The True Meaning of Being INDIE by Bob Baker
(check out the link at the end to subscribe to Bob's ezine, The Buzz Factor)
We hear the term "indie" bounced around a lot these days
(although some of us have been preaching about it for more
years than most). So, let me ask you ...
What's your definition of indie?
Many people think of it as a reference to a musician, small
record label or film company without an affiliation with a
major corporation. That's true, but I believe it has a much
deeper meaning than that.
(By the way, "indie" is an abbreviation for "independent."
The "ie" at the end is the proper spelling, as opposed to
"indy," which is usually a reference to Indiana or
Indianapolis -- as in the Indy 500. There's your grammar
lesson for the day :)
I think of indie in much the same way I think of the term
"guerrilla." It's more than a simple, surface-level reference
to your financial backing. I believe it's a state of mind and
a way of life you must bring to your entire pursuit of music.
The best way to explain my angle on this is to use an acronym.
So here's my definition of I-N-D-I-E, with every letter
standing for a separate concept (and I didn't even use the
word "independent," which was tempting considering I had
two I's to work with).
I - Inspired
To embrace the indie frame of mind, you must be inspired.
You have to know in your gut that music is what you are
meant to do. You must become energized when writing,
recording and performing your music. Hopefully, this is
something you already experience fully, without having to
force yourself to feel that way.
When this kind of natural inspiration comes over you, it's
a sure sign that you're on the right path. And you will need
this desire to carry you through the ups and downs of
pursuing the independent music path.
N - Nontraditional
Indie musicians don't mind learning about what has come
before, and they are happy to listen to the "rules" that
others say are required to have a successful music career.
However, the smartest indie artists keep their minds flexible
and constantly ask questions about how the supposed "rules"
of the past really apply to them. They actually develop a
mindset that seeks out the road less travelled. And when
they spot a good idea that's off the traditional path, they
fearlessly go after it without apologies.
D - Determined
Successful indie artists are fixated on their goals and
determined to reach them. They still leave room to veer from
the original plan, when needed, but they are steadfast in
their desire to produce more and better music, reach more
fans, sell more CDs, etc. With this attitude, obstacles
become short-term learning experiences along the road to
higher levels of success.
I - Innovative
Being an indie means thinking outside of the proverbial box
and looking at fresh opportunities from every angle. It means
not promoting yourself the same way a thousand other acts
have done it. It means being resistant to knee-jerk marketing
tactics and being open to new ideas and overlooked avenues
for exposure.
E - Empowered
Indie musicians don't wait for someone or something else to
come along and rescue them. They don't pray for a "lucky
break" or to "be discovered." They know to the core that the
power to succeed with their music resides inside of them.
And they understand that it's their mission to tap into that
personal power and use it to share their music with the world.
Let's recap my definition of INDIE:
I - Inspired
N - Nontraditional
D - Determined
I - Innovative
E - Empowered
It has nothing to do with what company you are or are not
affiliated with. It has everything to do with how much you
take control of your own life and take steps to build the
kind of music career you deserve.
Till next time ... get out there and promote yourself!
-Bob
__________________________________________________
"Reprinted from Bob Baker's The Buzz Factor, featuring
marketing tips and self-promotion ideas for songwriters,
musicians and bands on a budget. Visit
__________________________________________________
