
Nowhere does the dream of overnight success loom as large as in the music industry. The lure of seemingly easy money, coupled with the aura of fame, conspire to tempt would-be stars to quit their dull day jobs, only to crash and burn. Breaking into this largely cutthroat biz often takes just that: a lucky “break” or “smash.” But musicians can increase their chances of landing that contract, recording a hit, and reaping the royalties, by taking a series of key steps along their paths to superstardom.