Comments on: Why You Should Be Excited About the Independent Music Industry in 2010

By: Manuel

Manuel — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:27:36 +0000

Once again, a great post! I have noticed that many musicians and agents have not met their goals in 2009, despite their amazing websites, facebook fan pages and twitter accounts.

My strong guess is that many people rely too much on the internet and are so preoccupied with their online presece that they’ve lost touch with their real fans.

OK, I love the possibilities of the web 2.0 but every now and then nothing beats a personal phone call to your slacker friend that will bring 20 of his drunken friends to your show!

By: Music Marketing in 2010 - The New Music Industry | Music Marketing - Gen-Y Rock Stars

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:25:39 +0000

[...] Fellow Audiolife guest blogger Refe writes about why you should be excited about the indie music industry in 2010. [...]

By: Robert Szeles

Robert Szeles — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 07:42:08 +0000

Gee, thanks Matt. I think you just embarrassed me.

By: matt chow

matt chow — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 02:11:41 +0000

Robert is right. A very smart man he is.

By: Robert Szeles

Robert Szeles — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 23:51:00 +0000

There isn’t anything to do but continue to evolve and try to be part of that evolution by trying to contribute in a positive manner.

The concept that, as a musical artist, you are a small business owner is something that must be grasped or else you’re headed for trouble.

Also, MUSIC and the MUSIC BUSINESS are two different things. I do agree that their is alot of mediocre and bad music being created by people who aren’t artists and just want to be famous and by artists who are not devoting themselves to their music the way they need to. There are also people mediocre artists doing well financially because they’re good business people/marketers.

Having said that, we should AVOID GENERALITIES. There are many talented artists who are not good at business and can’t afford to hire someone who is and they are not being heard. It isn’t because their music “sucks.” (and I don’t think it helps to throw around insulting terms either).

And It’s even more complicated than that. I have a song that won 3rd place in the Rock category in 2009 in the biggest music award in the world (Just Plain Folks Music Award)  and has appeared on several prime time TV shows and has received substantial internet and some traditional radio play. I am active on several social networking sites and have a mailing list of over 500 people. Yet still I made an insignificant amount of money through sales of the song.
People don’t like to hear stories like that. There are no simple answers. Everyone is trying to figure it out (even Trent Reznor says he is). The important thing is that we all try to move forward together and contribute what we can and share our knowledge to help educate the public that music is something of value. And one of the ways we artists need to do that is by creating great music.

Which reminds me I need to get off the internet and go work on a song. There is no better marketing than a producing a great song.

By: refe

refe — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:07:39 +0000

Exactly. Anyone (in any industry) who goes into a new venture thinking they’ll hit it big in their first year is setting himself up for disappointment. Especially in an industry that is still very unstable and unpredictable. A successful career in music is going to take time. So give it time!

By: Slash

Slash — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:59:18 +0000

I have to say- I totally agree with this blog. The truth is if you give up on what you set out to do it’s definately over. However, anything that last for 5(yrs) can be considered a success- so go the xtra mile to become who you are and not who you want to be. Remember the Basic Business Rules…….

By: Kevin English

Kevin English — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:10:50 +0000

Agreed. The music business is the toughest hustle around. I guess that’s why I’m addicted.

Thanks for linking to me. I’m looking forward to continuing this discussion.

By: refe

refe — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:29:29 +0000

Thanks Kevin - your post was sort of the unofficial inspiration for this piece, actually. Starting a career in music takes the same amount of persistance and planning as launching a small business venture. And it's probably even more of a long shot!

By: Kevin English

Kevin English — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:21:05 +0000

Hi Refe. Thanks for your positive outlook & hopes for the new year. Here is what resonates with me the most today:

“Independent artists are small business start-ups.”

This statement should give artists and bloggers plenty to do in 2010. I’m excited to hear more of your thoughts on the matter.

Best,

Kevin