Support Indie.
In my blog Support Independent Musicians, I have written about some reasons why music lovers should consciously choose to buy music from independent labels. In this blog I am going to write about some more reasons that will remind all indie artists why they are better off having their own label.
Authenticity
Think about buying a dress online. Then imagine walking into a designer’s showroom, talking to the designer and getting expert advice in selecting the dress. It is the same feeling that a customer gets while buying from indie labels. A MySpace page is more personalised than a billboard. A blog is more authentic than a press release. Replace corporate communications with the real you. As an independent musician, let your fans comment on your webpage and get a direct response from you with their name on it. Let the fans and customers share their love directly with you when they buy your music from you. When a music lover makes a purchase, you have total control over what is communicated in the thank-you message. Let the customer know that you are writing this message personally and then just quote the customer in a blog! You cannot imagine the level of euphoria the customer will experience at the personal mention and the next thing he will be doing is sharing it with all his friends on his Facebook page. All of this is never going to happen if they purchase music from a major label.
Dying Music Libraries
In the past, the only music that could easily be purchased was that stocked by record stores. The internet has changed all that. The diversity of music now available means that anyone with an internet connection has access to an ever expanding record shop. As I have written in my blog The Evolution of Indie Music, in the 1960s, Indie music used to be defined as something that was not published by the big four players in music publishing, namely Universal, Sony, Warner, and EMI. Growing and being noticed without the support of a label, in times when there was no internet, was difficult and therefore, most Indie bands of those days went unnoticed. Sometimes, local bands would come together to form a group of performers, each one different from the other. They even managed to become quite famous locally and are remembered for the ‘different’ sound of their music and beats; but that was the best most of them could achieve.
At a time when many music retailers are closing their doors, indie labels can benefit from customers looking for their favourite independent musician’s music and buying it directly from the artist. If an indie musician is able to maintain a well-defined niche, it is easy to have avid and loyal fans remain untouched by the ups and downs of the retail music industry.
Website
Develop your own website presence, based on your unique personality and style. If you have no idea about creating and maintaining a website, there are companies like Hyper Effects that can help you connect with your target audience efficiently. Hyper Effects is one stop for your website, marketing and cyber development requirements. It helps you to create a website to display your talent or sell your indie music or indie art. Their websites are easy to navigate. Independent musicians can have their fans hang out in a place where they can socialize, buy music, listen to new music clips, watch video performances and build upon each other’s excitement. They can leave their comments and eve bookmark your site. All in the same place, for you as well as for the fans.
Along with that, you get a bigger cut from the sale of your music, on your website or wherever it sells. I am writing this bit especially for the fans. Most of them have no idea, and I wish they could see the portions their favourite musicians receive from major labels, they would make more effort to support independent musicians, and buy from independent labels.
Togetherness
Let all indie musicians come together to support each other and further their own cause. Don’t let the major record labels limit what you can or cannot do. Consumers can affiliate themselves with causes they believe in by supporting the music they love.
I hope I have left enough reasons to get music lovers started on thinking in the direction of buying music from independent artists.
