So I was wondering... by Monkey68 on The Pipeline at IndieMusicPeople

So I was wondering...
Having one of those moments, considering how I've got to where I am, the years of ploughing a corporate trade, making a living, raising a (beautiful) family and doing music as a sideline - a passion, my natural self, yet still a sideline and I got to wondering...

... Is anyone here making money off their music? Has anyone here achieved the sweet spot between making the music you want to make and pulling in the punters sufficient to sustain a reasonable lifestyle?

The reason I ask is because the myth that's sold about music is that it's about huge sales, stardom, sex, drugs, rock n' roll. We're forcefed a diet of American Idol and other such "make it huge overnight" shows. And over on the other channels, is the train-wreck television of those who "made it huge overnight" but who are now reduced to reality oblivion, exposing every flawed facet of their damaged personalities.

So I wonder... We all want to make it big - people will listen when we make it big - people will respect us when we make it big... Yeah, right ;o) The truth is, I believe, that the vast majority of us make music because we have no choice but to do so. I know for myself that I can't not do it. When I don't, things get a little weird. Making a living has never entered into the equation.

Music is connection.

Connection working through us.

The majority of us make music because we want to connect with other human beings. Not to make money. That would be nice but when it comes right down to it, with music we are literally, metaphorically and figuratively saying "LISTEN TO ME".

Maybe then, the question of making a living from music only rears its head when I'm short of attention and listening.

And this short piece of contemplation has helped me centre. Hope it opens some questions in you and helps you work through whatever is your own personal angst.

Music is connection.

To self, to others, to past, to future.

Here's to connection.

Monkey68

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10/23/2007 7:15:32 PM

To answer your first question, some of us make the occasional sale of songs or CDs or DMDs. I sold a pretty fair amount of my last DMD here. Not enough that it makes a difference in my life or income, really. However indies are selling a proportionally higher amount of product within the big picture. I think we're several years away from a true leap though.

I agree with your thesis though. Many indie artists are in music cause we have no choice, it is part of our fibre. I feel very fortunate that when I do a new song, I can expose it to the world. This is something that most aspiring artists couldn't do for almost the entire 20th century, but the internet made it possible. This is not something we as artists should take for granted. I consider the last part of the song creation process putting my work out there for all to see. It is an immediate payoff that so many musicians in the history of mankind.were not ever treated to.

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SILVERWOODSTUDIO

10/23/2007 8:45:39 PM

Silverwooders are an ecclectic bunch------we have certainly had more immediate exposure here,on IAC, than on other sites (we have a few)!

Music is in the blood------we all have day jobs and earn money through teaching Music /Art / English language------and yes we have sold MP3s on some sites including IAC!

Anyone thinking that music will take them to stardom is probably dreaming, and I don't think it would help the creative side much to be dreaming $$$$$ while writing?

But this is definitely an industry that is changing-------we take each day as a gift and so far it's been way beyond expectations--------------

Rob

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Two Silo Complex

10/23/2007 9:28:32 PM

Well I don't know about anybody else but all I ever made was pocket money. Maybe enough to buy a tank of gas and a happy meal. I have spent much time and money in the years I have been making music. I have bought hundreds of dollars in equipment. Did I ever really expect to get my money back? No! The concept is nice but this is only ever to be accomplished by a few choosen. I am not one of these people.

What I do have is songs that I am satisfied with. After hours of tracking and tweeking and mixing and doing the same part over and over until even I don't like it anymore. Finally I get a finished song and I listen closely. I listen many times on multiple formats. Big stereo with surround, little cheap boom box, the PC speakers, mp3 player, the car, everywhere. If I find anything that still needs work I go back and do it agin until I am happy with it.

After all this I throw it out into the world like a bird first out of the nest. Will it crash or fly.? Sometimes I do not hear anything for a long time. Sometimes people tell me that it sucked. Then all of a sudden I will get one person who likes it. That is enough but usually more follow shortly after.

So let me ask you Monkey, is your goal really to make money? If so start making crappy songs that repeat the same lyrics over and over with the same rock beats that have all been done before. Maybe then your music will sell.

If you don't intend to make money but are willing to accept the support of the dedicated people here on IAC then welcome back home. Music is not about money its about as you said "communication" with someone else. We do it as you also said "because we have to."

Yes sometimes I too still get those stars in my eyes and wish I could make it big. Then again I think I would rather have my indie friends here. At least here the people are real. Don't let making money get in the way of making music. Do it because you love it. Your fans will love it to. One person who is genuine is worth a thousand phonies.

TSC
Ken

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Bat Lenny

10/24/2007 2:18:04 PM

I think most of us have a similar story to tell. I'd be surprised to see someone here say they are in it for the money, or even that they're making any money to speak of. I remember the thrill of our first sale of recorded music to someone we didn't know. It was to a person on the East Coast who read about us in an underground 'zine way back in the late '80's or early '90's. I even remember his name. He sent us a check for $5.00 for a cassette. We still have that check somewhere. The check itself was more valuable to us than the money so we never cashed it. Sorry for screwing up your checkbook, Neil, wherever you are.

-Stegor

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SILVERWOODSTUDIO

10/24/2007 4:35:48 PM

Stegor

This is a classic "ROCK" story-----It is what seperates us out as Indies

Great stories -----well told !!

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Hugh Hamilton

10/24/2007 4:38:48 PM

My greatest musical honor to date was receiving a pair of "Golden Kayaks" from my fellow mucicians on this site last spring (thanks again!)...I'm a stay-at-home dad who declines gigging for lifestyle reasons...don't sell much of anything, and have been told my road-warrior friends that hitting the road on gigs and setting up your "merch table" is the way to do it...I'm with you, Monkey68 - "can't help it" really - and on the strength of the awards I've cranked up Ye Olde Home Studio with some world cla$$ gear (lol)...for me, for now, the answer is "rockin' out at home" and trying to make the best recordings I can...will visit your page shortly and check you out...!

Rock ON!!!

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LyinDan

10/24/2007 4:43:48 PM

I'm in it strickly for the moolah.

Which reminds me, I'm going to go increase my prices on my tunes, in case I ever sell one.

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satch

10/24/2007 4:55:45 PM

I'm late into this thread - but it all started with an excellent posting - and there have been some real thoughtful responses too.

Those small moments, like a first sale to a stranger on the net, like a first iTunes download sale, they make it easier to deal with all the dodgy stuff we encounter on the way... but all in all, doing a great gig and then selling CD's to a bunch of happy people with the light of joy at your music in their eyes is pretty bloody marvellous!

No OMD is going to make too much of a difference because the public are way too used to getting it all for free - so many people make all of their music available for free on-line. Live performance is the only way left for us to reach people - and even that is really quite limited in terms of numbers.

But I feel I am ranting so I'll stop now and go do some playing... keeps me sane at least!

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Monkey68

10/25/2007 7:33:41 AM

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! :o)

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Monkey68

10/25/2007 7:36:02 AM

That big laugh was in response to LyinDan's comment. To everyone else, thanks so much for the thoughts and confirmation of my original thoughts - there are many more of us making music for music's sake than for commercial reasons - how cool to be part of such a clan.

V

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