Is a DIY Music Career a Good Idea?
Is a DIY music career a good idea?
If you’re new here, you’re going to know that I am such a fan of DIY. I have had several conversations over the years that having a label is cool. But having control is even cooler.
This weekend, I went out to see the NOFX documentary 40 Years of Fucking Up and it warmed my little punk heart. Maybe I’m just defiant? Maybe I’m just obsessed with the underdog winning? But though it was a really tough watch in some ways, I really felt the confirmation of yes, you can do it like this and be successful.
I’ve heard so many people saying they want a label so they can grow, and you know what? I hear you. They bring a bigger budget, they help with the connection, the marketing, the recording… but why are you chasing them?
We’re in the stage of the industry where you want them to come banging your door down hungry to do a deal with you, not the other way around, and especially not when they’re asking you for money upfront or are taking away the things you’ve worked for. I’ve seen deals offered that on the surface look great, but when you dig in, you lose almost everything. It’s such a shame.
What made me go “FUCK YES” watching the NOFX film was seeing how their farewell tour went, and how they made the DIY model work for them, keeping more profits than ever before.
The time is now to say YES to DIY and get down to business understanding how you can make it work for you. Nobody said it’d be easy, that’s for sure – but it’s worth it and a great way to learn the business and get yourself a sustainable music career. As you grow and success comes, you can continue down this DIY path which is becoming more and more appealing for big names to partner with or you can use that to leverage a label to take you on.
It’s not about selling out or remaining a cool underground indie band, it’s about knowing and doing what’s right for your growth as an artist. So if you ask me, DIY is the key to getting to where you want to go. Want help taking the next steps to tip the scales in your favour? Let’s chat! Drop us an email, and let’s chat.
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