Artist Developement

First of all, lets address the fact that chasing music as a career is absolutely tough and takes a resilient, strong person who can stand to have some patience and tough skin! The music industry IS NOT set up to be EASY. so if you are looking  for a career that is already mapped out for you and has a freaking gps attached to your instrument/ talent, then you need to choose a different career, because the music industry is very frustrating and difficult to navigate through..... If you thought that I was going to write a blog to make you feel like music is so peachy and easily gratifying then you thought wrong. I'm gonna give it to you straight, no chaser. Now that we've gotten that out of the way, lets understand the next thing: artist development and music branding is something that you NEED to spend a lot of time on if you want to be anybody in the industry because it is essential to your career's solidarity. Having the talent is only part of what it takes to make it in the cut throat industry of music. It is important to have knowledge of the music business,  and if you don't have a artist development plan, it will eventually show.

Have I "made it" in the industry? Well no, I am still on my way to making a solid name for myself within the music industry, but in this climb through the trenches I have learned what I HAVEN'T been doing and what I should've been doing, I've made solid connections there, formed relationships, made connections, I have seen, studied and learned a lot professionally through first hand experience (the best teacher) and from my educators, mentors, other artists, musicians and producers that have and are continuously making a name for themselves throughout the industry of music. One thing that is sure is this: there is no escaping coming up with an artist development plan for yourself! It may seem very intimidating and tough to get started or finish, but PLEASE KNOW that as an unsigned or independent artist, you MUST have an artist development plan. 

I personally have a rather holistic approach to music. Ever since my high-school years, I've gotten broken promises from people, telling me what they can and will do to benefit me and my professional career, telling me that they've got what it takes to "take my career to the next level". HA!!! man... I've been hearing THAT for so long. I've been hitting out here (not including the number of YEARS I spent playing in church) since about 2012 and while I like working with a team vs alone, I've realized that u HAVE to be prepared to have your OWN vision and be ready to do MOST (If not ALL) the work yourself, with or without a team.

What is artist development?

"Artist Development is the process any musician goes through to develop their craft and skills necessary to build a professional career in the music industry. This means everything from voice, songwriting, image and branding, music and video production, live performance, marketing and social media." - The Music Vault Academy

Here is what I suggest that every new artists and musician who decide to make music more than just a talent and hobby should do:

Practice every day. 

Take lessons, get a coach and train weekly with someone who knows what it takes to be the best. Someone who can give sound advice and strengthen your weaknesses. Take time to REALLY hone in on developing your talent! Especially if you play an instrument, spend at least 20 minutes with your instrument a day. The more time that you dedicate to your playing, the better. Take it from someone who wishes that they could practice ALL DAY. lol.... If you can't spare more time to practicing for whatever the reason, at least spend that same a mount of time studying or learning SOMETHING. A lot of times I study my favorite musicians, listen to music, watch interviews, performance videos, or read transcriptions of music whenever I not able to sit at my drums and play. The point is to spend actual time growing holistically in music. Feed your brain and your body music and set goals for yourself.  

Define your identity as an artist.

Ok, ok, ok.... I know most creatives don't like to feel boxed in. Most artist don't want to be "defined". But who you are is not isn't the extent of your artist identity, so you have to sort out the details on a deeper level with yourself for the people who love your work. It may help to look at defining what your identity is as an artist as a way to create an extra layer of who you actually are as a person. To create an extension of yourself... The truth is, even if you make the best music as an artist, you will burn if your persona is trash. That is straight facts. You lose out on connecting with very important people. Your artist identity should include your attitude, style, your sound and your appearance. The worth of artist identity is to truthfully exist in the world through what makes you distinctively different- your brand. Defining your identity will make you more distinguished and make you both respected and sought after for what you do and how you do it. I will list what I think is valuable when considering the development of the artist:

Background.

Nobody gets to decide how they enter this world, who they're born to or how they are raised, but it is a part of who we are and have a part in our artistry anyway. What was unique about your childhood, hometown and your family? What about it makes you different from other people? What did you learn? How you were raised? What has your artistic journey been like thus far? Have you made career moves? What music could you play and never get tired of? When did you first become aware that you were creative? what was the medium? How did you expand your learning? Did you have any teachers, outlets, mentors? What or who are your influencers artistically?

Merit.

The way that you respond to life experiences and circumstances reflect your merit. What experiences have you had in life that made you a stronger person? What bad habits did you have that you have corrected? In what ways did that impact your life? 

Poise.

The reason why some artist have more impact than other artists is simply because of their style. Composure. The approach in the way they do it...  Poise should be greatly considered because you began to learn how to continue working and knocking down goals, even if it is brutally difficult. You learn how to make the hardest times of your life look easy.

A good way to begin developing your artistry is by reflecting your poise, merit and background in your work. Be you. Let it ooze out of your work. It takes courage and bravery to be an artist! Embrace who you are. As you develop and learn more about yourself as an artist, work on your unique brand. Be creative! Explore who you are and what you feel bit-by-bit, creating sound and images based off of these things, keeping your brand in mind. This is what makes you you and this is what will give your audience something to relate to and expect.

I want this blog to contribute to being like a revolving door for people who feel stuck, lost, uninspired and looking for more, and searching for "the way".... Peace to your journey.

-Chop suey