I find it aggravating to be around musicians and artists who have totally become sales people. They don’t seem to be able to STOP themselves! It also changes their art from what they would normally do. If someone is completely obsessed with “what sells”, they really are not creating from the heart..

Regarding creating from the heart: Sometimes even that can backfire. In your zeal to “create” it gets easier to tune out the desires of outside world.

Still you have to make money. So how does one strike the balance?

1) Create from the heart… Then Sell THAT
How many questionable examples of “art” go on to become iconic? It is a totally subjective experience. People will find meaning in anything. The key to getting customers is ATTRACTING them. Not forcing or begging. Be willing to tell a potential customer/fan/buyer etc. to KISS.YOUR.ASS (Kick Rocks) the moment they get sadistic about your desire to “make it”. Be sure to smile when you do that, like I often do ) It’s liberating.

2) Create certain things for certain people
This is more like providing a service, than being an artist. You might be able to sing like an ANGEL, but you can make millions as a Gangsta Rapper… what would YOU do? I’d rap like there was no tomorrow! But you better believe I would find a way to reconcile it with my true interests.

3) Your family and friends are NOT your fans!!!
They might be, but that’s because they are supposed to be. If you have a fan base full of people who just LIKE you… personally… Do what you can to get RID of them! Replace well-wishers with people who really get something out of what you do. You will find these people by accident, and unfortunately it takes time. At least you have made a genuine connection; far better than having your mom click your MySpace.

4) Why try to be “The Greatest”…? That’s just HYPE.
Being “The Favorite” is where you will find your “Greatest” reward. Someone’s favorite is not always the “best in the business”. Humphrey Bogart never won an Oscar, still he is THE symbol of Hollywood. He is a fan favorite, and it benefits his legacy. Think of your own example. Choosing what you really like puts you in touch with your true self. I encourage that with my fans. I certainly don’t expect you heathens to like every one of my songs!..lol….. Top 40 radio employs enough “mind control” hype techniques on you already.

Living up to accolades is an exercise in humility.
Living up to hype is an exercise in stupidity.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 at 3:26 am and is filed under Editorial, Self Help. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.