I'm a musician and host of The Unstarving Musician podcast. Liner Notes is my biweekly newsletter that shares some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician.
The disconnect between art and growth
I wrote the Unstarving Musician's Guide To Getting Paid Gigs, because I thought I could help a few people who struggled to get decent gigs. They had decent bands, but seemed to struggle with getting booked.
Musicians often get stuck when it comes to getting themselves known and getting their music out there, so to speak.
A very talented artist with the best of resumes can lack basic knowledge about branding and their own marketability. I've spoken with industry professionals who see it over and over. Their clients may have top-quality music and an impressive performance history, but only 80 monthly listeners on Spotify.
(Growing Spotify listener numbers may not be your goal, but you get my point.)
There is often a disconnect between a musician's art and their growth. Music artists and musicians often have it going on in one or more areas, but don't necessarily know what to focus on, or where to put their money and energy.
Musicians often need only take a few steps back to evaluate the package and branding they use to present themselves to buyers. The package has to be succinct, attractive, marketable, and easy to pitch. We have to be ready for buyers before they come along. Talent buyers only give us a brief moment in time. After a quick look, they'll decide if they want to do anything with us or not.
Musicians have to make sure the groundwork is laid so they are ready when the opportunity arises.
How does your marketing package look?
Where are you focusing your energy right now?
Back when I was gigging regularly in the San Francisco Bay Area, I had it dialed in. But it took time. After six years in Panama, a marketplace is light-years from that of the San Francisco Bay Area, I got it mostly dialed in. Now I'm in Querétaro Mexico, which is much closer to familiar ground, in terms of its marketplace. I've been here a year, yet this facet of what I do is only beginning to coalesce.
Everyone's timeline is different. Go fast if you're able, but remember–you're playing a long game.
This insight was inspired by my conversation with Fia Nyxx in episode 244 of The Unstarving Musician.
Quote I'm contemplating this week
“Having an end in mind is no guarantee that you’ll reach it... but not having an end in mind is a guarantee you won’t.” ― Ryan Holiday, Author of The Daily Stoic
Whole lotta love,
Robonzo
--
Share this email and/or read it on the web
Liner Notes
by Robonzo
I'm a musician and host of The Unstarving Musician podcast. Liner Notes is my biweekly newsletter that shares some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician.
Hey there, Time for reflection is easy to overlook or dismiss. Yet reflection is priceless for feeding the creative soul. Without reflection, we can become exhausted mentally, spiritually, and physically. The absence of reflection is a detractor to our creative selves. A life without reflection can be a detractor to creativity. It can be exhausting, leading to a lack of clarity and eventual health problems. Conversely, reflection can help you see the value of rest, of daydreaming, and...
Almost every songwriter I know is fascinated by sync licensing, and most want to get into it. So today I want to share some basics about sync licensing. Reading time: 5 minutes 👓 Sync licensing basics Sync licensing an revenue stream that many independent artists overlook. The term refers to placement of your music placed in visual media like TV shows, films, commercials, and video games. Securing sync placements may seem like a long shot, but it can be a game-changer for your music career....
Happy Friday! In case you missed the recent announcement, episode 300 will be our last. The Liner Notes newsletter and Unstarving Musician blog will continue. I also have a number of ideas for new ways of sharing the knowledge I garnered from the many interviews conducted for the podcast. More on that soon. Here's episode 297 for your weekend listening pleasure. Leveraging Your Email List #297 🎙 Whether your art is in music or some other realm, leveraging your email list is paramount. Email...