Recording Artist Advocate: So "Political"...

Should you be political? It all depends. Do you want to be popular for a few years or for much longer? If today is all you think about than by all means be political. If you want a longer career I wouldn't push it.

Bands that made their mark being political in the Bush years are strangely 
quiet about Obama doing the same things. 
They can’t even bring themselves to complain about all the 
spying going on.

Now I’ve done it. I’m definitely on a list now.

But my point is that there are artist who don’t push a political agenda and 
they are able to appeal to their audience anyway. Also, and I hate to 
say this, but things change fast. As much as we want to think we have 
a strong opinion, it can change in a short time.

I’ve been searching for the South Park episode about the new kid who 
is “political”. I think they even sang a song about it. I can’t seem to 
find anything on it, but the point was that they didn’t like him. 
I think if you are too political they won’t like you either. 
At least don’t be known for a political view that will seem outdated 
in a few years.

Obama girl isn’t relevant any more. I think that proves the point best.

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.