Image via WikipediaIndie music, like other art forms, has its highs and lows… sometimes in the same day. I believe it is the spirit in which one approaches the constant challenges that is the key to any kind of success. The music business is a changed beast. The digital revolution resulted in more opportunity for the unsigned artist and more exposure for prospective listeners. Unfortunately, the market has become saturated with mediocrity and also complacency in regards to songwriting. It would seem that formula songs and auto tune are doing battle with angry misguided pseudo rock boy-bands on the FM tuner.
The days of a fat old stogie smokin A&R guy walking into a bar and signing a band to a record label are over. A producer once told me, “You know, it’s all about selling the songs to TV and film soundtracks in order to make it in the music industry now”. He told me the story of a band that he was working with who had a song sought after for a soundtrack. Unfortunately, the band had not copyrighted the tune and the movie deadline was days away. The production company ended up with their second choice who turned out to be singer/songwriter (who I had heard of and btw, fantastic). The song resulted in a good bit of money, exposure, and a career boost (at least that’s what I was told).
Interesting story and sensible logic… especially when the local music scene does not pay for live original acts. This is also the path we have chosen to start down in the new year. We have been focusing on gaining internet traction, with some success, and spreading the word of the new release. On the business side, MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube have been debugged, updated, and prepared for future uploads. The physical release of the CD and new website with ecommerce capabilities are almost a reality. iTunes PING page is in the works and the Amazon Mp3 storefront is rolling. Musically, the single “Always” was released on Viinyl. I have been experimenting with world music dance mixes in the studio, and collaborating on a CCM tune as far as music composition and producing. I am looking forward to crafting new tunes in the next few weeks as I am getting weary on the business end. Time to recharge and focus back on the spirit is now in order.
Spiritus ubi vult spirat
