I - Inspired
To embrace the indie frame of mind,
you must be inspired. You have to know in your gut that
music is what you are meant to do. You must become
energized when writing, recording and performing your
music. Hopefully, this is something you already
experience fully, without having to force yourself to
feel that way.
When this kind of natural inspiration comes over you,
it’s a sure sign that you’re on the right path. And you
will need this desire to carry you through the ups and
downs of pursuing the independent music path.
N - Nontraditional
Indie musicians don’t mind
learning about what has come before, and they are happy
to listen to the “rules” that others say are required to
have a successful music career. However, the smartest
indie artists keep their minds flexible and constantly
ask questions about how the supposed “rules” of the past
really apply to them. They actually develop a mindset
that seeks out the road less traveled. And when they
spot a good idea that’s off the traditional path, they
fearlessly go after it without apologies.
D - Determined
Successful indie artists are
fixated on their goals and determined to reach them.
They still leave room to veer from the original plan,
when needed, but they are steadfast in their desire to
produce more and better music, reach more fans, sell
more CDs, etc. With this attitude, obstacles become
short-term learning experiences along the road to higher
levels of success.
I - Innovative
Being an indie means thinking
outside of the proverbial box and looking at fresh
opportunities from every angle. It means not promoting
yourself the same way a thousand other acts have done
it. It means being resistant to knee-jerk marketing
tactics and open to new ideas and overlooked avenues for
exposure.
E - Empowered
Indie musicians don’t wait for
someone or something else to come along and rescue them.
They don’t pray for a “lucky break” or to “be
discovered.” They know to the core that the power to
succeed with their music resides inside of them. And
they understand that it’s their mission to tap into that
personal power and use it to share their music with the
world.
Let’s recap my definition of INDIE:
I - Inspired
N - Nontraditional
D -
Determined
I - Innovative
E - Empowered
Print this article and pin it up where you’ll see it
every day.
Being INDIE has nothing to do with what company you
are or are not affiliated with. It has everything to do
with how much you take control of your own life and take
steps to build the kind of music career you deserve.
