Artists House Vault: Art Vs. Commerce

We spend a lot of time here on the blog talking about what it takes to successfully apply proven business and technological practice to music in order to further an artist’s career. It cannot be denied that the rules of more mercenary disciplines like business and marketing have an important role in achieving success, but it is important to remember the “why” behind all of the “how” we talk about here at Artists House.

Which brings me to the clip below, which features Dr. Jerry Goolsby of Loyola University’s Music Industry Studies program discussing the basic ideals that are required for success in the music industry.

As trite as it may seem, it all begins with passion and conviction. Without these two things an artist isn’t an artist, and while success won’t be impossible to achieve, it will be much harder to attain, even with all the business and technology savvy in the world. My colleague AG has talked extensively in previous posts about “creating meaning” through methods of connecting to a fan base, which is vital. The best way to start doing that is to make sure what you are connecting over something you believe in yourself.

Make sure the art you make “creates meaning” for you because, when it is all said and done, you are your first and last customer.