Let me introduce myself: my name is Sean Johnson and I'm a student of Bobby's at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA. I've recently started in the Music Business Program and we are well under way in our studies.
One of the things we've been discussing with Bobby is the "Do It Yourself" movement that seems to sweeping the music industry these days. With artists like Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails taking all matters of writing, recording, mixing, marketing, and distributing into their own hands the basic ideas of the D.I.Y. movement are getting a lot more press these days.
Do It Yourself is exactly what it sounds like: doing everything pertaining to your music yourself. And while the idea seems crazy and the task seems daunting, new technology and services have made it easier for any independent musician to be their own record label.
Recording equipment is no longer limited to the huge consoles found in professional studios. Software programs like Reason, Pro Tools, Logic, and GarageBand have made easier than ever for ANY musician, or anyone else for that matter, to record themselves. And putting these songs onto a blank CD is just as easy. Many programs will let you import these tracks you've created to your iTunes library, and from there you can create numerous copies of what you've recorded.
Distribution and Manufacturing has also gotten easier for us as well. Companies like Disc Makers will handle everything from mastering and duplication to artwork layout and packaging. And there are several small, independent distribution companies, such as CD Baby and Red Eye, that work to get you CDs to you audience. CD Baby will even help you set up an iTunes distribution, making it even easier for those who want want your music to get it. But it doesn't end there. You can always sell your music at your shows, and you can also sell your CDs through your website.
But of course, whether or not you agree with this concept is up to you. Maybe you think your band has a good shot at getting that record deal. We all should be that confident, but we should all be realistic too. Take the music I am making for example. The music that I write is not "radio friendly". There are no "hit singles". What label would want to take me on as a new artist? You'd probably suggest your favorite independent label. That would be awesome but in all honesty I just don't think it would work.
I know there is an audience for my music. But the only way I can get it out there is to take matters into my own hands: to record, mix, master, manufacture, and sell my music...my way. I guess it all comes from holding to the philosophy that if you want something done right you have to do it yourself.
Like I said earlier, this is merely the way I think. But everybody has different opinions. What do you guys think? Is all about "D.I.Y. or Die"?
1 comment:
Good comments.
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