StudentMail : Indie Artists & Making Money From Websites

What does owning an official indie artist website have to do with life, taxes, and profitability? Probably nothing for most people.

But I know someone who gets it and I know someone who understands that being a music superstar, REALLY is more than just the music. I’ll tell you about that in a minute.

I am not sure that the general population of any educational institution truly wants to learn enough about their skill to obtain the success they rabidly crave.

Going to MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) seems like it would be a great idea, because it is a well known school and you will be among the “who’s who” of upcoming tech moguls; but it would be a boldface lie to believe that 99% of the students really put in enough effort to really become great (aka beyond average) at what they claim they want to do with their life after skill.

I am saying this, but I am lying to myself.

Everyone wants something, but there is a wide margin between something you want, and something you work towards or will to have. This was explained in the Ritch Esra video.

As a music artist, knowing your core investments that can and will make you money now and in the future, is knowledge that you should protect with every fiber of your being. Because as it gets easier for anyone to be an “artist”, it gets harder to get heard as an artist. What am I talking about?

I’m talking about growing your fan base. Being where the fans are looking for you. I’m talking about making money.

We’re talking about the importance of music artists having an official website, but it is impossible for me to believe that artists who come across that article, will take the information and do something with it…because at first glance, like most information, it has no real value to you until you mine the value out of the information and dump it into your own goals and objectives. Example? Okay.

You know what an orange is. But it has no value until you peel the skin off, take the seeds out, cut it up, and serve it - or squeeze it. Otherwise, it’s just a [part] of a huge recipe that probably means nothing. But this is why I can never really understand why some people can’t cook. It’s just that some people do not want to work and are afraid to take information and fail. But failing fast is the best way to succeed faster.

But I have a reader who understands why every Music Artist should have an official website (NOT just myspace):

Howard,

Are there really people out there that don’t have a domain or website? Are there really folks out there that just don’t get it? Would I be “wrong” for writing those folks off as retards? Well, for those that don’t – better for me!

I find it a bit ridiculous, almost offensive that some people out there somewhere that don’t realize that professional music IS a business. Hell, I’m a registered LLC in my state even though my album has yet to be released. Why? Because every cent I pour into this music endeavor gets written off and it legitimizes me now and for the future. My cell phone, my domain names, software, computer, guitars, basses, drums, amps, practice space, band van, gas, tolls, band vehicle maintenance, mileage, studio time, disk duplication, and right on down to my guitar picks and strings are a BUSINESS EXPENSE! I have a business checking accounts, savings accounts and credit cards under my BUSINESS/Band name. It is its own entity!

Did he say more?

Yes! But I’ll save it for later, and here’s why.
The point is that as an indie or unsigned artist, every minor thing counts — there is no “genie in the bottle” that’s going to turn you into a superstar. You need an official website, please do not take this for granted and do not make the mistake of not having one.

You need an official website so you can follow this sequence:

• Communicate with fans
• Have existing fans help you gain more fans
• Use your website to sell merchandise
• Collect information (BEYOND the email address)
• Build up your brand OFFLINE

Having an official website is going to be your ticket to carving a future out of a bleak present day atmosphere of weak minded artistry.

If you can not and are not willing to invest $10 a month into your music career, then… something is wrong. No, not just with you, but your music.