I've worked with a few dozen artists now mastering their music. From albums to single or EP's I've seen my fair share of different acts and personalities. The one thing that I've noticed in the 2+ years I've been seriously working with artists is how unsure they are with what they want. This isn't to say all, but I am working with independent artists, some just finishing their first project, some trying to get a song ready for radio play. But the crazy thing I've come to realize is these artists have no idea what they want their future in music to be!! It's like they are playing the lottery and just hoping something they create strikes it big! I really see musicians as a 3 class system, and feel free to debate this with me.
The first musician is the, "I just do this for fun". That's great, there is nothing wrong with being this musician. Hell, I am this musician, but I enjoy the creativity of making music and sharing it with family and friends. But I have NO aspirations to be an artist. Its not my thing. But I understand that, and if you understand that its okay. People do all sorts of things that they don't have to be a professional at, you may enjoy cycling, that doesn't me you want to compete in the Tour De France. Music is the same way. Create, spread it at your leisure and enjoy.
The second musician is the, "I should be signed". Really? I have run across a multitude of artist who have local success. Hey, your from the community, you have 30 friends who are willing to come out and support your shows, buy your releases, try and sell you to their peers. That's awesome! But guess what, no one outside of that circle knows who you are. And to be honest, your not really trying to build your fan base. You have a twitter account, or a facebook page but you really haven't engaged any response. You spam your accounts about releases and shows but you don't respond to fans. An average person who somehow discovers your music mentions you on twitter and you believe it was your right and no thanks is spread back to your fan. Thats insulting and will lead you down a road that is fraught with failure.
The third musician is the, "I am going to give this my all". This is the musician who is always looking for another way to move their band, or brand into the spotlight. They are doing all the right things. Engaging their audience, making plans and sticking to them. Being accessible. This is the direction that the new independent artist needs to take. This is the social media world we live in. The major deal blockbuster contracts are no longer being handed out right and left. The industry is being cautious. But guess what, you can be grossly successful if you market yourself or "BrandYourself" to your key audience.
lesson of the day:
Know the artist you want to become. The thing to remember is you can record 100 songs a day. They could be the best songs ever written. But guess who is going to listen to these songs if you don't build an audience? NO ONE. BrandYourself!
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