The Perils of "Like" Culture
How the relentless pursuit of "likes" is reshaping the music industry and why it poses a profound threat to genuine artistry. The pressures of people-pleasing and fear of cancellation have further homogenized art, transforming bold creativity into sanitized conformity. Dive into the full post to uncover the intricate dance between authenticity and approval.
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Who Are You Creating Art For?
Amid the bombardment of unsolicited advice from social media experts who rarely engage in the creative process themselves, it's easy to conflate the act of creation with the strategy of sharing. Reflecting on your audience—whether fans, fellow artists, friends, or industry professionals—can redefine your artistic journey. While understanding the 'Why' and 'How' of artistry is important, identifying the 'Who' can illuminate the path forward considerably.
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The Power of the Why, What, How Framework for Musicians
Discover the secret to transforming chaos into clarity in your creative process with the Why-What-How framework. This simple yet powerful tool divides your musical journey into three essential layers: understanding your purpose (Why), defining your goals (What), and executing your vision (How).
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How to Get 'Discovered' as an Artist: What You Need to Know First
The crucial question isn't just about getting discovered—it's about being ready when you are. This is more than just talent and ambition; it reveals the essential foundation every artist must build to thrive. Authenticity, continuous growth in one’s craft, and genuine relationship-building.
Read more...Young Artists, Veteran Artists & Formative Artists: Challenges and Solutions.
This dialogue is about the self-reflection and realignment crucial to any artist's evolution. Whether you're grappling with where to start or struggling to keep the creative fire alive, the shared experiences and unique hurdles across different career stages are more similar than we think.
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What is Negativity Bias and How It Affects Musicians
Musicians constantly face scrutiny and self-evaluation, and the natural tendency to amplify negative over positive experiences leaves a deep impact on artists.
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Why Online Education is a Good Thing
Online platforms offer unique advantages that traditional education struggles to match. When utilized ethically, structured schedules and appropriate teaching materials can enhance discipline and focus, while providing a sense of security and control for both students and teachers.
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Digital Etiquette for Musicians
In today's interconnected world, mastering digital etiquette is crucial for musicians and creatives navigating global collaborations. This blog post digs into the fundamentals of effective online communication, touching on essential aspects like maintaining a respectful tone, understanding the language of digital interactions, and respecting boundaries even on the most universal platform we have—the internet.
Read more...A Holistic Guide To Practising Music
A powerful 7-step strategy designed to transform your practice routine into a meaningful, sustainable path to success. Ready to elevate your musical experience and embrace a journey that's uniquely yours? Dive into the full post to explore each step in detail.
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Art and intentionality
In a world where independent artists are perpetually bombarded with relentless demands, it's easy to lose sight of why they started creating in the first place. Navigating this digital age may seem like a herculean task, yet it's also brimming with vast opportunities for those who can clearly define their personal vision of success.
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Musicians and Toxic Pedagogy
Are your musical aspirations being unknowingly stifled by toxic teaching methods? Harmful teaching methodologies often prioritize authoritarian control and excessive criticism, eroding confidence and creative freedom, and even leading to anxiety and burnout.
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Artists Working for Free: The Hidden Costs
The allure of building a music career often tempts artists to accept unpaid gigs in hopes of gaining exposure and building a portfolio. Yet, this path is fraught with risks that can lead to a cycle of perpetual unpaid work, financial instability, and even burnout.
Read more...Artistry vs. Craftsmanship: Why Technique Alone Will Never Make You a True Musician
In a world where AI revolutionizes music production with unerring precision, the timeless tension between artistry and craftsmanship in music becomes more pivotal than ever. While technical prowess remains a valued hallmark, this exploration invites musicians to question whether the essence of true musicianship is lost in mere skill, arguing that the soul of music resides in its emotional and spiritual depth.
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Internalizing Our Haters: Navigating Negativity as Artists
This post delves into the complex dynamics faced by artists, especially those of multicultural and/or immigrant backgrounds, as they navigate the pressures of traditional expectations and cultural biases.
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How to deal with rejection: Why failure is your best friend
In a compelling exploration of the beneficial aspects of failure and rejection, this article delves into the often overlooked value these experiences bring to our personal and professional growth. Drawing an enlightening parallel between the relentless pursuit of failure in scientific endeavours and the need for artists to embrace such setbacks as a natural stepping stone towards success, the piece reminds us that rejection and failure are not indicators of personal worth but rather crucial feedback on our journey.
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Artists and Growth Mindset
In the dynamic world of independent music, navigating the path to success can feel like a thrilling yet daunting adventure, full of creative freedom entwined with incessant uncertainty. Imbuing oneself with a growth mindset becomes not just advantageous, but essential, transforming every setback—be it rejection from a label or a creative block—into golden opportunities for learning and improvement.
Read more...Sensitivity vs. Fragility: An Artist's Perspective
Artistic sensitivity is often mislabeled as fragility, but this heightened awareness serves as a powerful conduit of creativity. This article distinguishes sensitivity from fragility, unraveling the societal misconceptions that can stifle artistic expression.
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The Problem with Finding Support as an Independent Artist
Navigating the complex landscape of the music industry as an independent artist can feel daunting, especially when seeking reliable support and guidance. While academia offers credible information, it often comes with red tape and a conservative mindset that may not translate well into real-world applications. Friends and family provide essential emotional support, yet their advice can be biased and lack the necessary industry insight. Commercial agencies, though equipped with qualified advice, are ultimately driven by profit, which may not align with an artist's definition of success.
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Artistic Career vs Artistic Practice: Jake Sherman Interview
A discussion with Jake Sherman (Meshell Ndgeocello, Bilal), that dissects the nuanced differences between a 'career' and an 'artistic practice.'
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Finding the Right Mentor: Dr. Hannah Murray
How setting healthy boundaries and utilizing the internet can revolutionize the way you connect with and learn from diverse figures, forming meaningful, trust-based connections over time. Could this be the fresh perspective on mentorship you've been searching for?
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