Could I make it as a solo artist without the RIAA's support?

[Jetblade]

I was just thinking.

I'm not an artist or anything but lets say I start making my own music. How would I go about making it in this new age of the music industry? I would probably sell my music as downloads on my site for a buck each. Also, I would be the FIRST to make it avaiable on P2P networks. With a little message like......."if you like my music make a donation @ mysite.com."

I could also have liek sell merchandise to people like shirts and stuff but most of the money would go to me. Its all about supporting the artists and stuff.

You think I would be able to survive using these methods.

(Provided my music don't suck of course)

thoughts?

 

[prvteye2003]

with over 3.6 million people still using p2p(on kazaa anyway), I think not.

 

[fr]

You wouldn't make enough money for a half decent living.

 

[bob4432]

you have to tour and sell out stadiums

 

[NinjaGnome]

If your music was really good and if there was a way to keep people from stealing your music. But it is gonna be impossible until all P2P programs are gone and in their place is a new program that lets you download music only to listen to it and decide if you want to buy it.

 

[Kadarin]

One of the major problems would be finding ways to get the public to learn about you and find your music.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Yes, If you were a good musician with loads of talent and expierience ... I think you would do quite well. There are many small record labels with no affiliation to RIAA, they do ok.

 

[Skyclad1uhm1]

Originally posted by: Astaroth33
One of the major problems would be finding ways to get the public to learn about you and find your music.

There are enough independent labels (both small ones as well as big ones) which do just fine.

 

[yellowperil]

I think it's possible, and definitely will be easier in a few years. It's possible to make a great sounding recording with just your PC and $1000 of recording equipment (mics, preamps) and some talent. And then put up a good website, post your music on MP3.com and other sites, and play as many venues as you can. I don't think you'll become a millionaire but at least you keep more of what you make instead of relying on the RIAA to throw you scraps.

 

[notfred]

As a solo artist? No. Plenty of people go to small clubs to see local bands all the time, but I've never heard of anyone going to see a small local show for a solo singer.

 

[sciencetoy]

You won't make anything on the downloads, but if you're good and/or interesting, you can use your download popularity to get people to come to your concerts. That's where the $$ is.