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 Be a Master Musician
by Christopher Knab ,
July 2011
Back to The Academy
One of the curious developments of the late 70’s was the huge increase
in garage bands, punk bands, and ‘do-it yourselfers’, who just picked up
an instrument, or started to sing with some friends, and 6 months later
recorded a record and began to play live. Some great music, and new
directions in music, came out of that situation. But now, 30 odd years
later, the novelty of hearing amateurish thrashings has gotten a bit
dull.
Prior to the late 70’s, more often than not, the music
that is our heritage was made by musicians who, from the time they took
up their instrument, worshipped at the feet of some master rock n’
roller, bluesman, jazz player, folk legend, songwriter, or whatever. The
habit of these inspired musicians was an appetite for perfection. A
need to be not just good enough but GREAT.
Why settle for less?
Whatever developing stage you are at, go beyond it, re-commit yourself
to your instrument or voice. Take more lessons, or better yet, sit
yourself down with your iPod or CD player and choose a favorite
musician's record, and listen closely to what they are playing. then
re-play it, and re-play it again. Challenge yourself to go beyond your
limitations. Who knows, maybe you will come across some new inspiration,
wherein you will find yourself, your own "sound", and thereby Increase
your chance to stand out from all the mediocrity that is your
competition.
Believe it or not, most music lovers (and your
fanbase) love to hear innovative, accessible new sounds. Actually in
their heart of hearts, that is what they are really hoping to hear
everytime they search-out so men new act, and from every act they go see
at a live venue. You see... in the business of music when we hear
something new, original, and accessible... we can invest in you with
some sense of security. We believe that if we put our "label brand" on
you, and add our talents of promotion and marketing to the mix, then we
"have something", and your music becomes our music, and we can work
together to broaden you audience appeal.
It’s like a partnership... something about "Art and Commerce"... they can work together, you
know. Be a professional musician because only a professional lets the
best come out of themselves.
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Christopher Knab is an independent music business consultant based in Seattle, Washington. He
is available for private consultations on promoting and marketing independent music, and can be reached by email at: chris@chrisknab.net
Chris Knab's book, 'Music Is Your Business'
is available from the Music Biz Academy bookstore.
Visit the FourFront Media and
Music website for more information on the business of music from
Christopher Knab.
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