Recording Artist Advocate: We are all together Coo coo ca choo...

This is really a follow up on my last post.

The people you want to come to your shows and buy your music have more choices than ever. In fact they have so many choices they're likely to be overwhelmed. And it's not just what band to follow. Every category you can think of has more choices. And those choices define them. 

Imagine a skit where one character says, “I’m a skateboarder, so I like this thing.” Then another character says, “I’m a straight A student, so I like this other thing.” As simple, and confining, as that sounds, it’s pretty much spot on.

The fan you want looks in the mirror and sees something very specific. Their choices reinforce that image. Especially the people they give their attention to.

When you know yourself and own it, people who feel the same way will be comfortable being your fans.

Here is where I think artist get into trouble. Just like the fans, we are full of contradictions with a wide range of emotions. If you are too specific or just focus on one aspect of yourself you will miss your chance at a broader audience. Artist can start out good but whittle away their audience the more they say.

Another mistake is to go the other direction and try to ride the waves of changing public tastes. If you are so very current today, you’ll be out of style tomorrow. So don’t chase something that can’t be caught.

When your fans look at you they see something of themselves. They need you in their swirling, changing world. You’ll grow and mature and they will too right along with you. As long as you stay relevant to them, you’ll never lack for work, shows, and sales.      

Recording Artist Advocate: And promote some more…

A band went on a short tour. The newest member made videos. Lots of them. Random videos when they passed into a new state or when one of the band members got sick from bad road food. For a month or so they had a huge online presence. The videos were fun but also sad... basically everything that really happens with a band on the road.

As new people saw them at shows and searched for them online, there was a lot for them to find. 

But then the tour ended so did all the posts. That player had been hired for the tour and joined another band. None of the members kept up the posts. 

If you don't have one person keeping your online presence going, you should at least rotate those responsibilities through band and crew members. One is going to be the perfect fit.

When you are completely sick of it is just about the time fans will start really liking it. 

You've heard that you should dress like the job you want. That ethic applies to your music career too. Present yourself as the successful band you want to be. 

I'm not saying you should put on a fake front, but think about how you want people to remember you and play up the best parts. 

Think about this too; with all the choices someone has, if you want to be one of the bands they like you have to win that slot. 

Know yourself and know your audience. They only have so much attention and time. Show them why they should give you theirs. 

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.