As a musician in 2019, we're expected to wear all the hats, am I right?
In the early generations of popular music, it seems like artists' main focus was writing great songs that would sell records and make it on the radio. Now, artists have to be a:
Musician
Public figure
Brand
Producer
Social media manager
Graphic designer
Web developer
Marketing manager
Publicist
Booking agent
Tour manager
The list goes on...
This shift is mostly due to the exponential rise in technology. Anyone can download recording software on their laptop. Anyone can have a studio in their basement. Anyone can run a Facebook ad online and distribute their music worldwide with a few clicks.
With the development of free or low-cost streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, artists can no longer depend on monetizing their songs alone. The music, ironically, has become the marketing tool to capture audiences.
Artists now have to spend more (and at times, most) of their time building a brand and an online presence to capitalize on audience engagement. Live events, ticket sales, merchandise, crowdfunding. These new avenues for working musicians require more than musical talent.
Hence, all the hats...
Luckily, there are plenty of tools and experts out there to help us do it.
DIY music culture has never been more accessible and more successful than it is right 👏 now 👏.
While the label model is still alive and well, there has never been a better time for musicians to "make it" as an independent band or artist.
When it comes to your band, how do you define success? What do you need to cross that threshold? Is it training? DIY courses? A team? Hit reply and let me know, I'd love to hear from you...
And wherever you are in your artist journey, know that what you have to say matters. Your unique voice carries immense purpose.
Remember that song you heard at exactly the right moment as a teenager? Your music could be that catalyst for someone else. Keep writing, keep playing, keep making art.
To your success, Naø
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