Create Your Success On Your Own
Everything You Need to Know to Be an Independent
Artist
For
those of you who haven’t noticed yet, the music industry has changed. Twenty
years ago everything an emerging artist would want was to be offered a contract
with a record label. Now, the story is different.
The
development of new technologies, the fast pace of social media, and the growing
power of streaming have been crucial in helping artists build their careers and
gain a following on their own. The traditional way of developing an artist with
the help of a record label no longer rules the business. Nowadays, artists are
able to grow on their own. Look at Chance The Rapper for example. As in independent
artist, he was able to take home three Grammys (Best New Artist, Best Rap Album, and Best Rap Performance) last year.
Today,
gaining fame can happen through a moment of luck. One catchy song, one funny
video, or one interesting photo can put you in the eyes of millions of people
and give you your fifteen minutes of fame. But being successful is not only
about luck, it is about how much do you want to make it in the music business
and how much effort you are willing to put into achieving your dreams.
Here
is what you have to do to be successful while navigating through the
independent path of the music industry.
Define Who You Are
In
the first stages of artist development, artists usually experiment until they
find what type of music they want to make. Even though the music they make can
evolve with the team, it is important for an emerging artist to define what
kind of music you want to do and start building your own unique brand.
To
be recognized and stand out among the hundreds of artist that are trying to
pursue a career in the music industry, you have to have your own stamp. You may
find it difficult at first but start with a simple question. Ask yourself what
makes you different.
At
first, this question may give you a headache but think about a fun fact about
yourself. It can be how many instruments you play, the way you dress, something
you like to do while performing, or even your background story.
All
this is going to help you to create an image (your clothes, makeup, how you
perform on stage and even the way you talk) that is going to impact your
audience.
Get Out There
These
are some of the things you have to do to be recognized in the music business
and grow your career as an artist:
·
Book the gigs
Play as many shows as you can even if the
organizers are not going to pay you. Remember, you need to get people to know
you, and this is the best way to create a following. Here in Los Angeles, there
are many companies and artist communities that love working with new and
talented artists. These companies offer a place for artists where they can show
themselves to the world. Try contacting some such as Sofar Sounds, BalconyTv, Jam in the Van, or Badass Bands.
·
Think of social media as your ally
Learn how to use social media outlets and post
content about what you are doing on a regular basis. By doing this, you will be
more in touch with your fandom straightening the relationship you have with
them.
·
Networking
Many say that the entrainment business is about
who you know, and they are right. It is
important that you connect with people who work in the industry in order to
share your talent and also learn from them what they know about the music
industry.
Find Your Crew
When
you are at the beginning of developing your career as an artist it is possible
that you can work on your own. However, once you start growing and gaining more
recognition you will need the help of others if you want to focus 100% on your
music (which you should definitely do!).
It
is important that you start creating a team conformed by people you trust and
share the same vision with. The main players you should have on your team are a
publicist, a manager, and a booking agent. You may wonder what exactly is the
role of these people. Don’t worry, I will explain it to you.
·
The publicist
In an interview for An Insider’s Look Into The Music Industry, Ryan Romana, a music industry and Public
Relations professional stated that “a publicist is a liaison between the artist
and the media.” This person works on helping the artist to get media attention
by contacting several press outlets suggesting them to write about the artist.
·
The manager
This person’s role is to find ways to expand the
artist’s career to its greatest potential, increase the fan base and generate
more income. For this, the manager has to work on promoting the artist’s career
and run its business side.
·
The booking agent
This person’s job is to securing and arranging live performances for
the artists.
My
last advice for you is the following: Once you start growing as an artist, the
fame can take control of you and change you. Thus, as corny as it may sound,
please always remember to stay true to yourself.
Works Cited
Diaz,
Mike. “The Music Publicist.” An Inside
Look Into The Music Business.
Themusicindustryinsider.com/music-publicist-and-press/.
(3 Dec. 2017)
Passman,
Donald S. All You Need to Know About the
Music Business. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2015
