Gut Check

Striking Out on Your Own: The Indie Artist

 

More and more musicians today are going on their own in the music business and not relying on major labels any more. The Internet has provided a great deal of resources that makes it a lot easier for people to be able get their music heard by a much larger audience than ever before. Artists are building their own home studios, recording and producing their own music, and starting up their own labels. It sounds like an adventure doesn’t it? Be warned. Having a DIY attitude is great and admirable, but it does take a certain kind of person to actually become successful at it.

 

If you desire to say “screw you” the Man (anyone who owns a major record label or just anyone who tries to tell you what to do) and do things your own way, you have to be self motivated. If you are the type who constantly procrastinates and puts things off, you may not be cut out to be an Indie artist. You have to be self-motivated. This means that you don’t need someone to stand over you, breathe down your neck, and nag you to get things accomplished (although your coach will do this for you if you want J).

 

As an Indie artist you will be putting in a lot of work on various aspects of the music industry. For example it will be up to you to write the music, record it, produce it, and promote it. You won’t have a super large budget provided for you, nor will you have a full staff and team who will do all the work for you. This means you have to get off your lazy butt at the crack of dawn and cover your entire city with flyers promoting your music and your upcoming shows.

 

Going in alone is a tough road that requires a lot of work. If you are just another lazy person who thinks being a rock star will mean you won’t have to work, you’re in the wrong business. You would probably be more comfortable wearing a Burger King hat and scraping grills for a living. However if you have a super strong desire for success and are willing to put in the work, you are on your way to success.