For all the struggling independent artist/producers out there, here are some encouraging words and realistic advice from Jesse Atkinson: Being an independent music artist is a lonely endeavor. Everybody wants a piece of the pie, but nobody wants to help bake it. Often times aspiring artists are told if you are so good, then why are you not signed to a major label yet? Not everyone wants to be signed to a major label. There are some incredible independent artists who just want to remain independent. Attaining a major label deal, should not be the standard measuring stick to gauge an artists greatness and true talent. Additionally, as an independent artist or producer, some of your family members may not understand your vision and tell you to get a real job. Sometimes you can get more encouragement to achieve your dreams from people outside of your relatives. Just because they are related, does not always mean that they are FAMILY. Likewise, many of your associates often leave your side before you reach the top. It takes years of grinding sometimes before you see your first big break. Perseverance is paramount. Do not allow peoples scare tactics about the music industry re-route you from pursuing your dream. Half of the people who say that you will not make it will be the first ones on line asking for a handout when you do. Take note! When Drake first started shopping his music, he was told by the president of a major label that he is not a star. Starting out in their careers, Lauryn Hill, Luther Vandross and Dave Chappelle were all once booed during Amateur Night at the Apollo. Susan Boyle, of Britain’s Got Talent fame, was passed over all of her life, but became a worldwide music superstar at the age of 48. Eminem was booed at several concerts in the beginning. Many people told him to give it up. Michael Jordan did not make the high school varsity basketball team as a sophomore, and Jay-Z could not get a record deal early on in his career. DETERMINATION IS THE KEY. HOLD ON TO YOUR DREAM! Stop waiting on a music executive to validate your career. If you are making good music and developing fans, then you are already in the game. We must develop the fortitude to believe in ourselves when no one else will. Sometimes we spend more time worrying about failure than preparing for success. Re focus your mental frequency to radiate positive energy. You can either find reasons to quit, or you can choose to lead a life of faith and create a legacy that screams NO EXCUSES! Independent artists and producers need to reclaim their personal power, take their careers into their own hands, promote themselves, and create their own lucky breaks. Stop waiting on a music executive to validate your career. If you are making good music and developing fans, then you are already in the game. On the other hand, if MONEY is your ONLY motive, then your LONGEVITY in the game will be SHORT LIVED. Aspire to inspire by pursuing excellence. Investing in your music career is not just about infusing it with cash. It is also about putting your HEART, MIND, and SOUL into it. What you lack in terms of capital and funds make up for it with imagination, ingenuity, and determination. It is not a question of Can you succeed. It is a question of will you make the efforts and sacrifices to succeed. As inspirational author H. Jackson Brown Jr. once stated, Never let the odds keep you from doing, what you know in your heart, you were meant to do. Study your craft, invest in yourself, and learn the business. DONT FREESTYLE YOUR MUSIC CAREER! Its time to roll up your sleeves, send up a prayer, formulate a strategy, get a budget, create a team, and execute your plan. Think big! Dream bigger! Plan better! Work smarter! Immerse yourself in music - Live it. Learn It. Be It. This is an excerpt from my book called The Independent Music Grind - A Guide To Success For Independent Artists And Producers written by Jesse Atkinson, CEO of Urban Threshold Inc. All material Copyrighted 2013 (THIS BOOK IS CHANGING LIVES.)
Posted on: Wed, 05 Feb 2014 00:27:44 +0000
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