What They Don’t Want You To Know - Part 1
November 19, 2006 by Brooke
Filed under Label Bashing
You have probably all heard it before. In order to make it as a musician, you have to be in New York or LA, you have to sign a record deal, and you have to submit to a specific style of music with your clothes half off.
As an Indie Artist, you probably already know that this is not even close to true! In fact, research says exactly the opposite.
The first thing to begin to understand, is that you don’t have to be in any particular place in order to make it as a big time artist. Research is pointing to the opposite. Even the record companies and large entertainment industries are doing everything outside of New York and LA because it is too expensive. They are going to places like Atlanta, Miami, even over seas to find the next greatest. It’s cheaper and there isn’t as much competition.
The 21st century, from economics to social abilities is decentralized. Between technology and abilities to travel, there is no need to be in a specific place. So, save your rent money and stay where you are! New York and LA is an overrated destination for any type of artist.
Great post and so very true. In the UK the notion is that you have to move London in order to get anywhere and as you mention above it really isn’t the case.
Most cities have decent music scenes you just have to look. Once you find them you soon discover that there is a whole world of opportunity waiting to be tapped into, from gigs to recording studios - all without the tainted hand of the London scene.
Also, in this day and age of the web, all you need is a computer and you can be anywhere in the world!
Thank goodness for that. Los Angelos and New York does have a heavy influence, however a lot of what comes from those studios is garbage. Especially in L A. They give us a lot of these rappers, and they straight up suck. Many newer bands are finding alternative places to get a record deal and are doing just fine. I am glad for them.
You know it is very true in the U.S. Unless you are an indie band then Seattle kinds of works. But in all for the indie scene you really do not have to be located anywhere you do not want to be. Which is great because it provides for better sense of self and better writing. I like the fact that you can now start your own label, promote your own work and keep all of the money all via the internet.
Amen to that, everyone does think that, “Oh you have to go to London for a deal.”, but thats just plain false, I’d go somewhere other than there, if they charge $2 for a can of coke, God knows what a record deal will cost.
Besides, I’ve never heard anyone say “Nah, he’s rubbish, he got a record deal in Oregon.”, those listening to you don’t care where you got a record deal. You could get it in Antarctica for all I care.
This gives so many bands a chance to get their name out there and get heard. There are literally thousands of bands who just can’t make it to the “LA Scene” and even when they do, they either A) Still don’t Make it or B) Have to compromise their artistic integrity and become a Yes Sir band to a major label. Indie labels are the way to go 100%.
With the changes in technology over the past decade, it’s not difficult to see why indie artists no longer have to follow the “trail of broken dreams” to either New York City or Los Angeles to start a successful career. Sure, those twin pillars of Big Show Business still matter somewhat, but a talented singer/songwriter/act can simply look for PC hardware/software, social websites, and other hi-tech tools to make/exhibit/advertise/sell music.
So true in todays world, unless you have been around the block a few times then you will see how those people who really believe this have not come out into the light of the technology world. With the increase of labels jumping up you are bound to find someone that will release your stuff.
I think the location perception is something that comes from a time when the world was a ‘bigger’ place - travel is cheap now, and communication is instant.
You still need to be able to get to places - I don’t think you’d find much action out in the sticks
But you don’t have to be in LA or wherever just to get signed.
I live in the UK, up north, and I’m not a musician, but I do have to deal with a lot of big companies in my work. I visit London frequently, but the midlands sees a lot of action too these days. Location seems to be less important than it was a few years ago.
I always find it interesting that there is a prevailing theory that you have to be in a certain place to be in a certain industry. I have always thought that this was the Biggies trying to keep the indie people down. Just ask any one in the Country Western music biz, and they will tell you that if you are not in Nashville you cannot possibly make it in Country. I suspect that is the same bull as we hear in the Indie Music genre.
I too find it very interesting but it is just not the music scene that this happens in. It is pretty much the entertainment industry in general that has this mentality. Why I am not sure, but would like to know what they are thinking. I think that when it comes to certain styles of music as mentioned country it fell into a different part of the country, which shows that you do not need to be in a LA or NY for it to happen.
yes, i agree with this article. i really think that being in a specific place does not have anything to do for you to be popular. hard work and talent are still more important. and whether you are in the rural areas, you will still get discovered by your talent and if you know how to use and let it discovered.
It used to be that if you wanted to be ’somebody’ you had to go to LA, or New York. I for one am glad we now have the modern technology that allows bands to be able to be where they are, and still have a fighting chance. I agree with Leighdu, so many bands who go to those cities change. They lose what it was they had, and exchange it for something else that it’s who they are at all. When I lived in Texas we had a group that got signed one night at a Karakoe bar.
Yes i agree with you Leeuh. Well, it is believed that if you have talent, you will get discovered but how will that happen if you won’t look for a place where your talent will be recognized? in our country, there is only one place where you can be discovered and many people go there and try their luck. if you will just stay where you are, you will not become successful and your talent will not be recognized.
I don’t think the place where you are is a major factor in whether you make it or not in the music business.
There are probably hundreds or thousands of music artists in those so called “hot” places that are struggling hard
just to make a living. And even if you have the talent, if people have never heard of you or your songs, the chances of success is a little dim. That’s where the big time music companies have the edge,with the financial capability to promote and singers and their songs. Unless of course you win a worldwide televised singing contest, like Elliot Yamin.
That is absolutely true JamAce, it is not the place or where you came from is important but your music is. It is good to know that label companies are doing the right and fair job in hunting those artist. discrimination of some companies on where you came from is not a good trait. as long as you are good artist and your music is good you are qualified to be one.