This post is inspired by a recent Twitter post by Zoe Keating and the conversation that followed. Want to know why you should support independent musicians? Check out exhibit A:
Image source: TheRoot.com
Pretty pathetic, huh? Well it’s actually worse than this graphic appears. Because the labels then charge various expenses out of that artist’s measley $23.40. Read this article to get the full story. The bottom line is that most signed and even successful artists don’t make a dime off their record sales. And it has always been that way. I, like many musicians I know, grew up wanting that big record deal. But trust me, you don’t want that!
The beauty of the technologies we have today, for musicians, is that we can oversee and own the entire process from creating an album to distribution online. We can cut out the middle man, so to speak. And with social media tools like Twitter, Facebook, blogs, etc., we can even do our own marketing. By doing so, we can maintain artistic integrity and even earn a little money for our hard work.
The next time you’re looking for some new music, visit BandCamp or SoundCloud. Check out a streaming concert on UStream, or an artist’s YouTube channel. Like something? Make a comment and pop onto Twitter or FB and let people know.
I’m still learning about ways to find (and share) independent music myself, so share other great independent music resources in the comments. There’s amazing music out there just waiting to be discovered. Here’s a good place to start.
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