Day 6 - There’s a war going on…

It’s been raging for many years, with lots of anger, resentment, and bitterness on both sides. Some would say the two sides hate each other and that there’ll never be a peace.

I’m not talking about Iraq or Israel or the middle east. This is probably passé compared to what’s going on over there, but it’s still worth talking about… It’s the war between the “artists” and the “business.”

It’s corporate rock vs. indie rock, PC vs Mac, inspiration vs. the almighty dollar. When you’re starting out in music, it’s foremost on your mind (at least it has been for me)… Which is more important
See, I’ve been told different answers from different people. Hardcore, usually indie, musicians will tell you stay true to yourself, never compromise, and certainly never sell out. Spend years and years paying your dues. The MTV/reality TV generation, on the other hand, will tell you to go straight for the record deal. Don’t worry about practicing your singing or songwriting. They’ll fix it in the studio anyway. And who cares if you can’t play an instrument? Just hire somebody to do that.

Personally, I think both perspectives are a load of B.S. Most lifetime musicians stay poor and never make a name for themselves. (Yeah, but they really stuck it to “the man!” They never sold out!) Most bubblegum pop stars who gain fame very quickly burn out in less than a year. A few, very select group of pop stars sticks around for 2-4 years. After that, good luck. Times change, and your “biggest fans” are long gone… trying to find the latest greatest pop idol to latch on to. Just ask Brittney.

For me, I want to make marketable music that doesn’t have a shelf life. I can pick up a Beatles record from 40 years ago or a Police record or Hall & Oates record from 25 years ago or a Dave Matthews record from 10 years ago and still jam out like it was fresh on the radio. They’re timeless.

But there’s the rub. To achieve “timeless” status, you can’t focus on the music “or” the marketing. You gotta focus on the music “and” the marketing. They’re equally important. One without the other and you’re a no-name or a washout. That being said, start with the music, kids. Too much marketing is called hype and hype is out. It’s been done.

Work your tail off creating some GOOD music to market, and then work your tail off marketing that music. You’re gonna hear a lot from me in the coming year. But not yet. You can guarantee the music tight when I put the new record out. And when I put the new record out, the world will know.

Believe me, they’ll know…