Advice I wish I'd heard: "Stop trying to win over EVERY type of audience member." As in, if you are making experimental metal music but want the cool indie kids AND the crowd-killing hardcore kids AND the hiphop kids to like you, don't be surprised if they don't even notice you. And don't forget the actual audience your music is aimed at.
Brutally honest? There it goes...The industry changed too much AND became smaller. The only thing that makes sense to me is go for a ninche and learn the ropes of it. As an example I give THE COURETTES. A married couple (Brazilian woman, guitar and vocals and and her Danish husband on the drums). I like their art and recommend that you check it out. But it's not the point. My point is that they clearly exploit: - The couple format - The two-piece band format - The vintage aesthetics (visually and musically) They don't want THE WORLD like The Beatles once did. They cultivate their small and reliable garden. So that the don't run dramatically out of flowers. And they do it in a very competent way. But together with this approach comes the certainty they 1) Will forever be alternative 2) Will always have a small venue to go to and keep the domestic budget going. I love what they do and probably am their number one fan. But their method means that they will always have work AND will never compose a James Bond soundtrack, for example. I don't blame them. Why wouldn't you "think smaller"? Music is no longer something people buy. After all, there are the playlists. They sell their vinyl compacts, maybe even albuns... But no double-platinum for them (although they deserve it) Brutally honest: You can no longer be too ambitious. There will be no other Nirvana coming out of Spotify. The good old days are over like silent movies are. Wanna be effective? Start by being realistic.
hi, it remind me to my time as i was in a teenage band years a go. We asked some ones from our school to come to our practice room and listen, so they could tell us how they liked the music, we made. We played punk rock and we invited the hippy guys and folk music lovers. We knew that if they like it, it must be something wrong with our music. It was in the very early '80s
Best advice I got as a 16 year old, about to do my first on air radio shift at 12am. Some people are going to love you, some are going to hate you…most don’t give a shit, they have their own problems!
thank you for your experience. I would also add this. You can choose only two properties out of three possible ones: speed, quality, price. That is, if you want fast and high-quality - it will be expensive, if you want fast and cheap - it will be low-quality, if you want high-quality and cheap - it will take a long time
Full time career musician here. All of these points are spot on. My bible early on was a book a college professor recommended called Positioning by Al Ries. Yeah, it's a dated 80's book but so relevant today and supports many of your points. I still refer to it today.
Even I ran 100m in a smidge over 12 seconds in high school. That's why I was put on the wing in rugby. It'd take me about 12 minutes and two pit stops these days! The advice I'd give my younger self is: • 27 is not too old. Don't give up, or you'll be 40 and nearly 15 years behind where you could have been. • don't smoke that, you'll not give it up for another 20 years. • while we're there, getting pissed 2-3 times a week will catch up with you. You can have fun without alcohol. Drink more soda and lime! • give way less fucks about what other people think, it really doesn't matter if they think you're a fool or uncool. • say yes to more experiences that push you out your comfort zone in life affirming ways. Say no to street drugs!
I really appreciate this video. It’s all advice I need right now. The industry has changed in the 15 years I’ve been in it. I’m GLAD it’s changed. It really isn’t saturated, it’s just pushing the best creators to the top. Thanks man!
I'm not a musician and somehow this got recommended to me. Thank god it did, these advices can apply to any area of life. The part about motivation was hilarious and on point too. Thanks for doing this but maybe change the title to "11 Brutal truths about life i'd tell my younger self"
The only advice I wish I listened to was “do something else”. As much as music was my passion my whole life, I’ve given up and failed so many times that I regret ever pursuing in the first place. Did nothing but got me behind my whole life and now I’m almost 40 and feel more trapped than ever before and am ready to just sell all my gear and finally quit for real this time. Now, with all the extra skills you need to have just to get your music out there it feels infinitely more impossible than ever before.
you have done nothing wrong. Allow your self to experience failure. DO NOT RESIST "FAILURE". Outside success is misleading. You can be outwardly successful and unhappy.
Please try and offend me more often. There was so much gold in this video but I'll focus on my fav 3: 1. I finally moved to where the treasure is and I went from 1-2 gigs a month to 2-3 per week. 2. Although I also dislike fashion, I set aside 3 days last year and redid my entire wardrobe. Now I never have to wonder "if I looked more put-together, would I be more successful?" All that overthinking is gone and I have freed some bandwidth for more songwriting and performing. And it only took 3 days! 3. I also reverse engineered what I really wanted out of music and it's been 3 months of being back to a full time musician for the first time since 2020. I can't think of something you didn't include but I'll let you know if I do.
@@DamianKeyes I thought of a good one: you're not making money because you're investing in your ego instead of your business. Spending your money on pedals and guitars and cheaping out on your live show and merch. Buy the wireless guitar/mic and get pro designs for your merch. Maybe you're promoting your favorite song instead of the one that has the best engagement on Facebook ads. Stop investing in your ego and start investing in your business.
That last comment, Tom BretonOffical, was the cherry on top‼️ I’m helping a duo who frankly are stuck on this ego vs. using business sense. You nailed it & now I can test the waters !! 😊
another good one is to be happy with your success even if you don't become a superstar. people like Justin Bieber for example aren't like everyone else. he was a kid who was signed to a label and became the biggest artist practically overnight and probably didn't have a clue what was going on or why that piece of paper his parents signed with him made him famous. you need the stars to align to get that big and the stars don't align like that for most people. you might be more skilled than Justin Bieber, more knowledgeable about music and marketing than Justin Bieber, more hard-working than Justin Bieber, etc, but you'll never have a fraction of his success and that's ok. the stars don't align for everyone.
I love it when I see comments like this you are talking to yourself you 😂 Success is whatever you want it to be. And arena full of orange teenage girls sounds revolting tbh 😂
@@Males_Should_Be_Abused can't be talking to myself as I didn't describe my situation. I've been signed to 3 record labels. (this is a throw-away account)
@@Males_Should_Be_Abused The point I was making is just that you have to be very lucky to become a superstar/celebrity musician. a lot of things have to line up perfectly for you to blow up and become that famous. skill and hardwork won't get you there no matter how hard you work. Ed Sheeran went around with an acoustic guitar playing in local pubs and eventually became a superstar so people think they can do that too but that's because they've never heard the names or stories of the millions of people who have been playing acoustic guitar in local pubs for 20 years and still haven't became a superstar or even got close to that level of success and never will.
1. Go live where the money is. 2. Dress accordingly to what you represent. 3. Exposure is important 4. Pick where you wanna go and create the road towards it 5. 6. Thinking long term 7. Relying on plans, not motivation 8. This one doesn't really apply to me lol 9. Hard work 10. Stop overthinking 11. Learning to compete in the current climate
great video damian - I think playing the game in itself accounts for all 11 points in this video ;) also one thing I was thinking is for points "find the treasure," "reverse engineering," and "motivation" - we have to remember that loving music and the craft itself will take care of where we are going. it's a really spiritual thing. I recommend artist's way book for that kinda stuff, and knowing where/what ur pocket in the industry is. that in itself is motivating
Find the treasure really really resonates with me being from Europe and thinking about moving to the US for the opportunities, I think this was the push I needed to start devising a plan!
Hey there Damian - love your videos. I worked as a ‘temp’ in London’s record industry in 1999 then went off to other things. It’s amazing to hear how to succeed in music NOW. I’m a fiction writer, so am often listening to your videos for tips I can apply to my career. I’d love to hear some of your thoughts about entitlement - and the way artists of all kinds can be held back because they don’t feel entitled. We’ve been so conditioned by gatekeepers and other artists of our type (that may not be our listeners / readers) to be a certain *kind* of artist or produce certain work (often writers are writing for publishers and agents just to get a publishing contract, rather than writing for readers). I contrast this with a plumber who sets up a new business in town. Do they feel weird about advertising? Getting the word out about their product? No, because they know that’s how small business works - marketing and advertising is needed. Somehow it all gets muddled when the product is creative and part of it is the songwriter, performer or author. Would be great to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks for your great content!
all true Also: FIRST compare yourself against yourself & improve from there, THEN compare to others as a gauge for your progress. (you've already said that in some form or another, but it can't be said enough: initially small, incremental progress can later be scaled up)
Thanks for the input; I've got a couple questions: -"Image": My dream is being a pop-punk/emo-poprock artist. However, I personally only love the kind of music, but not the way people in this genre dress. I would feel absolutely ridiculous and unwell putting on all black clothing and metal chains and having piercings, tattoos, black painted nails, have your hair cover half your face etc pp. So I'm torn between not being recognized as pop punk vs wearing stuff that makes me feel ridiculous and not like myself, what would you recommend? -"Overthinking": I've heard that tip from many people. What would you reccomend sb who has a clear vision in his head what his song should sound like, but can't by any means manage to implement that sound in his song? Just releasing songs one is unhappy with? Sounds wrong to me..
Haha oh man. I laugh because you have no idea how personal and direct to my current situation as an artist you were to me. THANK YOU!!! You’ll know my name as an artist some day!
i moved 300ish miles and went to BIMM (brighton) in 2006, sadly only passed first year due to mental health issues, but: spent the next 15 years earning up to £2-3k per month in functions bands, granted its not nashville, but damn brighton/south east england is a good place for paid gigs! best bit of advice in this video for me: think long term
Well done David, I'm really proud of you dude, that is no mean feat to have so much longevity. Well done dude. Say hi to Brighton for me, I still miss it there 🙂🙂
@@DamianKeyes thanks man, that means alot, defo remember meeting u at bimm & guthrie govan and keiran pepper etc. good bunch of folks and some fond memories. no doubt brighton misses u too, but onwards and upwards! functions work/that side of the inudstry is still recovering from CO-19/lockdowns etc, plus i had time out to raise my now 7 year old son! slowly building back my skills and contacts for work again tho!
*Watches in anxious, overthinking artist mode* Okie dokie 😂. I think the reason why so many musicians struggle with these harsh truths is because unlike sports, music and artistry aren't inherently competitive pursuits. They're made competitive by commerce.
My names Spencer Bandy, I’m a singer/ songwriter out of New Baltimore Michigan, I’m 18, just graduated highschool last year (2023) and I’m thinking of going to Nashville to expand my musical journey❤️
I think over thinking has been an issue for me. I think I’ve over thought myself out of performances and pushing projects as much as I’ve should’ve, even when the material was pretty solid.
It's all good, although the part with the "70%" is truly a no-go for me (and I think for more and more people): the "music industry" is a treadmill, lacking true artists and real, innovative ideas that are not for certain gain... Basically, this is a hassle and a factory-line job with even less certainty about making ends meet. I think, it's better to skip the part of "making it" and just enjoy the ride. On the one hand, having artists who are pushing for the spotlight and the "fame" is probably having narcissist idols on pedestals who should rather work on themselves first - and on the other hand, true, sensible, meaningful music should never be in contest with content and noise-making.
"All I must do is take care of the music.....even if I do it in a closet and if I really do that, somebody's going to come and open the door of the closet and say hey - we're looking for you" - Bill Evans
Damian, idk if you’ll see this. I’ll make it fast. My music is very all over the place.. I enjoy creating songs that are all different from one another. For example I’ll make a live band song with all live instruments in one style.. but then I’ll make a perfect pop song with all synthetic instruments.. the thing is idk if I’m on a sinking ship with this.. I like the idea of being this eclectic artist that my fans don’t know what to expect next but is that maybe a bad idea? It feels hard to conform to just one thing.
Awesome video!! If I could offer something additional. Create a strategy..Weekly, Monthly, and Annually. Use what Damian has listed here as your base points. As far as additional brutal advice…..you are not as good as you think you are, but don’t let that stop you. Always work toward getting better. It takes time to grow….
I'd say two things. One, you have to have passion, with you certainly do. Second, there's an audience for everybody. The only question to me is how big is it? Just your mother, or?.. Nice work, and thanks, Damian!
You Missed This Critical Concept: Every budding artist needs a mentor that believes in that artist more than he believes in himself. You can’t learn without teachers, and you can’t practice new skills without opportunities. Mentors who want to impact the next generation must select you from the crowd to take under their wing. So DaMo, how does a young artist find affordable mentorship?
My band is all for playing for exposure but at a certain point we'll say no. We busted our chops, we gained a following and we deliver. Either pay or we don't play. Playing for exposure is fine as long as music is a side hustle/project/hobby. I'm also a graphic designer and the piece of advice I give to ANY newbie is DON'T WORK FOR EXPOSURE! I made this mistake and ended up working for free for years without gaining ANYTHING from the exposure, while working for a lot of high profile clients (national sport stars, global companies, etc.).
@@dsa513 I was young and I was dumb. It was the age before social media and youtube were a big thing. That's why I have the need to teach the new generation not to fall for shit like that. I had no one to teach me. Nowadays it's easier to be informed.
It's interesting that you suggest that talent only counts for about 30% of likelihood to succeed. How do you evaluate talent and if you don't think they're got it, do you tell them? I think that would be the right thing to do, even if it's harsh for them (although I guess very subjective). I do wonder how many deluded potential artists there are out there. I guess you must know many individuals that you think deep down have got little or no chance of succeeding? Interested to know what you do in the 'short of talent' situation...
I didn't get advice from people on anything in life. Left to my own devices. What I got was " you can't do this" in pretty much everything. My response has always been f*** you, I'm going to prove you wrong.
This is a great video. Super on spot, like usual. I just feel everything is great in theory but “becoming competitive enough” in practice feels like I need to make a revolutionary invention like the wheel was in its time.
Thanks so much. Your music has a lot of quality and the world needs to hear it (Ive just been listening to it). Figure out how you can make the content more varied and appealing to your demographic. Tell stories and get your personality in there as when you do that it brings your posts to life more from what I can see. Keep smashing it! 🙂🙂
@@DamianKeyes WOW! This comment is going straight to my “inspiration” album. Your support absolutely raises my spirits to keep walking the road! 🙌🏻 I think it’s brilliant you took the time to listen to my music, and having you say that it has great quality and the world needs to hear it both makes me proud and inspires me! 🥹 You rock, Damian! I’ll keep trying to figure out what my audience really wants (like the past three years haha) Thanks ❤️
Very good advice in many ways, but maybe earning money from your music isn't the most important thing on Earth - maybe having fun is? "Fun is the one thing that money can't buy" sang one of the most successful songwriters ever, and I think he was right! I've never really thought I would like to be popular for doing something others want me to do, but rather I would do what I think is fun, and if someone else enjoys it, fine! I have had non-musical jobs to sustain me, and stubbornly made music that some have scratched their heads about, others have liked it, and that's OK for me. I wouldn't move somewhere to find music job opportunities, and by now I'm a pensioneer, so I really don't care. I'm on Sp*tify etc and people all over the world have listened to my music, and it's OK.
yeah I needed to hear that. currently 28 bfa in dance and about to start welding while I build up the music. so much stress anger and sadness is caused by not knowing this stuff.
I feel you on that. It's frustrating when there are few answers but a lot of rejection or silence. If we keep improving that little bit each post, each song and each day the results will follow. Appreciate you William! 🙂🙂
What about possibly the harshest truth: If you're serious about becoming famous, get all the plastic surgery you need to become as attractive/photogenic as possible?
Regarding exposure You are wrong you’re so wrong. One, you’re assumption is that the Musician has equal say as the venue. And they don’t. But if you live in an area where the venues around, you are only offering exposure you are wasting your time. Maybe this goes in hand with your goat where the treasure is point… But you need to stop saying this because you hurt musicians. If a venue thinks you are good enough to put in front of their customers, then you are good enough to pay to put in customers. End of it. A venue who is going to put you on stage so that their guests are entertained is receiving a service. And if they’re the kind of venue that will put in front of their audience, a service that is subpar that’s going to hurt them. You’re just wrong. It’s a stupid take. I’m sorry , you have good videos about a lot of stuff but you are wrong here you’re absolutely wrong. Good enough to play, good enough to pay
As a Subscriber, I'm sure the advice you're doling out is good. But since you've gone to these negative, bummer thumbnails I've mostly stopped watching. Just FYI.
Advice I wish I'd heard: "Stop trying to win over EVERY type of audience member." As in, if you are making experimental metal music but want the cool indie kids AND the crowd-killing hardcore kids AND the hiphop kids to like you, don't be surprised if they don't even notice you. And don't forget the actual audience your music is aimed at.
Love this one! 🙂🙂
Dude same lol this is so true
Brutally honest? There it goes...The industry changed too much AND became smaller. The only thing that makes sense to me is go for a ninche and learn the ropes of it. As an example I give THE COURETTES. A married couple (Brazilian woman, guitar and vocals and and her Danish husband on the drums). I like their art and recommend that you check it out. But it's not the point. My point is that they clearly exploit:
- The couple format
- The two-piece band format
- The vintage aesthetics (visually and musically)
They don't want THE WORLD like The Beatles once did. They cultivate their small and reliable garden. So that the don't run dramatically out of flowers.
And they do it in a very competent way. But together with this approach comes the certainty they
1) Will forever be alternative
2) Will always have a small venue to go to and keep the domestic budget going. I love what they do and probably am their number one fan. But their method means that they will always have work AND will never compose a James Bond soundtrack, for example. I don't blame them. Why wouldn't you "think smaller"? Music is no longer something people buy. After all, there are the playlists.
They sell their vinyl compacts, maybe even albuns... But no double-platinum for them (although they deserve it)
Brutally honest: You can no longer be too ambitious. There will be no other Nirvana coming out of Spotify. The good old days are over like silent movies are. Wanna be effective? Start by being realistic.
@@tubaraoberinjela But tell me why Beyonce's or Taylor Swift concert drive nation' s economy by the billions.
hi, it remind me to my time as i was in a teenage band years a go. We asked some ones from our school to come to our practice room and listen, so they could tell us how they liked the music, we made. We played punk rock and we invited the hippy guys and folk music lovers. We knew that if they like it, it must be something wrong with our music. It was in the very early '80s
Best advice I got as a 16 year old, about to do my first on air radio shift at 12am. Some people are going to love you, some are going to hate you…most don’t give a shit, they have their own problems!
the quality talk is real, i see a lot people posting bad songs every week, bad post everyday that only makes me never come back to the channel.
thank you for your experience. I would also add this. You can choose only two properties out of three possible ones: speed, quality, price. That is, if you want fast and high-quality - it will be expensive, if you want fast and cheap - it will be low-quality, if you want high-quality and cheap - it will take a long time
Perfect
Well said!
Full time career musician here. All of these points are spot on. My bible early on was a book a college professor recommended called Positioning by Al Ries. Yeah, it's a dated 80's book but so relevant today and supports many of your points. I still refer to it today.
I appreciate the advice. Thanks.
Even I ran 100m in a smidge over 12 seconds in high school. That's why I was put on the wing in rugby. It'd take me about 12 minutes and two pit stops these days!
The advice I'd give my younger self is:
• 27 is not too old. Don't give up, or you'll be 40 and nearly 15 years behind where you could have been.
• don't smoke that, you'll not give it up for another 20 years.
• while we're there, getting pissed 2-3 times a week will catch up with you. You can have fun without alcohol. Drink more soda and lime!
• give way less fucks about what other people think, it really doesn't matter if they think you're a fool or uncool.
• say yes to more experiences that push you out your comfort zone in life affirming ways. Say no to street drugs!
I've got Welsh blood and am a musician in Memphis and watching this was like hanging out with family. You're a kindred spirit. 🍻
I really appreciate this video. It’s all advice I need right now. The industry has changed in the 15 years I’ve been in it. I’m GLAD it’s changed. It really isn’t saturated, it’s just pushing the best creators to the top. Thanks man!
I'm not a musician and somehow this got recommended to me. Thank god it did, these advices can apply to any area of life. The part about motivation was hilarious and on point too. Thanks for doing this but maybe change the title to "11 Brutal truths about life i'd tell my younger self"
The only advice I wish I listened to was “do something else”. As much as music was my passion my whole life, I’ve given up and failed so many times that I regret ever pursuing in the first place. Did nothing but got me behind my whole life and now I’m almost 40 and feel more trapped than ever before and am ready to just sell all my gear and finally quit for real this time. Now, with all the extra skills you need to have just to get your music out there it feels infinitely more impossible than ever before.
lemme hear your music
Being a creative person is a blessing and a curse…
you have done nothing wrong.
Allow your self to experience failure. DO NOT RESIST "FAILURE". Outside success is misleading. You can be outwardly successful and unhappy.
There is no way you would have known that you were going to fail. The only indicator might have been your enjoyment of the music process/ lifestyle.
@@ugehriddimmasterI wanna hear his music
You're absolutely the best music mentor out there. You truly understand the industry and the world. Great stuff
Please try and offend me more often. There was so much gold in this video but I'll focus on my fav 3:
1. I finally moved to where the treasure is and I went from 1-2 gigs a month to 2-3 per week.
2. Although I also dislike fashion, I set aside 3 days last year and redid my entire wardrobe. Now I never have to wonder "if I looked more put-together, would I be more successful?" All that overthinking is gone and I have freed some bandwidth for more songwriting and performing. And it only took 3 days!
3. I also reverse engineered what I really wanted out of music and it's been 3 months of being back to a full time musician for the first time since 2020.
I can't think of something you didn't include but I'll let you know if I do.
Ah Tom you are an absolute legend, I cant tell you how much I appreciate you! Thank you so much ❤
@@DamianKeyes I'd say thanks for the motivation but...who gives a shit about that hahaha
@@TomBretonOfficial 😂😂😂
@@DamianKeyes I thought of a good one: you're not making money because you're investing in your ego instead of your business. Spending your money on pedals and guitars and cheaping out on your live show and merch. Buy the wireless guitar/mic and get pro designs for your merch. Maybe you're promoting your favorite song instead of the one that has the best engagement on Facebook ads. Stop investing in your ego and start investing in your business.
That last comment, Tom BretonOffical, was the cherry on top‼️ I’m helping a duo who frankly are stuck on this ego vs. using business sense. You nailed it & now I can test the waters !! 😊
I just discovered your content recently. I am finding your videos incredibly helpful for developing a strategy. Thank you
another good one is to be happy with your success even if you don't become a superstar. people like Justin Bieber for example aren't like everyone else. he was a kid who was signed to a label and became the biggest artist practically overnight and probably didn't have a clue what was going on or why that piece of paper his parents signed with him made him famous. you need the stars to align to get that big and the stars don't align like that for most people. you might be more skilled than Justin Bieber, more knowledgeable about music and marketing than Justin Bieber, more hard-working than Justin Bieber, etc, but you'll never have a fraction of his success and that's ok. the stars don't align for everyone.
I love it when I see comments like this you are talking to yourself you 😂
Success is whatever you want it to be. And arena full of orange teenage girls sounds revolting tbh 😂
@@Males_Should_Be_Abused can't be talking to myself as I didn't describe my situation. I've been signed to 3 record labels. (this is a throw-away account)
@@Males_Should_Be_Abused you sound like you're gay for getting repulsed by Pinky teenage girls
@@Males_Should_Be_Abused The point I was making is just that you have to be very lucky to become a superstar/celebrity musician. a lot of things have to line up perfectly for you to blow up and become that famous. skill and hardwork won't get you there no matter how hard you work. Ed Sheeran went around with an acoustic guitar playing in local pubs and eventually became a superstar so people think they can do that too but that's because they've never heard the names or stories of the millions of people who have been playing acoustic guitar in local pubs for 20 years and still haven't became a superstar or even got close to that level of success and never will.
1. Go live where the money is.
2. Dress accordingly to what you represent.
3. Exposure is important
4. Pick where you wanna go and create the road towards it
5.
6. Thinking long term
7. Relying on plans, not motivation
8. This one doesn't really apply to me lol
9. Hard work
10. Stop overthinking
11. Learning to compete in the current climate
great video damian - I think playing the game in itself accounts for all 11 points in this video ;) also one thing I was thinking is for points "find the treasure," "reverse engineering," and "motivation" - we have to remember that loving music and the craft itself will take care of where we are going. it's a really spiritual thing. I recommend artist's way book for that kinda stuff, and knowing where/what ur pocket in the industry is. that in itself is motivating
Find the treasure really really resonates with me being from Europe and thinking about moving to the US for the opportunities, I think this was the push I needed to start devising a plan!
I think this video makes me to go back to drawing sheet, because improving in “what you wear” is what I rep most, thanks man
Younger self, you want the truth?! You can't handle the truth!! Good stuff Damo!!
100% Spot on! Don’t play for free unless it’s really really worth it in the long game 👍
Great advice Damian, as always. I just wish more musicians would get your messages.
Man. Everything you said is on point. I absolutely love your candor and kindness. Thank you thank you for doing what you do!!!
Thank you. This could be the best video I’ve seen on this topic. I love it! Well done!
Hey there Damian - love your videos. I worked as a ‘temp’ in London’s record industry in 1999 then went off to other things. It’s amazing to hear how to succeed in music NOW. I’m a fiction writer, so am often listening to your videos for tips I can apply to my career. I’d love to hear some of your thoughts about entitlement - and the way artists of all kinds can be held back because they don’t feel entitled. We’ve been so conditioned by gatekeepers and other artists of our type (that may not be our listeners / readers) to be a certain *kind* of artist or produce certain work (often writers are writing for publishers and agents just to get a publishing contract, rather than writing for readers). I contrast this with a plumber who sets up a new business in town. Do they feel weird about advertising? Getting the word out about their product? No, because they know that’s how small business works - marketing and advertising is needed. Somehow it all gets muddled when the product is creative and part of it is the songwriter, performer or author. Would be great to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks for your great content!
all true
Also: FIRST compare yourself against yourself & improve from there, THEN compare to others as a gauge for your progress.
(you've already said that in some form or another, but it can't be said enough: initially small, incremental progress can later be scaled up)
Thanks for taking the time to give us solid wisdom man! 🧡
Damian's in the house, here we go 🤘🎸🎵
Something tells me you are keeping away some even more harsh truths, cuz these all are a really good advice, but hardly the harsh ones)))
Well, this was brutal indeed. Thank you for the honesty
Thank you for the great quality videos and even better advice.
“‘Know your worth, know your worth…’ You don’t have any worth yet” 😂😂 so true
Love this so much! You’re spot on everything
07:53 woah 🔥the hard truth💣...boom but its so true . And I agree!
Wow!! This sure is some good advice right here. 👌
Great Video. Share more of your stories and what we can learn from them😊
Thanks for the input; I've got a couple questions:
-"Image": My dream is being a pop-punk/emo-poprock artist. However, I personally only love the kind of music, but not the way people in this genre dress. I would feel absolutely ridiculous and unwell putting on all black clothing and metal chains and having piercings, tattoos, black painted nails, have your hair cover half your face etc pp. So I'm torn between not being recognized as pop punk vs wearing stuff that makes me feel ridiculous and not like myself, what would you recommend?
-"Overthinking": I've heard that tip from many people. What would you reccomend sb who has a clear vision in his head what his song should sound like, but can't by any means manage to implement that sound in his song? Just releasing songs one is unhappy with? Sounds wrong to me..
love this channel, thanks damian
Haha oh man. I laugh because you have no idea how personal and direct to my current situation as an artist you were to me. THANK YOU!!! You’ll know my name as an artist some day!
God will bless you man
Very helpful. Thank you Damian!
Thanks for all the advice bro 🙏🏽 I appreciate it
This is gold!
food for thought indeed
What a great list!
Damian, you're awesome
It's not about your punches with Tyson, it's how good you can dodge
Damian you are the MAN.
Voce e o HOMEM.
Ud. Es el HOMBRE.
Thank you.
i moved 300ish miles and went to BIMM (brighton) in 2006, sadly only passed first year due to mental health issues, but: spent the next 15 years earning up to £2-3k per month in functions bands, granted its not nashville, but damn brighton/south east england is a good place for paid gigs!
best bit of advice in this video for me: think long term
Well done David, I'm really proud of you dude, that is no mean feat to have so much longevity. Well done dude. Say hi to Brighton for me, I still miss it there 🙂🙂
@@DamianKeyes thanks man, that means alot, defo remember meeting u at bimm & guthrie govan and keiran pepper etc. good bunch of folks and some fond memories. no doubt brighton misses u too, but onwards and upwards!
functions work/that side of the inudstry is still recovering from CO-19/lockdowns etc, plus i had time out to raise my now 7 year old son!
slowly building back my skills and contacts for work again tho!
23:10 very true. It can also be advice on how music is supposed to sound or be. Do you, not them!
Don't give up your day job!
Excellent advice as usual!
*Watches in anxious, overthinking artist mode* Okie dokie 😂. I think the reason why so many musicians struggle with these harsh truths is because unlike sports, music and artistry aren't inherently competitive pursuits. They're made competitive by commerce.
So very true!
My names Spencer Bandy, I’m a singer/ songwriter out of New Baltimore Michigan, I’m 18, just graduated highschool last year (2023) and I’m thinking of going to Nashville to expand my musical journey❤️
do it your music is amazing you have something special
Ha, i opted the path of least resistance. Embraced the long hair and beard, donned a wizards robe, and added more psycadelic to my rock. 🤘🧙🏻♂️🤘
I think over thinking has been an issue for me. I think I’ve over thought myself out of performances and pushing projects as much as I’ve should’ve, even when the material was pretty solid.
This is golden :)
I got no complaints. Time to get to work!
❤❤❤ the truth hurts at any age lol keep letting us know the truth
It's all good, although the part with the "70%" is truly a no-go for me (and I think for more and more people): the "music industry" is a treadmill, lacking true artists and real, innovative ideas that are not for certain gain... Basically, this is a hassle and a factory-line job with even less certainty about making ends meet.
I think, it's better to skip the part of "making it" and just enjoy the ride. On the one hand, having artists who are pushing for the spotlight and the "fame" is probably having narcissist idols on pedestals who should rather work on themselves first - and on the other hand, true, sensible, meaningful music should never be in contest with content and noise-making.
"All I must do is take care of the music.....even if I do it in a closet and if I really do that, somebody's going to come and open the door of the closet and say hey - we're looking for you" - Bill Evans
Very good. Thank you.
Bro I’m born and raised in Nashville and still feel like it’s so hard to find a live gig opportunity! I have unique music and different flavors
too bad people think this is brutal u are perfectly correct in all of this great video i knew this at age 18
The Super Bowl halftime show is perfect example of artists trading exposure for a bigger bag.
There’s Lot of nonsense on the internet, not on this channel however, great advice as always.
Awww nonsense Damian! You’re a fashion icon! 😍💖
This is my favourite message of the year! Even if we both know it's not quite true! Thanks Trevan!
Damian, idk if you’ll see this. I’ll make it fast. My music is very all over the place.. I enjoy creating songs that are all different from one another. For example I’ll make a live band song with all live instruments in one style.. but then I’ll make a perfect pop song with all synthetic instruments.. the thing is idk if I’m on a sinking ship with this.. I like the idea of being this eclectic artist that my fans don’t know what to expect next but is that maybe a bad idea? It feels hard to conform to just one thing.
Awesome video!! If I could offer something additional. Create a strategy..Weekly, Monthly, and Annually. Use what Damian has listed here as your base points. As far as additional brutal advice…..you are not as good as you think you are, but don’t let that stop you. Always work toward getting better. It takes time to grow….
thank you
I'd say two things. One, you have to have passion, with you certainly do. Second, there's an audience for everybody. The only question to me is how big is it? Just your mother, or?.. Nice work, and thanks, Damian!
Spot fucking on!
You Missed This Critical Concept: Every budding artist needs a mentor that believes in that artist more than he believes in himself.
You can’t learn without teachers, and you can’t practice new skills without opportunities.
Mentors who want to impact the next generation must select you from the crowd to take under their wing.
So DaMo, how does a young artist find affordable mentorship?
Really great advices 🙌
I just wish the imaging was not a big deal 😂
Thanks so much, I really appreciate this 🙂🙂
theres never been a better time to be an artist we dont even need record labels anymore so happy
My band is all for playing for exposure but at a certain point we'll say no. We busted our chops, we gained a following and we deliver. Either pay or we don't play. Playing for exposure is fine as long as music is a side hustle/project/hobby. I'm also a graphic designer and the piece of advice I give to ANY newbie is DON'T WORK FOR EXPOSURE! I made this mistake and ended up working for free for years without gaining ANYTHING from the exposure, while working for a lot of high profile clients (national sport stars, global companies, etc.).
You gave free graphics to rich athletes?
@@dsa513 I was young and I was dumb. It was the age before social media and youtube were a big thing. That's why I have the need to teach the new generation not to fall for shit like that. I had no one to teach me. Nowadays it's easier to be informed.
@@winnetouch everyone wants a handout, and you'd think it's only homeless folks who ask for it. It's even worse in the arts industries.
It's interesting that you suggest that talent only counts for about 30% of likelihood to succeed. How do you evaluate talent and if you don't think they're got it, do you tell them? I think that would be the right thing to do, even if it's harsh for them (although I guess very subjective). I do wonder how many deluded potential artists there are out there. I guess you must know many individuals that you think deep down have got little or no chance of succeeding? Interested to know what you do in the 'short of talent' situation...
Thank you for the video❤
Really appreciate that, thank you 😊😊
Thank you. You have gave me a lot of really good advices ❤
Thanks Rosa! Appreciate you 🙂🙂
One thing everyone is scared of mentioning is nepotism… and I’m not just talking about direct blood relations.
I didn't get advice from people on anything in life. Left to my own devices. What I got was " you can't do this" in pretty much everything. My response has always been f*** you, I'm going to prove you wrong.
"Butt fuck nowhere" Damo
We all lived there once 😂
Hi man! I have an important question about music distribution. Where can I DM you to ask?
Hey there, we have live sessions in the community or we have a facebook community all within www.dk-mba.com.
Hope this helps
Damo 🙂🙂
@@DamianKeyes thank you
Hey Damo! This vid is a master class! Yeah, some brutal truths, no doubt, but the key word is "truth." Great job, as usual. See you Thursday!
Appreciate you Clark! Defo see you on Thursday!! 🙂🙂
Your videos have helped me increase my music presence this past year 🙌 Thank you good sir
I really appreciate that, thank you so much 🙂🙂
Listen to Damo he has lived it.
Thanks so much! Appreciate you! 🙂🙂
More brutal advice: if you treat music as a side gig, it will never be a full gig.
One brutal advice I wished I learned earlier:
The song you think will blow-up won't and the song you think is a flop will resonate with audiences.
BS! There's no formular to this. Some artists have insisted on a particular song cos they feel it will blow up, and it did.
@@jazzampa Source??
It is soooo true ! Trust the audience to choose the hit for you !
This is a great video. Super on spot, like usual. I just feel everything is great in theory but “becoming competitive enough” in practice feels like I need to make a revolutionary invention like the wheel was in its time.
Thanks so much. Your music has a lot of quality and the world needs to hear it (Ive just been listening to it). Figure out how you can make the content more varied and appealing to your demographic. Tell stories and get your personality in there as when you do that it brings your posts to life more from what I can see. Keep smashing it! 🙂🙂
@@DamianKeyes WOW! This comment is going straight to my “inspiration” album. Your support absolutely raises my spirits to keep walking the road! 🙌🏻 I think it’s brilliant you took the time to listen to my music, and having you say that it has great quality and the world needs to hear it both makes me proud and inspires me! 🥹 You rock, Damian! I’ll keep trying to figure out what my audience really wants (like the past three years haha) Thanks ❤️
Very good advice in many ways, but maybe earning money from your music isn't the most important thing on Earth - maybe having fun is? "Fun is the one thing that money can't buy" sang one of the most successful songwriters ever, and I think he was right!
I've never really thought I would like to be popular for doing something others want me to do, but rather I would do what I think is fun, and if someone else enjoys it, fine! I have had non-musical jobs to sustain me, and stubbornly made music that some have scratched their heads about, others have liked it, and that's OK for me. I wouldn't move somewhere to find music job opportunities, and by now I'm a pensioneer, so I really don't care. I'm on Sp*tify etc and people all over the world have listened to my music, and it's OK.
So true man!
Appreciate that, thanks dude 🙂🙂
yeah I needed to hear that.
currently 28 bfa in dance and about to start welding while I build up the music. so much stress anger and sadness is caused by not knowing this stuff.
I feel you on that. It's frustrating when there are few answers but a lot of rejection or silence. If we keep improving that little bit each post, each song and each day the results will follow. Appreciate you William! 🙂🙂
I like this 😊
Thanks mate, appreciate you 🙂🙂
The analogy with the drink in the bar - I just dont get it.
Right on
Appreciate you 🙂🙂
@@DamianKeyes you told it like it is and I am going to make good use of it; thank you
First comment! Hi Damian 👋🏻
Appreciate it! Thanks so much! Hope the video isn’t too harsh 😊😊
Will you make it in this industry with 0.00 budget?
Never
What about possibly the harshest truth: If you're serious about becoming famous, get all the plastic surgery you need to become as attractive/photogenic as possible?
Regarding exposure
You are wrong you’re so wrong. One, you’re assumption is that the Musician has equal say as the venue. And they don’t.
But if you live in an area where the venues around, you are only offering exposure you are wasting your time.
Maybe this goes in hand with your goat where the treasure is point… But you need to stop saying this because you hurt musicians.
If a venue thinks you are good enough to put in front of their customers, then you are good enough to pay to put in customers.
End of it.
A venue who is going to put you on stage so that their guests are entertained is receiving a service. And if they’re the kind of venue that will put in front of their audience, a service that is subpar that’s going to hurt them.
You’re just wrong. It’s a stupid take. I’m sorry , you have good videos about a lot of stuff but you are wrong here you’re absolutely wrong.
Good enough to play, good enough to pay
As a Subscriber, I'm sure the advice you're doling out is good. But since you've gone to these negative, bummer thumbnails I've mostly stopped watching. Just FYI.
Hey Damo, when can we expect the promised "Creating Financial Plan" video?
Ah yes, I did start working on it. I'll finish it off and get it out asap 🙂🙂
Swear. Cannot wait till music kicks off cause 9 to 5 is killing me 😂😂 So well looking forward to the video! thanks Damian