5 Tips for Independent Artists

1. Believe in your brand.
2. Create your own body of work.
3. Stop waiting on confirmation or approval.
4. Focus on the goal.
5. Put in the hours.

1. Believe in your brand.

Firstly, know your brand and who you are catering for. There are too many of the same things going around, that it is impossible for people to feel like you got what it takes when someone else is already doing what you're doing. Know what makes you different and play on what makes you stand out.

2. Create your own body of work.

Create something that will make people respond to you from everyone else that's out now. Whether it be a Different look or sound, create that genius factor that you know no one else has right now. Try to invent instead of trying to pretend your something you're not. As a creator, you want to invent your own sounds, melodies, etc. Do not conform to the norm.

3. Stop waiting on confirmation or approval.

Need I say more? No one makes your music for you or has to sit there and record for you. Stop waiting on people to confirm if you're good enough. You put in so much work just to be unsure if people will actually like your work, which is disappointing if they actually don't or if you do not reach those numbers you intended on reaching. Stop waiting on approval and make music you're happy with, that way, you do not have to worry what others think of it but you'll be happy with the genuine response to your work because you loved what you've put out. That's the key to success.

4. Focus on the goal.

This is not for the faint-hearted! Set a five to ten year goal for yourself and work at it nonstop. You might even reach it before five years if you stay consistent while others reach it in the space of their ten year plan. You will definitely get negativity from the industry or friends, sometimes even family that feels like this might not be for you or you should be focusing on something else, but... if you've got that gut feeling that there's nothing else you'd rather be doing and cannot see yourself doing anything except what you love, then by all means, focus on the goal. I do, however, suggest you humble yourself because this industry has been around for a very long time and will be here long after you are gone.

5. Put in the hours.

Never stop working on what you're trying to achieve. Make sure you invest your own time and money in the brand that your trying to build. People nowadays wait on the hope that someone will notice them or that record deal they might get. It might happen, also, it might not. That's why you are independent and do not have to wait on things like a record deal or recognition. Stay consistent, invest in your clothing, promotions, gigs, studio, sound, visuals, marketing and much more. When it does pay off, you do not have to pay a label or management because you're doing all of those things yourself.

Regards,

Gucci