Promoting isn’t thirsty
Wisdom from the music business that applies to comedy too.
Tyler the Creator explains why promoting isn’t thirsty:
“I know a lot of people who make things who don’t stand proudly by their stuff,” Tyler says. “I don’t know if they’re too cool or they don’t want to look thirsty, but they’ll put a song out once on their stories — and that’s it.
"You went through something. You figured something out in a structured format. You recorded it. Not just one take. Parts and parts. You edited it. You mixed it. The label paid some kid to make an album cover and they made the cover. It’s a whole thing.“And then you mean to tell me that you’re going to be passive and just put it on your story once? Are you crazy, bro?
“I’m still promoting an album that came out a year ago. I put too much time and energy into this finished project just to put it on Instagram and forget about it. No. Promote. Let people know. Be proud of what you made.”
This one hit home. I love making stuff but having to constantly pimp it afterwards always feels a bit gross. But that’s how the game works. And in this day and age where we’re all undergoing a blitzkrieg of content vying for our attention, you probably gotta hit ‘em over and over.
And since I ain’t crazy, watch BOLO and SUBSTANCE. They’re both great and I’m proud of ‘em…
And while we’re talking cross-media wisdom from music biz folks, here’s Bob Lefsetz on why you need to be unique and focused.
Making music for a living is harder and slower than it's ever been before. Even the major labels can't establish hit acts, and they're trying to do this 24/7.
You must be innovative. You must be focused.
And you must dedicate an incredible amount of time to the process.
Does this sound boring?
Then music is not for you. Go to college and follow a path. Music is the great unknown. Sure, people need it, but they don't need YOU!
How do they convince them they need YOU?
You must be unique. Maybe your music, maybe your stage show, maybe your online personality, MAYBE ALL OF THEM!
Every creative needs to read this!