Independent Artists Fail Because They Market Like Major Record Labels

Independent artists FAIL when they try to market like major record labels. They do not have the manpower, resources, or money major labels have. You want to be the next Mary J Blidge? You want to work with Clive Davis because he's made Alicia Keys, Kelly Clarkson, and the list goes on. Well, a big name is simply a small name that grew over time. We're not saying give every little guy a shot? We're simply saying you must start small and grow (99% of the time) so keep that in mind when picking out your management, producers, artists, promoters, and performances. Gretchen Wilson started singing in a little bar where she worked, and Oprah used to have debt collectors calling her all the time when she was a small radio personality in Baltimore, MD. We know your sending Demos to Diddy and Timbaland, but take a look at some of the producers where you are. They're trying to attain the same status you are and both of you have nothing to lose. Diddy and Timbaland have millions to lose, you DO NOT!!

Make the record labels want you!! (even if you don't want them) Create a buzz. Remember you're an artists so time and energy is the equivalent of money. You cannot afford to lose either. Focus your time and energy in markets that welcome you. Look to small independent, public, college and online radio stations. Forget MTV, make your own music video (read our "To Do List" Post on this blog) and post it on your website, MySpace, YouTube, Facebook, and let others download it from you. Make your own website, link with other sites, and sell your music. Also sell your music through Cdbaby, they will distribute your music to all the major digital music stores for a small fee (like PayPal). As you name and popularity grow, the labels will start coming to you. This gives you bargaining power because you've already established you can sell on your own. They have to offer you some incentive to sign (for example royalties!!).