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Music Industry Formula for Success

Growing up in my generation we were taught to learn how to cook meals for ourselves. We’re not talking microwave or frozen dinners. We’re talking the ceramic flour canister, teaspoons for measuring, and electric burner stove tops with a cast iron skillet. Mom would quickly slap a meal together throwing cabinet doors open to find the various ingredients. It just seemed to appear on the kitchen table. We were taught to replicate that process.

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In the music business, it used to be that simple. Watch the veterans make the stew and repeat for yourself. The formulas and ingredients were pretty well defined and the outcomes predictable. This past week, rock legend Gene Simmons gave an interview that all but declared to the starving and upcoming artist to not quit their day job. I can’t say I disagree with his statements in the article. It’s been proven to me over and over again that the music industry’s music-stew is not repeatable any more. The problem is, the ingredients are essentially the same, but the way they are cooked is completely different now.

Most recipes have an order or priority when adding ingredients. They are sometimes laid out in a particular order because it makes the end meal taste better. In the case of music, the order isn’t always as critical as the time needed to prepare and cook the meal.

TIMING

One of the most frustrating parts of being an artist today is understanding that timing is everything. No matter how much talent, charisma, good looks, or whatever other ingredient you may think is important, timing is the one thing that trumps everything. Market niche or the need for what an artist is making will dictate how much attention people give to the music being made.

DEMAND

Much like any product in the free market, music has various levels of demand. Imagine a mom and pop corner grocery store. The size and level of inventory will be suited to their local town. They stock enough to keep up with the local demand. It’s because they know the customers they serve have a broader requirement for various ingredients for their food needs. The same applies to music. If an artist is serving a local area well, the demand may seem big. But on a larger scale, their product will likely get lost on the shelves of the consumer’s favorite store. Creating demand for your music is difficult and most artists get discouraged long before they make it from local celebrity at the mom-n-pop mart into a larger super-store.

TALENT

This is probably the most obvious ingredient on the list, but one that is so completely misunderstood. Talent is a broad description mostly pigeon-holed into the artist’s skill of voice or instrumentation. However, talent is a much bigger ingredient because it can encompass things like stage presence, audience connection, dance, songwriting, etc. g. Instead of giving my personal definition of talent, it’s enough to say that a total package evaluation of an artist is a better definition of talent and will allow more people to endorse the artist if we accept the diversity of perspectives. 

IMAGE / BRAND

The appearance and what an artist talks about and stands for can all be critical in maximizing success. Knowing your platform and what makes you stand out among the competition regarding your image is very important. Too many artists get obsessed with trying to replicate what is already popular in the music scene. You hear songs that sound the same, hairstyles that look the same, clothing that represents the culture of the scene they’re trying to impact. The consumer of music likes originality, but also likes something they already are familiar with. 

EXPERIENCE

There’s no substitute for experience. I’m not talking just the amount of preparation you’ve put in for rehearsal. I’m not talking the amount of shows you’ve done necessarily. I’m talking how you’ve weathered the storm of the life of an artist. How many gigs went wrong and you overcame and still did the show? How many times were you rejected by the industry executive you thought for sure would sign you up or put you on a tour? How many times have you read reviews or comments online that make you out to be a joke for an artist, yet you still keep trying? This kind of experience is flavoring that give your music and artistry it’s reliability. Labels and venue owners as well as consumers of music all can tell when your experience is at a level of professionalism. 

WORK ETHIC

An artist who is not recklessly working, but organized and committed to a disciplined routine of practice and getting better will successful. It will show in everything they say and do on and off stage. People around them and observers afar will know that they’re not dabbling or kidding around.

FINANCES / RESOURCES

Sorry to say, but the fairy tale of being swept off your feet by a prince-charming record label is just that, a fairy tale. Even those who have been signed by a major label often realize they are paying in the long run and not just getting free money with their signing bonus. Even without a sugar-daddy label to bolster your success, it takes serious, serious money and resources to launch and sustain a career. Money and calendar time are essential if you’re going to want to get exposure and continue to develop. It’s not just playing gigs or paying for studio time. It’s also the endless need to constantly network with other artists and industry people so your reputation and skill can be discovered when the time is right. This takes money and time.

MENTORS / ADVISORS

This is often overlooked or often taken too seriously by some artists. Listening to the advice of experienced artists can taint you or save you a ton of regrets. It’s a very necessary and very frustrating balance to have mentors and advisors. As an artist continues their process of becoming known, they will figure out personalities along the way and avoid the sharks and find the trustworthy allies who will help them succeed.

FAN CONNECTION

With social media today, this is easier than it has ever been. It’s also a faster way to know how to hone your craft to please your fan base. Some artists are too stubborn to listen to fan demand because they are stuck in the artistic and creative world. Some are like pollen in the spring time and blow in whatever direction the fan-winds decide to go. Both are extremes, but one truth is that in our reality-TV generation, fans want to know the person behind the artist now more than ever before. They want to know what’s behind the song and that requires a tighter connection with fans. As an artist gets more popular, so does the need to create intentional fan moments. Publicists often take over this area at some point, but as long as social media is a viable path, an artist always has a pipeline directly to their fan base.

KNOWING YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

For an artist to truly break out of smallville, they must know what they are personally good at doing and find a way to delegate the rest to a team around them. This requires trust and knowledge. It’s not advisable to delegate something you don’t have a firm understanding about like booking a show, how the contracts work, the revenues and expenses of being an artist, the selecting of a producer, song-writing, or whatever.  All these areas are essential in success in the music business but there are only 24 hours in a day and hopefully a portion of that is spent getting rest. Delegating responsibilities is important. It’s as important as a CEO not trying to answer phones on the front desk. At some point, the easy work or repetitive work should be turned over to someone who is good at it and can free you up to focus on the areas that you are best at. The only way you will discover your strengths and weaknesses is to experience doing everything you are capable of doing and then taking an inventory of what you should or shouldn’t continue doing when the opportunity for delegating becomes real.

RECORD SALES & RADIO PLAY

Sadly, the path to record sales and getting on radio is like a vicious circle chase. It’s often a chicken and the egg dilemma. It takes radio to get record sales. It takes record sales to get radio. It takes a lot of show dates to get exposure… to get legit fans… to which radio reaches… to which buy the music… which drives the SOUNDSCAN reports… which tells larger market radio stations to take you serious, etc. This part of the process has never changed from the beginning. There are gatekeepers at major labels, smaller labels and in between that care about these two aspects more than anything else. Emerging artists know this all too well and it’s a nightmare cycle to get stuck in. Even hitting radio doesn’t equate record sales or visa-versa. It’s complicated, but a vital ingredient in success.

FLEXIBILITY

Sometimes an artist thinks they have the right song, right live show, right amount of fans, right venues, right advisors, some cash coming in, right amount of exposure, but nothing’s happening. Nobody is calling to sign them or ask them to tour with a major artist. This is where flexibility comes in. It’s what an artist needs to do to get over the hump of being a potential artist to being a widely known one. Sometimes flexibility means to temporarily stop pushing so hard and let the hard work permeate the music landscape for a little while. Sometimes it means stepping back 4 or 5 levels and playing a coffee house and getting back to your roots. Sometimes it means taking a sabbatical and focusing on something else for a season (however long) to revive your perspective. Sometimes it means accepting an offer to play a gig you’d normally ignore. Sometimes it means recording a song you’d normally not do. Sometimes it means hiring a helper you don’t think you need or can afford. Grinding in the music industry is physically, mentally, and emotionally difficult. Being flexible to break routine is important. Being able to adjust to do things differently from time to time is often the epiphany needed for that breakthrough you’ve always hoped for.

INDUSTRY TERMS AND PROCESSES

If an artist is to ever truly succeed, they will at some point need to understand the moving parts of the music industry. Knowing how radio works, how to work in a studio environment with professionals, how live venues book artists, how royalties and revenue streams work, how a publishing deal works, etc. are all critical for an artist to truly understand if they are to be successful. It will avoid a ton of regret and starting over if you can gain as much knowledge as possible early on. I’m sure my list could continue with words like passion, commitment, opportunity, networking, etc. Depending on your end-game, success is something you should never declare for yourself. Never be satisfied with the level you’re at for too long because it will disappear over time and you’ll find yourself getting hungry again. The ability for you to continue to adapt and adjust in the music industry is critical if you are to survive.

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“Jephte Bastien: Crafting Cinema, Challenging Norms, and Championing Authentic Stories”

Jephte Bastien, a multifaceted director, producer, creator, and editor, has carved a unique path in the film industry. From his humble beginnings in Haiti to his groundbreaking work in cinema, Jephte’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and an unyielding passion for storytelling. In a recent interview, Jephte shared insights into his life, inspirations, and the challenges he has faced as a filmmaker.

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Early Beginnings: A Childhood of Creativity

Jephte’s love for storytelling began in his childhood. Growing up in Haiti, he would cut out paper silhouettes, align them with thread, and use a flashlight to project characters onto a makeshift screen. This early form of shadow puppetry allowed him to mimic voices and create stories, laying the foundation for his future in filmmaking. Music also played a significant role in his upbringing. As the seventh of nine boys in a large Christian family, Jephte started singing in church at the age of five. His family’s tradition of entertaining one another—through poetry, singing, and dancing—fostered his creative spirit.

Haiti: A Source of Inspiration

Haiti holds a special place in Jephte’s heart. Despite the media’s often negative portrayal of the country, Jephte describes it as a paradise filled with vibrant culture, music, and natural beauty. His early memories of Haiti are filled with joy—playing games, eating mangoes straight from the trees, and forming lifelong friendships. When his family moved to Canada, Jephte struggled with homesickness and depression. Haiti became a recurring theme in his dreams, a place he would revisit mentally to find solace and inspiration. Even as an adult, he traveled back to Haiti frequently, using the trips to rejuvenate his creative energy.

The Church and Early Questions

Growing up in a religious household, Jephte was deeply involved in the church. However, he began to question the narratives he was taught, particularly the lack of representation of Black people in religious imagery. These early questions about identity and representation would later influence his work as a filmmaker. Jephte’s departure from the church was not a rejection of faith but a search for truth and authenticity in storytelling.

A Journey to New York and Beyond

Jephte’s pursuit of his passion led him to New York in the 1990s, where he studied theater despite his parents’ wishes for him to become a lawyer. This decision marked the beginning of his independent journey. He worked tirelessly to pay for his education, immersing himself in the arts and honing his craft. After returning to Montreal, Jephte faced the harsh realities of the film industry. Despite his talent, opportunities were scarce, especially for a Black filmmaker in the 90s. Determined to tell his own stories, Jephte enrolled in film school, where he began to develop his unique voice.

Breaking Barriers in Filmmaking

Jephte’s career is marked by a series of groundbreaking projects. One of his early successes was editing a music video for the song “Due to the Interest” by Garou. Despite the director’s inexperience, Jephte stepped in to manage the set, ensuring the project’s success. The video became a buzz clip, earning praise from industry heavyweights like Luc Plamondon. However, Jephte’s refusal to accept a $2,000 bonus from the director highlighted his commitment to integrity over financial gain.

In 2003, Jephte produced Haiti Through My Eye,” a docu-series that showcased Haiti’s rich culture and history. The project was a critical success and opened doors for future opportunities, including funding for his feature film Exit 67.” Despite the challenges of securing funding and navigating the industry’s systemic barriers, Jephte remained steadfast in his mission to tell authentic stories.

The Draft: A Powerful Vision

One of Jephte’s most ambitious projects is The Draft,” a film about a young Black hockey player whose dreams are shattered by a brutal act of racism. The story follows his journey as he mentors his younger brother, offering a new paradigm for success. Jephte describes “The Draft” as the most powerful film he has ever written, a project that challenges the status quo and highlights the resilience of marginalized communities.

However, the production of “The Draft” was not without its challenges. Jephte faced significant obstacles, including interference from unions and a lack of support from industry institutions, except Telefilm and Harold Greenberg Fund, who supported the project from the beginning. Despite these hurdles, he remained committed to the project, pouring his own resources and energy into bringing his vision to life.

The Struggles of an Independent Filmmaker

Jephte’s experiences shed light on the difficulties faced by independent filmmakers, particularly those from underrepresented communities. In Canada, the film industry is heavily reliant on government funding, which often comes with strict quotas and limitations. Jephte has faced numerous rejections and setbacks, including being blacklisted by medias after an interview. Despite these challenges, he continues to create, driven by his passion for storytelling and his desire to challenge societal norms.

A Legacy of Resilience

Jephte Bastien’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. From his early days in Haiti to his groundbreaking work in film, he has remained true to his vision, using his art to challenge stereotypes and inspire change. As he continues to work on “The Draft” and other projects, Jephte’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the enduring power of storytelling.

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Jephte Bastien: The Visionary Filmmaker Behind Exit 67 and The Draft

Whether through his portrayal of gritty urban landscapes or his exploration of the human spirit, Jephte Bastien continues to push the boundaries of cinema. As we await the premiere of The Draft, one thing is certain: Bastien’s journey as a filmmaker is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.

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Jephte Bastien, the award-winning filmmaker renowned for his gripping storytelling and raw cinematic style, is set to captivate audiences once again with his upcoming film, The Draft. Best known for his debut feature film Exit 67, which garnered critical acclaim and won numerous awards, Bastien has established himself as a powerful voice in the world of cinema.

From Haiti to Canada: A Unique Perspective

Born in Haiti and raised in Canada, Jephte Bastien brings a unique perspective to his work, combining the rich cultural heritage of his homeland with the multicultural influences of his upbringing in Montreal. This blend of experiences has given Bastien a distinctive voice in filmmaking, allowing him to explore complex themes of identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience with authenticity and nuance.

Breaking Ground with Exit 67

Bastien burst onto the scene with his first feature film, Exit 67. Released in 2010, the film tells the story of a young man named Jecko, who is caught between the world of street gangs and his desire for a better life. Drawing from his own experiences and the reality of many young immigrants in Montreal, Bastien crafted a gripping narrative that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The film’s success earned Bastien a Genie Award, cementing his status as a filmmaker to watch.

The Draft: A New Chapter

With his latest project, The Draft, Bastien is poised to once again capture the imagination of viewers. While details about the plot remain under wraps, the film promises to explore themes of power, corruption, and the human condition—elements that have become hallmarks of Bastien’s work. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and moral dilemmas, The Draft is expected to be another compelling addition to Bastien’s filmography.

A Filmmaker with a Mission

Beyond his artistic achievements, Jephte Bastien is a filmmaker with a mission. He aims to tell stories that reflect the realities of marginalized communities and challenge societal norms. His films often delve into difficult subjects, shedding light on issues such as crime, poverty, and the immigrant experience, all while maintaining a deep sense of humanity and hope.

Looking Ahead

As Jephte Bastien prepares for the release of The Draft, anticipation is building among fans and critics alike. With his track record of compelling storytelling and his commitment to exploring important social issues, Bastien is sure to deliver another thought-provoking film that will leave a lasting impact.

Whether through his portrayal of gritty urban landscapes or his exploration of the human spirit, Jephte Bastien continues to push the boundaries of cinema. As we await the premiere of The Draft, one thing is certain: Bastien’s journey as a filmmaker is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19799652

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3904454

https://www.instagram.com/the_draft_movie

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“Spark Davidson: The Visionary Behind Montreal’s R&B Revolution”

THIS IS THE TRUE STORY OF SPARK AND HIS HUSTLE THAT NEVER STOPS AND NEVER SLEEPS AS HIS DREAMS BECOME REALITIES AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE BIGGEST HE CAN IMAGINE.

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Spark Davidson, a Montreal-based artist, has made significant contributions to the music industry since launching his professional career in 1995. At the age of 28, Spark began managing multiple music groups, including his own R&B ensemble, “Portfolio,” featuring three of Montreal’s most talented vocalists: Alan Prater, Chris Millington, and Danny Blanco. With his keen eye for talent and innovative management style, Spark quickly established Portfolio as a powerhouse in the R&B scene. Within a year, the group achieved remarkable success, consistently selling out performances and captivating audiences with their soulful harmonies and dynamic stage presence.

Spark’s strategic negotiations for Portfolio’s publishing and recording contracts in both Montreal and Los Angeles further solidified his reputation as a savvy music industry professional. His efforts culminated in the launch of his own music production label, “4indamorning,” which rapidly became a household name in Montreal. Under his guidance, “4indamorning” emerged as a pivotal force in the local music scene, known for its distinctive sound and dedication to nurturing emerging talent.

Beyond his work with Portfolio, Spark Davidson’s influence extended throughout Montreal’s music community. His commitment to innovation and excellence helped elevate the city’s R&B and hip-hop genres, setting a high standard for artistic expression and collaboration. Spark’s ability to fuse traditional R&B elements with contemporary influences showcased his versatility and deep understanding of the evolving music landscape.

Spark’s impact on the music industry is a testament to his passion, creativity, and determination. As a manager, producer, and artist, he has left an indelible mark on Montreal’s music scene, inspiring a new generation of musicians and contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry. His journey from a rising artist to a respected industry leader is a remarkable achievement, reflecting his dedication to music and his unwavering pursuit of artistic excellence.

His latest music project IT’S ABOUT TIME -DA 4AM MIXTAPE ALBUM is available NOW

https://www.4indamorning.com

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