The dream is over.
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You are great. Very glad I can contribute to you doing it your way!
You're clearly in denial as it is crystal clear why you never had a chance...
Wasn't sure if that was you, so much color!
i don't, but then again, i would never molest anybody, with the sound of my delight, of stubbing my toe
Johnstown, Pennsylvania USA (I doubt you'd come to my smaller town of Bedford, PA) Good luck!
This girl is wonderfully talented, amazingly eloquent, and wise beyond her years. I appreciate her fresh, and remarkably sane perspective.
I decided in 1978 I would focus on being an audio engineer and a session guitarist working exclusively on the local scene. I had absolutely zero interest in looking at the national picture. It isn’t that I thought I couldn’t do it. I simply saw it is as so corrupt for average talent that I didn’t even want to be part of it. As it stands, I did fine. I made enough money to live decently, had time to pursue college degrees just for fun and without debt, and eventually had enough expertise that I finished out my career before retiring as a college professor of sound engineering. No regrets, except maybe an illusory yearning for opportunities that I know never really existed.
Great approach and great story Bob! I’d like to know more about your story!
Cheers
This is currently my goal after the military I figured audio engineering is always needed I doNt want to be rich just do something that makes me happy
After graduating from LaGuardia Music And Art HS I went on to Institute of Audio Research and decided to play in bands (98’-08’) while engineering and producing. Never wanted to go down the major label route, saw too many school mates shifted into different genres when dealing with the majors (ie Kelis). Now I’m a session musician/engineer with a guitar,amp and cabinet repair biz.
Bob...your path sounds like all the right decisions were made. Many would say you have lived a financially fruitful and balanced life. Well done!
Well played Bob
I'm a 66-year-old retired guy . Life's pretty good . Living in a nice little music town actually getting out and gigging and playing for people, making new friends hearing great stories . Not exactly a music career , but to elicit smiles and enjoyment from playing guitar is truly a gift . Everything I've seen from you is awesome and inspiring !
That is a career. Do what makes you happy not what makes people who don’t deserve it money. I’m 68 years old. I was a club DJ for a decade. I loved it. Nowadays I help the young. That is so rewarding as you become the Obi wan of the future.
Mary, I've been a performing musician all of my life and I'm now 80 years old. I never sought to be a full-time musician and made most of my living as a newspaper journalist. But I've had a wonderful musical life, playing with some great and some not-so-great musicians but always loving what I've been doing. Your advice, for all those young musicians out there looking to build a career, is spot on, in my opinion. Especially today, with business bureaucracies running almost everything, remaining independent and close to your audience seems to me to be the smartest move for your own personal satisfaction and mental health. You may have to do other things to make a sufficient financial living, but I believe giving up your musical independence will bring more heartache than anything else. Hang in there, Mary. You are a real asset.
It makes me really happy to see so many people out here that just want to make music for the art and hopefully for enough to make ends meet. It’s nice to know I’m not alone.
Keep the faith :)
I am not a musician. I’m a painter, but it comes with the same illusions and dreams as musical artists. I have pursued different marketing ideas, I’m 74, but am exhausted with them. Your videos are getting you a lot of viewers and I’m glad for you. I appreciate them and wish the best in this really chaotic world.
_Fred, your paintings will be around long after you've gone, my friend. Not a lot of folks can say the same._
Where can we see your work, Fred?
Your paintings are good enough that you believe you are the best and others would recognize it, too, if they only knew. That's what propels you. Keep on keeping on. It's most likely true.
It's something that happens in all the creative fields, from art and music to writing and architecture.
@@pcread True.
As a forty year industry vet I say “Right On”! You nailed it. The music industry has changed so much in the past 10-15 years. It used to be about artist development and it was fun. It is no longer either of those things. You called it correctly. You must forge your own path and connect directly with music fans who appreciate your style of music. The advice I give most young artists is focus on being great, don’t focus on being successful. One is much more achievable than the other.
When exactly was the music industry ever about artist development? It has allways been about making as much money as possible, that's the whole point of the industry.
1955-2006
Several years ago, I read 'Confessions of a Record Producer'. Though some of it is no longer relevant (cd sales at records stores) it was an eye opener on how royalties are disbursed. Since then, it's gotten worse. Back then, the band had to tour and sell merch to make money. Now ....the label takes most of that money too. I think for the fame-seekers, the important question to ask is why do you want fame? Are you looking for respect, love, validation? There are a million-and-one ways to find that in the world, that don't involve selling your soul to a corporation.
I thought you had to go down to the crossroads to sell that.
I program video games and I have my own studio. I partner with publishers so they take care of marketing and distribution (I don't want to deal with that) and they give me an "advance". After that the publisher spends money on translations, advertising and other things that are really necessary to have. Then I "make money" if the game recoups the initial investment and then is 50-50. Some games do well, some don't even brake even and that's the key aspect, there is risk involved, and if the risk is high the reward should be just as good or better. If you don't want to "sell" your soul, then take all the risk and make all the investment.
After playing and struggling in the music industry since 1978, I realized I had choices to make when I was in my mid 30's in the 90's. I was in Austin, Texas playing the scene. We had a good following and figured we could be local "well knowns" like a few other musicians we knew. We paid our dues in the town. Well, things can change ....FAST! I realized I no longer wanted to put my future and security into an industry that can spit you out for no reason. Monday you're new, friday you're through. So I went into the auto restoration business and play for fun. Would I do it all again? YOU BET!! I never had so much fun being broke. I still have a huge cadre of friends that I would never have without being in the business. It taught me lessons that I used in other endeavours that served me well. I had the balls to quit me former life and chase a dream. Did I "make it"? Nope.... do I regret it? HELL NO!! There's more to "making it" and it ain't just about money and fame. I'm still playing in a band in my 60's too. All for fun.
Thank you for your post I really appreciate what you shared and I did the same thing only in Colorado
I like your post. I became an artist just to do it as well. I know what you mean.
Awesome sir! Same for me. I have a day gig (real estate) to support my night gig (music!) and it's a good balance. I've only recently started recording original music. But personally, I've found it to be very rewarding performing in tribute bands ranging from Journey to Rod Stewart to Queensryche (in the San Antonio/Austin area and all of Texas actually). A tribute band performance takes the audience back in time when both the artist and audience were all younger...
Thanks for your post. I totally relate. I’m in Austin and am enjoying recording at my home studio at relaxed pace with no expectations…unlike being in bands playing on sixth street to a crowd of four people. Lol
They only sign people they can easily manipulate.
Honestly, independent is the way to go. I love the freedom to write whatever I want, present myself however I like, give myself time and space to experiment, and connect directly and meaningfully with my listeners. I don't even care about becoming super famous (in fact, I wouldn't want to...I like being a "normal" human with privacy). I just want to be able to earn an honest living from my art so that I can keep making art.
I identify with your thought
Agree with you 100%
Golden
Yeah, just look at the mess Violet Orlandi just went through. Independent artists should just band together and screw these shysters that are deceiving them.
Mary - you are a wonderfully refreshingly honest musician - I started learning guitar at 26 and I am now 68 and still learning and enjoying more and more - writing and recording songs on pro-tools. I learnt early that life's a journey is a path - not a destination - many things can and will not go your way - be ready for it - I agree its a waste of time worrying over things outside my control. Disappointment and mental strife comes from unrealised expectations - this does not reflect any lack of ambition - just inner peace through a regulation of it.
We are all chasing a dream! Never give up, it keeps us alive! The success and satisfaction are found in doing it, The "FUN" is the bonus! In my eyes Mary has already made it!!!
Nah I gave up. Best decision I ever made. Got a 'normal' job that I find great enjoyment in, my quality of life is higher and I'm much happier.
@@geoffbannister8373 I mean normal is really safe and comfortable. If that is what you are striving for in life, you do you man. But I'm looking and searching for my personal journey of why I'm here right now in 2022.....for what God has designed and gifted me to do, play music and play it well!
I've never been in the music business, but just over a quarter of a century ago, I met a recording studio engineer in London and our 10-15 minute discussion went something like this .....
If you are signed to a record label, out of your sales revenue, the record company deducts all recording costs, the costs of the producers and recording engineers, marketing + advertising costs, distribution costs, the cost of e.g. the people and food working in the rec studio's cafe, security guards etc etc plus the salaries and bonuses of the record company bosses, their understudies, assistants and secretaries ... and then if there's any money left at the end of this, the artist(s) might earn some money.
In other words, the artist(es) are always paid last.
but artists get an advance don't they like a down-payment from the label on expected sales if you sell big, if your sound is comercial, you get a pretty decent slice of that pie & moreover look at the amount of work involved in managing an artist
@@stephenparry6811 An advance is just a loan set against potential revenues.
And that's why merch can be quite expensive; depending on the contract, it's the only other way bands on tour can make additional income.
@@stephenparry6811 I'm no expert, but it seems to me that nowadays if an artist can get themselves a significant following on the internet and through live gigs, some of them may be much better off never signing to a major record label if they want to make a decent or even good living. Overheads are often huge in any large business.
Who do you think should pay for all of that? Do you think the checkout person at Walmart should get to keep $1 if that's what the tin of beans costs? How would you pay an artist if not from nett revenue, and actually, the owners of the label get paid last - that's what nett profit is !
In this age of technology, the major record labels don't hold nearly the sway they used to. In the past, the biggest reasons for having record labels was first, they had all the fancy recording equipment. Second, they promoted the artists heavily. Nowadays, neither of those reasons is a roadblock to an independent artist. The equipment in some basement studios rivals what the big labels have. And internet advertising is available outside the realm of record labels, so that's covered too.
Let's also face reality. Alot of artists are sick of the control. They wanna make what they want when they want and release it without labels dictating shit
@@Rocker-1234 Yeah, it's definitely a boon to those who want to explore creativity over making purely commercial music.
It's the same with lots of old media. I remember when magazines could make or break a celebrity career in a single issue. The Internet changed everything, except old media, who still believe they set the rules for creativity.
Right but you were just like MARIE and that you don’t ever mention the payola law with a major labels do even though it’s against the law is pay people to play their music they do not have as big as in vantage as they used to have your correct but they have tons and tons of money and they go around like music lobbyists and influence people with that money just like lobbyist in Washington DC are not officially committing a crime when they take money to do something that runs against their constituents the major labels do the same thing with money they bribe people to play their music that’s what the other people can’t do that’s why the payola needs to be completely blown up and taken off the books
@@blaumausfrau I did study with a guy who had a small open air festival. His friend worked for the biggest swiss label, and he told him witch new acts will be big in Switzerland the next year so he could book them still cheap. According to him it worked out a lot of times. So while the possibilities are more diverse the big players still have a lot of weight I think.
But I'm really happy that many artists find their niche or fame in other ways.
As part of a metal band in Australia, I always knew we had a struggle ahead. In 2012 we had the opportunity to record in LA with a renowned metal producer who had worked with massive bands that we idolized. We took the opportunity and do not regret a second of it. However I think we had this idea that his name being attached to our work would help raise our stock and get us up a level in terms of notoriety etc. When that didn't happen, I took a long hard look at the situation. By that stage I was in my mid-20's and I accepted that if this hadn't pushed us over that threshold, it wasn't going to happen.
So I shifted gears and started writing/playing/performing music solely for the joy *I* get out of it rather than with this goal in mind to "make it". I get so much more enjoyment out of my music now. It's not that I was only doing it to try to get famous before (playing metal in Australia? I cannot think of a worse way to try to get famous playing music) but I had retained hope that we might be the exception rather than the rule. Giving up that felt like a weight had been lifted, and I was so much more free to explore musically and embrace the passion again.
get your songs in the hand of reactors, people like Tank the tech, Charismatic voice, OldSkulenerd, Wave potter, MrRocknRoll
These guy have way more reach then old school media like radio and it's free. If you're actually good you're audiance will grow.
Post your music online. Doesn’t even have to be proper songs. Doesn’t matter. Just post random things you and/or your band can think of every now and then and put it on UA-cam. You might blow up on here
What’s your band called? Love Aussie metal
@@Dhamphyre Previous band was Tensions Arise. I have also been in Acid Nymph, and am currently in Skunkbone and New Clear Vision.
The thing with Australian metal, especially metalcore, is the market is just fucking absolutely saturated. You've genuinely got to have some sort of edge or stand out to even be noticed.
A big shout-out to all the school music teachers who have the patience and willingness to teach and perhaps coach student musicians.
I’ve loved music since I was a child, it’s literally the only thing that’s ever made me feel like I had a place in the world and that I wasn’t alone, hearing about the music industry is very sad and disheartening hearing how a lot of the artists that we look up to and make us feel like we have a voice get treated and how labels exploit them.
@Austin Jones The whole situation is sad, no 2 ways about it, but it is sadly how the industry worked even when I first got into music decades ago. And I think I share your feeling of just how important music is to who I am and what makes me "me". I think the difference now is that artists, like Mary here or Malinda or many others, can do great work and at least make their own way because of the ability to build some community outside of the "local club or coffee bar". But, yes, the industry is not there yet. Without UA-cam (and getting sent home from the office for several years), I would not have discovered Mary or all the great rock music coming out of Mexico Japan Korea etc. And yet UA-cam continues to squeeze their non-major stars, too.
It's a damn shame, a crying shame, BUT, the music still speaks to our souls, and that is a Good Thing. Just something I have to remind myself of on a somewhat regular basis.
Peace.
make the music that makes you happy and stay out of the industry it is garbage.
@@creamwobbly I know some bands personally that tour relentlessly, usually metal bands, 200 days out of the year worldwide but they only make about 30k a year. They love what they do and get to do it all the time but it's a rough life. Stinky van with 4 dudes unshowered driving 6 hours a day then playing for an hour. repeat
@@ShockwaveZero Yep,I travelled with a band before.Stinky!I heard that Hoobastank got their name cuz one of the guys in the van/band was emitting an odor while they were travelling,And one of the other members asked"Hey,Who's butt stinks?".haha!Thus,Hoobastank.
@@rudygracia5573 LOL I never knew that story. I grew up listening to those guys. Nice!!
100%. The first act to adopt a new model that I was aware of were Marillion who were trailblazers in adopting a fan-centred business model and it has been a huge success for them.
I'm proud to be an independent musician and producer. Yes, it's hard work. Thank God for the distribution platforms available to those of us who don't wish to sell our souls to the major labels. ZYGON rocks.
Perfect comment! Thank you!
You and many like your generation have changed the world . You are absolutely doing the right thing by doing it yourself. Keep being you.🤘
You've really evolved over the years. Thanks for the insights and advice. I've learnt something new about the industry.
I know absolutely nothing about the music industry but your advice,
“Remove as many of the layers between you and your audience as you can”
makes complete sense.
I'm glad to see you're not giving up music but shifting your definition of career success and the path that takes. I love your music and would love to hear more!
You are so clear and transparent! You pour your heart into all of your videos.. wow
I gave up the dream over10 years ago. I still play guitar everyday and I have spent time teaching 2 of my 5 children how to play guitar and drums. I've been able to teach a handful of neiborhood kids guitar and drums also. I believe thats a better accomplishment than being a big rockstar.
Thanks for all you do, Mary! You're awesome 💜
Totally agree.
Kudos to you for what you are doing, giving your knowledge and experience to younger ones.
Those are incredible accomplishments! 👏🏼👏🏼
Pay it forward...exactly. Keep a Rockin'...
But the Rockstar dream/goal was nice wasn't it?I spent 50+years dreamin it!I've mentored/taught a few kids(Music/Weightlifting/Fitness)as well.That's always a good investment.
Thank you Mary! So much info in a short video. We benefit from your years of experience and ability to articulate that experience.
Always interesting, informative and inspiring. I for one respect and appreciate this amazing lady. Cheers 🥂
I just have to tell you, I love your videos and your spot on advice. I’ve been playing in bands for 45 years, and it’s incredibly inspiring to listen to a young artist who is so informed but not bitter. Keep up the great work Mary, and I wish you all the success in the world.
Cheers!
“The more layers between you and your audience, the worse off you will be. “
- 100% agree. I’ve been a full-time, career musician since 1998. I’m only just starting my YT presence(glad I found you!). I’ve made a solid living making music I love and sharing it with others without ever touring. Completely independently. Congrats to you! Looking forward to the Barcelona album and a collab down the road 😊
this is the reason why you stand out among other guitarist i follow here on youtube. you value your fans/viewers/supporters. looking forward to your new album!
Mary, I love your "behind the music" and "my thoughts on what I'm doing and why" videos. They are so informative and insightful. I'd bet that they are really helpful to newbies doing what you do. It is so great that you are able to support yourself through your hard work. Hopefully, one day you will have risen to the level of having a retreat on the French Rivier😜
@My Channel If you do not care for her music then why are you even listening to it? She is doing what she loves and earning a living while doing it. No one is saying she's more than she it, especially Mary. Why do you feel compelled to berate her?
Good luck Mary - you have real talent, and deserve to succeed 😊
Remember though, “The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side.”
― Hunter S. Thompson
Deserve? Why? She is one of millions of very talented musicians, do they all deserve to become rich?
She allready makes a living from her music so where exactly is the problem?
This whole video has a strong vibe of "I feel I deserve to become rich from my music, since I think I am better or as good as other pop stars".
That's like saying I think I am a great actor so I should make Hollywood dollars. If your goal is to become rich and you choose musician as career, you might as well buy lottery tickets. The industry never was about talents, it allways was about max profit.
If you can make a living from your music you are allready living the dream!!
@@TheBod76 I never said Mary "deserved to become rich", I said she deserved to succeed". Is it really so bad to wish someone well?
@@paulapplewhite6135 Nothing wrong with wishing someone well at all!
hang on - real talent WILL succeed. . .there is no 'buried talent' out there any more. .
you are amazing. I enjoy your "chats", your insight, your practicality. it seems screwed up that the industry mid-level shills are still in business, and embarrassing that people still take advantage of artists' dreams and naïveté. you deserve recognition for your insights and willingness to share them, and success for your music.
What a great video! The whole shifting dynamic of record label power in this age is fascinating. I didn't even think of the playlisting aspect as the next evolution. Looking forward to hearing your studio album when it's finished
Keep to the course! I love your music and wish you only the best. May your dreams come true!
I really appreciate what you do. Thank you.
Mary: your music is incredibly lyrical, delicate, well authored, and of course, beautifully done. Thank You.
Thank you for sharing this straight talk with us all.
My Dad was an old-time folkie and a late-born Baby Boomer. The music industry landscape changed a lot in his lifetime, and then in mine. If he'd been born 10 or 15 years earlier, there's nothing John Denver, Arlo Guthrie, or maybe John Martyn in the UK couldn't have done. He wasn't about to become the next Beatle, but he could've had a very respectable following and sold out some big shows for 40 years based on his skill level.
As it was, he caught the tailwind of that age, and managed to make a living as a full-time musician, playing lots of local shows, appearing on a few somewhat obscure LPs, licensing himself and his ears out as a session musician and producer. It wasn't stardom, but you could still pay the rent with nothing but musicianship then.
That's no longer possible for 99.9% of musicians in my generation, especially for those who don't hit the gym at 16 and get their start on their 18th birthday with a toned MTV-ready body (though even MTV is dated now as a delivery system). Maybe the indie revolution will make it possible for the generation after me to make a go of things, but despite a full CD of my own out there, I've never figured out how to make back even enough to keep my website live.
It's interesting how many of your comments describe being working musicians in the 1990s, which I think was maybe the last time it was viable. It's just not the same world from 2010 onward. They certainly didn't get less amazing as musicians. The world just changed, and acknowledging that is the key to figuring out what to do with the world we've got. Too many musicians are still trying to chase the success model of their heroes from the 1970s or even the 1990s. That's not what our success will ever look like, because we don't have the world they did. What success looks like, for the rest of us, is very much a work in progress.
You are so great Mary - thanks so much for this very informative video!
This was a super eloquent way to tell the painful truth of what lay beneath the record industry.
You’re a huge inspiration to me, Mary!
I love you so much, Mary. Came to you through Rick Beato. You are wonderful, genuine and a real talent. I'm so glad you're here. I love supporting you and your work!
Gr8 info. Mary - thank you for reminding me of the way this music biz works- we love you and love the real way you chat with us.
In the 90s, I was offered a record deal (a subsidiary of a major). They were offering me $150K to record an album. The contract said 1. they would have complete control over everything, 2. they get 100% of the publishing of my entire catalog, 3. my royalty would be $0.17 per CD sold at retail price, and 4. The recoupable was ONLY coming out of the artist's royalty. I would have had to sell 882,353 CDs at retail price before i was paid a royalty of 17 cents.
I didn't sign the deal.
fuck man, thats brutal. what c*&^ts. I imagine some people get blinded and just sign out of excitement and get fk over.
Smart choice! Always read the contracts
Interesting - so the €150,000 was due to be paid back by the sales at 0.17 a time. What if you sold 100 copies, could you keep the remainder?
Same happened to us, unfortunately we weren't playing what people wanted to listen to either which didn't help.
Yeah it's a similar deal the band I co-managed got from a major label in the 90s as well. The difference being the songwriters already had their own publishing companies so they were protected. A six option deal no less. We signed, had a minor hit that played on radio sporadically around the nation but enough to get it to the 50s on Billboard Top 100, but sales got nowhere near recouping the advance so no royalties. The only good thing is that they turned over the masters back to us after we were let go. Major labels, grrrr 😡. And that was just nightmare #1 for me. Nightmare #2 was with another artist I got signed, but I think I'll hold off on that story for the future.
I loved this video! I'm just getting started on forging my music career on my own terms, so this video is really reaffirming, especially coming from someone of such talent and drive. I'm taking my first steps toward building an audience through UA-cam, I'm starting to write songs in Spanish which is my native language, so I'm pretty happy to have such a great example that shows a way to do it which isn't soul-crushing. Thanks!
Really great to see your personal and professional growth over the years. While this information is common knowledge among us who have been doing this for decades and beyond, it's great you are sharing this awareness from your own growing pains with others that don't know these sad realities. Nice job Mary! Love to see you keep at it and growing!
Mary, well said! So true. Today we have such an opportunity & platforms to get our music and art out there. I really like what you said about the layers between you and your fans.
It’s important to recognize that every large artist you mentioned had already reaped the benefits of the millions of dollars the labels put into the in breaking their careers. That is very different than a new artist starting out as independent
It is good to see an independent artist retaining her autonomy and navigating the business side of music on her own terms. I live in Nashville and frequently hear the stories from regurgitated artists (THERE'S a nifty label name!) about how it seemed the world was theirs for the taking but then the bottom dropped out and now they are back to trimming trees for a living or working unsatisfying day jobs. Every one of them wished they had been satisfied with going small and going home because going big turned out worse than taking it slow. Mary, your guidance is going to help people I will end up meeting someday. Thank you for being a mentor.
Mary, I love your videos. Not only are you a briliant musician, I would like to call you the "music philosopher". The same way Rick highlights the music theory behind the songs, you highlight the business backgrounds, or the psychology of creativity.
Really great insight and genuine heart. Just subscribed and shared your video with a couple of people. Bless you Mary. Keeping doing what you're doing. You're adding massive value 🔥🔥🔥
I've got so much respect for you. These last videos made me rediscover your channel & now I'm excited to hear you new upcoming album! 😊
This is such a great video, so true about the industry. It still runs like it was decades ago, but times have very much changed. I was a session drummer for an artist around the end of the 00’s and once he was signed it sucked the enjoyment out of most of what we did. There was constant pressure, and the relationships between everyone in the band suffered. I’d started writing and recording my own stuff during this time, but was so delusioned by it all, I paused it all for over a decade. It’s only in the last couple of years I’ve started again, and am now in the process of recording my own album. I’m loving doing the music for myself, not having the thought of ‘making it’ or trying to please people I don’t even know.
With anything in the art world, it’s always best to create things because you love to, and if you can earn some sort of wage as a result, then that’s a bonus. That’s living the dream!!
I just recently discovered you Mary and I cannot express how glad I am that I did.Cheering for you from los Angeles!
I love your work
and your honesty!
You are incredibly pleasant to listen to. Both your voice and direct no-fluff value based information make it for me. Subscribing.
For you to be able to describe this very complex situation in such a concise way is admirable.
You are amazing.
❤💙💜
Thank you Mary for the info. This is good to know. Rock on Mary.🙏🏿
Thank you for the valuable information and advice! I find your channel be very helpful and enlightening 👍
Keep going for it Mary
Love these videos Mary. Please don't stop what you do.
Thank you Pat.
@@MarySpender I totally agree with Pat’s comment. 🎸 Keep rocking!!
Always impressed by your astuteness, talent and presentation- musically, intellectually and practically!
Invaluable insight, thank you!!
Really helpful advise- I put a few songs on UA-cam because of the pandemic-live performance had stopped and views/plays have been minimal (not surprising as I am in the jazz genre)- playlist curators were my next step but NOT NOW- your experience confirmed what my gut was telling me. Thank you. Thank you.
ANYTHING that involves money / fame / power / sex....has been TOTALLY corrupted eons ago.
People need to stop trusting tradition. I ignored 100% of what the music industry says, and I LOVE playing out every night to strangers on the streets! It's heaven!
Metallica ONLY plays to Metallica fans! That's not smart! I only play for strangers, and my audience is EVERY PERSON with eyes and ears, aka 99% bigger than Metallica's will ever be!
Practicing outdoors is the most important thing a musician will ever do.
I think of Eva Cassidy who had by far the most naturally raw talented voice heard in a long time...No major record deals until after her passing
Labels did not help anyone there, tours make money for example, but only when the performer is alive. The lesson there is to fake your own death in the media, change your identity and live somewhere obscure then ensure that 'newly discovered' recordings are made public from time to time but not too often
Thanks Mary for your insightful video! 🎶
Thank you Mary for this video!! Perfectly timed, sage advice!
Thanks again Mary, love your videos x
You are so welcome
Thanks so much for covering this topic! Being an independent musician has been a real struggle and other than what you've mentioned about spending considerable budgets for PR and radio/playlist promoters, there are so many online scams out there, so it's good to be weary. Especially if you're just starting out, always double check, because results could easily be bots that artificially inflate your streams/views.
I didnt want to believe the title and was happy with the conclusion of you video. And thank you for letting continue to believe in music and to try to find my audience
As a fellow independent artist, this video is very reassuring! Lots of people have asked me whether I'm planning (or already trying) to get picked up by a label, but my instinct has always told me that this isn't the right way to form a music career anymore. It is definitely more of a struggle in the early stages being independent because there is little support or guidance, but your points in this video about investing your money and energy into building up content that has more longterm value such as music videos and more frequent singles/EPs make a lot of sense in terms of the long game.
It makes such a big difference to me as a listener if I discover a song by a new artist, then find a whole backlog of good quality work to browse through on their UA-cam or Spotify - it makes the artist feel more "real" and established and gives you something to sink your teeth into and get more immersed in. I hope there are many other listeners out there who feel the same way, because that's the kind of engagement independent artists depend on to grow a genuine community around their work.
You’re so right, I wish I decided to start this yt journey years ago. There’s so much to do when you’re an aspiring independent artist, and bills don’t pay themselves so until you become independent you have to keep a daytime job that takes so much of your time and energy. It’s amazing that you made it, huge respect! Hopefully one day I’ll make it myself, but for now I just need to keep swimming so i dont drown! 🤗
This is SUPER informative...Thanks Mary...
This is so true....and I hope it helps those aspiring to venture in any skill
I feel your frustration, Mary. It all sounds so demoralizing. I admire your determination and willingness to share your experiences, good and bad. You are performing a valuable service to fellow artists. Making it as an artist these days can feel like a crap shoot. So many layers, as you pointed out. When I think of independent artists, the first one who comes to mind is Ani DeFranco. Maybe her MO is the way to go. Josh Turner seems to have made the leap from YT sensation to touring muso. Stay independent. Keep writing and recording. Most importantly, play out as much as possible. In my estimation, you’ve already had an impact.
Mary is so lovely and a great musician and performer, I wish her much luck,she is fabulous
I came across two of my favorite musicians, via an advert and the other when her music was used as background to a channel about sailing and I thought wow, and I have followed them ever since.
Thank you for sharing this Mary... XO.
Very happy to see a signature Rory Gallagher stratocaster flashed @ 1:58 One of the most underrated guitarists of all time!
Agreed.Along with Danny Gatton.
I used lament the fact that I never managed to land a record contract, but the more I learn about how the industry actually works, I'm beginning to think that I was very lucky. I may not make much money from my music, but I keep all but the small percentage that Bandcamp takes, I can do whatever I want creatively and I'm not being worked into the ground and thrown out by a corporation. Needing a day job is a small price to pay for all that.
Your approach is unique. It started as outside looking in from my perspective, but 599K subscribers later "in" has expanded and you're well represented! I enjoy your music and your collaborations with other artists and you're also a talented interviewing personality. Stay with it Mary! I think you're winning!
Love your music Mary!
Very inspirational! I am 58 years old, and you have inspired me to start making content - but who will want to listen to an old guy playing slide in a non bluesy way?
Lots of people… you just gotta get yourself out and find them.
If you stay true to yourself and have realistic expectations you can’t lose 🤟🏽🤟🏽
I would. How about you post something to whet the edge of that inspiration?
I would listen as well ✌🏻
Make your art, the art that is uniquely you, share it, and see what happens. I listen to a ton of music across all genres and styles, and what I enjoy most is hearing someone’s own voice and expression. Would love to hear your work!😊
The whole “paying for radio promotions” thing is such a scam. The moment I saw people doing that in my scene, I really started distancing myself.. essentially from everybody I once associated with. It was only the ones who came from a wealthy background who got any attention, regardless of talent.
If you couldn’t pay for promotions, doesn’t matter how good you are. And I saw plenty of great acts get passed over for mediocrity with money.
Great video. Just sharing my nonsense ramblings lol.
Being able to define success and not having to tie a dollar figure to that is huge. I saw an add for a master class and the line that's stuck with me is...in so many words, "If your music connects with just one person and their world is brightened by it then the whole journey is worth it." That's the guide I've currently worked with. That and remembering it's really about the journey and not a specific destination that's kept me from losing myself to all the noise that can come up. thank you for showing us how you've grown on your journey and showing us what we really need isn't always what we think we want.
Love it! Forging your own path, is always the way to success.
In fact it is for any career. If your not, someone else is, and it is more a job than career.
Great video, thanks for sharing 👍
She's right. I'm a hobby musician, but this channel (nearing 1m subs) has nothing to do with music. A few years ago I released a synthwave music video that had to do with coding and it hit well over 100k+ views. 100k people listening to my song ;).
Build an audience!
Can you link us to your video?
Wow, what perfect timing for this video as I just entered the same phase in my life, and also hearing others' comments sure is comforting for me knowing I'm not alone in feeling the same way. When I graduated high school 6 years ago I was determined to make it in music and was very immature imagining myself playing In shows, gaining attention, and making hits lol. Over the years since, that started to change as well as my music taste. I started to learn many things about myself, and my music tastes drifted drastically. I enjoyed making music still, but I really REALLY started getting a dark, anxious feeling inside me every time id picture myself in the industry or having to do shows, let's say just to survive. This feeling began probably 2 years ago. I started to not like the idea of music as a career anymore, I was enjoying making music, but those factors made the fun in music hard and even to do anything creative anymore. Subconsciously I was really unaware all this time. Then literally about a month ago, I realized id rather pursue something else that can help provide me something in the future and me enjoy it every day I wake up. Thank God I found a career and I never felt so happy and optimistic in life since. I'm now planning to enlist and learn a career that'll help and benefit people!
6 years, it took me 6 years to finally realize and accept this hard truth about music and what's best for me. I wouldn't wish it on anyone to take this long, but I hope my comment helps or relates to some. Ive discovered countless artists on this platform that ive enjoyed listening to ranging from 2010 to now. Just unique artists that inspired me and my sounds. Ive always wondered why did they stop releasing or putting out music for some time? Or just simply disappear? I realized that they were just making music for the fun of it at the time, not expecting anything, just putting there music out there. Of course, life moves on to have to finally focus on other important aspects. Ironically I'm now entering that phase and finally understanding what I assume these unique/disappearing artists went through.
For me, I just wanna make music, have fun, and not lose the purity of how much music influences my life and feeds my soul, but for now, It's best to put it on pause and secure something first in life so I can finally enjoy my music without expectations. There was a comment I read, and it hits home it went along the lines of " I rather make music for the fun of it and in my rules than make music to pay the bills and fame cause thats when the purity and freedom of it fades." And it's so true, I don't wanna make music and also have to entertain just to "make it" nor do I wanna tour or have people force me to make an album, etc. Me knowing me I would despise living that lifestyle and dread it. I just wanna make music whenever I feel like making music. Period. Make music that only satisfies and pleases yourself cause thats the essence to continue loving it and what many forget to do. Charles Bukowski said it best -"Don't Try."
I'll say one thing though, sincerely to you Mary. That is Thank you. Thank you for being a one-of-a-kind channel on here that speaks on these topics and the harsh truth that not many are willing to speak about or confess. I value it a lot, and it opened my eyes to know that I'm not alone, especially from reading of comments of others in the same place. On the bright side, it's good to know you have a great following on this platform (which is rightfully deserved), in regards to what happens down the line in your life. Just know, that we support you! :)
Thanks for sharing, it sure is inspirational hearing your story. Wish nothing but the best for you in your life and your new pursuits! May joy and music accompany you nonetheless!
Bit short.
Damn I fully indentify with your comment 100%
I'm into 8 months of my music career, due to my music style and what not I understand I wont be listened often
For that reason I also just do music for fun... I do hope one day that by making music I can help my family and my girlfriend financially one day ...
Fully agreed man. Find a decent career which can fund your music, and make music for creative satisfaction. That's the way to go !
@@paulschnyder938 Reading is fun right? haha
I am happy you built such a huge following here on UA-cam. You are awesome, Really enjoy your music :)
I love you! You can do it! Don’t give up, I’m your biggest fan 🙌🏾🙌🏾
I fought this same battle for years in the 90's, and finally decided that my financial future was not as an artist. Until I retired this past January, I went back to working in IT, which is a soul killing job, but it paid well enough for me to be a musician on the side, and I discovered that I enjoy a lot of the behind the scenes work as an engineer, producer, and studio musician. My love for music hasn't changed, but my focus has.
If I had a dime for every musician who went into IT I wouldn’t have to work in IT.
@@martinel2450 I started a new job once, and sitting in my row of desks, in addition to me, there was a bass player, a drummer, and a singer. Two rows over, there were two more guitar players.
That is so true. The record labels are dinosaurs, and the Internet is a (slow) moving asteroid coming their way. It's been shown in how they've resisted every innovation on the way, and now people make music in their bedrooms that sounds like stuff from coming out of a professional studio.
I read somewhere that all you need are 1000 "true" followers to make a living off being an independent content/music/art/whatever creator :)
Looking forward to the album :)
I have a video on The Rule of 1000 True Fans - would love you to check it out and tell me your thoughts!
These "dinosaurs" still dominate the music business. Now that the big three are public companies we can see their annual reports. The amount of money they make is astounding.
@@10bbremer Very true, and they can probably survive if they become more agile and adapt, but it doesn't seem very likely 😊 Most of those companies have their hands in many other things, though, so they will survive, but it certainly seems like the artists want something different 😊
Unfortunately that asteroid killed more than the labels. In my opinion the newer albums released by established acts sound like garbage compared to the ones done in the 70's through the 90's. Many great records well never come to fruition because there is no money to be made. Quality of songs and the ability to find them had suffered. Sure we have access to millions and millions of songs but they are needles in a haystack and when you can download them for nothing the artist gets nothing in return.
Well said
it's a great brief of what had happened the last five years and the great turn around that social media has given to music industry! Thanks for sharing! Cheers from Mexico city!
Knowledge based on experience = wisdom. Wise words from Mary. It’s an exciting time for creative people who would follow the DIY path to fulfil their dreams. It’s a ton of hard work of course and Mary has illustrated some of the pitfalls. Thank you Mary.
There's been a huge influx of independent artists coming out with self financed and promoted music the last few years. Be it through a Kickstarter campaign ( Nita Strauss among others) Alexandra Kay, Brandon Davis to name a few( both of which got visibility through social media and went on tour with Tim McGraw this summer). I personally, have found more independent artists music through YT ( yours included Mary😁) the last 4 or 5 years than in any other time in my 50+ years.
Yes, there's so much more involved with self-promoting etc but my personal take on that is, I applaud your drive and determination and all the hard work it takes to do so. Hence my 2+ years of support here and on Patreon. Keep up the awesome work! And most of all, THANK YOU. for the music and entertainment!🌹
Keep in mind that many opening slots on tours are now effectively pay to play where an act pays the headliner up front for that slot. Signed acts are typically given priority and offered better terms. Tank the Tech did a great video about this.
@@mattb.2740 Both( shown. In yt posts were invited by tim himself) no one but them know the behind the scenes terms but given that level of opportunity...
Mary,
Being a musician myself I couldn't agree more with your video describing the music industry. Unfortunately the way to notoriety and the world knowing your music is Unfortunately through record labels. Yes UA-cam and Tik Tok get you out there in communities with a following but just isn't that classic recognition for your work. I am however a Mary Spender fan. Keep going.
Thank you. I will keep going I promise.
Keep going I just had this conversation with my son is a musician and is discouraged. I don’t really have a good answer but I know I’ve spent 35 years working at a job while wishing I had pursued my dream.
actually gigging and touring are the best way. there is nothing more powerful than the power of word of mouth... it creates legends.
@@zebratroopfan6695 Which raises the philosophical question: Is it better to have a good job and wish you pursued the dream, or is it better to pursue the dream and wish you had a job? The second question: if the dream becomes a job, will it still be fun?
@@russellhltn1396 I can only speak of my experience with my brother. He started drawing when he was 4 or 5 seriously. He received very little encouragement. He majored in Art in college. My parents wanted him to get a traditional degree. The guidance counselor also suggested a different career path. He graduated and eventually got a job teaching at a small college. He also continued to draw and have shows. He contracted pneumonia which attacked his heart. It reduced his heart effectiveness to below 30%. As he was recovering in the hospital the first thing he did when he was able was draw on a little pad by his bed. I’ll never forget it. He died of a heart attack about a year later in his late 30’s. He was the most creative, passionate person I’ve ever met. He lived his life doing what he loved to do. I met so many of his students who stated developed a love of art because of his passion. When we went through his house it was basically an art store. He really had no other interests. I majored in music because I truly loved it but I changed my major to something that would provide a better income. I can tell you I’ve been poor and lived out of my car and I’ve now reached a point where we live a comfortable life. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t what if.
Needed that! Thank you!
Great video! Thank you Mary. 🙏🖤🎶
When UA-cam started to get popular, I was really excited at the prospect that musicians could dump labels and engage directly with their fans, this has not largely happened to my despair, the main reason is that there is still no way for artists to be presented to prospective fans. While considered an old fashioned idea, we still need a UA-cam top 40 each week, and I mean a top 40 per genre, but a top 40 that cannot be hijacked by corporations. I want to hear new and existing artists, see what they are working on, engage with them, find out if they are doing a gig somewhere etc. UA-cam almost needs 'independent' DJs that can bring music to us the public. But of course behind UA-cam will always be entities thawing money around to persuade people to push certain artists. So how do we create an entity that is in no way influenced by labels to introduce us to the work of artists both new and existing in neutral way?
Thanks for the video Mary, loved some of your work, especially the visit to the music shop and the Sultans of Swing video with Leo Moracchioli.
I love the core concept, but the sheer work to actually find songs independently would be a huge ordeal!
Say that I started such a channel, do I feel comfortable judging songs submitted to me from various sources without discrimination from the production aspect of it? Do you include a ''panel'' to make the weekly top 40? How specific or broad each top 40 is?
Why even bother doing a top and not just simply put in rapid fire all the new songs at given interval?
I also don't think that labels should be cut out from this. Behind labels, there are still incredible artists!
Quite interesting tho..it gets my hamster brain rolling. Especially since I realized that I listen to a lot less of new music.
@@strange-universe that is indeed a big burden!
Weirdly enough, the film industry embraced 3rd party usage on youtube instead of flamming it to death.
Technocracy is the name of the game. No real "democratization of media" like they (the technocrats) sell it. Consider also the magnitude of this thing they call "global ecosystem". There´s just no room or time for everyone. You say for example Top 40, but imagine how many great artists would not make it to the list. Is just 40 great artists out there? No way. Internet is a big lie. Sure it "works" for some, but in the end is also alienating and isolating people.