Heart..