Tuesday, February 20th, 2024.
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Unda The Hat is now doing affiliate marketing for Amazon. “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” We feature musical equipment, OG music band Tees & merch, games, and books. This week's Amazon feature is MD Stokes.
Don’t be scared to experiment. - Let’s Geaux -
So let's begin by examining the definition of music. According to Webster, music combines vocal or instrumental sounds that produce beauty, harmony, and emotional expression. Notably, this definition does not include genre lock (I made that term up 😊) meaning it doesn’t restrict music to a specific genre. Music, in essence, is an art form that utilizes sound to create an immersive and evocative experience. In most Western genres of music, such as Blues, Jazz, R&B, Country, and Pop, common chord progressions can be shared. This versatility allows musicians to explore and experiment across various styles without limitations. Embracing this fluidity can open up new creative possibilities and enrich musical expression. So don’t be skurd to experiment!
There’s this thing called Metathesiophobia (I got deep with you right there), which is the fear of change. There’s an old saying that says people would prefer known hells over unknown heavens. Yeah, read that again. As humans, we’re creatures of habit. We like when things are the way we’re used to. Sometimes pain is so well known to us that leaving it behind feels really scary. We prefer the known, even when the known is really painful. Stuck with Metathesiophobia and don’t even know it. It is why you hear some artists and all of their songs sound the same. Now in the big leagues, sometimes this is the fault of the labels. “You gave us a hit with that one song, now give us 10 more just like it.”
But if you aren’t signed to a major label you don’t have that issue. You have issues playing the same two or three chords, playing the same venue, and staying around the same creative team you’ve been with for years and none of you are growing. In the ever-evolving world of music, experimentation is key. Music is an art form that transcends genre boundaries, allowing artists to explore and blend various styles. Fear of change, or Metathesiophobia, can hinder creativity and artistic growth.
Musicians and producers need to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new sounds, techniques, and equipment. Stagnation can lead to creative fatigue, where audiences become accustomed to a particular style and lose interest. Experimenting with different genres, collaborating with diverse artists, and incorporating new technologies can bring fresh perspectives and revitalize one's music. Take a listen to some of these top TV music composers explain how to use experimentation to improve your music.
The music industry is constantly changing, and trying to replicate past analog successes in the digital age is no longer effective. Social media and digital platforms have transformed the way music is discovered and consumed. Artists who adapt to these changes and embrace experimentation are more likely to succeed. Saying things like I hate social media, I hate the radio, I hate releasing a bunch of singles, only keeps you stuck.
Remember, the only constant in music is change itself. Embracing this change can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding musical journey.
Consider the multitude of successful artists who have either expanded into new genres or reinvented themselves within their existing ones. They embraced experimentation fearlessly, even when it meant taking risks. Take Garth Brooks, who transformed his persona and adopted the rock star alias Chris Gaines. While this particular venture may not have achieved overwhelming success, it undoubtedly provided valuable lessons that continue to inform his artistry and fan base. Beyoncé is another example, having successfully ventured into the country music genre.
While I am not suggesting drastic genre shifts, such as a gospel artist transitioning to heavy metal or a hip-hop artist pursuing classical music, experimentation within one's chosen genre can be equally transformative. For instance, a choral-style gospel singer might explore praise team style. Look at Busta Rhymes, whose chameleon-like approach to rap has consistently yielded remarkable results.
Experimentation is a powerful tool that can unlock new creative possibilities and enhance one's musical journey. So, embrace it, and remember: "Don't be skurd!"
This week's #IAOTW - Independent Artists Of The Week is - MD Stokes. Considered a musical maestro, MD emerged from humble beginnings in Colia, Mississippi, and Augusta, Georgia. Now living in Sierra Vista Arizona, his musical prowess extends across genres such as jazz, pop, country, and R&B. However, his true passion lies in the transformative power of gospel music. His adaptability and versatility have garnered him recognition as a highly sought-after songwriter and producer.
Click on the name link, scroll down to the picture, and then click, and support. Or just click this pic. For more information on this or to hire Unda The Hat as your brand or label consultant send a message via undathehat.com. If you are an Indie artist and want to be featured, hit me up. See you next week!!