About

Makingitinmusic.net…. the music industry resource focused not only on the working musician, but for anyone in the music business who desires to maximize their opportunities and create those necessary building blocks to advance their careers to another level.

Meet the Editor

Hugh Hession has been a part of the music industry for over 25 years with experience as an artist manager, publicist, consultant, producer, composer and performer. He has played and toured with a multitude of bands throughout the United States as a keyboardist and lead vocalist which brought forth opportunities to play with many legendary recording acts. In 1995, he started Rubicon Entertainment, an artist management company that represented up and coming artists by leveraging publicity and performance to maximize fan growth. He helped to establish his acts by centering the focus around their niche, creating opportunities not only stateside, but internationally as well, particularly in Europe.

Currently, Hugh is the Music Industry Liaison and co-partner for TalentWatch, the new, online destination where music artists can go to showcase their music and tell their story in a video-driven format. Fans vote on music artists, giving each artist an equal chance to rise to the top. In 2011, NBC’s The Voice gave mention to TalentWatch in addition to including them as the only site to be included on their link page during the audition period. Recently, TW has been working with television networks as a conduit for talent and has just launched their new music contest platform where industry professionals can host music contests, customized to their needs. Hession is also the producer and host of TalentWatch Radio.

In addition to his role with TalentWatch, Hugh heads up Hession Entertainment Group, LLC (artist management) and Emerging Artists Entertainment Marketing and Consulting, LLC (artist development, production and consulting). He still actively writes songs. produces and is involved in multiple production/development deals. Most recently, he has entered into a production partnership with Lester Cromer a.k.a  DJ Freez (J. Trill) known as The Alphaz where he is writing and producing in the dance/pop genre. The team are currently working with Tasha Larae of Arrested Development in addition to developing other new artists on both the national and international markets.

Hugh is a voting member of The Recording Academy (NARAS/Grammy’s), Atlanta Chapter, a professional member of NARIP and a member of the IMMF (International Music Manager’s Forum). He is a BMI writer and has a BA in Marketing.

What is Making it in Music about?

Making it in Music is a blog that equips those who want to do just that…make it in the music business! There are some that tend to frown upon the term “making it,” but really, isn’t that what every musician aspires to?  ”Making it” is such a subjective term. Platinum records, sold-out tours and screaming fans are a bonus, but c’mon – we all just want to make a living at what we love to do, right? If we can sustain a music career and keep the food on the table, that is bliss!  And that, people,  is what we define as “making it!”

We cover a variety of topics from marketing, performance, vocal coaching and also the business end of music. Really, we’re game to anything  that has do with furthering your career. Making it in Music is constantly evolving and we will continue to move into the direction that will best serve you, as the music professional. We also are about the up and comer. We acknowledge the movers and shakers of tomorrow as well as today!

It is our goal to stay in tune with your needs as a growing music artist and/or professional. Accordingly, we sincerely want to hear from you. Any suggestions, comments (or pats on the back!), are welcome. This blog is for you and we want to include content that is valuable and in demand. We can’t do that without your input. Check out our most frequently asked questions.

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What others are saying about Hugh

“MakingitinMusic.net provides aspiring artists the insight and tools needed to “make it” in the music industry.  Hugh Hession has the aptitude to know the best course of action for each artist.  I’ve always said it’s important to align yourself with a mentor who is one step ahead of the music industry.” -Gary Alan, Owner of TalentWatch.net

“In my career thus far, I have worked with big names like The Outlaws, Wet Willie, James Brown, Trisha Yearwood, Danny Seraphine, Razzy Bailey and more. Hugh has the kind of can do attitude that one needs to be at the top of the music business. This, along with his fantastic piano and vocal skills and amazing songwriting and arranging ability makes him a must if you want to do something truly professional.”  -Joey Stuckey, Shadow Sound Studios, Macon, Georgia.

“I have had the honor of knowing and working with Hugh Hession for some time. I have found Hugh to be a great asset, both personally and professionally, and one who embodies traits that are hard to find in today’s world. Hugh is honest, forthright, punctual, professional and always thinking. Thank you Hugh for being a friend and colleague.” -James M. LeFavour, Chairman / Georgia Music Industry Association, President / Atlanta Records, Edgewater Recording Studios, Atlanta, Georgia.

“Hugh works tirelessly for the artists he manages and does so from his deep performing background, music industry contacts and incredible knowledge base of how the music industry really works. If you are looking to take your talents to the next level, Hugh knows what it takes and focuses like a laser beam on making it happen! I recommend him and his work with no reservations.” -Chris Lyon, live sound engineer, Technical Advisor to The Georgia Music Industry Assocation, Sound Crew, Athsfest, Athens, Georgia

“In all of my years in operating a television station for Daystar, I must say that Hugh Hession is one of the most talented individuals that I have ever worked with. I do not believe that there is anything he cannot do, from a magical voice talent to astonishing music, writing and performing skills, teacher and talent guide, he is a true value to offer to the world. I recommend him with the highest mark of excellence.” -Olan Graham, Station Manager, WDMA Macon TV 31, Daystar TV, Macon, Georgia

“Hugh is a pleasure to work with in all aspects…Very friendly, easy to deal with, and very informative. Outside of working with me, I witnessed him interacting with other subs, his own band members, and guests of the event. Everyone seemed to enjoy his company. I would highly recommend Hugh as a professional and team player.” - Keith Minor, Shock and Awe Productions, Atlanta, Georgia

“Hugh Hession has vast real-world experience in the music business and is one of the few people I trust to give me honest, practical, and sound advise when it comes to developing my career and navigating an industry that is complex and not always friendly towards artists. He’s also an innovative thinker, a smart businessman, and very ethical. I’ve interviewed him for SeeTalkGrow, and he provided great educational info and helpful tips to our audience. I’m honored to have him as a friend and colleague.” -Jennifer Grassman, recording artist, A&R, Founder, See Talk Grow.

“I visit your blog daily, on my journey of music. Wanted to express my gratefulness for your amazing efforts, helping us independent musicians know ourselves better and shape our decisions in a good way.” - Morad Muslimany, MoradMuslimanyMusic.

“Hey Hugh, I am a beat maker or what I like to call ‘composer.’ I love how you broke down the beat licensing. It really clears things up for the artist who may not fully understand what it means exactly to license a beat.” – Isaac Mergen, DigitalMindsMusic.com

Hugh is a dedicated and driven music professional with a deep rooted passion for artist development. His website MakingItInMusic.net is a true reflection of Hugh’s commitment to sharing his extensive knowledge of the music industry in a growth orientated style. If you want to learn about the music business and you’re stateside, Hugh is your man… -Simon Adams, International Training/Music Consultant, Keynote Speaker, Music Promoter and Business Coach, Owner ofN2R Media and author of “101 Ways To Market Your Music On The Web.”

Disclaimer

We are not a big fan of disclaimers. Most of them are very dry, but nevertheless, you need to have an understanding that we are not attorneys, and any information in this blog that even remotely deals with any legal issue needs to be taken up with one. We offer information based upon our experiences as music industry professionals. We go to great pains to ensure that it is accurate, however on the event that it is not – we are not available to be sued. Basically, this means that we are not held liable for someone using the information on this site, not getting the results they expect, and then sue us. This is for informational purposes only.

Also, we reserve the right to monitor comments. This blog is not the classifieds. If you are in the music biz, want to be a part of the business, or merely like to read Making it in Music – great. We love feedback and comments about our posts and welcome that. In that regard- we have no problem with you leaving your website URL. But, if you just want to spam the blog -we do have a problem with that.