You took everything out of context. Like literally everything I said. But I will explain myself here. [LONG COMMENT AHEAD] You're supposing that I'm looking for shortcuts or that I do not put in all the work? How can you say that? How can you know? Based on one legit comment I left on one of your videos? I actually am one of those guys who put in a lot of work into everything they do and that's what I meant by "working on perfecting your craft". Working on music (if you're a producer) instead of socializing with everybody on the internet for the sake of building a bigger fan-base. I NEVER said I'm against replying to comments, I always do that and it's something everybody should do! See how you misunderstood this part? I was referring to people who try to talk to everybody for the sake of being noticed, that's fake and you have admit it! Because that's what the internet has become these days. And yes, I'm totally against it. It is what I call "leaving fake comments". Look up on instagram. It's 80% fake comments and crap. And I could give you tons of examples (without even mentioning using the bots who automatically do the job for you). Quite a difference, huh? Another huge misunderstanding is the part where you're supposing that it's not ok to like others people work and that I only like mine... WHAT? I said that as "if you're a perfectionist, you won't really like much of others people work". You won't like much of others people work. It's quite a difference from not liking at all. And it has nothing to do with getting your inspiration from others and such. It's just... As a creator of something, you cannot like everything else people do. It's like a niche. And it gets narrower the older you get. You start to like less and less music for example as years go by. You start to cut the crap and focus more on quality instead of quantity, separating what you like from all the "noise" that's out there. See what I'm trying to say? Also about this subject, what I had in mind back then was being approached by other producers who want to connect with you, but whose art you don't really like. What will you do? Lie about it and "connect"? This is what I meant by "lying". Pretending to like something that you don't. Quite a difference, isn't it? Now... As an ARTIST (a real artist, not a guy who jumps on trends or copies other people) your job is to CREATE. That's the most important thing. It's what makes you an artist in the first place. I didn't say you shouldn't connect with people at all, once again I trully recommend replying to everybody whenever you can! But I cannot encourage the spam. The people who try to connect with you because you might help them get where they want. That's just fake, man. That's not legit. That's not art. Your music should speak for yourself. It's too much "blah blah blah" these days and way too little substance. And I felt like you encouraged that in your video. You supposed that I'm some kind of Grumpy Cat who believes that he's too good for everybody else. Thank you again, it's cool to see that other 57k people might see this. Which couldn't be more false. I didn't even write that comment with the intention to offend someone, I just wanted to state out some "flaws" of your advice. Nothing more! Making music is 30% and developing your brand is 70? What a great piece of advice for the upcoming artists! Yes, keep stating it, maybe write it down on your background so they can see it everytime. What are you encouraging these people to do? Just stop for a minute and think about this statement! 30% music -70% marketing. It's exactly what the crap djs and producers out there do. It's exactly why Marshmello gets all the hate he gets (apart from his kindergarten songs). Or Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike. Or Steve Aoki. The list could go on and on. It's just marketing and while it might get the bros go bananas, the real ones won't buy it and will keep looking for "true artists". We're living in a day where marketing became more important than art and people like you... PROMOTE it? Good job, my man! Keep doing it! Sorry for didn't see that coming from you. Cause I didn't expect it all, even though I'm only following you for a few months. Now to make myself clear, marketing has its part and it should never be ignored, but for god's sake it shouldn't represent 70% of your work! Developing a brand as an artist is what everybody should strive for, it's what I'm striving for too, you know? But that should be done through music first. Make great music that you genuinely like, set up your socials and website and promote only the things you believe in. Then work on having unique shows, playing what you genuinely like, make your audience feel something, be different, be you! In your own way. And the rest will come. This is what I believe you should promote more, instead of the marketing thing. Yes, it's true what you say, but don't we want to evolve and make this world a better place? Put the "art" back in "artists"? Anyhow, I could talk about this for days. I'm really dissapointed by the way you reacted to my comment. And of course thank you for making me look like an idiot ("this is his reality") and mocking me for free, but next time try to have a different approach on comments that might seem uncomfortable at a first read.

"Sometimes the steps are so simple, people don't trust them..." Woah man, that's crazy. I'm gonna quote you on that going forward

To take action on my dreams: I started reading a branding book, I'm watching all your videos, I'm changing my mindset, I want to play the new game, I don't want to see the world through my window, not anymore

His comment makes sense to me, I am an introvert, I'm from Seattle and a lot of people around me tell me I need to go out more and meet people and I always tell myself that I can't because I've done it so much in my past but I realized what it really boiled down to is that I'm lacking is social skills and isolating myself is only making it worse. My message to others is don't let depression get ahold of you because it's beautiful and it can play tricks on you. Learn what you love and live for it. Depression is like an attractive gold digger, it doesn't actually love you, it only wants to feed off of you. I wish the best for all of you and hope to see yall on the other side. Also Great video, I loved it. Thank you for the knowledge Adam. ~Bahati Vatée

I Started a solo music project called "Ghoulsby" about a year ago and I've been going hard on it for the last 9 months. its been tough and I've dealt with so much rejection and set backs but Its been worth it for the success ive seen in the last month alone. Your vids definitely have taught me insanely important lessons and I just wanted to say thank u for the knowledge you give!

This video was awesome. Marketing is essential to discovery. I have released music without a marketing plan and it went unnoticed. I just "properly" released a single with a marketing plan and the difference is night and day. You can't expect anyone to do the work for you, it is 70% of the work as you stated. I don't really understand the perfectionism piece and how it relates to other people's work. We all got into music creation because we were inspired by the work of others, that doesn't or shouldn't change with success. I'm sure Max Martin is still moved by other songwriters. Sorry for the long comment, but there was lots of pieces that prompted comment haha. Great job as always.

Being part of the music industry. Yes yes yessssss making music is only 30% the rest is marketing and branding your self and so on and so on. What the problem is the people that only like their own stuff don't want to support other people. Everyone has their own was and talents. YOU CAN MAKE GREAT MUSIC BUT IF NO ONE HEARS IT THEN WHATS THE POINT ?

You’re right about, “you have to have the mindset first”

I agree with you. You don't have to be fake with your engagement..being genuine is actually key!

Thank you for tackling this issue. I definitely agree with most of what you have to say. I am currently getting ready to release my first album next year and I've been thinking about a lot of this. I think the thing I have to keep in mind is that everyone is finding their own way to reach out to their community and get their music heard. I often get overwhelmed with the amount of things a solo artist must do in order to be seen, and that's after investing a bunch of time and money into developing excellent content. I have tried doing many things on my own (music videos, mixing and mastering, recording, marketing, etc.), taken a bunch of classes, watched a bunch of videos on youtube, and it seems like there's never enough time. So today I am focusing on enjoying the process. Finding joy in where I'm at right now, because if not, then it becomes this huge thing that's stressful, and eventually impossible. Positive mindset, enjoying the journey, and working from a place of gratitude. That's how I'm proceeding. Thanks for the video!!!

I'm a music producer, great video content! Success happens when you have fun doing what you love to do without seeing it as a business, period. Consistency and determination in every single thing you do in life can get you where your dreams are and even if I do not make your current Job should always be your plan A, plan B will be your dream. Glad I found your channel!

That was an outstanding video. As a 30 year professional in the music business, I find this social media marketing thing one of the hardest things I have had to learn. Your insight has been very helpful. Please keep up the good work.

Your content is so cutting edge. There's almost no one speaking about these things. How the f you don't have a million views? Ppl are scared of marketing🤦🏾‍♂️ I appreciate you g

i released my first album in may and my ep drops 31 October, yesterday i finished recording the first song for my next album. i have been promoting my music with different sites in order to grow my audience and its 100% true marketing is a big part if you want to grow your audience, i found that not all promoters are for my type of music so when choosing a promoter i look for someone with a hip hop audience this maximizes my chances of growing my audience, i want to start making music full time and really looking forward to learning better effect marketing techniques, the majority of artists are missing out on the legal part of music hence not collecting mechanical loyalties lol, awesome video

This man is not just giving knowledge but instilling hope in us through his experience.

Adam, thank you for putting my focus onto marketing music! It’s a whole new world to me, and I’m grateful to you for shelling out the truth, and assisting my music in its major growth!! I’ve done a complete 180 degrees since watching people like you!

I’ve been starting to receive push back and hate in my community and it’s made me resolve to get better at marketing, more consistent and creative. Still struggle with imposter syndrome. These videos are helping!

After being in the industry for many years as a professional these are points that aspiring artists can't hear enough! well done mate and keep em coming

Adam, your videos has sure given me a lot of insight as an artist. There's things that I've done in marketing my music brand that I wasn't sure if I was doing right or not. But you've definitely helped me see that I was plus given me so much more to work with. And I appreciate what you put out on youtube a great deal. Especially for free! I really love your videos, keep it up and thank you!

It's soo great to see two people respectfully discussing about some deep issues of music industry or any other entertainment industry.. I must say our character flows through our actions, if you want attention and fans (for being discovered and money).. you don't care about people, people can see through it in your replies and if you really wanna "connect" with other people who loves your work or music as you do then your fans or followers surely gonna feel it(public is not blind by heart) . Marketing and branding your work is really important because you are not gonna be a pop star just by singing in your lawn. All it matters is the PURPOSE you have, if you have the purpose of sharing your music to the world instead of having enormous amount of fame you are surely going to make place in hearts of millions♥️. COMMUNITY is everything music is for, It is for expressing, sharing not for mean things. Xoxo

You rock man. Thanks for this. No one needs to be shady to market. Figuring out the source of your own jealousy and insecurity is a huge step to becoming a successful free artist. Also taking a look at what it means to be successful. Define it, and define it again. Keep looking and readjusting as time goes on. Much love to you 🙌🏾

I think that we as artist need to communicate more often with supporters or fans.. try to make time..even if your just sitting in the toilet..respond and communicate its really important

Well, here's the thing.. I am from Brasil, in a city with not much opportunities and the question is, the few opportunities you have the more you have to learn about this industry. This channel it's almost everything about gathering informations around this whole thing. Congrats for the content, and for the inspiring sharing!

Keep learning and making music, never give up never stop, why quit something so beautiful? Introverts are do thrive on online platforms...

bro i'm about to hit my 1 year mark next week since i first released a song to the public. I've had a lot of ups and downs this 1st year, but I feel like i've learned sooo much and changed a lot as a person. I couldn't be any happier with where i'm at rn. I'm well aware that i'm not there yet and that there is still a lot of work to do, but I don't mind it. To me this is all exciting. I've read more books in the last two months than I had since I was in high school, I'm 23 now. I've always maintained fit and active, but even that has more meaning now. Every rep is on purpose. Every step is on purpose. I don't let life issues get to me because i'm already looking 5 steps ahead. I've never felt this passionate about life and I can't get enough of it. I'm trying new things everyday, I'm not afraid to go back to the drawing board and start over. I welcome that because it's another opportunity to get it right. It's a new opportunity to learn something new. I'm afraid to tell most people these things because I know they're going to think i'm delusional, but I just believe in myself that much. I discovered you about 3-4 weeks ago and I can confidently say you've highly contributed to this big shift i've had in my mentality in these past few months. Thank you for doing what you do. This video is 3 years old and it's still helping people like me in 2021 man. I fuck with your movement, keep doing what you do, you're making a difference. Much love. Alsooo, I would greatly appreciate it if you could check out my music and give me some pointers on what I'm doing right / wrong. I'm only focused on improving right now, my progress is the most important thing to me so it would mean the world to me bro. You can find my music on all platforms if you search up @louiekeyz, same goes for instagram and twitter. I even recently started a KZfaq channel where I posted some of the content I've made for my IG in the past. Thank you so much for all that you do, Adam! God bless you, looking forward to hearing from you soon!

The main thing that’s helped me is being truly interested in the ventures you’re in for the love of the action itself and not the fruit of the action. It’s a weird paradox but success is usually seen in those who pursue passions for the joy of the action itself.

Hey Adam, So, I watched it until the end. Thanks for all your support man. Here's where I'm at. Tonight I wrote my last final exam for management and marketing after 17 years of working in mining project management and a lifetime of making music (none of which has been released). Don't have my papers yet, but it was a double major and I maintained a 3.9 GPA. So, I guess you could call me a perfectionist. It'll be a tough road ahead, but that's why I went back to school, because business admin, management, and marketing and especially planning are critical these days. Branding, brand book, IMC plans, Social media schedules and listening, are all great tools that need to be considered when formulating a strategy. Most recently I've designed a survey to see what gaps might exist in the local music industry. The results were encouraging. My question to you is, "Have you used any of these tools in developing or growing your business (I'm sure your business is much broader than just this channel), and if so, how did you implement them and which tools were the most effective?". Thanks again and keep up the great work, Travis

Right now, in support of my craft, I'm having a beer. Rest is important. Today, thankfully, I rode 5 miles on my bike and put in 3 focused hours on my craft and marketing. Thanks 🙏

Bro. I’m putting in work as an artist (15 Mill Music) & Music teacher (young Artist society). Working on a new single, album, & marketing strategy to promote & really find people that want the impact of this project - The Duffelbag vol.1. Busting butt on an online course for YAS, to drive some automated product, so I can really connect with those interested & personally connect with my students as they own their learning & dive in for topics like you, getting them real experience as well. Changing their mindsets. Training others on teaching our material, adopting our philosophies of connection & that money comes from people, “people care about people who, care about people...” I’ve seen it work in my life - your videos last year even inspired me & helped me get those first followers on Instagram, so thank you. You’re totally right - connection over isolation works, & it’s worked every time for me. - 15 Mill

Longevity... marketing won't outlast artistic craftmanship. There is basically non existent marketing in the jazz genre, but we understand that these artists are class A musicians. Pop artists and their marketing come and go. Great artists and bands that are known for their quality never stop touring and making money. Get a good manager and keep practicing your craft. My cousin practiced his trumpet at the same time each day for the past 24 years. He tours with Wynton Marsalis, Maxwell, Chicago and Earth, Wind, and Fire. He is also paid regularly to play on different albums. Has an amazing home, automobiles, wide and bank account. He is also doing what he loves.

I really liked this video. I'm finishing up the visuals for a song, building my website, and I've been learning as much as I can about marketing and copywriting. My business cards have been ordered for lessons, and as long as I like those (new company I'm going with), I'll be getting business cards for my music next. I'm actually seeing my brand start to grow, now that I'm posting regularly and interacting more, and I'm so excited. I'm meeting more people (I have an awesome remix in the works that I asked if I could please do, it's a beautiful original song), and just... Oh man. I really appreciate your videos. You've been integral to me getting my head on right in this music business game, as well as a boost in self confidence. Thank you for your videos and time.

For the longest time I never really understood the whole concept of marketing and branding your music, its only in the last 2/3 years I've seen how powerful it can be. I was living by the idea "I make good music, so I'm bound to get discovered.......one day". not saying that its impossible but as I've gotten older I've realised theres better ways to go about releasing music than just sitting around wishing and hoping for the best. We are all artists, producers, musicians, we all (most of us anyways) want our music/content heard and consumed, problem is there's MILLIONS of us out there!!. How I've learnt to picture it is that all our hard worked on content are needles getting lost in a never ending haystack. Marketing and Branding are the flashlights and metal detectors for you to not only be discovered but to also stand out. Thanks Adam for another great insightful video fr !

I am a musician about to work out and glad I watched your video to the end. I thought your video was ok, I don't think I got a ton of benefit from of, at least not what I expected from the title. It's weird to me that I have noticed that the best thing I've learned over the years is you have to think like your customer and get to know them well. It's funny since I've got into marketing music, I noticed that I don't really sell much music, I sell other things. I sell studio time, books, publish a magazine that helps other artist. I'm working on my first feature film and I won an award last year in the Houston International film festival last year for my Amazon documentary "The Seed of Destiny, the Hustle the Grind the Artist." Not trying to brag, just making a point that I'm not really doing shows and I don't really sell many MP3's at least not paying any bills with the money. However because I noticed that my fanbase was other artist, authors and other talented people, I looked for ways to help them by putting them in film or a magazine which boosted my income and most importantly seems to be building trust with others and ultimately builds trust with my brand. So I think your advice is good about interacting but I think if we also look for problems or ways to benefit the people you're interacting with.

This is a great conversation that alot of us need to have. Im currently focusing on the business part of my music career and your comments help thank you!!!

I feel like I just stumbled onto the right information for where I’m at in my journey. Thank you for being so generous to share such valuable information. I’m grateful

Thanks for sharing the comment and starting this conversation. The time spent on marketing and personal interaction is crazy and extremely demanding, but you've got to buckle down and do it! The days of artists getting swooped up and given a lavish lifestyle are pretty much dead and over. You have to think about recruiting fans as just having a conversation with your buddy, one-on-one and personal, about what your art means. You have to show them what you stand for and really mean it. Then you gotta do it again. And again. Eventually, you'll get better at it, and probably even really good at it if you keep it up. Then you'll have some folks who really care about your journey in a meaningful way. And if your art is not reflecting your journey, I don't get it...

Still watching at 17:50. Rapper/producer/mix engineer applying for a second job to start funding marketing for my content and get out of debt from school. Focusing on learning how to narrow down my audience and target best potential fans. Setting practical goals to make myself "visible"!

And crazy how professional you’ve gotten over the years. Forget the set up and background..it’s your value🎉🎉🎉🎉

I agree, patience is key along with putting in the work to try and understand every little thing about music and whats behind the scenes. I understand that this business is going to take some time to get off of the ground and that you have to really put in the work, but damn I just started making money two years ago every month (its not enough to live off of but enough to pay a few bills) after making music for 6 years, now I'm just trying to find ways to increase the amount of income I have coming in from my music. It's so aggravating because there is no one size fits all way to properly market music. I see even record labels doing the simple youtube ads and twitter/facebook/Instagram ads. The way I see it is after dropping thousands of dollars into marketing can you then truly benefit from it.

You have offered so many gems in this video. I just came across this channel. But I love how you present your material. Marketing as an artist is about being honest about your intentions. It's about painting a brand that people can believe in. If you as an artist isn't interested in sharing the purpose for your music, how do you expect your desires audience to know that they should follow or listen. I'm still new to the music scene but I have learned that people want authenticity. The whole music scene is about building relationships. If that's not an interest you've already shot yourself in the foot early. You don't have to be fake about your interactions if you genuinely know why you're doing this in the first place. Know your brand. Know your audience. It takes time to learn but it's imperative to a successful career in music.

Joined the channel family today. I appreciate all the advice you give. Your insight into the industry and your views thereof have opened my eyes to the things I've been doing wrong and I appreciate the lesson. Thanks Adam.

At the stage off am tired of the same thing for 10 years it's time to make a change and put what I learn to action, to change my life and the people around me, put the hard work in and keep pushing, thank you for all these lessons

I hear you, this is like the most important part of business. Marketing is regardless of what anyone has to say and to market, with or without any help, marketing ur craft by yourself is a genuine form of marketing and a real way of people tuning into who you really are and the truth about you.

I agree with a lot of what you are saying. I think the rant the person was on seemed like he or she has been burned or disappointed in the past. Maybe the "dream" they had didn't intale the self marketing aspect, which is the way of the independent artist and has always been that way, and they just dreamed of getting signed or hired by major industry. Or, maybe they aren't interested in that aspect at all. Then I recommend they get a team of friends or professionals that are will to help or do it at a reasonable price. Do they love music or what ever creative thing it is? They will have to decide on isn't a business or a passion that they do no matter what. If they just want to be famous, then I guess there other avenues for that.

Just discovered you. Watched the whole video and loved it. For more than 20 years I’ve been lucky enough to make my living playing music. I’ve never made a million dollars but I do a lot of live shows and get played on radio once in a while all over the world. (Mostly indie radio) And honestly if I could go back and talk to myself all those years ago the first thing I would tell myself is “put the guitar down and go met people!” Networking and marketing is everything. And your comments about “brand” are right on point. You’ve got a new fan. And one that, even after all these years, has a lot to think about after this video. Thanks

I'm with you bro. I'm in the early building stages of my business. My mindset is Learn, Teach, Learn, Make music, Branding, and Learn more. Gotta be ready when my time comes. Appreciate ya my guy 💪🏽😎

I know I’m late Adam but I took a way different route. I been working nonstop hours at work and working on music every day after work. Instead of buying beats and leases I’m putting that money into crypto investments so I won’t have to put myself in debt. This is a skill I picked up through my 7 year journey in music so I could help fund my passion for it. After I collect my returns on them this year I will make about $100k after taxes to invest into marketing, branding, and many more things for my music!

From what I see, ego takes over at some point in an artist career that they think only of themselves. But when you don't interact with your fans their fans are going to turn on them. I am currently working everyday on my life, In life and online. There are no separate things. My career is my life, my life is my brand. And Adamivy is a tutor! Much love bro, pray to God to enhance your wisdom so you can keep blessing us!

I love that the office is in the background, what am I up to? Well I'm marketing while watching this haha and my 2 cents is that as long as your doing what feels right to you ur not fake u don't have to lie to people if u don't like there music tell them why and help them make it a little better and most will thank you a few won't listen but it will make friends and fans. // Great video man!

I know this video is old, but it did help me. I never had an interest in marketing and over the course of the last couple months of binging your videos, it's really made me realize how much I've been missing despite how briefly I've been doing music on a more professional level

I completely agree with the interaction part. That is why all the influencers and bloggers are born. There was not such thing like 10 years ago. In those years pop stars had to act cool, ignoring everyone around, surrounded by their bodyguards. Now they have to talk to their followers, do IG live, exposing their private life to stay popular. New era. People tired of not being noticed.

I see you as my mentor on YT Adam. I hope God blesses you with all the energy, adrenaline and that drive - doing what you love and what makes you happy. Everything you said in this VERY IMPORTANT topic is solid truth. Can't wait to start my brand and sharing what I have with the world. Keeping inspiring! Much love and respect from an Indian living in Moscow, Russia! :P

Im at my job stocking overnight at walmart, listening to your videos on marketing and being business minded, i been searching about improving myself and brand, i really like your videos so far, 💯💯 this makes me wanna hustle more .. i really appreciate you, your videos are fun to watch

LITERALLY TRYING TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEOPLE ONLINE SO THAT IN THE LONG RUN THEY CAN ENJOY MY MUSIC FOR AS LONG AS I CAN PROVIDE IT

that's a good video man, you are not just a guy who talks about succes. lots of ppl talk about succes,but they don't tell a single word about HOW to do it. aside of that one of the things that we should consider as a musician is that ''we don't actually give value'' you make lots of videos about ''How To'' style, you are giving a BIG VALUE because ppl can benefit from it. but when it comes to being rapper,producer, ı think is it so much harder get recognition. this is where ım at right now, ım tryin' to create as much as ı can, we will se how it goes

Hey Adam, just found your channel. I've been struggling with understanding my brand. I'm so happy I found your channel!

Every talking point that you mentioned was right on point. First, your mental focus and beliefs determine your success!! Then Build your brand and figure out the income! Luck and what you know has absolutely nothing to do with creating your success. Believe and know it will happen and the rest will take care of itself. Your actions will be a result of what you believe. So yeah, get your mind right first!! Awesome video! Thank u. It reinforced what I already knew and practice. Thank u, thank u, thank u!!

Honestly, right now I'm working on figuring out the best way for me to get my stuff out into the world. What is the most "me" way to market myself and my brand, what kind of message do I want to be putting out into the world, etc. Executing whatever that is is the next step

Adam. I am distraught. I watch a thousand videos like this. I’ve tried to commit over and over, I have really good content. Everybody who hears my stuff likes some aspects of it. It’s wildly unique. Etc, etc. I still have zero confidence ANYBODY will see my stuff on social media. I don’t feel anyone will give a damn about me given the thousands of others saturating the market. It just feels so unattainable. And the past three years have been so stagnant on the marketing end. I only have confidence in my ability to make a fantastic sound, so I just continue to create. I’m not a masterful hustler. But I know there’s gotta be a niche for me. I want to give up over and over, but I have too much talent and great content to not be successful. WAY too much. Trust me. If anyone needs your help, I do. Help me. I love your energy. I believe you can help, and I’m here bc I want the help. So, help.

I can agree with that building your craft part, I can publish only 1 beat a week because I'm too busy to do all the other things, and after 10 years of beatmaking and producing my beats start to sound like I wan't only now. But the last 4 years it's becoming a business. Another 5 years I guess and I will be there where I wan't to.

I believe, we us people are angry and afraid of things we dont understand. Thats human nature i guess.

And to answer your question as to what I'm doing to take action on my dreams. Okay.. thanks for the question. I'm: 1. Working really hard on my youtube channel. Posting at least 1x a week. Trying to generate more communication in the comment section like you do (good job) 2. Posting content regularly on Insta, FB, YT. Often mentioning the new album when I can 3. Collecting emails (as I mentioned) 4. Trying to compile lists of journalists etc (haven't started yet, that's tonight's goal ;) ) 5. Trying to work on my epk 6. Crossing my fingers that someday I'll find a manager or at least assistant 7. Planning the first music video for the album (Actually, third unofficially)

Amen to all of this. Success as a creative has little to do with talent nowadays and a lot more to do with persistence , dedication and the ability to learn as well as personality, likability and the ability to market your brand and believe in it enough to push it into the world. It takes awhile to really realize this. Thanks again for another great video

"I think he spelled narcissist wrong" I laghed hard at tgat one

A new Adam Ivy video with The Office in the background? Already an A1 video lol Thank you for the words man. For me, what I’ve never had a problem with creating music and recording however, I’ve always had problems with the behind the scenes stuff and marketing. But I’ve learned so much from your videos and I’m more than happy and grateful to be a part of your journey. I’m glad these videos have been prepping us up. I’m really looking forward to your future material, including the podcast, and learning so much more from ya. Much love to ya buddy!

Great video, liked & subscribed. I'm basically at the very beginning of the music biz. I've been writing song lyrics for a while & I need to get them out there. I am learning about music production so I can start to but some instrumentals to my lyrics. Once I have made my lyrics into an actual song, my plan is to focus on marketing & branding. If I have to make leaflets & bang them in music stalls, on the bus, whatever then that is what I am going to do. Song lyrics can pop into my head when doing something like washing pots, etc so it is a part of me & I do need to follow my destiny & share my songs to the world. Thank you for your very honest & helpful video.

If you are a producer/musician this is literally the best channel for advice and motivation .Also good luck with everything >3

He does not interact and socialize with people yet because he is not sure about his product. And that’s why he practices so much. He cannot admit it, but you are correct. I understand this person because that’s where I have been. But I am totally listening to your advice now :-) thank you

Hi again Adam, I watched this and was surprised that Marvo's comments were so common among musicians or the 'industry'. I remember when I had that mindset. It went away after I 'got over myself' and grew up. My original journey was selfish and only about me and my ego. Sure, as an artist we need to have confidence in our work, but thinking we are the only ones to decide what's good or bad, or that our audience needs to be lied to is a sure sign of lack of confidence. There is nothing more humbling then setting your art free and watching it be received. Some people like what we do, and they are your initial audience. The others that provide feedback (constructively) are a gift. Listen to them. Adapt what you choose from their comments, and ultimately love yourself and others. It is your choice when to set your art free. Your art is personal and those that 'get you', 'deserve you'. Those that are cruel and mean spirited are not on your journey and are not worth listening to.

what you saying is the truth bro , I bliv 80 is on sales 20 is making music , no point making music if u gonna push unless its a hobby

I used to think that. I personally really dislike sales but what I learned is that if you want people to notice your work when they don't know about you, you have to introduce yourself. It's actually better this way I think because it has the potential to create a community rather than just an audience

I am up for the journey. I understand the grind. I am realistic. And i have whatever it takes. And sir you have become a part of my journey. Because i learn SO MUCH from you .

I'm 63, singer songwriter, I made a living in 1970/80s from it, albums, tours etc .... started a family, changed jobs & country, came back to music about 6 years ago, recorded some new songs, formed a band .... bands are a headache re: relationships, so now i'm going solo and finishing a new CD. I write good songs and so I should because I've been doing it for half a century .... here's the thing : the industry has changed the record companies are dead or dying .... you have to do it yourself ... but it's always better when someone else sings your praises ... so gig when ever you get the opportunity, post your stuff on line where it's relevant and for goodness sake enjoy it while you can. Music isn't a competition, it's a craft and the pleasure is in doing it not in fame and fortune ... if that comes fine, if not who cares? really who cares?

Hey Adam , you are unbelievably awesome man. At first I wasn't convinced but now it's like when I watch your videos it like your talking to me face to face. You're helping me improve my life. Chills man

After watching this video, I immediately developed a new brand strategy for my music website. Thank you Adam, you're solid and real with your advice.

I apreciate ur video its very eye opening. Where im at right now in my music creation is trying to gain back my confidence. Not trying to get too personal but I did a number of years incarcerated and the time did a number on me mentally but im coming back slowly but surely. In the mean time im trying to build my home studio and at the same time learn about this new industry way of marketing. Alot of the things u said in response to "Marvo's" comment were very realistic in today's world as far as I can see. I used to think that u had to be deceiving to gain a following but i see that thats obviously not the case. A musician must learn how to create incentives for possible listeners to listen to there music and i guess thats another battle im dealing with. I'm very talented at making hip hop music but i cant just pop up and say "hey here's my new song check it out, im the best" u know lol! So i figured i must come with some sort of content that possible fans may want to consume prior and subsequent to making my music but I haven't figured that out either. Of course it should be content relevant to my presense and my music but im at a stand still. Marvo in my opinion is probably just frustrated like myself when it comes to figuring out what i stated above and its very understandable but not realistic, no pun intended.

To be honest it can take away from your craft but i have discovered some really talented artists who I do appreciate in the process. I decided to start marketing my music thanks to your video.

Hey! This is my first time watching one of your videos, but man, you are truly right. I have heard (read) most of your explanation from big artists, producers, managers and people in management of record labels. Glad I found you. You have a new subscriber. Peace ✌ 🎶

From experience, I too was overly critical about others’ content and reached a point of frustration because what was most popular I thought was junk. It took having the right friends, coworkers, and business partners to help me break out of that to be appreciative and find value in everything. A particular song may not be perfect according to my standards, but it may have a better piano part than I could ever write. Or maybe a band I really dislike creates music I hate but is incredible at marketing and will do anything short of what is morally wrong to create reach with their brand. The more you learn, the humbler you get

I've been watching your videos and I am getting alot knowledge from you. I am trying to start my music career and watching your help me not to do the wrong thing in the music industry.

Yup I'm still here at the late point in the video. For me I'm practising the violin/fiddle with am aim to get into folk music. I have started writing a few basic songs with my limited skill set (for now anyway) and I am getting ideas in my head and dreams for new ones. I am also figuring out a few covers for songs I like as well. That is where I am at. What am I doing to try and make this a career and something I could possibly live off? It has been multi-faceted already; and I've barely started. When I first bought my violin, I would tell my friends, family and colleagues that I had bought a violin. I would tell them about what I hoped to achieve and why I had bought it and from there I noticed there was interest in what I was saying. That interest manifested itself later in people asking me questions about how I was getting on and then more people talking to me about their musical history etc. From that point I started filming progress videos and putting them on my personal Facebook page for friends and family. This was all in the space of a week. From there the interactions would just grow in number and length. The interest from people in my life just grew and I started getting positive reactions. After a while of doing this I then joined my local folk club and started interacting with other local musicians. Talking about what we do, not just me, but we. I have started playing in there too and am getting valuable feedback. Now I am reaching out on KZfaq and other sites to look for tips and tricks (hence why I'm here now) and leaving comments about my experiences. It's helped get some further interest and have had replies from the creators including the online tutor who's lessons I'm following. It's still dipping a toe in the water level stuff to be fair but I'm starting to do it. Aside from that I am telling more people about it in a natural way. For example last time I went down to my local chippie (fish and chop shop) it was late and there was some banter with the staff about pain in the a** late customers at which point I stated "next time I decide to be a pain the a** I'll bring down the fiddle and have a jam to ease the pain." I went to practice on the beach one day and ended up playing a few of the Irish jigs I knew quite well to a few people who noticed. Things like that really. I am now at the point where I am looking at improving my gear in various ways and investing some money that I've saved to further what I am doing. Keeping that slow trickle of interest growing. I am now starting to look into setting up new pages specifically for my fiddle playing so that I can get myself out there a bit more. This is why I'm watching the videos so intently. I want to make sure I do it correctly and the video about what you can put out there other than just your music itself was very inspiring indeed and has really started to get the ideas flowing. Sorry for the long comment but it is a good case study in talking to and interacting with people and getting noticed. Even with a beginners level amount of skill. I also know it's a late comment but this video went up while I was still snapping my strings on a daily basis because I was tuning the violin like an ape.

Passion is the drive. Emotion is the sound. Marketing your product is 75% of the business. Love the advice Adam. Swear all you want cause I'd rather hear the upfront discussion and no it's not pretty, it nasty and in your face. That's what real advice sounds like. If your offended, your in the wrong industry (Entertainment Industry) no soft spots here pal. Seriously, go on... I'd rather hear this message than a generic sales pitch which many try to sell to you (to avoid the process of marketing and promo) sorry, it's about passion and drive and there's no short cuts to the road of success. So many, think about being an overnight celebrity and they forget they're thinking about the iceberg effect (only seeing the surface of the progress) nobody is a true "overnight" success. And if you believe they are....man, we have a long ways to go with your career and it's progress.

This is how important the call to action is. I listened to this video 3x... I didn’t press “like “ until I noticed Adam asked me to lol

Hey Adam, awesome video as always! I love how honest your videos are so THANK YOU! I wish this wasn't true, but I actually did think like that guy' comment and what you said really opened my eyes to what marketing is really all about. I'm a guy in a rock band in a small town in Argentina and I can't wait to apply everything you point out in your videos to share my music with as many people as possible. Keep up the good work, cheers!

Music is my calling bt marketing is key. Appreciating and connecting with others is essential.

Hi I am an upcoming rapper and I agree with having personalised interactions and adding value. You can still be genuine and give people constructivr criticism and support whilst bring true to yourself.

Finished the video. Great stuff. Inspired by not just this video but how effortlessly you create these. Great job.

I'm working on my advertising, and just trying to perfect my craft. Keep grinding everyone.

Hey everyone.. I’m late yet on time just started back writing .. this content is straight forward A+ content for free - thanks bro !

I love how some of these so called artists talk about how much better they are than everybody don't realize the competion is in yourself not with others it's what you can sell yourself! Your not selling other people music your selling your own!

This video is gold. like i have nothin to say because the comments and your reaction was my reaction.

Some great advice in here! The reason for branding, and creating a product that holds value ( for me its music) is to have something to market! If you can't stomach what your offering to people, it needs to changed until it is something you yourself would consume at the end of the day!

For what it's worth my daughter Sophie Pecora and I spend a lot of our time interacting with people that watch her videos. I mean their real people that are enjoying the content and taking time to comment and we try and take time each video upload to show that appreciation and you know it feels really good to do that and is never fake! In fact it builds loyalty as well and makes it so much more real. We make further efforts on other social platforms like instagram with pictures, videos and personal messages and it all supports it. Instagram stories in Sophies case work well and allow easy and doable communication to fans (don't really like that term), and people and Sophie feel connected. Doing all this, taking the time and learning the tech so that more people find you by understanding allgorythm, collabing, heck even the interaction over comments, beginning and end of our music videos or in social all create ways to stay close to the audience even if comments get overwhelming but all that gives more exposure (which has paid off by other artists, creators,, youtubers finding the channel and contributing to growth. From a marketing or call it survival standpoint... Meaning that Sophie can later possibly be an artist and be able to do this for a living - all come down to marketing, building a brand and finding ways to offer that audience something they want, can use or would buy anyway... because reality today as an artist your not making it on your music directly through itunes, Spotify, etc. sales directly anymore. It's got to come from somewhere else... If in our case music is more than just a hobby! Personally I'm passionate about the current generation of artists... i am convinced with proper brand building, taking care of your audience (which will take a lot of your time!... But it can also be quite fulfilling with the right mindset. I always tell Sophie to imagine just 50 of those people in our house watching and enjoying the music! (especially when we all sometimes get wrapped up into numbers at times) Today an artist doesn't need a record label to make a 6-figure income anymore! That's exciting to me!.. and it's because of the internet, social media and that everyone is running around with a smartphone in their hand (for good or bad on that one)... But like any individual that goes to work for himself because he can do a single talk well that thinks a company isn't paying them enough and often with the mindset of "I do all the work" and the big bad corporation makes all the money....... Find out themselves that it takes a sh*t load of time in other things outside of your craft to stay in business.. And that's what I'm teaching my kids, who are both artists and I don't believe in the term starving artists! Oops, never planned on this rant.. Sorry.. My fingers hurt now, lol😁

The beauty of art and marketing is that you can inject the same love for the music into your marketing. You can be just as creative with the marketing as with the music. Does it look cool? Interesting? Is it something you would own or research? I love horror and Gothic imagery, I inject that into my brand and marketing cause it is something I believe in. The silver bullet is love it so much that you HAVE to tell others about it.

I totally agree with you people are emotional they buy with emotions and justify with logic. If your approach to music is to try to convince people your music is the best you'll never be able to make it a career but if you make people feel something they're not going to even care how "good" your music.

I’ve been at it for about 2 years now, I took a half year break and it’s been a big regret for me, Adam your vids give me motivation!

I watched pay attention take notes I'm patient 26 years old currently pushing my best friend who is the rapper slash artist I'm playing a manager's role until I can get my own music created but these videos are extremely helpful and I want to show my appreciation for the dedication you have on making others lives easier when it comes to the process of entertainment and marketing.

Another clear, impactful video here. Some points sting so, I roll up my sleeves 'cause you're right. My wife is right 100% of the time and it hurts, but we grow and we know where we're growing-to and that is my - why. This year I'm planning to do my KZfaq channel right, opposed to how I was doing it in years past, which was far from it. That's why I'm watching closely. Great videos! Thanks again.

Hey Adam. Thanks for this video.. this is actually my first video that i have stumbled upon. I have been in the music business for a while, I can't say that i have made that big a name but i have made strides. I have fallen a couple of times because of my mistakes, which at the time i didn't think so, but yes... my own mistakes and I have learnt from them. For sure that is the right response because most of the times we don't think its as important not to be out there in order to be out there....i don't know if i have made any sense there. But this is the right response. Nice channel by the way. Looking forward to listen to more of your advices.

re: "fucking quit" THANK YOU! I'm dealing with the mentality you directed that statement towards from a peer in my music scene and it's driving me insane. Great channel, man.