Problems Faced by Independent Artists: How To Overcome Them
Independent musicians’ difficulties are well-known across the music business and beyond. Often shown in our favorite movies and television shows, the suffering artist is a famous caricature, but it’s one that’s anchored in fact.
Independent and “do-it-yourself” artists have their struggles with money, which was one of the most heartening things we heard. We hope this post will help you as an independent artist by highlighting the difficulties and providing some advice.
Independent musicians face unique challenges, such as a lack of support from the music industry and access to record labels. Independent music’s main challenge is the battle to break into the music industry. The task is daunting, but a power shift has already occurred.
Being Taken Seriously By Publications
Having your band’s name associated with a respectable public relations firm, for apparent reasons, increases the likelihood that you will be treated more seriously. It does not detract from your artistic expression or originality, but having a well-known name promote your music will help to establish your credibility with magazines, blogs, and other content makers.
Advice
An independent musician’s most demanding task is chasing down people and publications who will play your work. The frustration of not getting the recognition your work deserves when you know its sound is palpable. Even though you’re doing it all on your own, please don’t let that dissuade you from getting your voice known and attracting their attention.
If you don’t get a response, don’t get annoyed, disturbed, or be nasty. In the end, it will do the opposite of what you want. These people and publications most likely disregard you, and you’ll probably never get publicity from them again.
Funding
As Rory of School Disco points out, funding can be a problem for DIY artists. While working as an independent artist, balancing the need for cash with the desire to be creative can be difficult. An old cliché that is still very relevant is one of the most well-known. Many artists have a great deal of talent but often lack the financial resources to realize their dreams. As Jack Swing points out, “when you’re paying for everything out of pocket, things mount up rapidly.”
In reality, getting money only from music sales and streaming is a challenging endeavor. However, you may make money from your music in a few different methods that will allow you to continue making music and, perhaps, pay your bills. You can also try streaming your content on free music promotional platforms.
Advice
In today’s world, you don’t have to limit yourself to being a musician if you want to. Because you’re a musician and a creator, you should use your talents to earn money in addition to or in conjunction with your music.
Consider launching a YouTube channel if you’re interested in making music as well. It doesn’t have to be about your music, but it may be about your life if it becomes successful enough to bring in advertising money. There are a lot of musicians who have popular video channels. Therefore your music should benefit as well as that channel’s popularity grows.
TikTok, a short-form video app that is currently quite popular and regularly used by musicians in addition to publishing music, is another excellent option.
Merch, perhaps, is the most popular way that artists make money. The amount of clothing you can upcycle is astounding, so give it a shot. You may have your band’s name or logo screen printed on the tees for a meager price.
Saving money and making money (ideally) are two benefits of doing so, as is helping the environment. It is possible to make money with merch, but minimal commitment is required. Don’t forget to check out other bands, friends, and local printers if you plan on going this path.
Balance Of Work-Life + Creativity
Magick Mountain’s Lins adds that “you do have a lot of effort yourself” required to succeed. On top of all that, “this entails a lot of admin, internet managing,” “chatting to people,” “production, artwork and videos,” “social media,” and other things, he says.
In addition to being a full-time musician, many artists also work in retail, hospitality, or the office as a side gig. An increasing number of creatives hold down regular day jobs and then devote their spare time to side projects like creating, doing admin, and keeping up with multiple online communities.
As Jack Swing puts it: “There’s a continual balancing between working separate jobs to fund the band, while still making the music and art their priority.” The majority of musicians are in this scenario, which can be pretty draining. If you want to avoid exhaustion and overwork, you need to find a balance.
Having a lot on your plate might lead to feelings of stress and exhaustion. Allow yourself some downtime and be kind to yourself.
Advice
This is a terrific approach for you to divide up your chores and keep track of how much time you’re spending on them. It would help if you created a weekly routine that allows you time off and relaxation. You don’t want to get mired down in a pattern, so make sure it’s adaptable.
Don’t work when you’re tired. A tired brain does not work well. Spend your time off doing something you enjoy, resting, or just taking a break.
Filling The Technical Void
To be successful as an independent artist, you need to know precisely what you’re doing, or at the very least be willing to learn. If you can play a few chords on the guitar, don’t worry; you’re still making progress as an artist. You don’t have to be an expert at everything; stick to what you can manage.
Final Thoughts
To be successful in the creative field, you must develop a thick skin. Don’t expect things to be any easier if you’re an indie artist. Learn to deal with your challenges daily. Rejection and disappointment are part of becoming a successful independent artist. If no one responds to your music demos, don’t stop establishing your profile.