Today we touch basis on the fact that some indie artists are
making moves, unfortunately those moves are going in the opposite direction.
Dealing with various djs, bloggers, and tastemakers it is easy for us to get
frustrated because most of the artists today are committing the same mistakes.
This blog is going to touch basis on some of the most common and if you can
spot it, don’t be a lame, tell your fellow indie artist how to do it correctly.
Mistake number 1: this
is a 2 part mistake and probably the most annoying, how you introduce yourself
and/or send us music.
PART 1) the social network and the term “NETWORK” itself has
made many of you lazy. Do you think that because you know my twitter handle and
can mention me, we have become friends? Well, sorry to tell you, you don’t know
me. So, in my opinion, don’t just mention me with a link…ACUTALLY NEVER MENTION
me with a link, I have VARIOUS ways in which you can submit your content and
via twitter is frowned upon. Creating a network is more than just taking
pictures at events and following a person online, you have to engage that
person. YES, we can network online, but it takes more than a simple
follow.
PART 2) I am going to teach you how to send me your record.
First and foremost, do not forget to BCC who you are sending your content to,
if you are sending it to various people at once. Why? People will steal your
contact list and I, personally HATE to see my email freely posted. Second, have
your music tagged properly…It should state your artist name and single name,
NOT Track 2. Three, if you feel like introducing yourself, 1 or 2 paragraphs is
enough, I DO NOT care to read your entire life story. Last, but not, least send
in your artwork for the project or a Hi-Res photo of yourself, not a camera
pic.
Mistake number 2:
Being ill prepared for appearances or networking events.
Now that you have decided that you are a professional music
artist, act accordingly. Stop attending clubs and events just for the purpose
of TURNIN UP w/ the homies. You should never leave the house without product,
IE. CDS, POSTERS, and other Merchandise. As an artist, I am sure you either
have a stage name, ENT, logo, or whatever you want to be recognized as…well
start wearing it. Why the hell are spending big bucks rocking Louis, Prada, or
whoever else brand, when you’re still trying to get yours noticed. Carry
yourself as a superstar and MAYBE one day you will be seen as one. Lastly, the
most cost-effective and easy to carry piece of product you should have is a
business card. Yes, I thought about the fact that some of us have a small
budget, but baby if you can’t afford business cards w/ your social and contact
info, STAY HOME that night.
Mistake number 3: Not
focusing on the BIG PICTURE
If I were to ask 10 indie artists what their goal is, I bet
my entire month’s income that 9 out of 10 would say to get signed. WHY am I so
confident? Hell, I’ve asked plenty of artists that question and the majority
gives me that same answer. YOU ARE WRONG!!! Your main goal as an artist is to
develop a fan base. Did you hear me??? FANBASE. I don’t mean your buddies, who
want free tickets and to hop on stage with you and kick it with the groupies.
I’m talking legitimate people who will pay to see you perform, who will buy
your merchandise, and who will share your music with their friends and family.
Building a genuine fan base realistically means that you don’t need a MAJOR
label…Don’t believe me, ASK Tech N9ne. Now, I am not trying to make it seem
easy, because really, it might be the hardest thing to do, but hell while
you’re sitting here chasing a goal, you may as well focus on what’s important.
I could touch on many other mistakes being made, not only by
the artists, but also the service providers in the music industry. I will not
go into all of them today because hell I know the attention span of most is
limited. I leave you with this closing thought, when many people tell you that
your way is wrong, stop for a minute and realize they actually are trying to
help. Our way of moving might seem to be flowing right along, until we notice
that we’re moving in the wrong direction. I would hate to look back in 10 years
and see that I am right back where I started from.
Ms. Breezy
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