I thought that headline may get your attention, look don’t get me wrong and please don’t think I’m moaning! that’s exactly what I want to have a say about. I am either losing it big time (possible!) or just need to get a bit more of the positive in the Music Think Tank space!
Sometimes I really do wonder having spent most of my life involved in the music game if maybe I should just push off to the edge of some wilderness and forget about it all. Having endured the ‘twats’ of the so called Majors for far to long what puzzles me is the underlying negative I seem to pick up in the more indie space.
Of course I am the eternal optimist, thankfully, otherwise I would never have survived this long however as a musician, artist or performer I’m sure many must be wondering, is there a sustainable future in music? There is certainly plenty of talk about this subject.
I like the positivity of those ‘in the know’ characters like Terry McBride the CEO of Nettwerk Music Group known throughout the music industry as a progressive thinker. Not that long ago when asked what approach CAN work or what approach holds promise for new bands/artists to sum up he said
“Align all interests within an artists business….fans, label, publishing, song writing, live, sponsorship, mechandise, marketing, promotion” Ok that takes work and there is no ‘quick fix’ but it’s not impossibe either.
This is good to think about especially for those younger bands and artists looking to make a future in music or thinking of developing a serious music career and it’s with these in mind that I make my comments. I’m sure many probably drop in here at MTT to pick up pearls of wisdom.
They obviously need to consider all their skill sets in the changing music world and think seriously about planning the way forward in the nex gen music biz. Those of us that have ‘been around a while’ can help make a difference for these up and coming artists. I’m sure many who read or contribute here at MTT get to hear lots of new, talented young artists. I do and often they have been working very hard, often over some years, doing what they can to implement new approaches where possible and gradually recognition (+money) starts to happen. They need our positivity and help.
Is it going to be possible to make money in the Music2.0/3.0 world? I think so, sure there are all
kinds of changes/transitions going on just as our old mate Gerd Leonhard said “we need to understand that the Internet has not just disrupted the cherished traditional value model of selling copies (Cd’s), but at the same time the Web has also brought us powerful new ways of selling content as access and service, at a much lower cost and with global reach”
I personally think this is a great time to be a ‘rights’ holder or music creator and be actively involved in trying new approaches on all fronts. Bigger and better opportunities will come our way in time. The reality is there are almost endless ways to make real money from your music. Some traditional models still work like live performance and selling merchandise. Your level of success or profitability as a band or performing artist will have a lot to do with how much preparation and effort you put into it all, along with the approach you take.
What is clear is that online tools and resources along with all the other marketing approaches that can be used are making financial success more and more possible and giving musicians, songwriters, artist and performers the opportunity to make real money from their music, that’s the future!
So is there a sustainable future in music? I think the future of music is bright and there will always be income for music creators if you know what you’re doing and where YOUR music career or should I say ‘music business’ is going.
NOTE: For those so inclined, you don’t need to tell me, OK I know - I’ll head for the wilderness! don’t tell me I know “Lifes a bitch and then you die……” Sorry not ready for that yet!
Let’s keep it on the positive……tell us about the great opportunities just around the corner…….I bet the young blood will love it…..
The above are extracts from the ebook PREPARE TO PROFIT Your Guide to Getting Started in the Next Generation Music Biz For more information go here.
Kevin J Ryan is a music biz veteran and entrepreneur. For more info and background on Kevin go here