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The 10 Step Program for the Indie Music Artist in You

muskymax | Jul 14, 2010 |

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differentiates independent musicians from those who use major commercial recording labels. In Toronto, indie musicians, as elsewhere, prefer a hands-on approach to recording and publishing. Having their own label allows the artist/publisher to have no one influencing the content of their unique creation.

(1) Internet technology affords artists the opportunity to introduce their music to an enormous audience with minimal cost and no affiliation with a major label. Digital music software encourages the discovery of new music and musicians.

(2) Sites with extensive libraries are most successful. They permit independent bands to have more opportunity to be heard. Indie artists can, not only offer albums for sale, but keep their fans informed of their live performances. When they are playing locally, Montreal tickets are available at their online sites.

(3) Royalties from digital services can provide income to help the band move forward with their musical aspirations. Once the artist has paid recording fees, had the disc manufactured, and done some advertising to promote the album, they're ready to distribute online.

(4) Digital services expose the Toronto based indie band and its music to new fans and provide online retailers increased sales. The indie music bands can release more albums, more frequently and faster if they are sold online. Indie artists may choose to release limited editions or live material that would cost too much to produce traditionally.

(5) In the United States, "No Limit" is the biggest indie record company, with sales of more than 75 million records. Toronto artists can cross-border to take advantage of this opportunity.

(6) Indie artists can also use the internet along with their established fan base to fund new recording projects. Services like ArtistShare or even the artist's own web site can help them get funding. Jill Sobule (one indie singer) released "California Years" in 2009. She had raised almost $90,000 online to allow its production.

(7) Relatively inexpensive, new recording devices and instruments permit more individuals than ever before to create their own music. Toronto studio time can be very expensive, and since it is limited, it can also be difficult to obtain. Now anyone can produce studio-quality music from their own home with greater sound experimentation and no need for an expensive studio.

(8) Message boards, music blogs, and social networks are used by indie music companies to advance their businesses. Some of these sites rely on audiences to rate bands, so listeners impact the success of the music. If the Toronto indie artist has a good fan base, this can be an advantage.

(9) Sites such as MySpace.com, using this format, eliminate the necessity of music companies searching for new talent and developing their following. They can find the latest, greatest indie artists by surfing the web.

(10) Some online sites (in Toronto and elsewhere) allow artists to upload music and make it available for sale at the artists' own established price. Visitors to these sites can check by genre: indie artists, listen to free samples, read about the artists, and purchase tracks they wish to buy. Acts like Wilco have made their new albums available for streaming before their physical release. Many other bands market only on the internet. This has become the true indie marketplace.