The Upside of a Freelance Economy
By now saying “the music industry isn’t what it once was” is a statement that doesn’t surprise anyone.
People tend to focus on the fact that the big labels just don’t have the clout they used to have and brick and mortar music stores are basically a thing of the past.
But there’s lots that’s great about the music industry right now. It’s easier to make music, easier to distribute it, and easier to find gigs to play. With some keen foresight and hard work, newbie and DIY artists can express themselves, connect with fans and market their music.
Nowadays, with the right amount of expertise and knowhow, self-producing one’s work is a very achievable goal. And, after you’re finished recording and mixing your album you can start a BandCamp page or a personal website and start selling and distributing your music. These are opportunities that were incomprehensible to musicians just a few years ago.
It’s also supremely easy to build a team to help you get your music out there. Whether you want to share in the load with other band members or contract with professionals who market independent music for a living, there are numerous choices out there to choose from. Need someone to design your website? Find them online. Need someone to manage your social media? Find them online. If you need help in lightening your load, do the research and go with a service or professional who has a good track record and can deliver results.
Don’t feel bad about not being able to do everything. As the artist and/or producer, your number one focus should be making great music. Your time is valuable. Learn to place emphasis on what’s really worth your time and outsource the rest. Focus on building good relationships, communicating your vision clearly and developing your craft.
While it’s certainly true that the internet has jostled the music industry of yore, the music industry of today consists of a whole ecosystem of self-made artists and producers that market themselves the way they want and bring their music straight to their listeners, no middle-man required.
Today’s freelance economy makes once-impossible ambitions possible. DIY artists can succeed. In fact, they’re doing it every day.
Nevertheless, having savvy, smarts, and the music people want to hear– those are the key ingredients.
Hone your skills, make connections, and be seen doing what you do. Develop a creative ecosystem for yourself and your work.