Topic: What's it Take
The discussion in other Artists got me thinking about this.
What does it take to become successful in the music industry today? Used to be radio and a record deal. Not so anymore. There are a lot of acts touring and making a living without either today.
My number one prerequisite to success would be talent but it seems that many bands today lack the skills I judge talent by. I look at the success of many of the acts my kids go see and they seem to be atracted by bands that are quirky with very few pop song writing rules followed.
Identifying and appealing to your niche' is extremeley important. Getting the fans of a certain style of music talking about you. That has been happening a lot in our other artist discussions about Back Door Slam. If they convert everyone of Joe's fans that alone will be enough to keep them working.
What will undoubtly help is getting an even broader fanbase which Joe has managed to do and I believe BDS will do is reaching fans that aren't just into the blues or blues rock. North Mississippi Allstars are a band that has managed to do that. Their fans like what they do and don't even know it is based on the blues.
Being likeable seems to be an important factor in developing fans. Since word of mouth which also travels across the net is so important. If you want to share someone's music with a friend it helps if you not only like their music but you want to see them succeed as well. One of Joe's biggest assets.
Playing festivals with eclectic lineups to me would be very important. I am really looking forward to seeing how Joe goes over at a festival like ACL. BDS played Bonaroo wonder how they went over there.
Being willing to give music away is really important. Using that as a business card almost. Hook them with a song then like a pusher sell them more to feed the habit. Get people to your show because really things are getting back to the basics if you are good enough to play in front of people then they will feed you. Kind of a King Henry the VIII mentality. If you suck you starve.
