The New Rules Of The Music Industry - TheRecordingRevolution.com
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- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
- If you're an artist or band trying to get your music out to the world (or even make a living) then you need to play by the new rules.
Gone are the old days of the music industry where you would hope to get signed and then become a star (i.e. everything would be done for you).
Today you need to view yourself (and your music) through the lens of three very important truths. I call them the new rules of the music industry, and those who play by them will succeed. - Hudba
You just need to write, sing, compose, produce, record, mix, master, engage, plan, promote, record videos, run marketing campaigns, network, organize shows, buy equipment, learn graphic design, design logo, run snapchat, facebook, twitter, instagram, soundcloud, release, distribute, respond to every comment, design covers, update social media, plan music video, script, produce, direct, act, make photos, edit photos, and get a job to buy food. EASY! :D
This comment wins
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One of the best comments ever xd
I'd rather keep my day job to afford to make music. This new music industry is bs.
best comment ever
Perfectionist is a killer... for 10 years I kept all my music to myself... I allways tought I was not "good enough". But I got enough of that... I finally started to share my ideas! even improvisations, or raw tracks. Something I would never call "songs" before. It feels great! :)
Whoo-hoo! I'm on the brink of doing that myself and I'm scared outta my mind. But, it's time.
ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ *Let´s do it* ! let your creativity go
Same here.. I'm too valuable... Enough is enough
I am with you....me too.
yo this is EXACTLY what i needed to hear right now. My perfectionism is preventing me from releasing anything! Thanks so much for making this video
auza13 The perfectionism also impedes a steady schedule. Big unfortunate no no in today's standards
todays philosophy: first becool , relax, do what you like, enjoy your life music, try to do best for you and not perfection just when happens.. release, make brand
Yes,that was good for me ,too.Along with the other advice, don't jump on writing a symphony,when you haven't even composed a single sonata yet.Start small.One step at a time.
Same for me...
same here, but man i still think it should be perfect. You can't create great stuff just like that. Some ideas are better than the others, so if you move on and leave them you might not get a better one.
Perfectionism is a nasty beast. The main force behind it is the fact that many of us truly feel a sacred connection to our art (I would consider mixing to be an art also). One of the biggest things that opened my eyes to the reality of creating music was reading stories about my favorite bands and their recordings. For me, learning about the difficulties facing bands like the Beatles and Pink Floyd was like a revelation. Albums I've considered "perfect" as a fan are probably anything but perfect from the band's perspective. That is what inspires me to work faster and criticize less harshly.
Self-doubt and self-criticize because of perfectionism almost stopped me from making music altogether... nasty beast endeed.
Kevin McGrath so well said👍
Free informational webinar for those artists in need of a secondary income to support their art and way of living.
freelivingacademy.com/high-on-music-low-on-cash
Really take to heart what Graham is saying about perfection. I was in a band in the middle to late 90's. We had three songs test marketed on radio in NY, LA and Chicago as well as locally to Charlotte, NC where I was based. Record labels were courting us and we had 2 EPs to our credit. We fell apart due to internal differences. I beat myself up over it for years and years. A friend of mine gave me a figurative slap by saying, "You got father than most people and managed to create something people loved and enjoyed." He was right. I let my drive for perfection blind me to the point that I never enjoyed what I did nor created. Don't let this happen.
I really needed to hear that. I've been in a similar situation, mind you it was in a much smaller capacity than yours. I was in a hip hop group just over 5 years ago and we all had talent. We performed all over Los Angeles and had a small buzz. Just like your situation, individual differences dissolved the group. We had to sit and watch artists with similar talents blow up in the years since. Only recently have we all come to the realization of what we had and after reading this, I can appreciate it for what it was and use it as a learning tool.
Rick Steigers Dylan totally bent over and spread them for the Satanists in the industry. He admits that he sold his soul, and that's the reason he keeps on performing even in his old age. Said he has to "keep my end of the bargain". More like worried Satan is going to cart him off if he stops recruiting for souls. Off to hell, and leave all the money and earthly stuff cause it's not welcome or worth anything. He admits that many of his hit songs were "channeled" from evil spirits. By the way, he specified evil, just so that's clear. So he knows. Glad I'm not him. I'd be worried.
Feel ya brother!
As a fellow Charlottean, iFeels thissss!! Advice taken 👌🏾✨
tysm
I'm bad at the "Finishing the project" thing. But the fact of "Just release it" is almost scary but almost liberating at the same time. I know what I can/will do.
Well skrillex put his crap out for free and he's buying ferarri's daily now. If you're self conscious about your abilities then dig deep and axe yo self why you really doing it? You want to entertain yourself or others? Gotta play to win right? How anyone gonna hear yo crap music if you dont put it out.
infringinator you extremely right. But one thing that hinders me is what if someone steals your shit and you get no credit for it. That's what hinders me about just letting it go.
J Britton I totally get that! But I'm used to being bass player or guitar player of a band and can release band stuff no problem. Solo scares me. I'm also an awful singer
I feel that fear of getting stuff stolen as well. But I'm starting to think it's better to just release and if people take it then f* them. You have the earlier post date and besides, yours will have a sh* ton more passion and look, you've already moved/inspired someone with your stuff. And like graham said, it will allow you to move in to better quality stuff that will get noticed quicker that it is yours (lessening the effect of someone taking it) and maybe as time progresses you will learn more on how to copy wright...
Chase Sansone I'm Canadian so I register my songs through SOCAN and my US affiliate is ASCAP. I know SOCAN will protect you if you register your music through them.
My dear musician friends: If you wish to stop eating ramen noodles then please listen to and heed Graham's advice. By reading these comments I can easily tell who's eating the ramen.
Don what do u mean by eating the ramen noodles?
Lyn.P being poor.
Don Chapman yes sir, these ramen noodle eating fools have a very broke mindset. Lol!
These are facts!!
I love ramen noodles, my idea of success is being able to have a cupboard full of em
I struggle with two things: 1. Marketing myself and 2. Regular content. Marketing, for me, is so hard because people simply don't want to sit down to listen to music anymore. Even my own family hardly takes the time to listen to anything I record. I feel like, if I shove content down peoples throats, they won't engage in the content because they WANT to. With regular content, I feel it's hard for me because people would rather hear more song covers. Original content and the production of a song doesn't catch peoples attention and I don't want to only record Disney song covers lol.
I think I know exactly what you mean. Showing a creation to people whos opinion you care about can be really discouraging when they dont react as you expected. Maybe you have to find a way to make people interested in your project instead of just putting it infront of their faces. After all, good marketing is not shoving food down peoples throats but teasing them so that they voluntarily and couriously eat it themselves.
You know there's this thing called cash...you could hire marketing and content people with this stuff. All skrillex did was put his stuff out for free and word of mouth ended up making his potty music one of musics top hits.
Although you want to take a good look at any contract you sign with any third party since without proof reading carefully, yo can get screwed over easily and not make a dime on any of your album/merch sales.
ikr it sucks. You can easily show people your drawings but music is x10 harder to convince someone to hear.
Only 3 Labels run entire music industry.
Universal Music Group (UMG)
Sony Music Entertainment (SME)
Warner Music Group (WMG)
and Atlantic ...
QC
@ChakRaLight Crab people?
What about Interscope records?
Then tell me what the hell is VEVO
Worked with dozens and of artists over 19 years of producing and recording/mixing... agree with Graham. I read a bunch of you are getting hung up on what he is saying about getting hung up on quality... but that does not mean to create stuff skillful and make your art the best you can! Its more that guys like us see soooo many artists getting hung up and they could A.) be way more successful and more people hearing there work, and B.) getting to that amazing song that they needed to put out 20 songs to get to that one... who cares if thousands even of people listen to the 20 bad ones? People like to see the process these days when that used to not be a thing. I'm not just side with every opinion and idea I hear... I think critically BUT on this one I'm going to agree with Graham, he is really onto something here. Story is king, content is king, authenticity is king, how bout quality is queen ;-) lol... Lets make more music!!!
My biggest struggle is wanting to know all of the steps I need to take to move forward and then getting bogged down in the process and remaining at a standstill. Your message truly resonates, thanks man!
Man I am so happy someone else understand the game! I was signed to Columbia records in 1996 experienced some success, but never reached that next level of stardom. I've been preaching this same topic for years and most artists think I'm crazy or don't get it when I tell them that they have to do the work the labels use to do. I constantly tell them they have to be the brand and to be a production and reproduction center. I tell them Its Bigger Than Music! Polished music and videos have become redundant and the new wave is reality TV with audio. Show the truth and they will back you! Thank you for this awesome. Information and confirmation.
That's is correct Graham on the subject of content: is that nowadays you can't keep people off their phones but you can really give them something to look at👍🏽
I totally agree about these new rules, Graham! I already knew most of them, but thanks for sharing this. I think I struggle most with business/marketing stuff. And I just wanted to add, that you can always outsource this stuff or hire someone if you don't have these skill sets.
Johnny Way zyg no lie on CZcams
Hey Graham-thanks for posting this. I TOTALLY struggle with the whole "gotta be PERFECT", thing. I'm really thankful to hear someone espousing "not perfect" can be OK. Just get it out there!! Thanks again! Chris
Thanks for your video! I wanted to answer your question - #3 is by far the hardest for me. I have spent my life polishing and perfecting my artistry and it still needs work, always needs work...but at some point yes, one has to release what one has or one is forgotten. Thanks for the great counsel on today’s music scene - I was born in the 70s and been a musician all my life and I struggle with adjusting - my mind is still back in the record deal days of old. Thanks again. :)
I've been putting more and more things out quikly and without big thought and the thing is that people lissen to it and say that it's even better than I thoght it was!
Very insightful. Its great that with your experience, you are trying to make us brave and feel good about our creations good or bad. Appreciate your intention. But there is a big difference between you and the guy like me. You have big fan base and well known to the industry and community. If you rush and create imperfect content, that may become a new style, trend and much more. As a newbie if I do that I will be lost, no one will look back at me. However, this gives me little bit of hope, I will try to stay positive, learn new techniques, learn from the past and focusing on the next track to do better. Thanks
What I struggle with the most is being a content creator and getting your stuff out there. More so on the third rule because I continue to make excuses to not continue writing and putting myself out there. Even when I sit down to write, I make excuses, but I really am improving now. I've been able to allocate time aside in investing in my songwriting, thus creating songs to put out there and create more content.
Thank you so much for this video! I've written out everything and I look forward to learn more for the rest of your videos!
Its 2am in Miami and iv just got done with vocal lessons. I normally do research on youtube about music and the industry, but I thank the universe that it brought me to this video because every single thing you are saying is what I am pushing my self to do. I feel even more determined now hearing you validate exactly how I'm going about my brand and putting content out. Thanks a lot! it TRULY is the new rules of the music industry. we really should embrace this and to not be afraid of competing with big names in the industry that have been out before the digital era. I am 26 a, yes I'm starting a bit late...But I believe with these rules and hard work on my end I and others alike can become just as big as the biggest musicians out there. "When I win my first Grammy someone please send this comment to me"! =)
I am no brand. I am just an artist, or trying to be worthy of being called an artist. I'm not afraid of keeping my life simple and die unknown. But there will be no knee bending to any rule imposed by "the world we live in". Being myself is not being what "the world we live in" wants me to be. But I completely understand the other approach.
lol artists of old were brands too, many just didn't realise it..
I realised that creating content needs to be fast these days. For me it does not mean releasing bad sounding music. Maybe not perfect, but it needs to be as good as possible for the time available to create it. So I try to optimise workflow, keep things in order, colour code stuff.. anything that helps me be more efficient. There always is a point where a mix just gets different, but not any better. Just sharing some thoughts..
Thanks Grahm. I just got a job working with some old school producers who have recorded artists from Fleetwood Mac to Steven Segal(yes he is a musician, at least he said he was) to Roy Orbison. And they are older and wiser yet I do not think many of them realize it ain't the old days anymore. I like what you are saying and am now a new fan. Thanks for the tips. From Arizona: David Michael Hossley
I was literally contemplating putting out all my unmastered music ,even if its not radio ready, at lease someone will here and might like it. Thank you for posting this ,I have a lot to learn about this industry
I agree with many points in this video, but I also feel that an artist can be a brand without having to do EVERYTHING themselves. Artists should have the privilege to focus solely on their music, which is why I think the independent label is going to soar in years to come.
Hi Graham, love your content man I've learned a lot. An idea about a future video: How about doing something about copyright rules etc?
I agree with everything you said. I'm already applying those three things and released three albums so far with content (studio, lyric videos, Q&As...). Over the years I came to your channel often for bits of wisdom. Thank you!
my perfectionism has always stoped me from release things, i also deleted projects and dissapoint a lot of friends who has asked for my help... i used to listed to records that sounded amasing, i wanted so hard to sound like them, to have a extremely good product that everybody will say WOW...! discovering my limitations and lack of info made me better, always trying to improve and learn new stuff via online or whatever... I am a fan of Graham, he is so positive and encouraging, a true example who shows that persevereance makes you better! :)
Play this video then replay, replay, REPLAY... it's GOLDEN!
I do not watch all of Graham's technical videos, but I do watch all of his similar "pieces of knowledge" videos. They're great just like this one! Most of us still live in the nineties and wanna be rockstars... This video will help you move into the 21st century ;)
I think the hardest part (at least for me) is rule #3. I pretty much got accustomed to the first two rules over the last 5 years, but still I struggel with rule3. I grew up in the nineties and I can really much feel this on myself; polishing everything into perfection. And then I make the same mistake again and again: not spending time with promoting that polished diamond...
Nice vid again Graham! ;)
I struggle with appreciating the original piece so I feel the need to get opinions from other people and they say I'm worrying for nothing.
Dont second guess yourself so much. You got this.
Grahm, I just want to say thank you, bro. For the time you put in to this and the "power" knowledge you enable use to harness. My mixes went from a let down to a self pat on the back. There are things i have altered to fit my mix style but your wisdom lives in it all. I am a radio ready client. May god continue to bless you.
My band is stuck on the idea of releasing a vinyl album. I'm glad you mentioned releasing the album as singles. You are totally true that people do not have the patience to wait two years.
I loved this episode Graham ! I have released 10 Albums in the last 4 or 5 years,and
Have just done what I could ! learning as I went along .The first 2 Albums i released,
sounded sonically just awful ! but i have improved and I'm actually enjoying the transision
to a good mixer! The most of my knowledge was acquired watching your Free content.
I'm proud of my Musical ventures and I agree with you.Produce and get the Music out there!
No spending weeks mixing one Song !I prefer to do more Songs,because you automatically
have to do more mixing ! Thats how to get better !
Thanks for being so frank and honest with us ! Great content indeed !👍🏿😉🎸🎙🙏🏻🔊
The fact that this is all true doesn't make it less depressing
I think these are great rules for today’s musicians. I do think I definitely struggle with the wanting it to be perfect, my recordings, videos, photos, flyers etc. I am going to commit right now to not over stressing for perfection as I am sure it has held me back for years from taking steps forward. I am sitting on a handful of recordings that are more than just fine and I have been editing them for months now and you are right no one will notice the tiny changes I have made over the months but me. Great video! I think I currently do a fair job at marketing my band as a brand but I will be utilizing you tips and testing out just getting me out more as a brand.
Love these Advice..I thought I wasn't doing the right thing to move on from imperfect recordings but your videos really consoled and let me know I'm on the right direction. Thanks so much!
This was really useful. Thanks for making this. =)
One question though: sharing partial songs and ideas. What if people steal your ideas and call them their own?
it's okay just collab with them
Well, this was like a complete eye-opener for me...I wasn't aware of ANY of these things.... And I really thought that today's record labels would do everything for you...
I am a brand: true. I have difficulties functioning this way. Get overwhelmed with the amount of things that need to get done. Get lost knowing where to start, work randomly and end up giving up and not completing tasks much less writing music or working on my technique...give up being a musician all together.
I am a content creator: I love this part. Doing it consistently because of perfectionism and the issue above is where I get stuck.
Just get my stuff out there: aaaah!!! Really...?! Getting out of the polished cocoon is probably the biggest transformation I need to go through.
Thank you for your beautiful work. 🙏
I really needed to hear this! I take way too long trying to perfect a song when the whole time I'm ultimately being unproductive. I'm gonna release music more often without worrying about imperfections 👍🏽
So encouraging! I have been making a new song and video every Friday and this really makes me feel like I am doing the right thing! thanks as always Graham!
I agree. That's why I accepted Joe's EP Challenge. I actually finished a 4 song EP and I released it!!! I put it on DistroKid as you suggested! Very cool to see it in all those stores! Was it perfect? no. not even close. As I listen to it now, there are so many little things I would change... however, I will just take that momentum and the things I learned and apply that to the next EP. Now, because of this video, I'm getting ideas for a CZcams channel of my own.
Nadeem Merchant
Nadeem Merchant it's stupid. It's better to release one good single and get 1m plays than to release 10 songs that would be noticed by no one.
Volodymyr Protsenko whatever dude. call me stupid if you want. Seems extremely immature.
Nadeem Merchant Just told you my logic.
You know, I read this on my phone earlier and I thought it said "is" stupid. I read that too fast. My apologies. Here's my logic reply; My 4 song EP was actually cut down from 10 songs. Like I said, it wasn't perfect, but if I sat there and tried to make it perfect and tried to do the 10 song album as planned, I might never release anything. You could have the most perfect sounding song, if the song itself sucks, I don't care how perfect your mix or recording was, it ain't going to get noticed. Also, since I've finished that EP, I can move on to the next project. Don't put all your eggs into one basket. Be yourself. Release what you feel is your best stuff, and move on to the next project. Also, I don't make music for the sole purpose of getting noticed. I make music because I like to make music. At the end of the day, if no one hears or likes my album, I don't really care. All I know, is the more I finish projects, the better I get at it. I'm not going to reply to anymore comments on this topic. We can agree to disagree. Have a good day.
this is actually really good advice.. right when he said "you are a brand" I put the video in full screen because i knew it was going to be good
I felt like I've heard these tips from someone else before, but I really needed to hear them explained like this to really make sense of them. Thank you so much Graham.
I think the myth is still alive and well of the glossy finished album. Hey, I just moved to LA and did that same thing... but I think these tips are SO SO SO important.
Hardest for me will be #3 releasing things that aren't finished or perfect. I'm working on getting over myself, haha... I just hope there is a way to eventually be at a place of putting out quality finished work too.
I'm definitely not comfortable with being a "brand"...it very much is a dirty term to me. Yeah I make music people can stream and buy so under today's super-broad definition of brand that would qualify. It's the push of marketing, the guise of "hey I'm just sharing this this little video" which is really just a fishhook to keep people satiated till the next piece of "content". There is a critical shift in focus and intent when you set out to make "content" vs expressing yourself artistically. That being said, I personally don't want to be a professional musician. I know a few and it's brutal and you need to keep selling something to survive and that always compromises the art you make. I just want to release music I'm really happy with, that's the beginning and end of my goals.
I don't like the new rules but I realise that this is how it is now so we have no choice. I'm not at all good at presenting myself nor speaking in front of a camera, I can't ad lib nor output a continual verbal stream on my own. If I'm having a conversation or someone is asking questions yes, otherwise my mind goes blank! I'm a private person and have always just preferred to let the music do the talking for me so the old system would have suited me much better. But here we are and having to deal with it. I think a lot of very talented people will fall by the wayside because they're simply not built this way. Maybe a friend or family member who is more this way could help with the marketing and doing interviews to get the content. Maybe in future people good at marketing but not musically creative could take on musicians who just want to concentrate on the music as I find that struggling with the new rules actually stifles my creative flow, we're simply not all entrepreneurs!
I like what you say a lot because it shouldn't be that way, where we have to be engaged. We make our music to engage, so why does the world need more. It's sad that audiences can't sit still and wait, artist should have more control over how and when they want to present their art to their audiences.
Love your videos!!! This is absolutely motivating me to mix and master my first coming mixtape just one more time to release it! THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH!
You're totally on point here, Graham, and agree fully with the points you present, brother. I want to produce electronic dance music and also DJ; two unique but very different skills blended in together. But here's the twist: I only have one arm, so there's the biggest draw in my opinion is to see if I can indeed DJ but also be good at it. I've already been developing my own particular brand, from the name to the logo design to business cards even a look at custom flash drives. Today, you need a base of fans already so online social media can be beneficial as a tool to push forth your brand.
This deserves two thumbs up.
And two thumbs down from me; one for you, and one for Mr Misbred Advertising Executive.
She said
I dont agree with rushing the product, If you are a brand you must release things in great shape, not mediocre.
I don't think he's saying rush the project. His point is that you've gotta get your stuff out there instead of holding onto it until YOU think it's perfect because most of us are too much of a perfectionist to ever be happy with our stuff completely so it doesn't get put out.
Yeah but he said just release it and you will be better and better and I dont agree with it, you wont start as a mediocre musician and finish as a great one by making cheeseburgers, also I dont agree with flooding the net with social videos or stuff like that because if you dont do it people will forget about you in 2 years.
Above all else, you have to have real talent to get and keep attention. It isn't always about polishing things to a pristine level as again, most of us wouldn't put anything out if we did that because our own perfection is always on a higher plane than what other people expect it to be.
Quality is subjective. What is perfect for you isn't for others.
mikeanaro I think what he's saying is that if you want to be a great cheeseburger maker, then make a lot of cheeseburgers and you'll eventually make an awesome cheeseburger every time you make one.
Thank you! Rule number three motivates me to do the thing I love, make music. I got a creative depression some days ago because I felt bad that my mixes was never perfect.
always struggle with trying to get everything perfect. not just in recording but in everything. and in a way it does take away some of the fun.but after watching this am really motivated to just release a single soon! thanks !!
This is all easier said than done. I feel like it's all based upon *luck* right now. There are millions of artists out there, but the spotlight's only given to about 10 people. It's a gamble. Some artists are in it just to get by and get they music across. Some artists are in it for fame and major fortune. Artists also need to know when to let it go. I know some artists who've spent damn near 20 years trying to make it and it's not working out. I feel bad for the new and upcoming artists out there because they'll probably never know how it feels to strike gold and sell in the multi-millions. Only Adele can do that which is really fishy to me. Now, the tricky part is the genre of music. True r&b is on it's way out. All rock genres have pretty much been phased out. You never hear about jazz and opera. Country, pop and rap are the only genres still standing. I like this video, but you didn't get down to the nitty gritty about the downside of the industry. You seem to be focusing on a dream v. reality. Reality is, it's not gon work out for everyone. Reality is, they want a certain look for certain races. Reality is, the music industry is dead and people are now in survival mode.....
LaCheleWallace
You are so right.
But I noticed that in the last 2-3 years more artist that once were mainstream never see the light of the world again.
They either dont get exposed by their labels or they get dumped.
Because you need to move with time the musicstyle changed alot what was mainstream for 2-3 years is a no go now.
If you want to sell coke you have to be a content creator? :/
wermeint2 content distributor*
wermeint2 absolutely! need to create content that means material for advertising, etc
wermeint2 every major company in today's world recognizes the need to be creative in social media advertising. That is content creation and everyone has to do it. Basic marketing.
really just find someone who likes to have a good time
can be your "signature" style of coke... i mean... pepsi and coca cola doesnt taste the same.... they have their signature flavor...
Been around "Music" a long time-still working to promote my music,etc. Stumbled on to this website and it is great. Graham is spot on as far as "recording techniques" and promotion in today's music arena. Wise beyond his years! Keep the info coming. Thanks
Thanks Bro this video has the best advice I have EVER been given. strangely enough it was something I started doing a few years back but was discouraged. Thanks! !
Releasing half assed, unfinished product has been the bane of the software industry. That's a terrible idea.
Hard work, perseverance and talent are the vital ingredients in all endeavors. All great artists are perfectionists.
You'll need a strong stomach for the music business, that's where they like to put the knife in.
I think the point he was trying to get across is times have changed. You don't have the luxury of waiting 2-4 years between projects. Half assing is bad, but you should always be working on your music with a sense of urgency. At least till you reach a large enough fanbase where you can afford to take breaks.
Thank you graham for your videos!! We're trying this advice out, and so far it's been working great for us. Check out our new single "our time" and tell us what you think
Yeah this band is awesome and I like everything you do.
Wow you guys sound really good!! The cocaine and crack video lmao
Love it
A unique combination :), fun video too!
Not bad guys love your overdose demo song
Less than a minute into the video and I sheared it plus subscribed to your channel. This is exactly what I have been struggling with: that "old way of doing things mentality". My new struggles is balancing out a job (to be able to pay bills and music/video production) and having time to actually create. For some of us it's not as easy as it seems. The one thing that I know that I can always do is not quit. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
You just won a new subscriber! That's what I needed to hear. I made the branding already, just not enough content. Thanks for the tips!
Awesome man.
Basically you're saying quantity is more important than quality?
Tragic.
Yeah...I agree with you man!
Even though, as I said on previous comment, I understand what he wants to say and has some sense. But still, I will never sacrifice quality for the sake of quantity! No way!!
Here is the hang up... I've worked with dozens of artists/bands/musicians over 19 years in the studio... the issue is that many artist get hung up on quality and thus do not put out anything. If you are an artist and extreme quality is your thing and you only put out 1 song a year cause your working soooo hard on that one song... more power to ya! But what I've found is that artist who get the point of moving stuff quicker and not getting hung up on quality and every little thing have more success as an artist! I agree with Graham. Not to create BAD art... but to be strategic and move more and not let 'quality' hold you back
As I said...I do understand what he wants to say, as I also agree with you. The point is really to find the right balance! To be able to see when is the point to move on cause, things can always be better! But thats a rabbit whole easy to fall into!
Im not saying 1 song per year but.... 1 album per year I think its already quite a fast pace. We dont necessarly have to follow the pace of the society or?
Look, maybe im still old fashioned (37 here) but, if I like a band or a project, I follow it and wait for stuff to come out. It doesnt matter if it takes 1 or 2 years or 3.
Again, amount is not a sign of good quality, as the good quality is also not a sign of lack of quantity! If you know what I mean! ;)
Its up to the artist in question...
Yea agree... probably its 99% in that balance. The greats get that balance and know how to finesse that fine line. I do agree
Don't get me wrong you have a point, but I think constantly pushing out mediocre creations often as opposed to fantastic pieces of work once a year puts people on a road to failure. Because sure, you'll become more successful and gain more traction faster than someone that is very elusive with their work but soon enough they'll either get sick of the mediocre music they're making, or they'll soon fall out of the routine of posting often and get left behind. In addition to this, they won't be credited as a fantastic artist, just one that's good for fast food hits. IMO it's the difference between Katy Perry and Adele. Both good, but one clearly only puts out their best work sparsely and it gains peoples attention because they *know* whatever they release will be of standard. I think it really depends on who your target audience is. I think the music industry focuses too much on appeasing young teens that can't sit through a ten minute video as opposed to older adults or a wider demographic that can (and have money to actually buy music).
Really interesting points Graham. I think I struggle with breaking away from the album every 2 years cycle. I always loved waiting for my favourite artist to drop their next lead single with the album following - I think I've romanticized that idea. I also struggle with the idea of releasing things that I know aren't perfect. But I know that you're right - I was just the other day listening to a Tori Amos demo of "A Sorta Fairytale" and even though the lyrics were unfinished and it didn't sound "complete", I massively enjoyed listening to it. Thanks for the video - I think I needed this nudge.
You have nailed it Graham. I am a bit older than you and have been professing the same ideas for a while now. For me the hardest part is the content creation element. I have a third stream jazz trio LLC that specializes in corporate/occasional music. My partner and I and constantly looking for ways to expand and promote our product, so I will give a lot more thought to creative content development. As a child of the ‘80s, the idea of releasing “imperfect” material is tough to swallow even though I agree with you and know it to be true. It’s something I will always struggle with I fear, but hope to embrace moving forward. Thanks as always for the great videos.
"You can spend 10 more hours on it and it'll be that much better, but noones gonna notice." Might be true but I have an argument for Graham.
Why not spend 100 more hours on it, watch how much bigger it becomes, and see how much of a noticeable difference that makes. i know this goes against the whole get content out fast theory but it all comes down to how good you want your own music to sound. I think amazing music separates itself regardless of consumer behaviour in today's world.
Juggin Music k but is anyone gonna hear it? not just by chance.
Love you Grahm, but could we just assume that anyone serious about making music, has already been hearing the "you are a brand" mantra for over a decade now. I tend to think, that for indy musicians, there has been a tipping point that has been reached. People should focus on their music first, and aim to make music that people want to listen to. That is job one no matter what, or else we become in a false state of "mogulism", where we believe our lack of success is due to poor promotion, as oppose to mediocre music. Artists are by definition, challenged by methods of commerce and marketing. So, rather than completely reinvent the wheel by telling us to do a complete teardown, it might be wise to get people thinking about making quality stuff, rather than simply vying for attention. 10 instagram video's a day with mediocre music isn't going to cut it in the future. Folks are getting tired of the fake it till you make it approach. New rule is 1. make better music. Revise and revise again, until it's something that is balanced and impactful and real and undeniable. 2. Do a few things well. Don't be on Insta and soundcloud and twitter and FB and youtube and spotify and, and, and all day long. It can be very overwhelming to think that you must be covering all platforms. Pick 3 things (website, insta, soundcloud) and do them well. Set and forget the rest, coming back to them periodically. 3. Do not create anything, strictly to feed the false demand of a bored culture. Invest in the idea of songs and albums as paintings again, rather than mini commercials offering free content. It's what's killing art. That may sound idealistic, but we've all but lost some of the things that created a boom in the recording industry in the 50's. There was a sense or rebellion and conviction, and even political opinion, that is really barely there these days. You have a lot of viewers here, and have a lot of power to influence people that take your word as gospel. You should be preaching conviction in the content. I can understand what you're trying to say here, but let's face it...a lot of inexperienced viewers are now momentarily inspired to be social media masters. The music will suffer. This is the music industry after all...there are no rules, and the ones that do exist are meant to be broken. Let's bring back a little of the romance, and put down the idea, that we must be content creating monkeys for the media conglomerates. It will make for a lot more painfully forced and scripted and sterile content. I say this with all due respect...I have definitely learned some valuable recording philosophy from you, and am thankful you're around. Just want to see less meaningless shit on youtube, and hear more thoughtful content, rather than just "more". Peace - Scotty
Scotty Hills Wow, thank you for this it’s something that I really needed
Not everyone is made to make it big.. Most just need to express themselves artistically because it's naturally in them. If they suppress their own love for music trying to be perfect then they'll never be able to enjoy their musical gifts. I think there's a bit of truth to both sides.
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@@ld8956 My friend Phil Cody moved from Cincinnati a bunch of years ago. We lived in Ssnta Barbara and the music scene wasn't planning out for his folk rock style so he was considering bailing back to Ohio. I said "Fuck No!"
You're too good your heart is totally in it. Move down to LA, get a job washing dishes and play every little coffee house until you get a band you live together and get everything busier.Even if you don't make it "Big" you'll T the very least be able to support yourself for oi f what you I've and were meant to do. Long story longer, he did that, got a larger band than I thought he'd get - great though - got signed with Interscooe, CCA etc then the record company was backing The Wall Flowers on their first tour (totally bummerish - Dylan is like "The Man" for Phil)
And yeah, One Hit Woder hot all the money and they got a van tour of the Eastern and West Coast. He got dropped, but in that time he made more connection s and began working solo or a trimmed down band .
He's married to a beautiful, smart woman who has been Bonnie Raitts manager since forever, opened for Warren Zevon and many others ad even mm et Hunter Thompson!
Moral of the Story?
Don't Go Back To Ohio.
Your City Might Be Gone, Forever.
Please pardon the typos - my keyboard is jacked
It took us a long time to get passed the idea of perfection. We've now been putting out a song a week, some with videos. The crazy thing is that we improve every single time. Sure when i listen to it I have regrets about decisions we made, but I find that I feel the same way when we spend countless hours on a track anyways. Thank you for the video!
Excellent Graham. You nailed it! I totally agree with all three points, and you have encouraged me to get to work, get the music and content done, and release my best imperfections regularly. I'm excited to learn & grow. Thanks so much!
So this is why music is shit now
Perfect Whine *popular music
Absurd. Pumping out music all the time will lead to unimaginative songs that people will not be fans of. People buy tickets to, or download, or watch on youtube, music that sounds great and provides a meaningful emotional impact. Polished turds are still turds. If a band starts live gigging a song they've only practiced a few weeks, they're going to sound terrible and may not be invited back to the venue. Sound terrible on youtube and maybe get a lot of views to point out how terrible your music sounds and now your "brand" is tarnished. Good intent but bad advice.
I think you missed the point of the importance of creating content regularly. You don't need to create a new song or album every 6 months or less -- not even a year (don't confuse content with your product).
The point was made about creating content in your media stream, whether it's Facebook, CZcams, or your own website. Coca-Cola does not make a new soda every year, but does keep its content fresh and new.
Content is to keep your fan base informed and willing to promote you. The promoting portion is done through your fan base shares and likes.
Don't take offense when you don't agree with a point of view. Instead, ask to clarify.
Cheers!
Thank you Graham! This is exactly what I need to hear aswell; I thought about streaming music production videos as I am now seriously trying to learn Reason 10 and not only playing around with it. After encountering some software (latency) issues with OBS/Voicemeter, I tried to convince myself that hosting a channel would only prevent myself from creating more and better music as I figured it to be too time consuming...Yet my initial thought on streaming and making videos was to get rid of perfectionism and to force myself to get my content out there; to connect with the musical world and collaborate...and let people hear what I am working on....nothing will ever be perfect.
Striving for perfection is a good thing, so one does not get too lazy; yet one has to remember that it is unreachable and only an orientation that might (and only might!) lead to excellence...
When I was in school I used to love writing (not music but literature) all those papers are now only collecting dust in some distant drawer; I am not inclined to let this happen to my music, too...I have an old hard drive with many Reason 5 project files when I wasn't serious about it...(patterns tend to repeat)
(Don't let your ideas die in these damn drawer; if one cannot see the value or purpose of an "imperfect" idea - - pass it on maybe someone else can work on it or loves it as is!)
I can only agree on considering The Artist/Brand in unison. Talent isn't nearly half of it!
Keep up the good work!
Hey Graham! Thank you for the tips! I couldn't agree more!
I guess the biggest problem with working with arts in general is that people tend to focus more on the art than on the work part. The perspective is completely different when you consider that as a factor to grow in the industry (it's not called an industry for no reason).
Also, is REALLY hard not to be perfeccionist when talking about compositions and realeasing material, especially the first ones.. So I think that that tip is the hardest to follow (at least for me!)
I've got a sad but true fact about the current music industry. 99% of you won't make it.
Hey You don't say it man
Pessimism is real! Don’t spread it! Damn!
I don't want to make it in the current music industry where they steal my copyrights and my work and financially rape me for their gain with a 360 deal.
I want to "make it" with my brand... which can be done by getting 1,000 loyal fans who spend $100 a year. That's the point of the video... that you no longer need a big faceless evil record label to discover you and "save you".
You can build your own brand and give them the finger. Thanks to the internet providing direct access to potential fans.
Unless you want to be as big as Adele/TaylorSwift/KatyPerry/Bieber, in which case, if you do get discovered then you have to sell your soul to the devil by signing your name in blood (as all the songs explain). Anyone who is obsessed with being famous and being liked and accepted should go get some therapy to work on their low self-esteem because you aren't going to fill that hole by getting famous. Why do you think so many famous musicians have substance abuse problems and kill themselves? They get the prize (fame and success) that they think will make them happy and find out that they feel worse. And now that they have made it to the top there is nothing further to hope for to make them feel better.
They should spend money on psychiatrists instead of drugs!
What even is “making it”?
That 1% is that percent getting fucked over by Universal, Sony,or Warner having 85% of that money going in their pockets
I really love your channel you always give helpful and realistic tips. Only thing in this video that I think a lot of people might get wrong is posting things without them being perfect. I think that's a good thing but I see a lot of artists out there posting stuff that's not unique and good/doesn't sound well together so I think it is a good thing to post things without them being perfect but it's still really important for them to be very good and unique (obviously) (saving time as you said (for example how Billie Eilish's vocals in ocean eyes were recorded with headphones that were bleeding the beat in the microphone, but that added to her being a realistic person)
So yeah in conclusion I think it's good to post without being perfect but fellow artists out there be aware of adding uniqueness and making your songs sound good - just channel that energy! 🧡
I think the one point most overlooked is the financial side of marketing! To simply get a competitive recording done, requires you either invest in the equipment and become proficient in their application or utilize the services of a commercial studio, either one takes a substantial amount of financial input. Having substantial financial resources has always given those artists a competitive edge! You can acquire the musical infrastructure needed to do things quickly and at a profession level. If you’ve got enough money you can hire anything you need! And promote that product. The movers and shakers in the music industry are attracted to money!! They always have and always will be.
I so needed to hear this for so many reasons. You articulated it well Graham. Thank you for reminding me that we are entire "brands" and need to approach everything that way. For me I have all these projects in my head and the task of putting all down in my DAW is such an intimidatingly huge undertaking that I find myself not even starting (help!). I have everything I could ever want and need for all of my projects, every plug in I could ever want or need, guitars, a really nice Music Man Stingray 5, etc. It's just that I'll write a little idea on the bass or guitar that I know I can make a complete project out of, it's just that after that I have to perform and record the bass, guitar, backup guitar, drums, keyboards, as well as, produce it, engineer it that it seems daunting. Maybe, like you said I just need to slap it in there and do it. Content is an awesome idea too. I need to brainstorm on that. Thanks for the video Graham, God bless!
I feel like this is what I've been doing for two years. Finding your audience or having them find you is the only tricky bit I feel.
The struggle is definitely the perfection part...i do music but I also own a video production company. Im always critiquing quality...so I started just recording iPhone videos of cover songs just to break the cycle. Thanks for your transparency.
I've been thinking about these ideas myself lately, and this video really helped to crystallize them for me. New to your work, but this was a fantastic introduction. Thank you!
I agree 100 percent. I know people who are trying to get signed or resigned by a label and I wonder why? I'm a firm believer in doing it myself. But, do what you feel is best.
Very true Graham! you just reinforced what I have understood after getting into this business in the last year!
I established this brand, "Conch Music House" and have been working on many projects as an engineer and producer.
I am also currently working on exactly what you had suggested! - identifying the right content that I would be able to deliver at consistent intervals.
You will hear from me soon :)
Cheers! And thank you for all the wonderful stuff you've shared through the "Recording Revolution" !!
Regards,
Sankararaman K,
Audio Engineer/Music Producer,
Conch Music House, India
That has been our formula. We have raw demos that we have shared and received positive feedback. We have since started recording proper singles and will see how well they come across.
I struggle with finding the time to finish mixes and new original music, big time. Got a family and work among other things. Time is very precious. I agree with releasing it even if it isn't perfect to help you grow a fan base and get better at the craft. You can sit back and relax to a 2 year release schedule ( or more) when you've hit the status of stardom, but it's going to take a bunch of baby steps to get there first. We don't run when born, we crawl and build up to it in time. When you're Metallica, then go to an 8 year release schedule, until then, put out good quality work and lots of it. Good vid Graham, thanks again for your tips and time!
Getting stuff out there is the toughest part for me. There's always something else to tweak! But another tough thing is just trying to get multiple things release. I'm currently writing my second book in a series while also trying to finish my debut album. It's easy to get on this hamster wheel of learning that you don't actually DO anything but research! That's just my 2 cents. It's always a work in progress. You just have to keep going and trusting the process.
Graham, this is one of my fav videos from you. It definitely has a lot of concrete advice that can help a lot of people. With branding, I think it's important to remind ourselves that as long as we're constantly being ourselves, the brand will take shape by itself. And with imperfections, I thought about reality TV and how it's gotten to become so popular...people like to "see behind the curtains." Content creation is definitely the toughest for me, especially because I think about giving people something of value. I hate to just post stuff just because...so yeah, it's definitely a struggle but one I enjoy doing. Thanks for this video!
Great Advice. I truly appreciate you for taking the time out to share your knowledge.I grew up in the 90's as well & i've spent most of my life chasing after a major record deal and trying to be perfect. That mentality lead to many years of depression and never putting out an actual project. Recently i adapted a new attitude of embracing imperfections and gaining fans through engagement minus a "label". This video is confirmation that I'm on the right track. Thank you and God bless you.
Completely agree with everything in the video. Letting go of perfectionism is extremely difficult for any artist, working on that now. Thank you for the videos man
Thanks to guys like you Bro I'm learning. I was old skool now I'm a content providing Brand . Not a solo Artist . You got a new sub 😎👍
Thanks alot for this! My biggest problem is branding myself, and also I struggle to find my audience..because of my introverted ways.
I agree with rule #3. For me perfection means believing the illusion that you don't need any more improvement on your craft and consistently release music hits. But since that will take me a lifetime to achieve all I can control is to do the best I can and enjoy growing in my art. Like they say "There's always someone better than you" so why burn myself obsessing over being perfect.
The last rule freak me out. 😬
I like being a perfectionist when it comes to writing and recording but I do get how spending too much time on something can diminish the momentum... but in some aspects I don’t care about maintaining to bigger appeal in this phase of my bands growth.. more so providing something worthy for the folks who are really in my music and journey.. but perhaps about this album I’ll jump more in to providing fragments and unfinished works (: great video
Great tip. I've recently been changing my mind set of just being a composer to a brand and you are completely right. All the best Chris Haigh Music
Learning the business is the hardest for me because I feel personality is why people buy your music or go to your shows.
thanks for this vid, yeah i can see that i'm pretty influenced by that 2 year glossy album perfectionism era and it was actually great just to hear you phrase it like that. it was a novel take on it and managed to add to my awareness of how i've been approaching things a little too hard on myself and my projects. it totally is a thing for people who grew up in that time.. thanks man! :)
Thanks for this, glad I stumbled on it. Rule 3 really left an impression it has been a huge complication in my world. Forcing myself to release something by the end of the week as a starting point.
Definitely agree with it all, acttualy been going thru this...as i started doing music all i really wanted was sharing staff that i was doing with fans not worried about the quality... witch was fine until you start comparing yourself with the PRO'S and the "wait till its perfect" came along. All ideas that i have made are just stored in my computer, never felt that they where ready or perfect (witch they never will) thought about leaving it and all but in my case i end up going back to it....Recently my mind changed a bit after lessen to all of the staff i had made in the past years and they are definitely not perfect but they do have something, thinking about making a new brand and start sharing !
I guess the challenge is create genuine content, something to keep people connected in between the song releases!
Thanks for the video
This! I needed to hear all of this today. I also grew up in a time when being "discovered" and having someone do all promotional and production work for you was the goal.
I haven’t thought about the music industry like this. It makes perfect sense and I believe it. On one hand it’s very cool to think about, on the other hand it’s scary. All three rules are weaknesses of mine. Branding and sharing/creating content will stretch me. I normally wouldn’t even comment, but in the spirit of this video, here I am...sharing. The third rule(sharing the journey) will be the easiest to implement. Very liberating to think about. Thanks Graham.
Graham, I have been following you for a while now and wanted to let you know that one of the things I really appreciate about you is you tell it like it is, or at least what you believe is "like it is." This information and topic was one of your best yet. I grew up in the 80's and you are right, perfection was king and I have held myself back for many many years feeling like my recordings were never good enough. In a lot of cases they were not but even over the last 10 years since computer-based recording has been available to the average person, I have still been chasing perfection. Your video is right on time as I have finally started releasing my recordings after making them "the best that I can right now."
Thanks for this affirmation and all of your "Content." You know, it's funny, I was a freelance web developer for 12 years and clients would always ask me how to get on the first page of Google results and I would always respond "Content is king. Post real content and Google will reward you." Content has always been king. Thanks for the reminder Graham.
This is awesome advice, I have recently been trying to get serious about my music career. All the things you just said I have been slowly realizing. Thanks for clearing it up for me.