Acting professionally
With
Imogen HeapThe days when you could get away with diva behaviour in the music industry are behind us. As with any industry there are behaviours that are considered professional
What's in the course
44 lessons (2h 11m) · 1 free
Lesson transcript
The Importance of Professionalism in the Music Industry
I think you have to do what you say you're going to do, be straight with people. Here are some thoughts on how to navigate the competitive music landscape:
Key Principles
- Be Reasonably Easy to Get Along With: The industry is more competitive now than ever.
- Diva Behavior is Outdated: The infamous diva behavior you read about doesn't fly for many people anymore.
Media Exaggeration
When you read about the "rock and roll lifestyle," it's important to recognize that:
- Stories are Often Exaggerated: The media tends to blow things out of proportion to create a more compelling narrative.
- For example, I once saw Liam Gallagher get into a fight. The reports suggested it was a major brawl, but in reality:
- Someone pushed him, and he simply pushed back.
- It wasn't the dramatic scene described in the press.
- For example, I once saw Liam Gallagher get into a fight. The reports suggested it was a major brawl, but in reality:
Professionalism Behind the Scenes
Even those with a rock and roll persona can be incredibly professional:
- Eminem's Team Example: At a festival, Eminem and his crew were completely on point.
- While they looked unconventional, they were 100% professional.
- Eminem himself demands this level of professionalism from those around him.
Commitment and Trust
To succeed in the music industry:
- Stay Committed: Seeing things through to completion is crucial.
- Build Trust with Others: People tend to place more trust in those who are dedicated and follow through, regardless of the outcome.
In conclusion, navigating the music industry requires a blend of professionalism, commitment, and an understanding of the narratives shaped by the media.
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Meet your guru
Meet your guru
Imogen Heap is a Grammy-winning English singer, songwriter, producer and technologist whose influence runs through two decades of pop, electronic and film music — and through much of the technology modern artists now take for granted.
Born in London in 1977 and classically trained on piano, cello and clarinet, she released her debut album 'iMegaphone' in 1998 before forming the duo Frou Frou with producer Guy Sigsworth, whose song 'Let Go' reached a global audience through the film Garden State. Her self-written, self-produced album 'Speak for Yourself' (2005) delivered 'Hide and Seek', the a cappella landmark that later powered Jason Derulo's chart-topping 'Whatcha Say' and Ariana Grande's 'Goodnight n Go', and continues to find new generations of listeners.
'Ellipse' (2009) won the Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical — recorded and engineered in her own home studio — and she went on to co-write and produce 'Clean' on Taylor Swift's Album of the Year-winning '1989'. She also composed the score for the stage play 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'.
A relentless innovator, Heap developed the MI.MU gestural gloves — recognised with three honorary doctorates — and founded Mycelia and The Creative Passport, initiatives building a fairer data ecosystem for artists. In 2024 she returned with 'What Have You Done to Me?', created with her AI vocal alter ego Mogen, while a viral resurgence of 'Headlock' brought her music to millions of new fans.
