My article yesterday was centered on some of the pitfalls we have aspiring musicians. As the old adage says, there's no use "crying over spilled milk.” And it's time to swing into planned action.
And this action all boils down to a mental disposition and value proposition. Now that you know how much your transformation depends on you, let's dive into the course of action and discuss how to transform our challenges into opportunities.
Primarily, upcoming artists should be willing to put in the work to acquire the required skills, to provide real value on the music market. It's quite easy to download vocal exercises and other educative material, depending on your chosen brand. It's not enough to just download but actually use these resources to improve your skills. You can carve out your niche by experimenting with different musical genres and attempting to hybrid them to produce a unique sound.
You can also study ancient African music (especially from your own culture) and explore ways to make it palatable to a modern day audience. Consistent practice will make you too good to be ignored or resisted.
Also, do not be ashamed to recognise your limitations in skill and ask for help. It's OK to let someone else write your songs if you really can't do it yourself. We all know Daphne didn't write the song that put her in the limelight.
Patience is a vital virtue for the upcoming artist. Complete metamorphosis takes place in chronological stages as natures preventive measures against malformations. It is important to accept the fact that your timeline for mass recognition is unpredictable. Graciously embrace every phase of your transformation, not for one second, relenting the required effort.
Be grateful for any attention your work gets but do not let it distract you from doing even better. Avoid rushing your due process and comparing it to anyone else's. It will serve the ultimate purpose of bringing you your true fans in due time.
Moreover, do not hesitate to boldly share your gift with the world. Social media is the easiest tool that connects you to your unique audience. It's been a few months since I decided to sing again. I've been doing a few silly covers for fun and though my views are not so dreamy, I've been noticed by people who'd never have known about me if I sat around waiting for the day I have a few millions to pay Nkeng Stephens for a video.
You can also negotiate with event planners, MCs, Cabarets and snacks to give you the opportunity to perform either by yourself or preferably with a band. The event planner or MC has a percentage on every gig you book. This is not necessarily to make money for a start but to give you the experience of a seasoned performer which will subsequently attract bigger financial rewards.
All living organisms are co-dependent. Caterpillars need plants to feed and they contribute to the balance of the ecosystem as well. As an upcoming artist, you need to form the right alliances with other members of the industry. Partnerships are very beneficial when all the parties involved have something to offer and something to gain.
You could contribute your skill to the execution of certain projects even for free. Firstly, because it gives you the chance to contribute to something bigger than yourself and secondly, this will provide you with the connections and experience you need to advance your career as an artist. Please note that I'm not encouraging the malicious exploitation and manipulation of people's talents. I am encouraging team work on projects where people have nothing but talent, skill and equipment to contribute.
Lastly, have a source of income apart from music. I wish I could tell you that your current status as "up and coming" in the industry guarantees you the slightest financial stability but I can't. Most of your early gigs will be for the love of the art and to gain exposure (reason why you should always put your best foot forward).
I know for most upcoming artists the ideal scenario is getting signed or sponsored and while that is possible, you probably shouldn't put your life on hold for one elusive signature. To avoid drastic and desperate measures that may lead you to an unpleasant end, do something to empower yourself financially. Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do". As Oprah Winfrey aptly puts it. There are numerous business opportunities that are not so capital intensive.
Dropshipping is one of many. If a job is more your speed, then get one that doesn't make you completely miserable and earn to sustain yourself and possibly invest in your music. Avoid splurging on fashion and an unsustainable lifestyle just to intimidate your audience. No one will kill you for not wearing YSL. We do not want a repeat of the Mama Nguea saga. Financial freedom or at least stability also gives you the chance function as an independent artist.
In a nutshell, it all begins with you. Move now even if you're crawling like a caterpillar. You are bound to have made some progress by the time help comes or you're strong enough to stand, walk and eventually run. Bear in mind that some of your music may just serve as historical reference and and inspiration to future generations (and that's perfectly fine). To everyone reading this, artist or not, I'm not saying it'll be easy.
The metamorphic process of the butterfly can be unpleasant and ugly at the earlier stages but definitely beautiful in the end, as long as you stay evolving. The blame game is counter-productive. Work as if it all depends on you. "Sabi no di hide". There's a whole world waiting to experience the magic within you. Best believe "I'm not just preaching, I'm taking my own advice" in Beyoncé's voice. See you on the other side.
-Bella Charis