1. Consistency.
You can’t claim to want worldwide success, but not be willing to stay committed to your efforts long enough to see something happen.
2. Less Whining.
Every indie artist, even some majors, have less than perfect situations to achieve their goals. Every artist has to deal with people not believing in them or supporting their efforts. Unfortunately, it’s a part of the journey. I’m not saying you can’t have feelings about all of that, but choose to let it motivate you rather than prompt you to use social media as your woe-is-me soapbox.
3. Do Unto Others
If you believe in good energy or karma in the universe, you must understand why you can’t just record music and put it out, asking for people’s hard earned $0.99 and never reciprocate. It’s simply amazing how many people cry “no one supports me” who have never purchased any one else’s music, tshirt, or even entry into a show. Don’t get me wrong, don’t do it just so people will support you. Understand that it takes deposits to allow for withdrawals.
4. Stop Asking Your Friends
There are a few friends in most indie artist’s lives who won’t simply pat them on the back and say “good job”. When asking for feedback, ask people who (1) aren’t afraid to tell you the truth and (2) have some clue of the topic. It’s understandable if you simply want a consumer/listener point of view, but don’t take criticism from a group of BFFs turned “yes men”. (Now if you have friends who will give you the real… GREAT!)
5. Brand Yourself
Having a hashtag you always use does not constitute branding. Take time to actually think about your brand strategy. Try to figure out how a person/consumer could recognize your social media posts or your style if they didn’t have your name displayed. If you don’t think you can do it alone, employ or consult with someone.
You can’t claim to want worldwide success, but not be willing to stay committed to your efforts long enough to see something happen.
2. Less Whining.
Every indie artist, even some majors, have less than perfect situations to achieve their goals. Every artist has to deal with people not believing in them or supporting their efforts. Unfortunately, it’s a part of the journey. I’m not saying you can’t have feelings about all of that, but choose to let it motivate you rather than prompt you to use social media as your woe-is-me soapbox.
3. Do Unto Others
If you believe in good energy or karma in the universe, you must understand why you can’t just record music and put it out, asking for people’s hard earned $0.99 and never reciprocate. It’s simply amazing how many people cry “no one supports me” who have never purchased any one else’s music, tshirt, or even entry into a show. Don’t get me wrong, don’t do it just so people will support you. Understand that it takes deposits to allow for withdrawals.
4. Stop Asking Your Friends
There are a few friends in most indie artist’s lives who won’t simply pat them on the back and say “good job”. When asking for feedback, ask people who (1) aren’t afraid to tell you the truth and (2) have some clue of the topic. It’s understandable if you simply want a consumer/listener point of view, but don’t take criticism from a group of BFFs turned “yes men”. (Now if you have friends who will give you the real… GREAT!)
5. Brand Yourself
Having a hashtag you always use does not constitute branding. Take time to actually think about your brand strategy. Try to figure out how a person/consumer could recognize your social media posts or your style if they didn’t have your name displayed. If you don’t think you can do it alone, employ or consult with someone.
6. Don’t Be Your Own Competition
Social media is both a blessing and a curse. Because it is so easy to allow people into your personal thoughts, a lot of indie artists tend to forget that they are their own product. It’s not uncommon to see artist post things that have nothing to do with their musical endeavors. As any indie will tell you, support pours in for every post except their musical efforts. So artist should slow down on being their own competition. The phrase “any publicity is good publicity” doesn’t apply to all industries. Decide what you want to be known for.
7. Treat Your Music Like A Business
This is self explanatory. If you want it to pay bills, be as diligent with it as you do your 9-5.
8. Be On The Scene
This is the cousin to #3. Be a body in the building. Don’t simply get out when major names come to your city. You are responsible for the music culture in your city. "They don't do this in *insert major city here*." The unfortunate part about that sentiment is that most would go to that city and support EVERYthing going on, but won't do that in their own city.
9. Don’t Be Swayed By What’s Popular
If you are a boom-bap rapper, don’t suddenly adopt the popular cadence (raise your hand if you’re tired of hearing the same songs over and over on the radio. ugh!) Be yourself. If you want to do classic R&B, don’t try to be drake. Just sing. You will always excel in what you are good at and you love. Adopting it because it is popular guarantees your momentum dies when the trend dies.
10. Invest In Yourself
I’m pretty sure everyone has heard this a million times. Investing in yourself isn’t just about paying for studio time, artwork, and videos. There are many other things your career needs financially. You can pay for marketing, a website, social media promotions, or classes to learn how to play an instrument, learn to record, or take vocal lessons… to name a few. And if money is tight, invest your time. Don’t ever think that just because you can’t purchase something, you have nothing to invest. Youtube has a wealth of info. Use it. Research. Read. Invest everything you have.
So… let's do better in 2017.
As usual, the MIcCheckBham family is always here to support indie artists any way we can. So if you want our help, or the help of our parent company, One Degree MMM, just let us know!
If you have something to add that you think is absolutely neccessary for 2017, feel free to drop a comment below and let’s talk about it.
Now go be great music creators!
Jacqueline Jones
Social media is both a blessing and a curse. Because it is so easy to allow people into your personal thoughts, a lot of indie artists tend to forget that they are their own product. It’s not uncommon to see artist post things that have nothing to do with their musical endeavors. As any indie will tell you, support pours in for every post except their musical efforts. So artist should slow down on being their own competition. The phrase “any publicity is good publicity” doesn’t apply to all industries. Decide what you want to be known for.
7. Treat Your Music Like A Business
This is self explanatory. If you want it to pay bills, be as diligent with it as you do your 9-5.
8. Be On The Scene
This is the cousin to #3. Be a body in the building. Don’t simply get out when major names come to your city. You are responsible for the music culture in your city. "They don't do this in *insert major city here*." The unfortunate part about that sentiment is that most would go to that city and support EVERYthing going on, but won't do that in their own city.
9. Don’t Be Swayed By What’s Popular
If you are a boom-bap rapper, don’t suddenly adopt the popular cadence (raise your hand if you’re tired of hearing the same songs over and over on the radio. ugh!) Be yourself. If you want to do classic R&B, don’t try to be drake. Just sing. You will always excel in what you are good at and you love. Adopting it because it is popular guarantees your momentum dies when the trend dies.
10. Invest In Yourself
I’m pretty sure everyone has heard this a million times. Investing in yourself isn’t just about paying for studio time, artwork, and videos. There are many other things your career needs financially. You can pay for marketing, a website, social media promotions, or classes to learn how to play an instrument, learn to record, or take vocal lessons… to name a few. And if money is tight, invest your time. Don’t ever think that just because you can’t purchase something, you have nothing to invest. Youtube has a wealth of info. Use it. Research. Read. Invest everything you have.
So… let's do better in 2017.
As usual, the MIcCheckBham family is always here to support indie artists any way we can. So if you want our help, or the help of our parent company, One Degree MMM, just let us know!
If you have something to add that you think is absolutely neccessary for 2017, feel free to drop a comment below and let’s talk about it.
Now go be great music creators!
Jacqueline Jones
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