Local recording industry experts explain what it takes to break into the business

OMAHA, Neb. (FOX42KPTM) - Do you think you have what it takes to kick-start a career in the recording industry? Some people will try it, but not everyone will succeed. Those in the industry tell FOX 42 News it takes a lot of work.

"I started professionally when I was 14," said Tim Zick, an audio engineer for Rainbow Recording Studios. "I had a band in school, which led to touching knobs, which led to going to school and doing this full-time."

But success didn't come overnight for Zick.

"I was a nursing assistant, I was a bellman. Like everybody else, I did what I had to do to make money."

Now in his 36th year in the recording industry, Zick says a career in the industry requires passion.

"You do this job because when you wake up in the morning this is what you want to do."

For Zick, the perks are great.

"I get to tour with some of the biggest names in the business. I regularly tour with Dee Dee Bridgewater. She's my main artist."

Thinking about a career in the world of music? Zick has this warning before you go all in.

"You have to learn about the electronics and the acoustics. You have to know how this stuff works because you can't do any of the artistic things until you understand how these tools work."

On the surface, breaking into the recording industry might look like something easy to do, but the experts say that's far from the case.

"I guarantee you there are plenty of ads out there about buying this special thing or that special thing and you'll be a hit tomorrow afternoon. No, you won't."

If you're willing to put in the time and the energy, however, Zick says breaking through one day is always a possibility.

"I got to be here because I worked from the bottom up."

Like Zick, Rainbow Recording Studios founder Nils Erickson came from humble beginnings. He now helps aspiring musicians achieve their dreams. That includes working with Nigerian songwriter Teni the Entertainer.

"What we offer is a full recording studio service," said Erickson.

His advice to those hoping to live a dream is to take a chance.

"We're always looking for the next best thing."

And the experts inside Rainbow have been finding it. Jordin Sparks, Boyz II Men and the rock band 311 have all had albums produced and recorded by Erickson's Rainbow Recording Studios.

"We love all kinds of music and we support everybody."

But a word to the wise: "Auto-tune can't make everybody a star and my editing skills in Pro Tools can't make everybody a star," said Zick.

That means making sure you have a good foundation to start on is always a good idea.