Perspective

There are many, many things outside of our own control. This is true for each and every person alive. We seem to have very little control over tasks at work or school and all struggle with the state of mind that we actually do have freedom over a lot of things in our lives, families, jobs, and communities at whole. How is this true then? How are we in many instances held captive by the many factors of our day to day obligations and at the same time totally free from them?

The answer to this riddling question is Perspective. Perspective, simply put is the way an individual looks at a certain thing or issue. We have all heard the question: Is the glass half empty or full? before and depending on who you are, your state of mind, and your current lot in life the answer to that one question can vary. This is why perspective is so very important to a indie musician, because by simply deciding to look deeper, to really force yourself to see things from a different vantage point, you can move from being broken down and defeat to being the
empowered artist you are meant to be. So you haven’t scored that major deal yet, so what. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you are any less talented, or any less successful and driven than those that are.

With this new state of mind comes more opportunity. The person with this more positive perspective is more likely to be motivated to go out and create the successful career they desire rather than fall into depression and lose their steam. One of the biggest tasks as an indie you will ever have early on is pushing CDs. You’ve slaved away for months in the garage or basement studio of a friend and finally saved every ounce of money you could spare to have your masterpiece pressed that you just know is going to fly off of the shelves (or more like your
apartment’s living room floor), but at last they sit there, mocking you. This can be deeply dissatisfying for anyone, but especially to those that have done all that the numerous industry success books told them to as far as marketing and exposing the CD. What are you to do but get depressed and defeated?

Change your perspective! Look at what has worked for you, but more importantly what hasn’t. Look at this object from every possible perspective and start using those creative brain cells to brainstorm new and exciting ways to market your product, reach new fans, and appeal to others that may not usually listen to your type of music. Yes, the industry is a guarded-gated community but the gate has four sides and all of them are not evenly guarded. There are many opportunities for indies to get involved in publishing (Taxi, for example) and other areas that can
help further your successes. But if you continue to look at your career through one vantage point you, like so many, you will find yourself, your CDs, and your dreams and aspirations stuck in your apartment, still forced, controlled, and dictated by the whims of the world.

Change your perspective, get inspired, gain control, and change your world; become the change you want to see in your career! A great book on non-traditional marketing is Bob-Bakers Guerilla Marketing Handbook, he has a second volume ready for release I hear, so if you have the first one be on the look out for Bob’s new volume, it’s sure to be fantastic!

Get Out There Out There And Manifest Your Career Success!

Listen To Laura White ‘She’

This is a song by an artist name Laura White.  I think we can all agree that Miss White has a bright musical career ahead of her.  Listen to ‘She’ now: 02Track2.mp3

The Bryan Cherry Band

Here is a video of a Milwaukee based group called The Bryan Cherry Band:

The Power of Choice

Choice, is the power one has of choosing. This power is vital to creating the musical success you desire. The array of choices that are placed before you as an indie musician really in essence, aside from money/fame, is what separates us, from them [major artist]. We as indies have numerous choices, everything from markets to promotions are left to us. Imaging, branding and usually our over all sound are solely up to us to decide. This is why it is important for you to use
your power of choice wisely.

Too many times musicians go about their career as if their success relies solely on getting that coveted record deal, however, realistically for many of us this isn’t going to happen. So we have to plan out our actions more carefully and proceed toward our goals with purpose. By taking the indie stand you have taken the first step toward realizing the power of choice. By spending more time and money on creating a fan base and learning the ins-and-outs of the business, rather than
spending it on seeking out a deal you can actually find yourself getting the attention of the labels easier. The labels like to take highly calculated risks so the artist that have gone ahead and seized hold of their local scene and proved to be wise business people will always have the edge over the person that gives their power away hoping rather than creating.

Through taking responsibility over our own careers we have options, so rather than waiting for someone to give us a chance we as the savvy indies that we are go out and create that chance through wise choices. Planning is thus crucial. Things won’t always go as planned, but with a plan you can still guide your choices toward your goal more easily. Then you can easily see if the choices and actions you are taking are getting you to your desired goals or not. Paying attention to the things you are doing on a regular basis helps you to slowly, but surely, reach your goals as well. There’s power in choice, make sure you are successfully using this power towards
your personal career goals.

Now, Get Out There And Manifest Your Career’s Success!

Indie Band Manager

Indie Band Manager is an affordable database management system for musicians, freelancers, agents, labels, publicists and managers alike to cultivate those 1000+ (up to 5 million) true fans.  Over 3000+ people from 18 countries have used it.  It is an incredible way to keep organized and conduct business.  Any musician would have great use for it as we at IndieMusicLounge and IndieMusikChick see it.  Take a look at their site here: http://www.indiebandmanager.com.