Things We Can Fix

I'm going to start out by saying that at the end of this post, I'm going to ask a favor of you that will take less than a minute of your time, just so you don't feel bombarded when we get to that.

The music business can be a wonderful business, and it can be a terrible one. It all depends on where you are and who you choose to surround yourself with. Whoever you are, if you are a part of this business in any form, you're going to experience both sides of that at some point. For most, the terrible parts come in the beginning. But for the less fortunate, it comes when they realize that they haven't played the cards they were dealt in the right way. Be careful with yourself, because some decisions you only get one chance to make.

Don't forget to be bold in your carefulness, though. Because grand decisions can be life-changing in the right way. If you are a musician and you love something you have done, never forget that love. Carry it with you forever, no matter what anyone says about it. You are always going to be your worst honest critic. I feel like the honest part gets left out too often, and is perhaps the most important word in that statement. If you throw something out to the public, they will criticize it. But they may not actually be criticizing because your work is deserving of that criticism. More often, it is because they are projecting from a place of disappointment within themselves. Be confident in the things you have created, always trust love at first listen. I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that everything you create is going to be beautiful. But you will know when it isn't.

Now, let's get back to the music business and all of its' grand faults. It's difficult. Trying to make your name come out of everyone's mouth and stick in everyone's brain is hard work. It's probably the hardest thing you're ever going to attempt to do. I like to think that this process weeds out the weaklings and polishes those who are willing to put in the work. But let's be honest, that isn't always the way things go. Which, if you ask me, is total hogwash. I constantly see musicians deserving of the spotlight they crave getting absolutely no attention. And then there are the ones who sell you garbage, and let's go ahead and be truthful here, YOU BUY IT. I know you do, because I've done it too. Everyone does. But maybe next time you're about to click "purchase" on an album about "dem hoes," you'll think about what you're really providing for those impostors passing themselves off as artists by contributing to their sales. And maybe you'll consider what you're helping them steal from the real artists out there who just want to change your life, even though all they get to eat is Ramen noodles.

I have come to the harsh realization that I alone am never going to be able to fix what's broken in the industry. It doesn't matter how hard I work, how much I want it, or how little of my own life I participate in because I'm so busy trying to change the world. If we, yes I'm dragging you in on this, want the music industry to change, then we have to change it. The answer to this equation is simple: Support those who deserve it. Even if they are competition. I'm looking at you, artists. Support each other, collaborate with one another... share what little outlets you do have, it gives everyone growth.

If all of the independent artists and those working with independent musicians pull together and share connections, the industry giants stand not one single chance. Are you listening? (Lyrical reference, yup.) Do that, okay? Talk with each other, share each other's work on social media. SUPPORT one another. Now, with that being said, I have a friend who isn't a musician, but works in the music business who could really use your help. She manages local talent and works very hard to provide the musicians she represents with everything they need to make a name for themselves. She is truly a miracle worker, and if you're local (Tennessee) and looking for management, there's no one who will invest more time and effort into your music (Besides you). However, she needs a handicap accessible vehicle to get around to gigs and such. In case you don't know those are a little more than a small fortune. She has entered a contest to win one. All I ask of you is to go and vote for her. It literally takes less than a minute, and you don't have to sign up for anything (you can log in with facebook).
HERE'S THE LINK FOR THAT
You can do this daily, but if you'll do it at least once I'll be forever grateful.

If you're a musician and you'd like to take my advice in supporting one another and networking, here's my current list of favorites (Complete with Facebook links)

Dirty Kluger -                Rock/Experimental/Indie (Indianapolis, IN)

Front Porch Society -     Indie Folk/Post Rock (Charlotte, NC)

Jay Mont (NDO) -         Hip-Hop/R&B (Goldmine, GA)

Kristina Grafer -            Alternative Rock (Chicago, IL)

PJ Kingpin Wilson -       R&B/Soul (Barrie, Ontario)

Rebel Revive -               Rock/Pop (Orange County, CA)

Rival Tides -                 Rock (Los Angeles, CA)

Sam Brown -                Pop/Rock (Charlotte,NC)

Shout London -            Pop/Rock (Orlando, FL)