Recording Artist Advocate: like the other one...

I’ll bet a psychiatrist could read these posts and know my mental state from week to week. I’ll bet you could look back on your song writing and do the same thing.

Artists tell me the hardest thing is not getting into a rut. Especially if your audience responds well to a certain song; you want to write more like that one. But, the best show or set list has a lot of songs that sound different. Style, emotions, tempos, and intensity.  

It used to be that albums and CD’s were listened to like a set list. Artists still sweat over what songs to put in what order. If all the songs sound the same it’s a very hard job.

Most likely you can’t be objective… OK, no one can be objective. You have to find someone who can be. As you develop relationships with industry people, be willing to listen. They hear a lot of bands and have seen a lot of artist come and go. You can learn a lot from them. Ask questions and really listen.

Within your chosen style or music genre there is room for variety. Take advantage of it and all your songs won’t sound the same.

Recording Artist Advocate: Love Stinks...

Well, it can smell pretty funky. A successful working musician spends a lot of time practicing and gigging. Then you have calls to make, booking, and other business. When everyone else is playing, you’re working. You’re the soundtrack to their play. It can be extremely hard on a relationship. I’ve heard artist say they just want to get successful enough to hire people so they can have their lives back.

If you’re in a relationship, be patient and hope they are too. If you have the same goals you can get through it. If you don’t… at least be willing to make a clean break. If that doesn’t work you can always write a song about it. Bad relationships do seem to make for the best songs.

If you're not in a relationship, don't be in a hurry. Things tend to work out. There, that's some great wisdom.

So it’s Valentine’s Day. Hope you have a show tonight and you really do well.

Recording Artist Advocate: Know Your Worth...

Everybody’s selling something. Some sell fear. Some sell hope. Some promise success. What are the people who hire you trying to sell?

Musicians are some of the most lied to and preyed upon people around. When you consider the time it takes to become a good player and performer, and measure that against pay… well, don’t do it or you could get depressed.

It’s alright to work for cheap when you get started. Research every successful band and there was a time they had to do it too. They weren’t very good at first. But, they got better and the pay got better.

A record label executive told me bands go a long time working for very little and are always surprised when the pay goes from hundreds a show to thousands. They get so used to working for cheap they almost don’t feel like they deserve the increase. But you do.

Watch the door and watch the bar. You’ll know when the venue makes money. If it’s corporate work, you already know they’re doing well enough to hire you. Bottom line; you are worth your asking price… probably a lot more.

So, be aware of what they’re trying to sell you. Know when to give something and know when to stand your ground. A negotiation doesn’t have to be confrontational. Know your worth and you can get paid accordingly.   

Recording Artist Advocate: Starting Small...

Everyone has to start somewhere. Don’t be embarrassed when you play small gigs for tips. If you’re a new performer that’s what those shows are for. When you’re developing your “chops” there is no shortcut. In a year you will be able to look back and see how much better you got. Give it a few more and you’ll be in a whole different league.

The problem is that we see young performers and think it was an overnight thing. It wasn’t. Even child stars start very young.  

It’s always several years of hard work to get good at anything. If you are not willing to put in the time, you should hang it up now. But if you are willing, you will stand head and shoulders above the rest.

Let’s face it; people are generally lazy and want it all now. But that’s not how it works. To get really good at anything takes time. Put in that time. Even when the other people you started with get discouraged and loose interest… keep working.

There will be people who fall away. If they don’t have the same drive they can easily drag you down. I’ve heard successful artists say that your biggest hindrance to your success is yourself. After that it’s the people around you. That’s true. The least motivated member drags the band down to their level.

As you progress, you will find other people like you. Join their band or get them to join yours. Get enough people together with the same drive and motivation, and you can achieve anything.

Recording Artist Advocate: Industry Knowledge...

There is a wealth of information on the internet, obviously. That’s how you found this blog.

If you have a question about almost anything, the answer is just a search away.

Here at Rough Wood Recording we’ve been encouraging artist to use TuneCore for years. In fact Tune Core was brand new when our first artist started using them to get access to iTunes. Since then they’ve added so many more online music stores, iTunes is just one of many.  

One of the great things about TuneCore is the advice they give artist. You don’t have to sign up with them to get at it either. Check them out; www.tunecore.com

If you want to know how to make more money and not hand it all over to a manager or label, definitely dig in and read everything you can. At least you’ll know what they’re talking about.

There is an old expression, “It’s not what you make. It’s what you keep.”

Do things right, and you’ll make more money. Make enough money and the major record labels will notice you. Then, when they start coming around, you’ll be able to bargain from a better position. Some artists have found that they can do better as an independent. A major label deal may just mean more hands in your wallet.