My advise to independent artists: 5 things you must do to be successful:

It always seems that I always see so many artists that are trying to get signed to a record deal, and that might be great but being independent helps you to know the business side more and prepares the artist to the major league. It’s important that an artist becomes independent and learns the robes of independence before getting signed to a record deal. Time in time artists who have no business aspects sign record deals that leave them poor once the hits stop. I suggested that every one try being indie so, they know more of the music business side, here is my top 5 things that all independent artist need to do.

1. Don’t Copy ME: Copyright, trademark, are very important, you want to make sure that all of your music is not done in vain but you have it registered with the right people, that no one cannot steal your music without going through you.

2. Be your Own Sales Person: Create a online music store account, If you are becoming popular than its very important that you register your music with a online music company rather its itunes, cdbaby, or reverb nation you want to make sure you have an account with one of them. When it comes down to a record company choosing you for their roaster, these accounts are used to see how big your current fan base. In addition its good to see what songs consumers like the best, plus you make money for every cd, or song that is purchased which you can’t beat.

3. Joining a performance organization: its no need to try to track down everyone who owes you money have someone else help you with that, its good to join a group like ASACP, BMI, SESCA. These groups track down what radios, what clubs are playing your music as well as making sure that you get paid. These organizations are like unions for artists, they help in so many ways.

4. Create a Marketing/PR package: This is the best way to market yourself to DJs, booking agents, and other places. The viewers gets to know a little more about yourself your music and what you stand for. This package helps people understand what they are getting once they play your music or book your for a show.

5. Always stay true to yourself and your talent: No matter how big you may get or become always remember the people who have helped you get there never believe your own hype keep focus and stay true to your true self.

Does Marketing Really Help

Rap superstar T.I recently dropped his latest album entitled no mercy, but do legal issues, T.I. was not able to promote his album. So far it looks like the album came in number 10 on the billboard charts. Some may say that this was good considering that he was in prison, but does promoting your own body of work help. I believe so; no one cannot market you and your body of work like the person who made the music. Before T.I. went to prison he was still searching for a number 1 single, and he never got it. I heard the album is really good, but because of the fact that he is not here physically to promote the album himself the masses will never know. Could the record company have done more, could they have used the time that he was in prison, for marketing purposes, could he have created 22 letters from prison as a marketing plot? Or did is actions not help him with the album. All in all I believe that the record company should have done more marketing for the album instead of treating it like a lost cause, I understand that he couldn’t do anything but his team and record label could have done more.