THE SKY IS NOT FALLING
“The music business is on its last legs: done, dead, toast. It’s going down, fast,“ they say. We’ve all heard those sentiments before – repeatedly. In fact, listening to a certain category of industry veterans can be downright depressing. They complain about the changes the business is going through and wistfully wish things were the same as they were in the good old days. Usually, those comments come from industry types whose heyday is past and whose future is bleak (at least in their minds).
But, change is a part of life and you either adapt to it – or are left behind. Even Music Connection is changing. After 31 years as the “Artist’s Bible” in Los Angeles, it’s going national and updating its cyber image with a very cool website. For some of our readers, associates and fans, it’s long overdue, while others feel a sense of loss.
Those feelings are natural any time changes occur. For those in this industry who pine for the past, the loss seems significant. But, if you look deeper, you’ll discover that the people who complain the most are facing the future with petrified thinking. They believe the old way of doing business was not only the best way – for some it’s the only way.
Because of that, artists have to be careful when asking for advice. It’s tempting to pick the brain of an old seasoned pro, especially if they have an impressive track record. But, as harsh as it may seem, you have to consider what they’ve done lately. Have they kept up with the times? How innovative is their approach? Or, is it the same old, same old thing?
Actually, these are great times. There are more opportunities than ever before. Now, you don’t have to be part of the system to be successful. In fact, you don’t even have to follow the old rules. You can break them, change them and create new ones for yourself. Imagination and innovation rule today. You just have to find what works for you. So, the next time you hear someone claim the music business is on its last legs, you can tell them, “No way… The sky is not falling. It’s just a new day.”
