the reality of a true solo artist?

[hithere]

Hey guys I have a couple questions about the industry. I am 17 years old and have been playing music most of my life. As I never found people my age who was as dedicated and proficient I always somewhat ended up alone.

This year I am recording an album in a studio with me playing most of the instruments, including guitars, drums, and keyboards, and of course singing. A very talented bass player is also helping me out. It is very early into recording but it seems to be going well with even the engineer saying how solid my drumming is, especially for not being a dedicated drummer.

My real question here is this, once it is done, I am going to copyright it and probably press some copies and have some artwork for it. I have a feeling it is not going to be as professional as a solo artist who has an extremely talented, drummer, pianist etc., more time more funds

So my question comes down to 2 things (as far as getting signed/managing yourself)

1. Is it smarter to release an ep because of this (funds, limited time in studio, me playing everything, focus on 4 key tracks )

2. Is that what most solo artists do ( it seems to be most solo artists make very simple first recordings, and then once signed or getting a contract get to expand and have people help them out.)

im even talking about the more independent ones, thanks for any insight guys

p.s I don't mean to sound like getting signed is the only priority I am probably going to make this whole album if it isn't the smartest thing to do, I am just curious because I would love nothing more than to be able to get more people to hear my music and play shows!

[china jam]

Just put together a good demo of 3 or 4 bangers.

Don't get dragged down by the technicalities and logistics of making a record that's not already surrounded in some form of hype or industry buzz.

Go to a studio with a reasonable daily rate that includes engineering/producing and be honest with your music - see how people take it.

This is a suggestion.

[snüzz]

it's hard playin' in a one piece band. i agree that you should limit your output on this first release. do what china jam suggested and concentrate on a few bangers.
here is a song called "the one piece band"- i'm doing everything- even recording and mastering- which i would never suggest you are anyone else do unless there is no alternative.

[Windshore]

I'd say that the best thing for you to do is to do exactly what you're trying to do now. Do it as often as as passionately as you can. Keep turning the stuff out and you'll gain the experience that will help you make important decisions with or without a label in the future.

I suggest you never put too much energy into a demo. Think of everything as being a final product - so make sure that you're proud of it. Put it out there and try to get some attention and market it, while at the same time start writing for the next one.

There are so many aspects of being a solo artist, and in today's world, many are doing ALL of it on their own, including photos, graphics, promotion, besides recording, playing all the instruments, mixing and mastering. If you're not doing all of it, you still get great experience of pulling people and resources together which can be valuable to you in EVERY aspect of your life. Over time you will become proficient at all of these aspects - "marketing" being one of the biggest, and you'll be valuable to a label, or you may have enough resources to be your own label.

Thing is, don't question how to do it, as much as just DO IT. You'll be fine.

[hithere]

hey guys thanks for the great replies they were definitely some thoughts that were going through my head. I think I am going to put a 4 song ep together and maybe only record 2 new songs for it, and use some which might be on the album. I definitely will keep writing and recording the album but I think while that is happening it'd be nice to be marketing something at the same time, such as the ep.

I am not doing the mastering/mixing/recording because it is being done at my old elementary school teachers studio! Pretty cool experience!

Because I am 17 I am most likely going to be the most lucky utilizing the internet to my advantage. I am not one on really marketing or more or less pimping a million friends on myspace, but it seems using youtube and myspace is the best bet for someone of my age.


and p.s snuzz that is a really great song that I can definitely relate to, your voice really reminds me of someone I can't think of right now, but the recording sounds great and it sounds like you did a really good job mixing it!

[snüzz]

thanks hithere- you write me anytime the need arises. send me a pm if you like and i'd be glad to answer your question if i can. i've been where you're at.
MySpace.com - Snuzz - Winston Salem, North Carolina - Alternative - www.myspace.com/snuzz