How to make it in the music industry

English expat and namesake of the UAE-based pop/rock band, Craig Perry, talks about finding success in the Emirates

Perry

Craig The best advice I can give is to write original music. Whatever it is and whatever genre, keep writing. Second, get out there and play - wherever and whenever you can. I’ve learned so much over the past year by playing nearly every opportunity (both paid and unpaid). This helps to build confidence, develop stage presence, test out new material and, most importantly, start to build a fan base. Two years ago I had never played a proper ‘gig’ in my life. I’ve since won Gap’s Recording Room competition and recorded my debut album in Ireland – the response has been pretty incredible.

That was tough at first, but as the interest has grown, the demand has grown, too. Now more than ever, there are many companies developing real platforms for original musicians to develop. White Cube in Abu Dhabi and TripleW in Dubai are just two that spring to mind. There’s also a ton of open mic nights happening around the country, like Metronome in the capital. Get stuck into Facebook groups for UAE musicians, Abu Dhabi actually does a great job for the music scene. Although smaller than Dubai’s, the venues are varied. There are plenty of opportunities to play and corporate work tends to pay better, too. I’m aiming for a September 2015 release for my new album. All the music is finished; I’m just speaking to distribution houses and labels to gauge interest. It’s been a long (and expensive) road, but I’m so happy it’s finally done.

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