I came across an article by one of my favourite indie music industry 'identities' Bob Baker.
The title of the article was "How To "Fix" The Music Industry".
As I read it I was reminded of something that happened to me very recently which was confirming a belief that I have held for a long time. That we, as musicians can be our own worst enemies.
I had a conversation with a musician friend of mine the other day and I was saddened to hear that he was considering giving up what he loved to do the most because he hasn't 'made it'.
"What do you mean you haven't made it?" I asked
He then starts his speech.
"I have been trying for years to get a record deal but all I seem to do is start bands and they break up again and I just can't seem to break out of playing in Adelaide...."
From there he lists all of the 'reasons' why he hasn't made it.Now I'm not going to go into the list of reasons now (as it is a rather long and tedious list) but one thing that I noticed was that not once did my friend mention anything about himself.
All of the reasons were external ones.
Needless to say I left that conversation feeling emotionally worn out from all of that negativity flying around that room.
When I read Bob Baker's article "How To 'Fix' The Music Industry" I sent it to my friend.
I wonder how many other musicians are hiding behind external 'reasons' and therefore not taking control of their own destinies? I mean after all, isn't that what being an indie music artist/band is all about?
Anyway, here is the article for you to ponder over.
By Bob Baker
There are many reasons to get frustrated by the music business "system." Lack of variety and access to mainstream radio and retail. Live venues that don't seem to support new artists. Record labels that are mostly concerned with safe, least-common-denominator hits. The sad reality that Nick and Jessica couldn't make it :-)
When these factors rip at a musician's heart, there are often two results:
1) The musician feels like throwing up his hands, walking away from music, and spending the rest of his days as a Buddhist monk in isolation.
2) The musician rages against the system, gets angry about the way things are, insists that things need to change, then joins a Motley Crue tribute band.
Well, if you're truly passionate about your music, walking away from it should not even be an option. And if you're one of those creative types who wants to cure all the ills of "the industry," here are some thoughts for you...
Changing the music industry is not unlike trying to change where and when the sun rises every morning. You can expend all the anger and energy you can muster, but the sun is still going to do its thing -- blissfully unaware that you're even unhappy with it.
Stop trying to fix everything and change everybody else. Your focus on frustration just creates more of it. The best way to make an impact in areas that need improvement is to take Gandhi's advice:
"You must be the change you want to see in the world."
Unless you're Clive Davis or one of the Dixie Chicks, you won't be able to influence the industry at large. (Okay, let's amend that to "unless you're Clive Davis ...")
You can't control what happens to the overall music business, but there is something you can control directly: How you conduct yourself and your own place in music. Focus on pursuing a career on you your own terms -- not terms imposed by the industry.
The more successful you are living by your own set of standards, the more energy and attention you'll create. And if other indie artists are likewise successful operating outside the traditional lines, that influence will grow stronger.
Rosa Parks didn't set out to change the entire civil rights system. She simply did what see thought was right and sat down where she felt she was entitled. That simple act of conviction created a social tidal wave that's still felt today.
Use that same philosophy with your music career. Be the change you want to see in the music world. Steer away from people who don't support your indie values. Find victories where you can. Build on them.
Through your positive example, people will take notice and ... the music industry may be slightly altered forever. Heck, maybe even Nick and Jessica will get back together.
-Bob
Bob Baker is the author of "Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook," "Unleash the Artist Within" and "Branding Yourself Online."
He also publishes TheBuzzFactor.com, a web site and e-zine that deliver free music marketing tips and self-promotion ideas to musicians of all kinds.
Visit TheBuzzFactor.com for more details.
Bravo Bob, I couldn't have said it better myself.
Until next time,
Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Indie Musician
www.coreystewartonline.com
www.soultradermusic.com
www.theliarsbench.com
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Keywords: bob baker, indie music, music artist, music band, independent music, music industry, music business, music marketing, band promotion, corey stewart
