Do It Yourself
by Seth Bradley
Here you are. You’ve spent a few years playing consistently in your local area and building up a nice little fan base. You’ve sold some records, and have gotten some interest from management and promotions companies. People have seen you’re making progress and now they want to help you along the way. This is great, as people can see the value of your project and your talent.
So you’ve decided to work with a few different companies to fast-track your success. You’ve heard what other people will do for you, they’ll help you book shows, they’ll help you license your music, they’ll help you effectively market online. This is all good and helpful, yes, but what’s the one thing I see musicians forgetting along the way at this point in their careers?
DO IT YOURSELF.
I can’t tell you how many times artists have come to me and asked, “So how is working with Management Company X” or “What is Promotions and Marketing Company Y doing for you?” All the while thinking that these people will be your ticket to success.
Yes, its easy for artists to sign with Company X or Y and think their work is taken care of. But the hard truth of the matter is, you still have to create the demand for your business and brand yourself. And that’s how you have to think of your career as a musician, as a business. YOU are the brand you’re selling, and who is the biggest advocate for that brand? YOURSELF. So, just because you have assembled a team of people to help, doesn’t mean your work is done. You need to constantly be doing things to grow your business.
You need to be playing as much as possible. You need to be connecting with your audience at your live show, and then follow up with people you’ve met at those shows. You need to constantly make contacts and continue to build your network yourself.
Always working, day in and day out, at doing things to grow your business and fan base.
The more demand you create for your project, the more things start to happen, so its your job to create that demand through taking time each and every day, whether that be writing songs, contacting venues, emailing fans, etc. Just work towards it as much as you can.
Now, I’m not downplaying the importance of management or other people on your team. They are essential to provide guidance and direction and open doors for you. A second opinion never hurts, and two or three heads are always better than one. Rather, all I’m saying is just because you have help, don’t forget that you know your business best, and you have to work your ass of to grow it.
So take time each and every day to work towards your goals. Stop asking and wondering who will do what for your career and just go do it yourself and you’ll begin to see your hard work paying off through persistence.
