I Ate Your Microphone

If you are into the beat of powerpop, new wave and big beat, than Drew Tichnell is an Indie Artist that you don’t want to miss. She released her first CD in 2005, "Unfolding." Drew Tichnell is one that is making a large mark in the Indie industry with her growing fame as a female guitarist and song writer in the Indie industry. Her hit into the music industry in this short amount of time includes a vote into #1 female vocalist in Rock by Garageband.com. Drew comes from Austin, Texas, and currently resides in the same area. She began writing music and playing guitar at the age of 12 and quickly began to fit into the music scene with teaching herself to play piano and trumpet and baritone. By the age of 18, she had decided to commit herself to the music scene with her first band. Drew expects to continue to rise as a rock musician, with an upcoming tour in 2007. You can check out her style and her first CD on myspace.com or http://www.drewtichnell.com/.

You have probably all heard it before.  In order to make it as a musician, you have to be in New York or LA, you have to sign a record deal, and you have to submit to a specific style of music with your clothes half off.

As an Indie Artist, you probably already know that this is not even close to true!  In fact, research says exactly the opposite.

The first thing to begin to understand, is that you don’t have to be in any particular place in order to make it as a big time artist.  Research is pointing to the opposite.  Even the record companies and large entertainment industries are doing everything outside of New York and LA because it is too expensive.  They are going to places like Atlanta, Miami, even over seas to find the next greatest.  It’s cheaper and there isn’t as much competition.

The 21st century, from economics to social abilities is decentralized.  Between technology and abilities to travel, there is no need to be in a specific place.  So, save your rent money and stay where you are!  New York and LA is an overrated destination for any type of artist.

Thanks to technology, integrated communication services and other ideas, there isn’t a need to have a million dollars in order to make it!  Instead, you can find your own way as an artist with close to nothing.  How?

The idea is to network.  This is your best market and the easiest way for you to find what you need.  Every business or marketing person knows that the way to succeed is through word of mouth.  Whether you are just beginning or trying to get to an international level, make sure everyone knows.

Word of mouth includes getting involved in musical things in your community, supporting and finding other artists, collaborating and showing up at networking meetings every once in a while.  By doing even one of these, you will have the ability to grow with your name and concept.  Before you know it, you won’t have to do anything for your phone to keep ringing for gigs and requests for CDs.
Beyond the value of gold is the value of a good name.  When working on your Indie career, keep this in mind and start talking.