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Outgrowing Your Music & Band
By Tim Sweeney (www.tsamusic.com)
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One of the most difficult subjects for artists to discuss with me at the
Music Strategies Conference (www.MusicStrategies.com) was the
realization by some that they have or are outgrowing their band members,
the people they are working with them and even their music.
So lets talk about some of the signs that may show you are outgrowing your band members or the people working with you.
Every artist goes through a continuing evolving process of who they are as a person and as an artist. The everyday elements of life shape who they are and their importance to us individually. Too often artists create CDs that within a short period of time (in their view) no longer represent who they are and what their music is about. They will be constantly changing which songs to play at shows stating some are too old or they are tired of performing them.
While evolving and developing as an artist are incredibly important, it is vital that you show your audience and the people around you, your growth process. If you find that you are not as interested in performing the same songs or with the same people, don't resist it saying I have to stay with these songs because my fans love them or with the same band members because they got you to your current level. Just accept that your inner drive will push you to create the music you want and need to.
It is far better to come to the realization early on that like the elements of your life that are always in constant change, the people working with you, your band members and your music will be as well.
Tim Sweeney
So lets talk about some of the signs that may show you are outgrowing your band members or the people working with you.
- You are the only one booking and promoting your shows.
- You are the only one contacting the radio, press or record stores trying to get airplay, reviews or generate sales for your music.
- When the basics of the group become a problem. i.e. Setting up band practice or having everyone show up on time. Even when they do, band practice becomes a "bitch and moan session" about what everyone is not doing.
Every artist goes through a continuing evolving process of who they are as a person and as an artist. The everyday elements of life shape who they are and their importance to us individually. Too often artists create CDs that within a short period of time (in their view) no longer represent who they are and what their music is about. They will be constantly changing which songs to play at shows stating some are too old or they are tired of performing them.
While evolving and developing as an artist are incredibly important, it is vital that you show your audience and the people around you, your growth process. If you find that you are not as interested in performing the same songs or with the same people, don't resist it saying I have to stay with these songs because my fans love them or with the same band members because they got you to your current level. Just accept that your inner drive will push you to create the music you want and need to.
It is far better to come to the realization early on that like the elements of your life that are always in constant change, the people working with you, your band members and your music will be as well.
Tim Sweeney
Tim Sweeney is an independent music consultant. He is one of the music industry's most highly sought after experts in the areas of artist development, radio promotion, record distribution, retail marketing and publicity. He has helped dozens of record labels both major (Columbia, Epic, MCA, Revolution, Hollywood, Capitol, Mercury, Polygram, Warner and their sub-labels) and independent (Restless, Skunk, Screaming Goddess, among others) develop some of their most promising and successful artists of all time.
For more information on Tim's seminars, books and artist consultation, please visit his website at www.tsamusic.com