Every artist can be great, yet what differentiates them from the Picasso and Van Gogh we currently see.  Some of the major factors that can make or break a struggling artist are financial backing, who you know and who you don't, your will to shine, your marketing ability and the support systems you have.

Let me touch base on the last innuendo I stated "Support Systems".  Not every artist on the planet has a "Support System" such as Family, Friends and the relatively new- Social Networking.  In the early days of the 80's; "Madonna, the Queen of Dance", did not have the luxury of Social Networking. It didn't exist.  It was Vocal Networking/Paper Method.  Instead there was a outlets called Record Pools, Artist Workshops, Flyer Boys, requesting play on an Independent Radio Station (IRS), asking a reputable club DJ (not a home DJ or bar DJ) to play, handing out demos, playing your music in your car and the good old fashion door to door salesman (Tupperware salesman).  Each of these methods are still being used today.  Madonna was notorious for using promotional skills such as "bring your own tape and ask the DJ to play" in a local club.  I call this the long road to Stardom.  Why?  In today's era more than ever, DJ's have been given the gift of production that once laid with Music Professionals in the industry.  Many DJ's have found success in Production.  Why would ANY DJ want to play an independent artist if they are Producers/Lyricists/Vocalist/Arrangers themselves?  Why should I play my completion? now, back to the Madonna.  In 80's era...MTV was in it's infancy.  Everyone was look for the next star and Disco killed the dance music.  Madonna struggled, but had it easy.  If Madonna came out in this era...she would have stiff competition.  Dance artists are a dime a dozen.  Even Madonna has realized this.  As much as Madonna changes her style and look...she barely stands out anymore.  She's just Madonna.  An antiquated artist we grew to love and will always play - once a week if not, once a year.

So it brings me to the MOST important "Support System".  The family, friends, fans and followers (the 4 F's).  It's a shame, so many talented individuals lack one of these tie me downs/lift me up mechanisms.  Everyone needs them!  I am not talking about the haters or unproductive comment givers (the critic who make no money from your demise).  I am talking about people that "BELIEVE IN YOU" and what you do.  To help make a person successful or to see them grow, you must believe in them.  You must take the time for them.  You must share the experience with them.  You must include your thoughts as an UNBIASED person without negativity.  That is hard for many of us to do.  We are so opinionated.  How can an artist tackle this situation? Find someone neutral you know.  Ask them to listen to your "DEMO" work.  Say, "I need some PRODUCTIVE (Constructive) advice and not an OBJECTIVE opinion".  Are you capable of doing so?"  Remember humans could be abusive in tone, facial remarks and the simple yes me to death routine.  Try to understand the feedback they are giving, how they are giving it and why they gave the feedback in the first place?  Did you present your question to them correctly.  Once you've done this with several people, you can start weeding the nonsense out your life.  Finding who is creditable and who is not.  Now a days, you can even pay for someone to do this for you on Fiverr.

"Your marketing ability" is a quote many people use incorrectly.  ANYONE is marketable.  Again, ANYONE is marketable.  That is why we have outlets such as Viral, Word of Mouth, Management and Promoters.  Viral is a system being used to gain popularity.  Such as the Likes, Plus Ups and the Shares a person gets.  In today's era we could buy anything we want.  We can buy FAME just as easily as getting Plastic Surgery.  Is it the right thing to do or is it the wrong thing to do?  That is a question you should keep in mind.  Can you live with yourself?  Most of us can.  Justin Bieber lives with himself very well.  Justin Bieber doesn't care anyone think.  Justin Bieber is all for purchasing Fame.  In the end, he can retire.  So many artist do care.  It is a testament of there ability to shine.  It is a focal point on creating success from the ground up.  Kudos to them...that is perseverance, yet a dangerous path.  In the music industry we ALL have a life expectancy.  Artists can only remake, rebrand and recreate themselves so many times before the ideas stop coming.  Before you say anything...use your mind!  As long as you have a brain you can come up with an idea and/or concept.  Hey, look at this blog...idea and concept equals a rebirth of an artist.  Is Justin Bieber doing anything differently than artist paying for radio play?  That has been going on for years.  Is it fair?...NO!  Welcome to the Industry of broken rules, unfairness, ruthlessness and take take take.  A GREAT promotional idea can market anyone.  It could be ripped jeans, attitude, drug use, wearing blue, being violent and so on.  As long as you fit into that package you are marketable artist.  Now comes the job for the hired help - Management and Promoters...Remember, these are professional and they have been doing this for years.  I personally refuse to use a Manager or Promoter because they can be a financial drain on record sales.  Also, I am not a Performer, I am an artist.  Management and Promoters can't promise you anything, yet they can be schemers, liars and some are damaged to the brim.  Even LaFace (Baby Face) was criticized for stealing from his artists over the years.

Remember, I am not bashing.  I pointing out the facts.

The biggest encounter is "Your Will To Shine".  You can be a great writer, yet singing isn't your forte.  My best advice is to stick to what you are good at.  Dabble in the grey areas.  Learn all you can, yet don't become something you're not.  That would be unfair to you and that would be a let down to others.  For instance, songstress "Lisa Fisher" was a background artist for the late and great Luther Vandross, The Rolling Stones and Tina Turner.  Because of her talented and gifted voice, people wanted to create the next Mariah Carey.  Lisa Fisher had a huge success in "How Can I Ease The Pain".  Though being a lead artist wasn't her calling, background vocalist was.  Lisa Fisher took a risk and label waisted money on a one hit wonder.  I wanted more from Lisa Fisher, but that day will never came.  Lisa Fisher went back to her roots as a background artist and comfort zone.  There is nothing wrong with trying something different or experimenting.  "Your Will To Shine" should be about the area in which you can shine.  The area of YOUR strengths.

"Who You Know and Who You Don't" can help your career immensely.  It could also hinder your career.  This is one of my favorite examples:  "The introduction of Mariah Carey".  Mariah Carey was a background artist for Brenda K. Starr.  Brenda K. Starr was a successful artist in dance music (80's dance music).  It took Mariah Carey almost 10 years to become noticed.  One day Brenda K. Starr introduced Mariah Carey to some well known Record Executives and the rest is history.  Mariah Carey became one of the most successful artists of all time.  Now this is how "Who You Know", can hinder you....without saying any names.  If you are tainted and you have introduce an artist to someone in the industry, be careful for the glue affect.  They will most likely state "Birds of a feather flock together".  Also be careful with your reputation.  Sometimes a negative situation can attract a positive outcome and sometimes a scandal can created wanted publicity, but your FAME could be the price paid if it backfires.  Knowing the right people is essential.  Every producer is different.  Find the person that works with you and not against you.  Also keep in mind, somebody knows somebody.  Give a hint "hear or there", it may open the doors for your potential career.

-and to the last catalyst and most import catalyst of them all "Financial Backing".  The music industry is about "What You Can Give" back.  I've seen situations such as Sex being traded and even Violent acts.  Hey, we read about it every day.   The music industry is no different.  Financial Backing is important.  Do you have a cash reserve?  Do you have a game plan?  Can you afford years of nothing with a possible something at the end of the rainbow.  Once again, many artist never succeed.  Music has become the good old "Money Pit".  You have a better chance going to college and working on a career than believing you will become a star.  Remember the B Side actors in the late 50's?  Many of them went know where except pornography.  You must have a strategy.  If not, do must have a game plan?  It is never too late to start one now.  You must be able to live currently and sustainably (on your own).  A job is a job.  Allocate cash toward a promotional lift or to cover your future loses.  Remember, since a job is a job- this is going to become your career.  Strategize your career and remember, it's your career.  Lastly, stay focused, stay calm, stay true, and believe in you.  You can make it if you try.  I wish you all the best!

M.