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This week, Your Team, Let’s go -
Well we made it. 2021. As you look around, take inventory to see who’s still standing with and for you. A few weeks ago I talked about managers. But that’s not all to your team, or is it? A good team is not just something a good artist needs, if you are in business of any sort, you need a good team! Now let’s be honest, the bigger your career, the bigger and better your team needs to be. In the beginning if you got a “road dawg,” or someone who is with you and honest with you, you are good. But why do you need anyone? Well it’s simple, YOU need to be about the business of art. Creative thinkers need head space and room in the creative soul to create. You have to write, practice, get the band together, get the beat right, etc. But you also have to make sure the fb flyers are the right size, Get on IG and Twitter, book yourself, make sure the verbiage is right on contracts and just get to the gig on time. Trust me, it is hard wearing many hats!
So for the DIY musician, writer, business person, what do you think? Think it’s better to DIWO (Do It With Others)? First, make sure you know what type of team you need and make sure you have the budget for them, (team does not = free). Some of you are creative enough to do your own graphics, production, engineering, negotiating etc. Know what you know, and what you need. A manager might be a good start, but as in a previous blog, make sure you have something to manage. A publicist can spread what you are doing to the media and look for media opportunities and even set up events to bring the media to you. Marketing consultants like Unda The Hat. Companies like CD baby can get you to Spotify and Pandora, but they don’t market your product to the public - we do. With everything online, you will need a graphic artist. This is someone who can make the graphics on your logo, site, social pages and more stand out and pop. You ready for the radio scene? Get an Indie Radio Promo person. Granted they are not cheap and there is a game to play, just make sure you are ready. Got labels knocking at your door, don’t talk without an entertainment lawyer. And lastly for now, if your money is starting to stack up, get an accountant. Yes, you still have to pay taxes, you need someone on your side for this one. Remember you don’t need to hire everyone at once, just on an as need basis. Please don’t expect any of these people to like your music so much that they are going to work for free. Don’t approach them on linkedin with, “it’s a movement, going to be huge! When we get paid we ALL get paid,” or "can you check this out and drop something on cashapp," or "can I pick your brain?" It don't work like that!
This week's Independent Artists of the Week is The Jazz Jam at Jazz Becuzz every Tuesday Night 8:30 on Facebook live. Click on the name, click on the pic to hear a sample, then tune in tonight on Facebook and YouTube live.
For more information or to hire Unda The Hat as your brand or label consultant send a message via undathehat.com. See you next week.