Does "The Industry" Care About Independent Artists?

The beauty of art is the ability of the artist to share it with the world, regardless of the artistic medium.  In many cases, for so many artists the journey is made primarily in anonymity and perhaps only reaching limited visibility in their own backyards.  Based on how the entertainment industry operates, artists need proper representation, someone to watch their backs and provide guidance in navigating these difficult and tricky waters.  As an artist myself, I understand the frustration of trying to identify the best course of action in promoting myself through my artistic endeavors.  It is why I am so passionate about development and management of talented independent artists.

An organization that stands out for me is the A2IM:  American Association of Independent Music, not only because of their positioning within the artistic community as a non-profit organization, but also because of the stand they take on behalf of music artists.  With local chapters in or near major cities, the organization’s mission revolves around protecting the interests of independent artists and ensuring that their projects get the same attention and treatment artists on major labels with traditional deals.  Also, without the big label machine behind them, independent artists don’t have access to the same technology and distribution available to them, however A2IM works diligently to ensure that independent’s have the same accessibility.

There are so many benefits to promoting independent artistry, especially their ability to operate with more creative freedom from most artists signed to major labels who are often forced to comply with the labels creative direction.  While there are a number of organizations like the Recording Industry Association of America and SAG-AFTRA, who look after the welfare of signed members or major artists, these organizations typically do not take notice of the independent artist or look after their unique needs.

It is important that an organization like A2IM exists to ensure that the interests of independent artists are not only recognized but protected and that this community has a seat at the table to impact legislation domestically and internationally.  The industry has to come to respect the positioning of the independent artists and this organization can help us get there.

Just my thoughts and I’m looking forward to hearing from you.  Until then, do you and creatively mind your business.