As The World Tunes

You Sound Good, Man

by Steve Bussey
GeoSynchronous Records

Every show comes to an end, and it is time for me leave "As The World Tunes" and move along to other projects. But first, let's take a look at what was covered in this column.

AS THE WORLD TUNES has looked at the music business from the viewpoint of the independent musician, one who is not supported, endorsed, or for that matter, committed to or enslaved to a major record label. This is both a curse and a blessing at the same time. A curse because you do not have the big bucks budget from big business, but it is also a blessing since you are free (independent) to do things your own way.

And who is to say what is success in the music business? So you may not have achieved fame and fortune from your songs, does that mean you are a failure? Is your music less valid if it is not on the radio or not making you big money? If people have never heard of you or your band, does that make your music less valid? If you played your song in the woods, and no one else was around to hear it, does that mean it is unlistenable?

I say we do, and no, no, no, and no. Music for a musician is an addictive extension of one's soul. Sure, we all want to make a lot of money and have huge crowds of adoring fans. But we all will still play, even if no one1s listening. We play to play! Sure, an enthusiastic crowd is a whole lot more fun and inspires us to play better, and an empty room may find us a bit lax. But if forced to choose between never playing again and playing only for ourselves, we would choose to play!

If we play, and even if we are the only ones who enjoy it, is it not still success? And did you know that studies have shown that children who study music have an easier time learning mathematics? So, if years from now our children are inspired to learn music on their own by our musical attempts, and then make better grades in eighth grade algebra, is that not success?

If you have watched any of the VH1 TV series 3\"Behind The Music", you will see that fame and fortune was the ruin of many fine bands and musicians. Arguments, lawyers, and over-indulgence frequently appear soon after the "success" of million selling records. The bands were happier along the road, rather than at the end of the rainbow. So, maybe these are the good old days!

But, don't get me wrong, having a hit record is a good thing. I am just saying enjoy the trip along the way, and if the trip never ends, what is wrong with that? And since you most certainly are one of the lucky ones who will keep it all in control and be happy with a bunch of hit records, here is how you do it, in a nutshell.

Learn your instrument well. Be honest, and emphasize your strengths, practice to improve the weak areas. Learn the craft of songwriting. Pick one style of music, don't try to be to broad, that only confuses the audience. Define and target your audience. Study the business side of the entertainment industry, and know what to expect in a contract. Play in public as much as you can, anywhere you can. Do it yourself, until you can attract and pay quality people to do it for you. Release your own record, sell it at gigs, or on the World Wide Web. Network with other people in the business, other bands, fans. Get to know your fans, shake hands, campaign just like a political candidate to get their 3vote2 for your music. Get a little help from a lot of little places. Promote, promote, promote, and sell, sell, sell. Do what you say you will do, and follow up to see if other people do what they say they will do. Be patient and pleasantly persistent. Do all of these things, and then you will be noticed, by fans and large record labels, too.

There you have it. Go out there, work hard, and do your best, but remember, have fun! Enjoy every minute, and take pride when someone comes up after a gig, shakes your hand, looks you in the eye, and says, "You sound good, man".

About the author: Steve Bussey is a singer/songwriter/guitarist and is currently the owner and general manager of GeoSynchronous Records (http://www.pan.com/geosync, Listening Line 800 235 9193, ask for a free catalog), an indie label handling artists such as Les Dudek, Mike Pachelli, Bong Water Taffy, and Big Red & The Bus. Prior to this, Steve earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Electrical Engineering and Acoustics from Georgia Tech, designed sound equipment and guitar amps for Fender, and supervised design of communication systems for the Space Shuttle at Kennedy Space Center.