Being a Rock Star is Not Enough- part 1

We all know the music industry is changing. Some people claim it is falling apart. Others see opportunity for positive change. I think musicians should be thrilled with what is happening. Finally the locus of control is leaving the record companies and giving it to whom it rightfully belongs, the artist. However, quickly fading are the days of rock stars being babysat by their managers and hand-held by their record companies.

In order to survive these days being a musician in a rock band is not enough. Musicians must see their band as a business and run it as such. Like no other time in history, musicians must learn the ways of marketing, promotions, and PR for themselves. Some artists are catching on fast and using the changing times to their advantage. Radiohead and Trent Reznor come to mind. They've seen tremendous success by releasing albums on their own without a label. Even no-name bands are using the concept of "tiered pricing" when enticing potential new fans with more than just a cd or an mp3 download.

Twitter is another powerful tool. I'm surprised more bands aren't using it. It's a great way to connect with fans. This tool allows the artist to be "more human". What I mean is the days of the untouchable rock star are fading fast. People want to see the artist for what he/she really is. Not some fabricated larger-than-life rock god that no one can relate to.

Sebastian Bach and Slash are a few examples of artists making decent use of Twitter. They share things about what they are doing in their day to day life and we can relate to them and we become invested in them. We are more likely to check out their new album because they have stayed in the front of our minds. They don't let us forget about them. Duff McKagan is also using Twitter right. He does contests, ticket giveaways, and arranges backstage meet-and-greets through Twitter. It is a very powerful marketing tool.

The concept of the big record company is gasping for air on its deathbed. Artists are being left to fend for themselves. But if they learn the necessary skills of "running a business" I declare this can be the best thing that every happened to them.