Expert Article

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

Boron, Allison Johnelle. “Independent Artist Are Now a Billion-Dollar Market.” AWAL. https://www.awal.com/blog/independent-artists-are-now-a-billion-dollar-market. (6 Nov. 2017)

Diaz, Mike. “The Music Publicist.” An Inside Look Into The Music Business.

Themusicindustryinsider.com/music-publicist-and-press/. (3 Dec. 2017)

Havens, Lindsey. “Chance The Rapper’s ‘Coloring Book’ Is Frist Streaming-Only Album To Win a Grammy.” Billboard. https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/7686341/chance-the-rapper-coloring-book-first-streaming-only-album-grammy. (13 Feb. 2017)

Passman, Donald S. All You Need to Know About the Music Business. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2015

Rennie, Steve. “Artist Development: Musicians Are Now in Control (Guest Post).” Billboard. https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/digital-and-mobile/6070011/artist-development-musicians-are-now-in-control-guest. (28 Apr. 2014)

Ross, Danny. “An Artist’s Step-By-Step Guide to Making Money And Impact in Music.” Forbes Magazine. https://www.forbes.com/sites/dannyross1/2017/01/31/the-blueprint-an-artists-step-by-step-guide-to-making-money-and-impact-in-music/#75a75e143768. (31 Jan. 2017)