Independent Music Resources, News and Information
audimated
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Posts by audimated
Featured Artist: Mes
Jan 8th
Profile: audimated.com/Mes1nz
Location: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.
Genre: Hardcore, Hip Hop, Metal
Age:30
How did you get your start in music?
Music started with me being denied access into the scene, always being rejected by the personnel who were on the inside, even being unwanted at guitar shops. That level of “your
not aloud to be hear” kind of made me want to retaliate and want to be a master of my own realm.
What makes you continue to make music?
I’ve been involved with music for 15 years professionally, recording for 10. At first it was to “live the dream”, to be a rock star, to get all the chicks, the fame, the cash, but after a while I fell in love with music as a profession, the artistry, the creation, and most of all the recording process. As time went on, the core of me continuing to exist in this very impossible field was the hope to bringing the voice of truth to my generation, giving us a reason to fight back through the power of music, that’s my motivation. That’s what keeps me making music.
Do you think that artists should stay independent or try to get a record deal?
Well Yes & No. I think an artist should always be independent not just “music record label deal wise” but as an individual. Isn’t the dream of every knowledgeable being on this earth to be independent? To be free? In our own empowering boss like way? I say yes, Indie is awesome. I sold 10,000 copies of my first album “The Journal of a Junkie” raw in the middle of the streets of NYC to strangers I never met and it paved my way to success as well as showing me who I truly am in this life: an earner, a go getter, and a man who can make it threw anything. However, being signed to a record label is what I am in search of. Being involved with music can be quite expensive and with the economy as it is, recording time, equipment, management, promotion, I have to do it all myself. These prices really add up, and I’m all alone in this war field called the music industry. For now, I don’t complain about being indie, it makes me feel like a social terrorist.
How do you think artists should be compensated for their music?
Well, the music industry does have many ways paying their artists, however my experience tells me I only get paid threw CD sales download sales , and performances, which I manage to book myself. I would like to see more artists receiving royalties for their music that is being played on the radio.
What is a challenge you have faced as an independent musician?
Finding a booking agent for live performances. All I would like to do is concentrate on making music and performing. I just wish there were easy ways to find consistent performing opportunities. If I could just stick to making music, my life would be a lot easier.
Why:
First, it’s hard to find the venue, then I have to find other acts to play with, and then I have to promote the show. When I do have to time to make music? If I had a person or a website to help me with playing and promoting a show, that would be a huge lift off my shoulders.
Solution:
In the end it is over come by the age old saying “if you want something
done right you got to do it yourself”. After I booked my record release party myself and had 150 people come out on a Tuesday night, I was very proud of myself. I felt like I was making this music for a reason.
If you would like to be featured on the Audimated Blog, please contact support@audimated.com
Featured Artist: Raavey/$milez
Jan 7th
Profile: audimated.com/RaaveySmilez
Location: Maryland, Fort Washington
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
Age:17
How did you get your start in music?
I got started in music as, believe it or not, a metalhead. I started as a guitarist then I moved on to hip-hop in my later years
What makes you continue to make music?
Well I’ve always been in love with the idea of the fast life. Late nights on stage having your music played, Groupies and tons of joints burning. Also the hate I sometimes get from doubters is always great to hear.
Do you think that artists should stay independent or try to get a record deal?
Well it depends on what your looking for. If you make popular music conducive to a record label, go for one. If you have an underground sound and don’t like the idea of being “watched” by a label, by all means don’t.
How do you think artists should be compensated for their music?
I can’t speak for all artists but I would like to compensated by three things. Booze…money…weed, simple formula.
What is a challenge you have faced as an independent musician?
As an artist you go through a pretty good amount trouble, signed or unsigned. My first challenge, finding myself and my musical niche.
Why:
Everyone has a sound. The only problem with that is finding your sound. Your trademark where someone can instantly say “Yeah. That’s $milez. My man!”
Solution:
It takes a while to find and its a continuous process but hey, you gotta bite that bullet and keep rollin’, ya dugg. That’s what makes music fun for me anyway.
What is a challenge you have faced as an independent musician? #2:
Another challenge you face as an artist is getting a backing. IT’S THE TOUGHEST CHALLENGE!
Why:
Every artist knows about this. Either people don’t take you seriously or there are so many people chasing the same dream that its like 1 in a million.
Solution:
Truth is your chances are 1 in 1 if you won’t take no for an answer. Recognition isn’t overnight. Talent just doesn’t appear so work and I mean hard for your spot at the top; I’ll meet you there!
If you would like to be featured on the Audimated Blog, please contact support@audimated.com
Featured Artist: Bridgez To The Kingdom
Jan 5th
Profile: audimated.com/bridgeztothekingdom
Location: Richmond, Indiana (USA)
Genre: Christian Rap
Age: 35
Website: www.wix.com/wemakehitzent/cminor
How did you get your start in music?
I started out singing in my Church choir at the age of 7. At the age of 8 I got into spinning records and from there producing my own music and writing my own songs/raps
What makes you continue to make music?
Music is what I’m passionate about. I eat, sleep, and think music. Writing music started out as me writing poetry, it became an outlet for me to express my feelings, in-turn it keep me from a lot of trouble.
Do you think that artists should stay independent or try to get a record deal?
From my point of things, I feel that as an indie not only do you have more control over your
Music but you are not limited to what a major label might want, or feel is the now. Also
as a indie you have more of a chance to build and make yourself money, not just the record company.
How do you think artists should be compensated for their music?
I feel that talented artist that are providing the world with the kinds of music that not only they
Like, but that also moves them, should be justly compensated! In other worlds if I go out to eat
and the service is great and the food is on point, not only will I tip good but I will tell everyone I know to go eat there.
What is a challenge you have faced as an independent musician?
Being a single Father with no income; but having what the world is demanding as far as music goes.
Why:
Well, because not only did I not have the means to rightly provide for my children, but I didn’t have the resources to put my business (or passion) in motion. I had the drive, I had the supply for the demand, but the finances needed to do go as far as I seen in my dreams just wasn’t there.
Solution:
Honestly I fell to my knees and I cried out to God, and told Him I needed help, with this task at hand. Next thing I know I had enough money to get things up and running, No He didn’t give me mega studio money be He provided enough for me to present what you are hearing from me today.
What is a challenge you have faced as an independent musician? #2:
Getting the exposure needed to be successful.
Why:
Because of all the negative talk about Christian Rap, a lot of times you get knocked down before you are even fully heard. Not to mention I’m new to the scene and have to fight my way through a lot of mess just to get one person to see I’m standing there.
Solution:
The first thing I did was to make sure that what I said I was able to present was what they were getting. I also made sure I was talking about something in my songs, and not just giving them sound beats with no depth coming from the lyrics. I’m giving them the best of both areas, as It ought to be done.
If you would like to be featured on the Audimated Blog, please contact support@audimated.com
Featured Artist: LoKey
Jan 4th
Profile: audimated.com/KEYHEAD
Location: Chicago, IL, US
Genre: Producer Rap, Hip-Hop, R&B
Age: 25
Website: www.ssbmixtapes.blogspot.com
Production Credits: LEP BOGUS BOYS, R.KELLY, DIAMOND, WAKA FLOCKA FLAME, NELLY, BRISCO, TORCH (MAYBACH MUSIC), SHAWNNA, BUN B AND MANY MORE
How did you get your start in music?
I grew up in the vinyl/ 8 track era so ive been around music all my life. I started making beats early 1999 and when I graduated in 2003, I didn’t have a set career path. I knew I was good at producing so I ran with it.
What makes you continue to make music?
Over the years ive gotten a lot of recognition and have worked with a lot of artists, mainstream and local. Its second nature to me, I could go months without making a beat and can sit down and in like 10 minutes ill make a hit. I love to make people move.
Do you think that artists should stay independent or try to get a record deal?
The structure of the industry has changed. You got millions of artists promoting themselves on the internet and in the streets better than some of these labels are willing to do. In my personal opinion, if you don’t have a issue with being in debt, yea sign to a label but like I tell all artists up and coming, that ive worked with, STAY INDEPENDENT!!
How do you think artists should be compensated for their music?
You don’t work, you don’t eat! Simple as that!
What is a challenge you have faced as an independent musician?
You deal with a lot of people who appear to have their best interest for you but some scenarios alter that. For example, ive been in situations where I could’ve made more money and credits from my production . Its a lot more than just making music in this business. My advice would be to surround yourself around people who are hands on with the industry (entertainment lawyers, managers, promotors, etc.) but most importantly, educate yourself!!
PLEASE VISIT MY SITE
WWW.SSBMIXTAPES.BLOGSPOT.COM
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER @KEYABOVEAVERAGE
If you would like to be featured on the Audimated Blog, please contact support@audimated.com
Featured Artist: Deanna Beauvais
Jan 4th
Profile: audimated.com/DeannaBeauvais
Location: Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
Genre: Country
Age: 27
How did you get your start in music?
A few years back i decided to record some rough drafts of my music and upload them onto a few websites. One that i choose was Cmt.ca, and the day after i was contacted by a man by the name of Old Toad. He send cd’s of local artists to the troops in support of what they are doing for us. I was honoured by this opportunity, though it took me some time to get it record, i was finally able to do so at Sprowts Studio here in Sarnia in May 2010. Since May things have just bloomed and i am now hoping to see “Send Me A Cowboy” on the 2011 Troops Cd.
What makes you continue to make music?
My love of Music, it seem to just run through my veins, and the support of everyone. Also i love to help, so i have chosen a charity, and the charity i have chosen it Hero to Hero Team Canada (who also support Hero to Hero US).
Do you think that artists should stay independent or try to get a record deal?
I think that artists should do it because they love music, it should not matter if their independent, or have a record deal.
How do you think artists should be compensated for their music?
Personally the support of family, friend and kind people is compensation enough in my eye’s, but it is our sales that make it possible to continue creating our work.
What is a challenge you have faced as an independent musician?
Instrumental
Why:
Thought i am able write and sing. I have still yet to accomplish an instrument
Solution:
Practice make perfect, I am teaching myself who to play the guitar.
What is a challenge you have faced as an independent musician? #2:
Studio Time
Why:
I am not just a musician I have other responsibilities like my business as a sub-contractor, and my three beautiful children.
Solution:
Time management and lots of patients.
If you would like to be featured on the Audimated Blog, please contact support@audimated.com
Hip Hop & Web 2.0
Jan 3rd
The impact of social media on hip hop with words from Talib Kweli, Wiz Khalifa, Devi Dev, Bishop Lamont and more.
If you would like to be featured on the Audimated Blog, please contact support@audimated.com
Featured Artist: BLANG
Jan 3rd
Profile: audimated.com/BLANG
Location: Southern California
Genre: Drum n Bass
Age: 29 years old
Website: facebook.com/Brandonblangblang
How did you get your start in music?
I started really getting into music and playing it when I was about 12 years old. Was also exposed to music in a big way because my parents were huge music lovers, and my Father is a musician too, I grew up watching him play in bands, shows… etc.
What makes you continue to make music?
What makes me continue to create music is my passion for it. I just simple enjoy making music, getting people to listen and getting feedback from others is only the added extra bonus.
Do you think that artists should stay independent or try to get a record deal?
I think if you can find a good way to distribute your music and get it heard to a large audience, staying independent is the way to go. if you don’t wanna deal with contracts and sharing residuals then being independent I think gives you more of an ‘open road’ to what you want to be known for, what kind of music you want to play, and keeps it interesting.
How do you think artists should be compensated for their music?
I think in the end, when it comes to shared residuals that the artist/producer should always get a larger percentage than the label or distributor because after all if there wasnt music there originally then there would be nothing to sell in the first place.
What is a challenge you have faced as an independent musician?
Biggest challenge Id say as a independent artist/producer is the distribution of my music and finding ways to get it heard, without the representation of a major label. Yes it is getting easier for independent artists like myself but it still is hard to appeal to a mass audience.
Why?
Its been a challenge because in today’s world… there’s so many avenues to listen to music and picking the right avenue to get your music heard is not an easy task, especially at first.
Solution:
I overcame this challenge through networking and researching the best, quality audio distributional sites. Also created accounts with major social networks to inner link ways, and create the availability to connect to my music and download easy.
What is a challenge you have faced as an independent musician?
Another challenge that I have faced is creating new music that appeals to a larger audience and finding better and more efficient ways to create music.
Why?
This is a challenge for me but a great one because it helps me to develop, evolve, and keep an open mind as an artist/producer. Plus I want to appeal to a larger audience because this means more exposure.
Solution:
In order to evolve as a musician/producer… I had to study music for a bit in college, upgrade my studio equipment to more quality equipment that would give me more ways to create music and to create better music.
If you would like to be featured on the Audimated Blog, please contact support@audimated.com
Featured Artist: Koolaid
Jan 1st
Profile: audimated.com/koolaidmuzic
Location: Kansas City, KS, US
Genre: Hip-Hop
Age: 17
How did you get your start in music?
I got my start in music as a joke actually. It started off as just trying to be funny and make words rhyme, but people took me serious so I just ran with it.
What makes you continue to make music?
I’ve always had a passion for music. Music is an art, and I don’t think people actually realize how important it is to take it seriously. The fact that people are just doing it for the fame and not the passion drives me to make music.
Do you think that artists should stay independent or try to get a record deal?
In my opinion it depends on the type of person you are. If you can’t handle the pressure of the media and the fans then stay indie if you can then shoot for the stars.
How do you think artists should be compensated for their music?
It really depends on how the artist feels. If they want compensation on music then they should if not then they just do it for the love of music.
What is a challenge you have faced as an independent musician?
My major challenge is my age.
Why:
When a lot of people find out how young I am they tend to drift away until they actually listen.
Solution:
I am overcoming it slowly but surely. It’s all about your drive and your motivation.
What is another challenge you have faced as an independent musician?:
I have faced problems exposing myself to the general public. If you are unknown and have no connections it’s hard to get heard
Why:
If you are unknown and have no connections it’s hard to get people to listen to your music no
matter how good it is
Solution:
I’m trying to promote via Twitter, Myspace, Audimated, Facebook, and Reverbnation.
If you would like to be featured on the Audimated Blog, please contact support@audimated.com