To be truly successful in the independent music industry you have to learn the daily grind and live by it. You have to work everyday towards you set goal… ahhh there it is… you have to have a set goal to work for. You can’t just grind away no knowing where you are going or what you are grinding for. How could you track your efforts to see if what you are doing is working if you don’t know what you are working towards?

You have to look at the time you spend on your grind and determine if you are being productive. A lot of up-and-coming independent artists, musicians, producers, and label owners feel that going out every night of the week and making the rounds in the clubs is grinding. But how much is actually working? Sitting with people you already know is not working. Sitting with the owner, other artists, DJs, promoters, or potential fans is working. Simply going to a club can not put you any closer to your goals!

Getting gas is part of the independent’s life style believe it or not. When you are walking to pay or sitting waiting for your tank to fill you should be on your grind passing out flyers, flats, or promo CDs. I know, it’s hard to be THAT out going, and a lot of independents simply do not do it… but the successful ones, they do. Every moment of the day is a chance to gain a new fan, find a new agent, or work your grind.

Don’t get me wrong, being an independent artists, musician, producer, or label owner does not mean you always have to wark your ass off. As you get more and more successful you can hire people to do the “hard grind” for you. This frees up time to be creative or enjoy your success. But selling 1000 CDs is not total success or the sign that it is time to sit back and let your grind slip. An independent stays on the grind until the music industry comes to him or her. Meaning, when the press, radio, media, major labels, etc. start beating down your door then you know you have done your job and maybe it is time to let your team do a bit of the heavy lifting under your direction.

The life style is the independents best and most successful marketing tool, business tool, and meter to judge success itself upon. To learn more about how to live the life of a successful independent artist, musician, producer, or label owner check out The Music Business Bible!

Peace,
Jai
“Love the MUSIC in Yourself, Not Yourself in the MUSIC!”