Should Artists Sell Their Own Music?

The focus of mainstream trends is what gives the music industry dominion over artists that aren't partnered with the heavy hitters, not because they really have it, but because artists willingly give it to them. Most unsigned artists misconceive that major companies and brands need them when they only need ones they sign to make money and remain relevant. Still, artists by the millions are pounding at the "gatekeepers" doors demanding "equal rights" or "fairness" when it comes to streaming, and opportunities, among other things in music.

Artists are now faulting the music industry's direction for their trials and tribulations in their careers, which is wrong and a sheer waste of time. What does this have to do with selling music? Everything! If artists focused more on successfully building their brands from the core of their vision, they'd see that there was always a lane for them to occupy in music that only they could claim, and music sales should be at the forefront.

For the naysayers that whine and complain that nobody buys music anymore or there's no point because everyone is streaming, it's time to let go of the loser's mentality. The fact is that people do still buy music, and many that don't are still willing if they believe it's worth it, but it isn't their job to convince themselves. We don't mean head to the nearest big box store and load up on CDs to burn; we are still in the digital age. For those that haven't, it's time to create a website to sell their music directly to their fans. Don't have any fans? Don't worry; we will also be covering that in the future.

Some artists believe that taking this route will put them in direct competition with streaming platforms or artists that may be benefiting from them; we ask, how are you competing if you aren't doing the same thing? Others think that fans won't buy audio files because they prefer to only listen to music on their streaming apps. To them, we say do you know that streaming apps allow you to access and stream audio files from the storage of your phone? So what's holding them back? Themselves!

We hope this sheds a little light on what's possible for those that may feel stuck in their music careers. Don't give up! There is plenty of success to go around, but only for those willing to work for it.