Are You A Smart Musician?

by Cari Cole

In the past, the music industry wanted artists they could take advantage of. Why? Money. Managers and labels were constantly gouging artists and convincing them to sign deals with fine print that took away rights to their music. Even in the 1930s labels were taking advantage of folk and blues musicians like Robert Johnson, leaving them penniless at the end of their lives even when they had extensive record sales.

Back then they got away with it. But now, there’s no excuse.

Taking control of your own destiny, leading the decision-making, protecting your rights – the time of the smart musician is now. It isn’t cool to be a plaything of the industry. It’s cool to know what’s going on with your finances and to have a plan to make your music more sustainable. It’s cool to stand up for yourself and make bold decisions for your career.

I know that’s overwhelming to some of you, but being smart isn’t about perfection – it’s about wisdom meeting confidence to take action and to know what action to take.

Every time you put off doing what you know you need to do, you compromise a bit of your confidence.

And every time you take action, you build your confidence.

But what about when you feel frozen? Stuck? Like you’re in a hole you’ll never climb out of? What does a smart musician do then?

Sometimes, being smart is knowing that you need to know what you don’t know. Being smart is knowing when you need to ask for help. Overwhelmed by what to do for your album art? Call in reinforcements. Your roommate, your friend’s dad who’s a graphic designer, the biggest fan of your music, a visual artist you love, and your graphic designer. They will all help you make decisions based on their expertise and knowing your aesthetic.

When we get overwhelmed, it’s usually because we feel like we have to shoulder everything alone, which is a lie your ego is telling you.

When it feels like too much, you need to get those irrational fears out of your mind and out in the open. Writing it down, talking to a friend, talking to a coach, mentor, or therapist – or even just getting someone like a virtual assistant or manager on your music team will help you feel capable, smart and confident.

It’s about taking care of business, but it’s about taking care of your soul too.

Wanna know if you are a smart musician?

Take the ARE YOU A SMART MUSICIAN? QUIZ to find out.

Once you finish, you’ll be invited to take a FRE*E 10-DAY E-COURSE that will give you smart action strategies to tackle your biggest battles as an independent musician.

Share your smarts in the comments below!