Producers are losing focus; chasing dreams motivated by the false image of success only to end up dissatisfied. I call this Death by Diamonds and Carrots because people follow trends like a horse does a carrot, then people become hooked by the shiny lures like fish to bate. It’s a matter of being too materialistic which can cloud your mind disabling your creative thinking.
I’m not discouraging anyone from materializing their dreams. It is important to go after what your heart desire, because it could be your life purpose. I would just recommend a dream chaser open their mind to all possibilities seen and unseen in order to do what they love. For example, you want to produce music for a living and become an International producer like Doctor Dre.
Let’s bring it into perspective by realizing how many producers you know that are actually on that level. You have to consider all the factors that were at hand for Doctor Dre. He worked his butt off during an era of music which was young and still growing. The fellas in his day sold tapes, Cds, and probably record disk back then out of the trunk of their car. If you were to do the same things today, your results would be different because the times are different.
Technology has made things simple but have also created a flood of do it yourself Artist and Producers. You may sell a Cd at the gas station, but because of the way we use technology today it is a chance that your customer won’t take the time to listen if it’s not in the format they truly prefer. You make the money, but you don’t gain the fan.
My suggestion is to think of other methods of branding yourself in your genre of music and keeping all opportunities open to let your talent be seen or heard. It’s a numbers game no matter how you look at. Whether it’s about the money, or the fan count you will want to give it your all by touching as many people as possible.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Shop your music as film scores
2. Instead of CDs, try uploading your mix cd to give away USB sticks with an Auto Play feature.
3. Network with other not typically in Music, you never know who knows who.
4. Stay consistent with marketing.
5. Before you begin producing, make sure all legal affairs are in order.
There’s more I could say but for the sake of time, I’ll stop here. Never lose sight of your true purpose, don’t let Death by Diamonds and Carrots happen to you.