01.24.07 Musicians Are Marketers
So this isn’t written by a musician but by an author, but still worth taking notice of. I believe every “creative” creating for a living can no longer leave marketing to the “professionals.” It’s our job now. One more reason why I’m not so sure musicians need a label. Many can beat label PR machines with their own cheaper internet-driven alternatives.
“Having just come from running a Sundance panel on how to use social media to get buzz for independent films, I can say that there’s no substitute for plain old hustling. The filmmakers hate to hear this, because once upon a time you could sell the idea to one exec at a big distributor or studio and their marketing team would take it from there, allowing you to get back to what you love--making movies. But those days are gone, and now the creatives have to be salesmen, too.”
Read the rest.
Ryan G said:
link no workie
Shaun Groves said:
Works for me now. Thanks for the heads up, Ryan.
thecachinnator said:
I was unaware that marketing wasn’t creative. I find communicating who you are and what your art is to be a very cool part of the artistic process. It’s not cold or soulless “selling.” It’s communication.
Shaun Groves said:
Yes, but…
Many artists (me included) have signed with labels or agents or __________ so that they could stick to the writing, producing, painting, singing or _____________ and leave marketing meetings and demographic analysis and all the “business” to the experts.
It seems now that more and more of us are realizing we can do both, and we’re building the marketing into the art and, yea, we’re enjoying ourselves.
You’re right. Marketing is just communicating...but very very well and not by accident - intentionally, efficiently, clearly. Artists? Well, we’re not so good at that sometimes wouldn’t you say? But on a budget, and without an army of suits to help out, we’re having to learn how to be clearer, make the most out of our budgets, and be, um, businessy. But hopefully not boring.
thecachinnator said:
Sure, I agree that it’s different. I also think it’s better. Ideally, no one should be as good at communicating your art than you. And if we’re going to buy and sell art like a commodity, then our system is going to have to adjust somewhat. Many artists today treat their labels and marketers like classical artists treated their patrons. The patron supported and promoted the artist for the love of the art, (and yes, the prestige.) Labels don’t do that. They do it for the cash. So again, if the art is the commodity, then let the creator keep the cash! It’s an adjustment, but I think it’s important for artists today to understand their power as a marketer, or, like I said, as a communicator.
I do also realize that most artists don’t think they feel as comfortable working with both the left and right sides of their brains. I do, and I think most artists can. Take the internet for example: every web page is some combination of right and left. The more adept the younger generation becomes at thinking in layers and process along with their art, the more natural the process of self-communication will become.
shaunfan said:
Shaun, my job is sales and marketing of myself (medical insurance broker) and my product is my knowledge and ideas to offer to my clients.
As an artist who has your talent and music product to offer, your website and blog enhances your product because as consumers we are buying “you” and not just your music. I also feel better about supporting you because I know something about you.
As for marketing yourself, you are doing a great job with this site. As one of your “fans”, I’ll try to direct people to your CD product by directing them to you.