Tuesday, October 8th, 2024. 

Hey, it’s TJ Miller, “You want some game?” Let's #tipundathehat! 

For the best indie music click, and follow my Playlist on Spotify.

This week's feature is Kevin Jackson

Features & Benefits of the game- Let’s Geaux -

So usually I hit you with a very specific subject. Today I’m going to act like a drone and give you some overarching advice from an OG. Here’s the deal—being an independent musician isn’t just about chasing a dream. It’s a full-on hustle, and you’ve got to be ready to ride those highs and lows. Are you willing to live in your car for this? Is your life partner cool with that too? Not saying it’ll come to that, but if it did, would you stick with it or take that 9-to-5 and say, “Nah, this ain’t for me”?

And hey, if you took that job, could you handle doing both—balancing the grind of a day gig and still keeping your music alive? It’s all about figuring out what you want from the game. But let’s break down some real talk about the features and benefits of going independent, so you can decide if it’s the move for you.

First off, creative control. When you’re signed to a label, they’ve got their hands in everything—your sound, your look, when you drop tracks. You’re basically playing by their rules. But when you’re independent? You’re the boss. You call the shots. Want to drop a jazz fusion album mixed with some gospel vibes? Go for it. Nobody’s going to tell you to follow a trend that doesn’t match your sound. Mature cats in jazz or gospel, you especially get this—it’s about staying true to your roots and still pushing your craft forward. Dig it?

Another huge benefit is owning your master’s. Look, when you’re with a label, they usually keep the rights to your recordings, and that’s where the money’s at. But if you’re independent, those masters are yours. Every time your song gets streamed, licensed for a movie or picked up for a commercial, that check comes straight to you. Owning your music is a long-term play. It’s not just about the quick bucks, but that steady income that keeps flowing as your catalog grows.

And let’s not forget about connecting directly with your fans. Without a label in the mix, you’ve got a personal line to your audience. You’re controlling your socials, your email list, your merch sales—it’s you and them, no middleman. When you’re independent, you can get creative with how you keep that connection alive. Maybe it’s through live-streaming, small gigs, or exclusive merch drops. Fans appreciate that, and it helps build a loyal following.

Now, when it comes to making money, being independent forces you to think outside the box. Yeah, streaming platforms don’t pay much per play, but when you add up streaming, live gigs, merch, licensing deals, and syncs (getting your track in TV or film), you’ve got multiple ways to make it work. You’re your own business. There’s no label advance keeping your lights on—it’s on you to hustle for every dime.

But here’s the thing—you’ve got to learn the business side. Distribution, marketing, finances—it’s all part of the package. You’re wearing all the hats. At first, it might feel overwhelming, but once you learn the ropes, it’s empowering. The more you know about the business, the less likely you are to get taken advantage of.

And let’s talk about longevity. One of the best parts of being independent is the flexibility it gives you. You can take your time, experiment, and grow with your music. You’re not on someone else’s clock. Some of the greats—especially in jazz and gospel—didn’t blow up overnight. They took their time, built their careers, and kept their authenticity intact.

So, what’s the move? Is going independent worth it? That’s up to you. It’s a hustle, no doubt. But if you’re in it for the long haul and you’re ready to grind, the benefits can be sweet. Just remember, it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Stay true to your sound, keep building, and the rewards will come.

Holla at me if you’ve got any questions. Keep hustling.

This week's #IAOTW - Independent Artists Of The Week is - Kevin Jackson 

Guitarist, bassist, producer. Baltimore, Maryland native Kevin Jackson has been taking the Smooth Jazz industry by storm since 2012, Jackson's mix of original compositions and acoustic renditions take his listeners on a ​soulful and rhythmic journey​

Click on the name link, scroll down to the picture, then click, and support. 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!!