I just read an awesome blog post by Derek Sivers called “Unlearning” and he says “Nobody knows the future. Anyone who pretends to is full of shit and not to be trusted… I still get asked to talk about the future of the music industry, but I can’t. My answer to everything is, “I don’t know.”
I think Derek is definitely on to something here and I also believe that musicians have the power to create a predictable future in their own music industry. The musicians that I see succeeding have all taken fate into their own hands - they no longer wait on a record label or some event outside of themselves to “make them successful,” they don’t waste any time looking back and wishing things had not changed – they instead turn up the passion and create with whatever life throws at them.
Here’s what that looks like… Singer/songwriter, Eric Stone spent many years in Nashville sharpening his songwriting skills, networking and doing all the “right” things to get noticed by the music industry. After about 10 years he realized his music success was up to him. So, he started a company called “Boat Songs” and got a gig playing at major boat show, he quickly learned that if he had a CD he could have sold a boatload of them. So, for his next show he recorded a CD called “Songs for Sail” and he not only sold a boatload, but he but also built some amazing relationships with magazines, sailboat charter companies and many folks in his industry.
Eric’s has now released 10 CDs, and has 2 new CDs coming out. Eric has been booked all over the world to play gigs on chartered yachts, sailboats and on islands from Tahiti to Australia and to the Virgin Islands. He also just finished recording a pilot for new TV show called, "Santa Barbara Rhythm & Rhymes". (It’s similar to VH1's Storytellers).
Eric’s first CD has sold over 100,000 copies since its release in 1999 making it certified Gold. This was no simple feat considering as an independent release and had no major label distribution. His CD’s are sold in over 300 stores and marinas. http://www.boatsongs.com/
What Eric did was take a stand for himself and his music and he got very clear on who he wanted to serve with his music. This goes way beyond a “Niche” market. Eric skipped the “music industry” and created his own music industry. He stopped selling music and started selling a dream… escaping reality and enjoying life on island time. He started sharing his passion for sailing, scuba diving, vacation dreams with people who were passionate about those things as well.
I’m not saying you have to find a niche, just dig a little deeper into the passion of your music. What drives you to create music? What message do you want to share? What feeling or experience are your fans seeking? Sell that.
If you were to ask me about the future of the music industry, I would say that I cannot predict the future. However I do predict that the future music industry will be created by musicians that are willing to create their own fate. Are you willing to forget what worked in the past, get real with the present and turn up the passion and boldly take action to make your music career happen?
If you really are serious about creating your success, here’s 2 days that will transform your music career. Tom Jackson is truly one of my super heroes when it comes to music career success creation. He is offering a 2 day Bootcamp October 23-24, 2009 that will rock your music career, and, he’s offering early bird pricing of only $279 and 50% off for additional band mates if booked by Sept. 8th. (Tom is $2,500 a day to work with him, and if you’ve seen him in action, you know he is well worth it.) The power of a great coach cannot be understated - it’s what has transformed my businesses. Tom is one of those great coaches and I am working to clear my calendar so that I can attend. Please email me Julie @ GetMusicSuccess.com if you are considering going, I’d be happy to talk with you about the power of this day and if it’s a good move for you music career or not. Maybe we can meet in Nashville!
Here's more details...
Bootcamp – 2 Day Live Event
Your path to success begins at this Live Event!
Date: Friday & Saturday, October 23 & 24, 2009, 10 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: 2602 Sound Stage – Nashville, TN
At this Bootcamp, discover the secrets these successful artists have learned from Tom Jackson’s Live Music Methods: Taylor Swift, Jars of Clay, Jordin Sparks, James Bryan, Casting Crowns, Francesca Battistelli, Gloriana, and many of the acts you admire!
While most artists make the mistake of starting with the recording studio, successful artists know they must define themselves through their live performance first. If you believe you have the talent; Tom’s Methods will bring it out.
Imagine 2 full days of classes, hands-on demonstrations, and instruction in Live Music Methods that will make you absolutely memorable! You’ll be inspired, and ideas will begin to flow on how to apply these techniques to YOUR success.
Take command of the stage and your music career, register today!
ROCK ON
