The new era in music...

It's incredible how things have changed over the years in music. There was the time when the musicians goal was to get signed to a major label. Today however, independent musicians are developing substantial careers completely on their own. With technology leveling the playing field this is really possible. Publicizing yourself on the Internet through such channels as social media are giving independent musicians the opportunity to reach out to thousands and even millions of people. There was also a day when the only way to get recorded was to spend big money in a recording studio. Now it is possible for musicians to record themselves using computer-based technology and software. No longer under the control of major corporations, they are able to express their creativity in their own way, so music has blossomed in ways that once could only be imagined.

Of course this comes with some big responsibilities for the musicians who have the goal to be successful on their own. They must have or develop a real sense of professionalism, a genuine no-nonsense attitude. Whether they rise or fall will largely be in their own hands. They will need to either have or acquire a significant amount of business acumen or they will find themselves dis-organized and out of business. They will need to have a much more workingman's approach to music and come to understand that they can have a good living but may not be largely wealthy.

Today some of the biggest stars in music are finding out that they do not have the same draw that they once had. That CD sales are way down. With the trend towards downloading music, CDs are not purchased as much anymore. This is great for independent musicians who don't have to finance large inventories of physical product. Even musical merchandise such as T-shirts can be sent to companies who can make and distribute them as they are ordered. So while the challenge of being an independent musician can seem daunting, for those who are willing to pay their dues, so to speak, a real, true, stable career in music is possible.