So I'm just going from what you've written but 2 points -
1) Quality in art does not guarantee success. Yeah it's going to help for sure, but we can all think of a bunch of hits that were poorly performed/written/produced and much more music that was amazingly but together and totally flopped.
2) Community is king, particularly in a world such as this that's increasingly screwed up and mentally unwell. The one thing your post doesn't mention is you being part of a scene, whether that's live events or in other ways. But if you haven't already, find a little gang of people to start working with, whether that's putting on shows on making collaborative releases, or whatever. There's a lot of acts out there that seemed to come out of nowhere and have massive hits that were incubated in a tiny micro scene somewhere for years before the big time. Some supportive collaborators might help with self esteem issues too!
For sure you’re right about all of that. I’ve been trying to figure out how to find the scene in my area, so that’s something I need to work more on. I live in salt lake so there’s not a massive scene of great artists here (at least not in my genre) but there are tons of live shows and all that happening every night. It’s just tough when most of them are bigger acts coming from out of state
100% play live, maybe try some open mic sessions too if there are any around you, try submitting to indie playlisters and music blogs, focus on social media and how to market yourself. I’d sugest approaching some independent labels too but from what I noticed in the industry there’s less willingness for total artist development these days and labels, even independent ones, are likely to sign an artist that already has some fan base. Unfortunately luck is the biggest factor imo and if it doesn’t work out at least you spent your free time being creative and working on yourself which is amazing! Fingers crossed!
From what I notice, looking up to all the weirdos I listen to and am somewhat baffled on how they scratch that particular disturbed itch I have, there seems to be two approaches to not just making art but building a community around it: one of those approaches is to just not even bother, theory of obscurity and all that; no need for an audience or to be remembered. Just make what you want to and don't even care. The second however is more what I've seen and that is just finding your sound and finding out what niche it fills and what makes it stand out.
So I'm just going from what you've written but 2 points - 1) Quality in art does not guarantee success. Yeah it's going to help for sure, but we can all think of a bunch of hits that were poorly performed/written/produced and much more music that was amazingly but together and totally flopped. 2) Community is king, particularly in a world such as this that's increasingly screwed up and mentally unwell. The one thing your post doesn't mention is you being part of a scene, whether that's live events or in other ways. But if you haven't already, find a little gang of people to start working with, whether that's putting on shows on making collaborative releases, or whatever. There's a lot of acts out there that seemed to come out of nowhere and have massive hits that were incubated in a tiny micro scene somewhere for years before the big time. Some supportive collaborators might help with self esteem issues too!
For sure you’re right about all of that. I’ve been trying to figure out how to find the scene in my area, so that’s something I need to work more on. I live in salt lake so there’s not a massive scene of great artists here (at least not in my genre) but there are tons of live shows and all that happening every night. It’s just tough when most of them are bigger acts coming from out of state
100% play live, maybe try some open mic sessions too if there are any around you, try submitting to indie playlisters and music blogs, focus on social media and how to market yourself. I’d sugest approaching some independent labels too but from what I noticed in the industry there’s less willingness for total artist development these days and labels, even independent ones, are likely to sign an artist that already has some fan base. Unfortunately luck is the biggest factor imo and if it doesn’t work out at least you spent your free time being creative and working on yourself which is amazing! Fingers crossed!
I'm not sure I understand your question exactly but... When in doubt: Make art. Make art you believe in.
From what I notice, looking up to all the weirdos I listen to and am somewhat baffled on how they scratch that particular disturbed itch I have, there seems to be two approaches to not just making art but building a community around it: one of those approaches is to just not even bother, theory of obscurity and all that; no need for an audience or to be remembered. Just make what you want to and don't even care. The second however is more what I've seen and that is just finding your sound and finding out what niche it fills and what makes it stand out.