QA with Simon Tam, Musician Social Entrepreneur

QA with Simon Tam, Musician Social Entrepreneur QA with Simon Tam, Musician Social Entrepreneur image source: Simon TamASIAN-American musician, author and social activist Simon Tam is best known as the founder of the Asian-American dance-rock band, The Slants, and for his landmark legal challengeâ€"and victoryâ€"over the right to use and trademark the band’s name.“I love knowing that working in music makes the world a better place.”Simon Tam has  recalled that he and his bandmates  chose  the name because of the “slanted eyes” that Asians are stereotypically held to have in common, and because it sounded like “an ’80s, new wave band, which is music we want… we can talk about it being our ‘slant on life’, as being people of color”.In his bid to register “The Slants”, Simon Tam was attempting to “take ownership” of Asian stereotypes.Although the legal challenge has distracted Tam and his bandmates from making music, it has not prevented them from winning critical acclaim and awards. Tam himself is a regular music industry commentator, and has written two books,  How to Get Sponsorships and Endorsements and  Music Business Hacks: The Daily Life of the Self-Made Musician.Simon Tam is also a notable social activist, using music and all platforms to raise awareness about racial and social injustice, and other issues that affect the Asian American community. All profits from The Slants’ 2009 remix album  Slants! Slants! Revolution were donated to cancer research for Asian women. Tam himself  donates half his  income from the music business to charity.His involvement in the legal challenge has also led to his involvement in  a number of TEDx talksâ€"more than 10 as a speaker, performer and emceeâ€"on the subject of systematic racism.Simon took some time out of his busy schedule to talk to AGENT about his career in the music industry, and pass on advice to those who aspire to work in the business. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 1. What made you decide to pursue a career in the music industry?Since my earliest me mories, Ive always had a passion for music. My parents have home videos of me  grabbing my dads guitar at age two, jumping on the coffee table, and pretending to play a show for the family. I finally got formal lessons at age 10, founded my first record label and music promotions company at age 13, and continued from there.2. What is one myth about working in the ‘business’ side of the music industry?Theres no magic formula for success. Many people think that if they can get just meet the right people at an industry party, send their demo to the right label, or intern for the hottest new booking agency, theyll find success. The reality is that the music industry is like any other businessâ€"it requires tenacity, initiative, and proven results. Education helps, too, though you dont need a specialised degree from some for-profit university. You can study business, communications, law, and other transferrable skills to help you. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 3 . What gives you the most satisfaction in your work?I love knowing that working in music makes the world a better place. While this doesnt involve some kind of direct nonprofit support (though I donate half my income from the music business to charity), I get to support the creation of more art through helping artists as well as directly writing and performing music myself.4. What is your earliest musical memory?One of my earliest musical memories was when I was learning how to play bass guitar at age ten. When I first started, I would practice until my fingers would get blistered and bleed. To keep going, I would wrap my fingertips with scotch tape so it wouldnt hurt as much but that would often leave a small residue on the strings themselves. Once, my bass teacher seemed really perplexed when he noticed a strange coat of sticky goo all over the strings. He thought I was using some weird string cleaner but didnt realise it was just from the tape shredding on the strings.Image Sourc e: YouTube (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 5. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?When I first wake up, I try to think of three things I am grateful for. It helps set the tone for the rest of the day. After that, I begin thinking about what I want to accomplish then start browsing messages with those goals in mind. I dont like busy work or simply being reactive to my workload. I like being as effective as possible and that means working towards a very specific focus.6. What can you not leave the house without,  and why?If Im to be honest, its my laptop. To me, its more important than my phone, wallet, or keys. I have everything on the device, from the draft of my newest book to the core files for my next record. Even though I have everything backed up, I like being able to access and work on those things instantly. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 7. What advice would you give your younger self starting out in the m usic industry?I would remind myself to always remember my values and my priorities. The music industry can be pretty cut-throat and many people will compromise their principles in hopes of getting a break. But those who truly make an impact and create a sustainable career do so on integrity.Image Source: Simon Tam