Joining Professional Associations: Is it a benefit?

Many emerging artists question whether they should join professional organizations. They question what their affiliations with these organizations will actually do for their careers. Others, assume this is the best thing for them to do. Honestly, professional associations have their benefits. They offer opportunities for emerging artists to network and get valuable industry news. However, because these affiliations are not free, it is important for artists to understand which associations will be best for them to join.

Many musicians look to join the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). According to the website RIAA "supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies". Membership is comprised of record labels that pay dues. Dues is based on company information like number of employees and annual revenues. A record company that wishes to become a member files a membership application, a signed confidentiality agreement, and a product sample to RIAA. The application is reviewed by the association in a process that can take up to 45 days. If the application is approved, the record company "will receive an approval letter and a sales declaration form, to be returned to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC). PWC will calculate your dues based on your gross revenues/market share".

Members receive trade information relating to the recording industry. There is a level of access that comes from membership. Additionally, there is a certain prestige the members have. Again, networking opportunities and resources are shared among members of these associations as well.

Personally, I think independent artists should look into other affiliations aside from RIAA. Here are a few associations that I recommend.

NAPAMA (North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents)
IMA (Indie Managers Association)
aeaa (European Association of Artists Managers)
IAMA (International Artists Manager's Association)
A2IM (American Association of Independent Music)
AIMP (Association of Independent Music Publishers)
Indie Music Association

Hustle and Follow Your Passion!

No matter where you are in your indie career there is always the question of, “how badly do I want this?” There will be horrible days when you may feel like you aren’t making any progress and there will be days when that 9 to 5 looks better and better by the moment. Those days require a stern yet enthusiastic awakening. The kind of awakening that a guy like Gary Vaynerchuk can offer. While searching TED.com, I came across this video from the 2008 Web 2.0 Expo. It’s a jewel for anyone in any walk of life that may be struggling with following his or her heart and passion.

First off, I love Gary Vaynerchuk! My introduction to his wealth of advice came via Twitter in 2010. Looking for people to follow that really had a grasp of branding and social media, his name popped up in a search. I have been a fan of his since. That aside, this video gives a glimpse of why he rocks. It is undeniable that many people are doing things that they hate, not enjoying the aspects of life that should be enjoyable. As an indie artist, part of the reason you are pouring your heart into your music is because you love it. Who would want to face the constant criticism and rejection for something that they hate? Who would want to fillet themselves continuously to audiences and industry heavy hitters for something that they just feel okay about?

When I was performing, I worked the 3pm to 11pm and often had band rehearsals that started at midnight to get ready for gigs. My band rehearsals never felt like work because it was what I loved. I wrote songs at my desk during my lunch hour. Sometimes, I got reprimanded for writing songs in between work tasks. So, I absolutely understand what Vaynerchuk says about doing what you love from 7pm to 2am. If you love it, you’ll make the time for it and you’ll put aside the distractions.

The other thing that I thing you should take from the video is the fact that in this era of communication you have the ability to make your brand everything that you want it to be. You have the opportunity to reach people all over the globe and share your art with them. There really is no excuse. Commit to taking the necessary measures to do what you love.

I’ve become passionate about helping indie musicians because I have been able to reflect on the errors I made. I don’t want anyone to repeat those ridiculous mistakes. Life is too short to spend it committed to any career that you can’t find joy in. Vaynerchuk’s video just solidifies my resolve to help indies do what they are great at and what they love.

The bottom line is there is no do-over on life. If you don’t seize the moment and start to really do what you love the opportunity will fade. Make a plan and start to incorporate time to further your passion and art. Put aside things that aren’t important and start to hustle for what you love. In the long run, you’ll be rewarded in ways you never imagined.