I Am Independent - For Independent Music Artists

If you're anything like us then you may find networking a bit cringey at times. However, it is an important part of being an independent music artist if you want to make useful contacts to work with and further your career.  Networking doesn't have to be awkward as there are events and organisations designed to help you network more organically these days.  Also, sometimes it's just a case of changing your perspective in order to do it more naturally. So whether you find it easy or hate it, this week we share with you 5 tips that might just help you to find people to collaborate and work with and who knows, they may even become new friends. Follow us on instagram @weareindependentartists --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

Continuing with our 'Five ways' series, this week we're covering touring.  We get asked about touring a lot. Many independent artists seem to think touring is not an option if you're near the beginning of your journey or don't yet have a big following. However, ironically, touring is one of the key ways to develop your following, to hone your skills, to test out songs and to gain valuable experience. In fact, the benefits are endless and touring really is an essential part of actually being an artist.  Yes, it can involve a lot of planning, a lot of travelling and a lot of money but... it doesn't have too.  There are many ways to tour without breaking the bank and by starting small and manageable.  We hope these 5 tips will at least get you thinking about what's possible.  For more information on touring watch some of the videos on our YouTube Channel. Follow us on Instagram @weareindependentartists --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

Today on the podcast we launch a new mini series giving you some bite sized chunks of wisdom and tips to help you get the results you want as an Independent Artist. We begin with five ways to build your following. Of course we all know the ultimate aim is to have fans, not just followers. But building a following is how you start in order to invite your listeners on the journey with you to becoming a fan.  We hope these tips are useful and we've kept it short so they're easy for you to remember.  Don't forget we have our first online workshop starting on Thursday 23rd April. It's a 4-week course that will take you through finding your sound, knowing your why, music admin, marketing and PR and so much more. You can sign up here https://www.crowdcast.io/e/live-online-workshop-2/register --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

We love to give you advice, tips and support but we think one of the most powerful things we can offer you is the stories and experiences of other Independent artists who have gone before. Today we hear from Pyramid Park (Pete McAllen) who has gem after gem for you. He's been so transparent about what's worked, what's gone wrong, the good, the bad, the ugly...all of it! We learned so much chatting to Pete and we know you're going to find this conversation so helpful and inspiring.  Do share it with an Independent artist you know. Pyramid Park have a new album, 'Not an Island' out on 24th April. Follow @1pyramidpark on instagram Also, we have launched a Patreon Page where you can support this podcast and receive some extra benefits here Follow us on Instagram @weareindependentartists --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

We felt it was appropriate for us to address the Coronavirus pandemic from the perspective of Independent Artists. Obviously everyone is affected, but artists are probably not at the forefront of people's minds regarding those hit by the issue. Rightly so, our minds should be first with the more vulnerable members of society who are most likely to fall ill in a dangerous way from the illness. However, artists are also greatly affected in terms of having gigs and tours cancelled and the uncertainty of any income over the coming months as self-employed people.   On a more positive note, we also believe that artists have a great and important part to play in this current crisis.  Artists offer hope, understanding and a voice to fears and concerns which give people something to turn to through their music - just like they have always done in the history or world crises.  The fact that many artists, and of course music consumers, are social distancing and self-isolating presents a unique opportunity to reach out o

We firmly believe that Independent Artists are some of the hardest working people out there. A lot of the time this is because they are holding down a full or part time job alongside pursuing their musical career.  It's not easy to find the balance to pay the bills, fund the artistry and pursue the dream.  In this week's episode we offer some advice, ideas and encouragement around the issue of the 'side hustle' for Independent Artists. We hope it's useful but remember to keep the side hustle, the side hustle and the main thing, the main thing! Let us know any innovative and creative solutions you have found in the comments. Visit www.iamindependent.co.uk for your FREE 10-day guide! Follow @weareindependentartists --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

Singing lessons, warming up your voice, looking after your voice…all of these are things that every singer, rapper or speaker knows they ‘should’ do but it is amazing how many do not make it a priority.  However, we’ve all heard stories of artists having to cancel tours and even having to face surgery due to vocal problems.  Vocal health is imperative if you take your music career seriously. So we thought we’d chat to someone who knows her stuff.  She also happens to be Loretta’s twin sister. Natasha Andrews Hendry is a vocal coach, choir leader, session singer and is currently studying for a Masters in Music Psychology. She has worked with pop stars, housewives, children and those with special needs so she has a great understanding of the voice. This is an important and useful episode to kick of our new season of the podcast so take notes and enjoy.  Follow @iwant2singvocal Follow @weareindependentartists Subscribe www.iamindependent.co.uk  For your FREE vocal warm up download, go to www.iwant2sing.co.uk/res

For our last episode of this season, and of 2019, we thought we'd cover a topic that may seem basic and obvious even, however, if it is not tackled in an intentional way it can be the difference between being a memorable artist or a forgettable one: Performance. It goes without saying that artists need to perform their songs but there is a lot more to it than simply standing there and singing. There is quite a skill to being a great performer but it doesn't need to be elaborate or over the top. We address what to do with your hands, where to look in a small room, what to do in a musical break (it doesn't have to be awkward) and how to interpret a song through your performance. Some of it may be old news to seasoned performers but we think we may have some tips that even the veteran independent artist will benefit from.  Enjoy and we'll catch you with a new series of the podcast in 2020. Don't forget to get your free 10-day guide at www.iamindependent.co.uk  And follow us on Instagram at: @weareindependentarti

In this second part of our conversation with artist and entrepreneur BREIS, he talks about how he moved from being a rapper to an author to serve his career as an artist and why it is so important for independent artists to be business savvy. There are so many gems of wisdom in this episode, we think you're going to love it.   Follow BREIS on instagram Follow I Am Independent on Instagram  Get your FREE 10-day guide for Independent artists by subscribing here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

We understand that the ultimate aim of many independent artists is to create a sustainable career but that is not always easy to do. However, it is possible. This week we speak to artist and entrepreneur, BREIS.  BREIS is a rapper, author, poet, workshop leader, and business owner.  As we always reiterate, there is no one way or one route for the independent artist's career. BREIS has been innovative and forward-thinking with building a sustainable career for himself centred around his artistry and its extremely inspiring to hear how he's done that. In this first part of our conversation he talks about the unexpected success he found doing workshops in schools and how this began to provide the springboard for the rest of his art.  He also talks about his journey to discover his USP as an artist and how that helped him carve out his individual path. Follow BREIS on Instagram @mrbreis Don't forget you can receive our free 10-day guide by subscribing at our website www.iamindependent.co.uk --- Send in a voice

Endings are inevitable in life and our musical careers as independent artists are not exempt. But how do we finish a relationship well?... is it even possible?  On this week's podcast we discuss when things go wrong or simply no longer serve us and have run their course of time. How do we respectfully and honourably end a musical relationship even if we've been wronged?  We believe it is possible to end well and that valuable lessons can be learned from even the most horrible of situations and circumstances . --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

Stories from a variety of Independent artists remind us that everyone's story is different and that there is not just one route or one way of doing things in order to succeed.  Georgie Fisher is an Australian Independent singer and songwriter.  Georgie initially moved to London disillusioned with the music industry and not intending to pick it up again.  A surprise meeting ended up relaunching her career in a different direction through an unexpected publishing deal.  Georgie is now based in Berlin, Germany with a successful and sustainable career as an independent artist regularly touring and collaborating with other artists. It's an inspiring and encouraging story. Georgie has new music out and you can follow her here: @Georgiefisherofficial --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

As well as bringing you inspiring stories from other Independent artists, we want to give you useful practical advice and resources too.  Today we're covering a topic which may not seem very important but, could in fact be the difference between you get played on a radio station or not or featured in a music blog or not - The Artist Bio.  Having a Biography (an account of your life written by someone else or in third person) is essential for fans, media and anyone else who comes across your music to find out about you and understand your journey and perhaps be a little intrigued by the artist behind the music. You will need more than one version of your bio and we cover that in this week's episode as well as what to include and how to write it.  Let us know your thoughts on coming up with your Artist Bio and of course if you have a topic you'd like us to cover. Do get in touch on instagram @weareindependentartists or via our website www.iamindependent.co.uk --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-

Vanessa Forero is a true artist. With the fascinating mix of being half Columbian, half from Yorkshire, Vanessa seems to have music running through her veins. Shy as a child she expressed herself through playing the piano. As a classical pianist she then went to University to study composition and it was here that she began composing music for film. On graduating she launched a successful career as a TV and Film composer - one of just a handful of females in the industry. Just four years ago, wanting to stretch out of her comfort zone and after accidentally enrolling on a female artists workshop led by Beth Orton, Vanessa decided to try her hand as an artist and picked up the guitar and started writing her own songs for herself. She'd never sung in front of anyone before so it was a huge growth process for her artistically and emotionally.  Vanessa has just returned from a year of living in Colombia, learning more about her roots and exploring the music scene there. She is a talented and fascinating artist so

One of the topics we get asked about most consistently is releasing music - How, what, where, when and why?!  We've also learned that many Independent artists can feel so overwhelmed by the task of what to do when releasing music and in what order that it sometimes prevents them from releasing at all, or at least delays it.  We don't want anything to stand in the way of you getting your music out there so this week on the podcast we talk you through a fairly comprehensive step-by-step guide of what you need to do, when to do it, how to do it and all that's in-between.  We hope it's really helpful.  Don't forget we have a handy 'free' release checklist as part of the Free 10-day guide you receive when you sign up to our mailing list at www.Iamindependent.co.uk   Follow us on Instagram @weareindependentartists --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

This week we have a mini episode for you but it certainly packs a punch. Failure is an inevitability of any endeavour and thoughts of failure plague all creatives. However, what we must not do is let it stop us from even trying to achieve our dreams. There are valuable lessons to be learned in the 'failures' ones that each time may even be propelling you forward. Rather than doing nothing by not risking failure at all, consider it 'failing forward' instead. This episode encourages you to not be a by-standing of someone else's dreams or even worse, your own. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

There is no 'one' particular way of doing things as an Independent Artist and there is certainly no formula.  Many Independents are forced to think outside of the box as a matter of necessity and/or survival but herein can lie some beautiful creative discoveries we might otherwise never find.  South London based Singer and songwriter Abimaro, is true artist, a creative and a workshop leader. Initially she was opposed to teaching or doing workshops but needed to make a living. Through the process she has discovered a whole new creative and fulfilling career as a portfolio artist and workshop leader. Whilst still releasing her own music (check out 'Buried' and 'She Knows' recently released) her path in portfolio work brought new inspiration for her own work and a new appreciation for what creative and art can be and achieve.  Abimaro shares her journey and experiences as well as her perspective on not posting everything to social media, talking your time to develop as an artist, going at your own pace and findi

Being an Independent artist can be a lonely journey at times and you can often find yourself occupying many of the roles a label would take care of were you a signed act. Well they say, 'No man is an Island', and a great and supportive team can make all the difference in the world to an artist. But when is it right to start bringing others into your vision? How do you know someone is right for your team?  And what can you do until the right people come along?  In recent podcasts we've heard a lot of valuable insights on 'having a team' from the likes of Wyld and Cherri V and in this episode singer/songwriter and producer, Jake Isaac shares his take on building your team as well as some tips from us on what we've found to be important.  And if you are doing things by yourself at the moment, please don't feel alone - Reach out to us and the 'I Am Independent' community and you'll find plenty of contacts, collaboration opportunities and encouragement.  Check out our website www.iamindependent.co.uk and follow us

Cherri V is an incredibly focused and talented RnB and Soul artist from London. In this second part of our conversation Cherri talks about taking back control of her career and destiny as an Independent artist after parting with a major label and her determination to do things her own way this time round. She also talks about the importance of having a strong and committed team and how marketing and PR has changed for independent artists. We just know you're going to be just as inspired this week as you were by last week's episode. Follow @Cherrivoncelle on Instagram @weareindependentartists --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

We believe one of the most valuable resources we can give you is to hear the stories of other Independent artists as we can learn so much from their journeys. This week we chat to UK RnB/Soul artist, Cherri V. Cherri is incredibly determined and extremely talented and in this first part of our conversation she talks about caring for her voice, being a BRIT school graduate, starting life as a dancer and actress, what is was really like to be signed to a major label, the experience of being dropped by a major label and her subsequent determination to work hard as an Independent artist. We also touch on the contentious issue of the 'black woman narrative' in music and staying consistent and being resilient. You're going to learn a lot in this episode and you will be inspired. Follow @cherrivoncelle on Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message