Tuesday, August 1st, 2023.
Hey, it’s TJ Miller, “you want some game?” Let's #tipundathehat!
For the best indie music from indie artists, click, and follow Indie Artist Of The Week Unda The Hat. This week, Victor VC Caldwell. Be sure to hit the like button and follow this amazing group of indie artists. They will be big time soon.
How to develop as an artist - Let’s go
I was reading a post on Twitter where someone asked “Can we bring back Artist Development?” I got happy and said I sure hope so. The replies really surprised me I must say. Some laughed, one guy said we don’t need it, a few people felt attacked, and one person said artists that do get clowned for it and it takes away their edge, it’s not needed. One even said why? I was taken aback, I guess I’m just old school like that. I guess that’s why a lot of the young cats call me OG. 🤷🏽♂️ At any rate, back in the day artists were signed on their potential. The potential that, with the right songs, promoters, marketing, education on speaking in public, and how to act on the road, they could become a world-renowned artist. Most record labels had an Artist Development department that existed to support and evolve the artists on their roster. The department would help artists learn dance moves, give voice lessons, etiquette tutorials, and brand their image.
Labels put the time in and believed that with each commercial release sales would increase, so they increased bands’ exposure thereby increasing their potential fan base.
Without question, the best record label at artist development was Motown Records. Back in the ‘60s. Artist Development was a major part of Motown's operations instituted by Berry Gordy. The acts on the Motown label were fastidiously groomed, dressed, and choreographed for live performances.
Artist development, also called AD, is a process that helps artists grow and develop the skills necessary for a professional career. Artist development in today's music industry has changed since the advent of iTunes, the Internet, social media, and Spotify. The days of being “discovered” by a record label are all but gone. Labels would find up-and-coming talent and develop them within the label, even allowing some young artists to continue high school or college and pay for it. But now this development is left up to the artist. Often too many artists are left asking the question, “Where do I start?”
If the old Motown model was emulated today, it would include things like social media training, podcasting, understanding metadata, and other things you learn here by reading #tipundathehat. AD can also include things like:
- Training: This can include formal training, such as taking classes or workshops, or informal training, such as learning from other artists or mentors.
- Practice: The more an artist practices, the better they will become at their craft.
- Performance: Performing in front of an audience can help artists develop their stage presence and confidence.
- Networking: Networking with other artists and professionals can help artists get exposure and opportunities.
- Marketing: Marketing can help artists get their name out there and promote their work.
- Business development: Business development can help artists manage their finances, contracts, and other business aspects of their careers.
Artist development is an ongoing process, I was listening to an interview with Celine Dion and she said she still takes voice lessons; that’s right Celine Dion.
This week's #IAOTW - Independent Artists Of The Week is - Victor VC Caldwell. 
This Grammy-winning, Stellar Award-winning, and Dove Award-winning producer, engineer, bassist, and songwriter has a song at Smooth Jazz Radio that is heating up called Count ‘Em, and people are loving it! Click on his name link, scroll down to their picture, then click and support. You won’t believe how talented they are.
For more information on this or to hire Unda The Hat as your brand or label consultant send a message via undathehat.com. See you next week!!