I Am Independent - For Independent Music Artists

Rwandan singer, songwriter, Jennifer Kamikazi has an amazing story of not being aware of her talents and discovering one day that she could sing!  She has an incredible, unique voice and is a talented songwriter and has learned a lot in the few years she has been pursuing her artist journey.  Jennifer has in particular been great at teaching herself any skills she needs to further her journey from playing guitar to editing music videos.  She has also learned a lot about executing a campaign and shares many tips that have worked for her along the way. It's a great chat and Jennifer is definitely one to watch. Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jennifer_kamikazi and listen to her new single, 'Lebanon Mountains' here Let us know your experiences on our Instagram or Facebook pages or send us a voice message. Instagram @weareindependentartists  Facebook @weareindependentartists www.IamIndependent.co.uk  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

We are big fans of Rebekah Fitch.  Rebekah is an amazing, talented, alternative-pop artist from Belfast who has carved an incredible path for herself as an Independent artist.  With no gigs coming her way and no industry experience, Rebekah took it upon herself to create her own opportunities and learn the industry and network to start her career:  From putting on her own headline gigs, to becoming a multi-instrumentalist, to designing marketing campaigns including designing Video games and short films, Rebekah has gone from strength to strength.  In this episode Rebekah gives some great tips and advice and displays a truly inspirational 'can-do' attitude. Follow Rebekah Fitch on Instagram @rebekahfitch and listen to Rebekah's new single, Loose Ends here Let us know your experiences of live-streaming on our Instagram or Facebook pages or send us a voice message. Instagram @weareindependentartists  Facebook @weareindependentartists www.IamIndependent.co.uk  --- Send in a voice

This week we chat to singer songwriter, Mide, whose name and voice might be familiar to you if you're watching this season to The Voice UK where is currently on Team Tom Jones.  We actually didn't know that at the time of recording this interview as he was very good at keeping it a secret but you do hear a little cheeky hint of something exciting to come at the end of the interview :-) Mide has been doing music for a long time and talks with us about his journey, how he's stayed motivated and consistent and how 2020 enabled him to discover engaging with his fans via Live-streaming and how to do that well.  Even though we are hopefully on our way towards freedom and live gigs, we think live-stream is here to stay now and can be a great tool for artists to reach fans all over the world.  So have a listen for a comprehensive list of everything you'll need and some great tips for live-streaming success. Follow Mide on Instagram @Midesmusic Let us know your experiences of live-streaming on our Insta

This week we chat to talented, UK Rapper Nick Brewer.  In many ways Nick had the coveted dream that many artists imagine; being plucked from obscurity and signed to a major label and achieving chart success.  However, things are never really as they seem and if you've always wanted to know what it's really like to be in that world, then have a listen to this fascinating chat.  Nick is so refreshingly honest about the highs and lows of his career so far, the mental health struggles that came with it and how he's redefined success for himself.  It really is such a good chat. Follow Nick on Instagram @itsnickbrewer Let us know your thoughts and experiences on how you've handled disappointments, mental health and redefining success on our Instagram or Facebook pages or send us a voice message by clicking here. Instagram @weareindependentartists  Facebook @weareindependentartists www.IamIndependent.co.uk  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

This week we begin to get into our new series bringing you artist's stories and journey's that offer valuable insight and wisdom.  Today we speak to the multi-talented Kat Deal who went from being a professional athlete tipped for the top, to a singer and artist in her own right, then session saxophonist and now successful producer and artist.  Some of Kat's transitions have been through choice but many have been from necessity.  Many artists get disillusioned when their dreams don't turn out as they'd hoped but we have to be adaptable if we're to be in it for the long haul.  Kat gives insight into her mindset that has allowed her to do this repeatedly and as a result she has not just survived but thrived. Follow Kat on instagram @katbigdeal Let us know your thoughts and experiences on pivoting your career and adapting your dreams on our Instagram or Facebook pages or send us a voice message by clicking here. Instagram @weareindependentartists  Facebook @weareindependentartists www.Ia

Last week we heard from the Dads so this week it's the Mum's turn.  Being a parent is tough, trying to pursue a career as an artist as a parent is super tough!  This week we hear from 3 incredible artists who are equally incredible mums: Jules Rendell, Kyra and Sharlene-Monique. It seems that artist mums have quite a different experience and perspective to artist dads. Do get in touch and let us know what you think? Let us know your thoughts and experiences if you're a mum and an artist on our Instagram or Facebook pages or send us a voice message by clicking here. Instagram @weareindependentartists  Facebook @weareindependentartists www.IamIndependent.co.uk  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

Welcome to Series 3 of the I Am Independent Podcast.  This series we are hearing a variety of artist's stories on a whole host of amazing topics.  We kick off the series with a chat we've been wanting to have for some time... the parenthood chat!  When to have a baby and how to work it around an artist career is the cause of much questioning and juggling for many artists.  It's not an easy decision for anyone to make but there are some particular factors that affect artists.  Today we hear from a dad's perspective from Singer Songwriter Jake Isaac, Rapper and author, Guvna B and Rapper and Poet, Joshua Luke Smith.  Three great artists and three great dad's but how has becoming Father's affected their artist journeys, decisions, priorities and outlook?  Listen in to hear a very candid and enlightening chat and next week we'll hear from a group of amazing artists who are mums. #Dadchat Let us know your thoughts and experiences if you're a dad and an artist on our Instagram or

Live streaming is not a new phenomena but it has become more significant due to global events that have made live performances at venues with an audience impossible.  With this new demand, new companies have emerged offering live streaming services and opportunities; some paid.  We anticipate that these will rise in popularity regardless of what happens in the future so it makes sense to familiarise yourself as an Independent artist with what's out there and learn how to do it well.  In this week's episode we give some practical tips to give a good quality live stream performance as well as an overview of some of the live stream platforms and services that are available. Do get in touch and let us know of any good ones you've used or come across.   Follow us on Instagram @weareindependentartists --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

Many of you will have read or heard about the recent comments made by Daniel Eck, CEO of Spotify, regarding artists and their output and productivity. They certainly caused quite a stir in the Independent Artist community so we thought we'd discuss them and share our thoughts in this week's episode.  Do get in touch and share your opinions with us too. Follow us on Instagram: @weareundependentartists --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

Today on the podcast we return to a basic but necessary element of being an artist - Developing your sound.  It can be quite a journey to really land your own sound and be confident that it reflects who you are as an artist and the whole process is valid.  However, it's essential to know your sound in order to know how to find your 'tribe', connect with your fans and help your followers to discover you and know that you are for them.  This is of course often an organic process of trial and error but there are some things you can do to help it along.  We hope this episode inspires you and gives you some tips if perhaps you are still honing your sound or still on the way to discovering your true musical identity.  Do get in touch and let us know the things that have most helped you to develop your sound.   Follow us on Instagram @weareindependentartists --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

There are just some things that you can't avoid as an Independent Artist, in fact they are essential if you want to succeed.  In this week's episode we talk about 5  things we've identified that all successful independent artists do and they really pay off.  Do let us know about the things you make a habit that help keep you on track and in your productive zone.  You can find us on Instagram @weareindependentartists or email us at info@iamindependent.co.uk --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

Spotify is such a key tool for Independent artists today that we can't not engage with it.  But are you using it to your best advantage?  In this week's episode we give some tips to make the most of Spotify and explain why it's so important to optimise your profile and the use of it. Follow us on Instagram @weareindependentartists Ask us a question by emailing: info@iamindependent.co.uk or on Instagram. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

In this second part of our interview with singer, songwriter Jake Isaac, we hear about planning your releases strategically, leaning into vulnerability in songwriting and Jake's top tips for Independent artists. You're gonna need your notebook... Follow us at @weareindependentartists Follow Jake at @iamjakeisaac --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

We've always said we learn the most from artists who have gone before and who are brave enough to share with us a transparent account of their experience with the music industry.  In this honest conversation with successful singer songwriter, Jake Isaac, we learn so much about the dedication, commitment and hard work required to make it as an Independent artist, let alone talent.  Jake is one of our favourite artists and our favourite people so it was fun to have this chat and it is packed with advice that we're sure will help you with your own journey. Enjoy. Follow us at @weareindependentartists Follow Jake at @iamjakeisaac --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

Visuals and music videos are an integral part of marketing for any Independent Artist.  Whereas they used to be a luxury, these days we'd say they are essential to tell the story of your art, deliver a compelling asset to accompany your music and as a marketing tool to discover new fans.  Creating a music video can seem intimidating and expensive but it doesn't have to be.  In this week's episode we give you a breakdown of the process from conception to delivery, some points and tips to keep in mind and some approaches we've found useful in our experience. As always we hope it's useful to you and do get in touch with any questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes. Don't forget our next 4-week online bootcamp starts this week (2nd July 2020) and there is still time to register here Follow us on Instagram @weareindependentartists For more information and resources click here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

As two women of colour who run I Am Independent we have felt the pain and also the hopefulness of recent events both personally and collectively.  We have talked with each other a lot about our processing and our thoughts and feelings on the subject - so it felt only right to extend this conversation to the podcast. It feels like the whole world is finally waking up right now to the pain and struggle of Black people and there is much pain, revelation, learning and unlearning being undertaken.  Many Black artists have experienced racism from within the music industry despite it undeniably benefiting from and profiting from Black Culture. As is our way, and arguably our role, as artists many will want to process and express what they are feeling, discovering and living through their art.  But how do we do this appropriately? How can we sing songs of an experience we've not had? Should we even?  How can we make sure we're not just adding to 'noise' or virtue signalling or being tokenistic? In this week's episode

Getting radio play may not be the 'Holy Grail' it used to be but it is still an important part in progressing your career as an Independent artist and is quite the milestone when you do get your first radio play. In this week's episode we cover tips on how to get your first radio play, what to send to radio stations, tips for your first radio interview and whether its worth spending money on a radio plugger. As always we hope it's useful and do get in touch with any questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes. Our next I Am Independent Bootcamp starts on Thursday 2nd July 2020 at 8pm BST. It's an online 4-week course where you will learn everything you need to know to get your independent artist career off to the best start! For more details and to book, click here. Follow us on Instagram @weareindependentartists --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

We love sharing Independent Artist's journeys with you. We think it's one of the most powerful and useful ways to learn, be inspired, be encouraged and pick up some valuable advice.  All of that is true of our guest this week, Joshua Luke Smith.  Joshua is a Poet, Spoken Word Artist, Rapper, Song writer, Producer and entrepreneur with a mandate to 'Speak into Chaos'. Joshua has been signed to a label and is now independent. He also runs an Independent label in the South West of England called Orphan No More.  Joshua has so much wisdom for you in this episode and so much encouragement. One of our favourite points he makes is encouraging Independent artists to realise how important their work is and to distinguish your 'work' from your 'job'.  Be inspired and enjoy! Follow us on instagram at:@weareindependentartists Follow Joshua on Instagram at: @joshualukesmith --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

To complete our '5 Ways' series we finish with 5 ways to collaborate. Collaboration has so many benefits.  The journey of the independent artist can be a lonely one.  Working with someone else brings new inspiration and ideas, new opportunity and new friends and co-workers.  There are things we can't do during lockdown but reaching out to connect to collaborate is something we CAN do.  We hope these tips give you some pointers of where to start. Follow us on instagram @weareindependentartists --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

For some artists lockdown has been a frustrating and worrying time where its been difficult to know what to do and what to prioritise.  For others it's created space to think and plan and create.  Whichever camp you fall in, we offer 5 things you could do during lockdown in this episode.  Please note these are not 5 things you 'must' or 'should' do, but simply 5 suggestions if you're stuck for ideas of how to use your time so it's contributing to your artistry.  Enjoy! Follow us on instagram @weareindependentartists --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message