American Idol and the DIY Musician

micMusicians are always looking for new and better outlets to reach more fans. It can be tough. Once we find what works and what doesn’t can help a great deal. 

By far the most common question I hear from aspiring artists is how to be successful in music, or how to become a mega hit, a star. In other words, how do we get discovered?

Before the Internet and social media, if a performing artist wanted to make it in music they had to find a reliable (and preferably proven) band manager to help get their foot in the door. Then hopefully be discovered by a record label so their career really took off.

When American Idol debuted in the early 2000’s it gave a new hope to amateur and seasoned vocalists. It was a platform to, dare I say, be discovered and perhaps land a record deal.

While it gave hope to a select few, the winners, it also left many with a false hope that all it takes to be successful in the modern music era is to have an amazing voice and have a certain look.

The truth is there is no short cut, no magic trick, and no formula to succeed. It takes hard work. As I tell my students it takes practice.

American Idol and similar shows are good entertainment as any reality show should be. Yes, the winners might earn a record deal, but over 95% of artists signed to major record labels are dropped shortly after, never to be heard from again.

If reality shows like American Idol and record labels aren’t the answer, how does an artist get “discovered” in the industry?

Hard work. The industry is constantly evolving. What may have worked last year may not work this year. It takes hard work to find new ways to reach fans with your music.

Independent artists and songwriters, also known as DIY (do-it-yourself) musicians, are succeeding without the need of reality shows or record labels.

Develop your music talents and constantly put your music out there. The more songs you write and release, the more live performances you do, or videos you release, the more people you reach. 

Write songs that are meaningful to you and share them with everyone. You’ll also need thick skin. Not everyone will like your music, but those that do will become life long fans.

Thanks to CD Baby and other distribution outlets, DIY musicians have full access to get our music everywhere–Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, etc. And now you can even claim your artist profiles on Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music.

Be ready to share your music and your story with the world. 

The DIY Indie movement grows every day. The only limitation to your music is your creativity.

1 comment