The 15 Hard Truths For Musicians Releasing Music

[@axonathan]

We were signed to a label for 2 albums in the mid 2000’s, we ended up signing over the rights to our records for 20 years to secure major international festival spots and supporting major metal tours throughout Europe and South America. The albums have never received a second print and we still don’t receive any streaming monies. But the experience was well worth it…now I make lofi beats lol

[@7koalabear7]

That’s a positive way of looking at I believe if you’re able to pivot after and enjoy your time during then the time spent doing it was amazing. I want to start making music but haven’t made anything to show anybody. I’m learning how to produce so I can make it myself but also so I have other skills than songwriting.

[@Asmrpresenter]

How is the LoFi beats thing doing?

[@Benificial530]

I just subscribed

[@IamSOawesome222]

thanks for sharing

[@guythegoth139]

My biggest trigger is always this social media stuff. I don't enjoy watching 15 second videos, hell I don't really enjoy social media in general. And I didn't start learning to make music so I could be a "content creator". I started learning to make music because, funilly enough, I enjoy making music. If you have a real-world job, you probably only have time for the music making anyway, so who wants to sacrifice that quality time to focus on burning yourself out making garbage 15 second videos? Is Damian right? Of course. As long as you have a team and don't have to balance real-world jobs. But musician and content creator are two very different things that both require time and focus.

[@VisionsMusicGroup]

This fits me perfectly. Damian IS right, if you're a teenager or a young, beautiful 20-something still figuring out what path to take. What about us at the end of our lives? I've waited 40 years for "technology" to allow me to be heard and now that it's here I am being told I have to spend all my time creating online content for consumers with an attention span of 1 second. Time is running out for me. My only choice is to hit record, sing the song, put it somewhere and accept that as the victory. At least I will have done that, though it's likely no one will hear it.

[@DaskaiserreichNet78]

I feel the same way. I don't care for social media and I have no intention of investing that much energy in to it.

[@brdrnda3805]

During the file sharing / Napster time people were saying we want your music for free, you can make money with merchandise. You want me to sell mugs and t-shirts? I am not a potter and not a tailor. I'm glad I went into IT where you get paid for your work.

[@Tude75]

I hear you with this one man. I'm a blue collar dude with a more than full time job. So when I spend time thinking of all these stuff, while trying to do it, it gets so overwhelming to me. I want to write and record music. But I do understand that if I want to go to the next level, I need to promote and market myself. This game aint easy as we already know, right? Find me if you like. MARKO TUDICH - MAKE IT HAPPEN everywhere and youtube

[@Ruinwyn]

That part about music industry "being easy" ignores that it isn't music industry any more. It's content industry. Yes, you might have all the tools, but you have none of the professional crew. Solid houses are built by professionals, most of whom have multi year education behind them. The plumber, the electrician, the architect, even the basic construction worker has years of experience. Dismissing this as "you have the tools, you just don't know to use them" is frankly insulting. And the golden CD years lasted all the way to late 90's, up until Napster. The decline after early years was because the digital remasters from label catalogue were released for the first years. New music continued to sell high numbers, there were just fewer re-releases.

[@martinlopez4719]

I just got signed to a label and I truely appreciate your content. Not only do I have a team behind me, but putting in the work myself too like you show us only makes us stronger 🔥🔥🔥 thank you Damian

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks so much Martin that means a lot, appreciate you 😊😊

[@Idontknowhoiamanymore]

Hey dude I checked out your KZbin videos and you’re really good. I can see why you got signed 🎉

[@officialWWM]

Sorry to hear that.

[@xydanmusic]

I admire you

[@danabenedictoffical]

Tiktok is just so confusing for me. I used distrokid for distribution and made sure it was distributed to TikTok, yet when I’m on TikTok yet I can’t post my own music or find it on TikTok I don’t understand

[@dannorris6064]

I agree with you on pretty much all levels and I wanted to add some positives to the part about doing a "cover" song. When I was performing with my folk band, I found many times the main thing at a bar gig that would turn everyone from just being at the bar to being alive at the bar leading into stomping their feet, clapping their hands and dancing as well as pulling a random person to our extra mic to join along in singing a song.....WEll, it was in our interest to get them warmed up for us with some cover songs they knew and we always put a twist on them...always have some covers that you make your own because it grabs people and gives them a push into having a great time which then opens the door much wider for the public to grasp the original music much better...We played our own original Celtic/Nordic/Mountain/Rowdy Folk music and thank God we payed attention to mentors and also the audiences. Our music I admit wasn't the most familar style to most when it came to local bar scenes so covers can be so amazing in your introduction and throughout a 3 - 4 hour gig. Pay attentioin as mucjh as you can and I feel looking professional looks much better when you interact and also find time to breath and have a little humor, it goes a long way just like giving some free merch and maybe drinks at bar as a thank you to those awesome people that are also making your show happen. If you can get folks to dance and participate as well be alive which triggers more to follow the fun stuff that makes a night out something to talk about, well this is what its all about when it comes to performing. Sometimes just asking a few people what they like and making small talk can also be good, just dont be desperate. Be real and authentic, artists that appreciate people can do so much more I believe. I even started a thing where Id have some fans I knew bring hand-drums and Id bring some extra hand-drums so somewhere in the night we'd have this entire place drumming and oh did it get real! Thanks for the great video man!!! I will be checking more your stuff from now on!!

[@Tude75]

Cool info. Thank you

[@c-flat]

Got to be careful with covers. I just did a cover of "house of the rising sun", which is public domain as no one knows who wrote it but my cover still getting copyright claimed. So put a covers on your socials for content, but dont invest money in it.

[@BigCedFlomob]

Powerful!! Thank you for all you do for independent artists. Please pay close attention

[@Lothentic]

The comments about doing singles, not albums hit me. Hadn’t looked at it that way before - the period of quiet, for a lot of hard work. Going to make sure I build a following with singles. Thank you

[@ColtonBeasleyMusic]

DAMO! Dude, thank you for triggering me with the truth today: I'm not a perfectionist. I just never want to be dissatisfied with my performances/recordings. Now to hop on the horse and release all these tunes I've worked endless hours on! They're "perfect" enough. Time to get 'em out there. Always appreciate your insights & cheeky humor! ☺🤘

[@montysweetmusic3458]

As an older artist (pre internet) I really appreciate this video!

[@DamianKeyes]

Thank you so much I do really appreciate that 😊😊

[@noelhughes7635]

Damien, you are the first person to make sense of music marketing for me. Thank you for the video. Live long and prosper.

[@1351Yellow]

Man I love everything you said,definitely motivation for me 🙏🏿👏🏾👍🏾

[@celladoor_uk]

I am honestly not triggered by any of this. I did albums because I simply write too many songs and mission number one is to record them all. I do agree with everything you have said here. I am not even sure how to judge my online audience. I am getting weird signs that it could be fairly large but then I only have 330 ish monthly listeners on Spotify. It is growing on it's own. I am just trying to figure out how to speed that process up. You have given me some invaluable ideas, so I really appreciate the effort you put in to making these videos. Thank you.

[@Tude75]

Ufffff!! I so many songs too. I want them all recorded as well. It's torture to split my time between recording and working on these career building strategies. MARKO TUDICH - MAKE IT HAPPEN. The album is everywhere and on youtube too

[@ElyWaves.]

@@Tude75just do it man, lock in, record a bunch, then schedule them for release and make content. Then repeat. Too many songs is a GREAT problem to have

[@Zeagods-CyberShadow]

Honestly Im really glad for you making this video, Thank you for letting me know about all of this. Its made me more confident

[@noahortega9908]

The hard truth trigger for me was the entire section on "the perfectionist." Not releasing content because the mind is overthinking. Great video.

[@bnigngaming]

The no albums part triggered me. I do both, release singles every few months and 1 album a year. I find that an album captures a point in time and there is an overarching connection between all of the albums I've made in particular. I 100% agree with the logic tho. It's undeniable.

[@thetrashpanda9085]

I think you have the right balance of singles and album releases. I love hearing new singles from artist and can't wait for the full album to drop so I can pick it up.

[@AnimusOpus]

Where can I find your music?

[@guysurtees]

I’m about to release my first album, in three months, after only five singles, and only two of them will be on the album. Then I plan, like you, to release an album every year, because even if I have a thousand fans who want to hear my music, then that’s fine, I’m not trying to be a millionaire.

[@PrestonHazard]

Then maybe popularity/“success”) isn’t what you’re after. Perhaps you’re just happy making music and the creative process behind it. I think that’s where I am. Gotta stop letting the “but what if I just had a gold single” logic go. Not really about that tbh

[@Chronade]

My most viewed TikTok has 1222 views, and I just realized: other than the fact that I was wearing a suit, the first second of the video is of me SMILING! I'll do that for my next TikTok! Damian you're a genius! So I will invest in taking care of the people who are actually smitten by what I have to offer. None of what you said triggered me, I'll let you know how my next TikTok goes, the smile will be my signature move🧡

[@TheTickingClocks]

Just when you think you've learned everything there is to know after watching Damian's videos, he comes out with another and you realize the goal posts are always being moved and the rules of the game are constantly changing. Frustrating but good to know. Thank you, Damian!

[@smokehashxuriahjahvid]

One aspect is getting your music to the right ears, people will completly dislike your music or they will like it you have to reach the audience

[@littlecarol2018]

My trigger was the part about not saying NO to TikTok. Thank you so much for this awesome video. Appreciated.

[@DamianKeyes]

I really appreciate this, thanks so much, keep smashing it! 🙂🙂

[@synaesmedia]

The "no albums" one is hardest for me. A lot of the music I write just makes more sense in an album of tracks that contrast with and complement each other. I don't think it necessarily works when taken out of that context and people hear it "cold" in a busy playlist of other tunes trying to grab attention. I know the playlist context is where you have to prove yourself, but that's a challenge for the kind of music I make. A lot of my tracks just don't fit in well with other people's. 😀

[@shinkongo]

Same here. Times infinity. 😂

[@thesuncollective1475]

Do the album..I do

[@TheEndless560]

Trust me no-one cares that much about your music. Not a single person is thinking about it like that and also they never have. A song is a song is a song. If your songs don't make sense without the other songs, then your songs are shit.

[@sinnersrisemusic]

Here's what I would try so that you can get the best of both worlds: Record an entire album, and then release each song as a single each month, or every 2 weeks, depending on how cohesive you want to keep things. Then when they're all out, release everything as an album together. Along the way, you can do lyric videos for each song so that you have things to upload, you can do cool microcontent for each as well. Treat each song with single-like promotion. Try it! It keeps you busy for the entire promo period for each song, and keeps you on track.

[@BrunoBizarro]

That's especially true with instrumental concept albums and some soundtracks. Some tracks make sense listening to the whole or at least some of the tracks on it.

[@smaqdiggle7288]

I really appreciate everything you said in the video. It reinforced some of what I have known about the ever changing landscape of the music industry. I am going to release a full length solo album this summer. I made the decision to do that as a choice to offer up to folks who may want a full shot of what I do. But I am also working on singles and I have no plans to release another full album for a while. I've been playing music for decades and I'm trying this whole do it yourself approach to music for the first time. But I just wanted to say that I appreciate your candor. You are offering a very real no bullshit approach to monetizing original music. Well done.

[@nasanoir310]

The no albums part was absolutely, 100% wrong. Other than that, spot on. Great videos.

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks, I can’t always be right 😊😊

[@hazzewazeen]

Spot on, Damian!🤘Thanks for another great rant. Much needed these days!

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks so much, I try not to rant too much but sometimes they just come out lol. Appreciate you! 🙂🙂

[@dtkbop]

Damian, I liked every one of the comments regardless of the pain accompanied by the the truth. The truth is the truth. I got a little burnt out. Been plowing away at this thing since 2009. Time to jump on a new path in musical journey. Thanks so much for the valuable tips...

[@blinkfarm]

Great rundown. I feel like people who complain about making content probably never experienced or have forgotten the old way of promoting new music: driving around the country in a cramped, equipment-loaded van with other smelly musicians, and barely breaking even or losing money on the trip. Compared to that, content making is easy.

[@iamcarneiro]

But people who liked your music would spend 10-20 bucks at each of those shows 🤷‍♀️

[@MicSolace]

Spent a few years working on my first album to learn the production process, I didn't spend enough time on content and ads, so pretty much no growth 😂 Im excited to get burned today though if it means I know how to handle tomorrow, I appreciate you, this makes the hard journey feel more clear going forward!

[@STORMGATES]

Thanks for going into what it means to be a perfectionist. I have diagnosed chronic OCD and it's hindered my growth as an artist for like 6 years. Only now, since I've found your content, have I started to understand how important it is to be consistent and market myself. Keep doing what you do. I plan to watch all 1000 or so of your videos 😂

[@therealdextris]

It’s very demotivating to not see results on my music, but that’s the thing, I don’t post enough on social media I need to build a presence, your right I’m overthinking, it doesn’t have to be perfect, man you opened my mind up, appreciate you

[@DamianKeyes]

Appreciate you to, thanks dude 😊

[@ChelseaMonet]

I’m hella overthinking fr . Just need to go back to the hustle I had when IG was just gettin started and I didn’t care and posted everyday !! Hahab

[@therealdextris]

@@ChelseaMonet stg bro, we got this

[@elzoog]

Why don't you put one of your songs on KZbin? I looked at your KZbin channel and all I see is one video of you talking about becoming better.

[@antisue]

Thank you!! I have become a cover artist, never wanted to be…but I’m approaching 1M followers on Tiktok because of it!! And now they are starting to listen to my originals. It works!! ❤❤

[@INFJenius]

Great stuff and all TRUTH! Most of us simply need to make a plan and stick with it for long enough to see the results as i continue to learn myself.

[@Steven_Grey]

Life changing, inspirational words Damian. I felt every single sentence to my core and it really lit a fire in my heart. Thank you for the energy you bring to this platform and us aspiring artists.

[@davidscanlan]

Releasing music this week and as someone who hates promoting myself, there are some great nuggets in here I'm taking away: 1. Get better at what I do 2. Tell compelling stories about my music 3. Focus on Fans, not followers

[@elzoog]

It's good that you have videos on your KZbin channel because after reading this comment, I wanted to go to your channel to see if you had anything there. Listening to "Swept Away" now. I like the fact that your song isn't too formulaic and not the same thing over and over again. It's definitely quality stuff!

[@meloysmusicstudio]

Great ideas - thanks! I particularly like your last suggestion - If you cover a very popular song, some people will accidentally find your version when searching for the real one. Maybe they'll like it and maybe not, but it's a good trick to get some new eyes on your content.

[@ajanigriffin2287]

My name is Toussaint! And man you’ve been a lot of help I take notes to 90% of your videos I know that your methods and game will help my career and my brand thank you Mann frr❤💯

[@meerasharma4saibhajansandmore]

Thanks for this video! It is really a very timely watch for me. Overthinking has been/is the greatest impediment to progress. I realize that now. It has definitely held me back. And also the fear of making mistakes or looking stupid… another hard truth is that no one really cares. As long as we are sincere in what we put out and not let overthinking stop us from creating or putting content out growth with happen. If we let fear and perfectionism ( so called) stand in our way then we are sabotaging ourselves.

[@DamianKeyes]

Love this, I agree overthinking is possibly the biggest obstacle for all artists. Keep smashing it and enjoying the journey 😊😊

[@mystikrebel1089]

Absolutely true Meera , Damien always comes out with the best videos at perfecting timing but then thats how Sai also works

[@RegionalOneBand]

@@DamianKeyes - Got a query for you - regarding 14:27 onwards - we have been pushing singles with music videos (quite visually based) and then EP collections to follow. We are thinking about looking to fund an album (alt rock/heavy rock), more because we think it will be the best genuine reflection of our art and we want to create a piece that almost fits concept throughout the track listing. We have been building a bit of a story and universe over the first 2 EPs worth of singles and MVs, and hoping to conclude with an album which would have a fair few music videos prior to album drop, and would tie up this first of our concepts... Do you think this is still a viable way to create within the industry? We try to incorporate our music videos as a key piece of visual identity, and we want to advance on our conceptual lore from the band's mind, similar in a way to how Stone Sour released their House of Gold & Bones concept albums, or how Muse/Bring Me The Horizon now so neatly tie their concepts together during a live performance with visual representation?

[@andrus108]

I'm trying to start a band, and I must say, I wish more people heard the last one. Most of the time when I start talking to a potential band member, they ask for original stuff, and when I say at this moment I only know how to play some covers (I play guitar and been taking singing lessons for some years now), they tune out. But to be honest, ever since I started doing covers properly, i.e. learning all the parts of the song, I have learned A TON about the song structure, build up, even technique etc. And now when an amateur musician says 'I play grunge/pop/metal/whatever, but only originals', I hear really 'I can noodle on guitars for hours, I can't play one song from start to finish'; and of course, they ASK for original stuff, but provide none of their own.

[@ProbablyTooLoud]

There a vast difference between musicians who play covers and musicians who are skilled enough to perform original music. Those who can write and arrange for a band are even fewer. Music is a harsh mistress and by the time a musician, drummer or vocalist is skilled enough to perform original music, they often have little to no interest in playing covers. Proof is in the taste of the pudding. Talent helps. This is meant to encourage, not discourage. Get going and record your material !

[@redherronrecords]

No one knows how to write in the beginning so we all start with covers. Good luck, keep going and enjoy yourself homie 😀🤟❤

[@CheapSushi]

I love how blunt and straight forward you are Damian! It's refreshing!

[@DamianKeyes]

Ahh too kind!

[@damianed]

I'm on Tik Tok now because of one of your video. I'll never regret it even if I don't have a huge audience right now, it still helps me witj my YT growth. For now I only have covers cause my songs are not ready for release (No I'm not a perfectionnist), but as soon as one is ready I will follow your advices for the release too. Thanks !

[@GUITARSGIZMOS]

I have to say, there's not many talking heads I'm subscribing to, but you really appeal to me with your concise, clear messages. Great stuff, thanks for making great content! Cheers, Thor 😊

[@k_dnstar9692]

Love all your advices. They are so up to date and make so much sense. I ve been trying to do litterally everything by myself, which became so overwhelming and made me start to doubt and question myself. but all those pieces of advice helped me put those little pieces of the puzzles together in order to get a better bigger picture of the direction to take. thank you so much!

[@akustickesrdce4690]

Thanks Demian for the tips. I really love doing music & business stuff is my weaknes. So it was good to hear some new tips. Tik-tok resonated with me as well as to continue making covers, all the best, Peter👌

[@ihormelikhov]

Actually, nothing really triggered me, it's a great video, thanks for the content you are doing for us artists ✨ Personally, I love album format (and I rarely listen to the separate songs on my own), but I try to treat them as a collection of singles. Pick a "primary" song, promote it during release period, then pick another song and promote it, then pick another one, and so on. Probably singles would be a bit better since they are new every time, but what I am trying to do here is to combine the format I love with the philosophy of managing the song instead of letting it be forgotten.

[@sinnersrisemusic]

Hey, agreed! What you could do to get the best of both worlds is to record an entire album, then just release each song as a single, maybe a couple weeks apart. At the end of that, you can release it all again as an album. This not only keeps you relevant for like a 6 month period, but the algorithms really like that consistency. You can do lyric videos and visualizers along the way, which gives you content for YT.

[@ihormelikhov]

​@@sinnersrisemusic I've seen huge criticism of the artists who release albums without new material at all. Kinda killing the format itself. I'd say it's OK to release half of the songs beforehead and another half just promote after the albums release. And yes, consistency is key

[@GoldenPlates]

thats why i love damo, he reels you in with the clickbait and hits you with the knowledge

[@thodpap1]

I started busking recently and really wanted to focus on my own songs[still do]. I do around an hour of originals but truth is 1-2 covers got me some coins! And it is nice playing others songs in my style. Thanks for the info as always :)

[@meloysmusicstudio]

Yeah! People always want to hear something they know - it'll keep them interested enough to keep listening to the originals

[@thodpap1]

@@meloysmusicstudio thanks for the insight dear 😁

[@allantheofficiel]

Thank you for this video ! I didn't realise how great this era was for musicians ! "Streaming is the best thing that ever happened to the music industry ! " Hell yes, it is so true !

[@JoeKennyMusic]

Great video and of course I agree with what you’re saying essentially. I’m a blind song writer and just find the race to keep up with changing social media trends quite exhausting. Maybe I’m lazy but I find social media drains me lately and takes me away from being creative. I love live streaming and all that but suppose it’s the video and visuals side of things.

[@Tude75]

Dude!! I totally feel the same. Overwhelmed and drained with all the strategizing and no song writing. But I feel like the hard truth is we have to adapt if we want to take our material to the next level.

[@SkullySOTW]

As always - Truthful, Re-confirming and inspiring.

[@ctucker]

Thanks Damian. Excellent video. As you wanted to know which part triggered me the most it was probably the bit about overthinking stuff and not realising that a few 10s videos can be done in no time. The rest of it was super inspiring too. 👌

[@jeffreymarshall2875]

This video was superb. Very well presented, clear, concise, and on-point. Thank you.

[@bobinscotland]

Love the enthusiasm you have for the business as well as for the music. Now THAT's being in the MUSIC BUSINESS.

[@DamianKeyes]

Thank you, I would love every artist to keep as much control as possible even if they are working with the industry 😊

[@bobinscotland]

@@DamianKeyes The only danger is that most people don't know what they want, and even if they want control, it doesn't mean they understand what it takes to achieve it... I think BREXIT and the desire to control our borders explains that point best. I think it would be the same with wanting control over all aspects of the music... once they get that control, they are now driving a Formula One car and it WILL go out of control very quickly when they realise they don't actually know what they are doing. I know this as I would be one those people... lol

[@ricoandersonmusic]

Very valid points, I learned a lot... Most important was in reference to the 15 sec video NOT having to be a Quentin Tarantino production. This was triggering as I have always strived for cinematic content, and I'm always being told I'm worried about the wrong things and just jsut get content out!

[@UgatonTV]

Thank you so much for this.

[@markthomas7263]

They say "the truth hurts" and this was a much needed, good old fashioned beatdown that I and many others surely needed to hear and hear again. Thank you brother. This info and encouragement was and is a proper motivation Rx.

[@jaimestone]

Wow! I must admit I had not watched you for a while as I was growing tired of you asking (me) to do more socials. But this video is a key milestone for me, because you tell all what needs to be told (including for socials!). What I like best is your first comment on streaming (although the one on socials will probably be the one helping me most). I agree that streaming is a great opportunity to have music exposed to the world, one that had never existed before. However, I want to point out that when I was 20 and I was going to music stores, there were many vinyls around but still, the room was limited and the number of available vinyls was also limited. This expanded with CDs as shops were then displaying more CDs than previously with the vinyls. Now, with streaming, everyone in the world has access to an unlimited number of songs and albums. Trouble is that they go mostly, when not only, to what they know already. It is more or less difficult in these conditions to emerge than it was in the 70's or the 80's? I am not sure. And then we come back to your comment on advertising... Thanks again for the great video and the very relevant pieces of advice.

[@simongreyson3477]

I can't wait for the comments on this one! Thanks Damo!

[@DamianKeyes]

Lol I’m wearing a hard hat and waiting for the fall out!

[@bluch251]

Spot on...done it.. been there, but the truth hurts. Going live is very unsettling for me as I play live at home, but I think who cares. The other is being fun selling it. The truth hurts. Thank you so much for this insight.

[@ElyWaves.]

The advertising part is very true. Not only have I blown myself up to a full time artist level purely off of ads, but I’ve also created an agency and have helped over 200 artists grow with ads. Ads work yall. Want 1m views on ig? We can do that. Want to reach 1m people in your genre? We can do that. You just have to have great music and content if you want it to work well.

[@wildflute]

I wanted to release my classical album by singles but the distributor (Naxos) for my label wouldn’t allow it. Some genres are just way behind the current promotion strategies. It was very frustrating because I had nothing to promote for playlists! So then I pivoted to produce cool art videos for the tracks and live performance captures, just to have something to talk about! jazz and classical are stuck in the 1990s.

[@smokehashxuriahjahvid]

This is the part where being in control comes into play, as a independent record label there is no outside funding though

[@wildflute]

@@smokehashxuriahjahvid Here's the annoying thing... I am still an independent and responsible for paying for everything, I am just using the label for classical street cred in Canada and for distribution. At least I own my masters but with very little in the way of streaming or sales income, the point is moot. I will do my own distribution next time... Naxos is not a help.

[@smokehashxuriahjahvid]

@@wildflute the advertising to get out there is so expensive to have a good enough add budget to gain any audience but there are easy to use and cheap distribution options like distro kid

[@wildflute]

@@smokehashxuriahjahvid yup. That’s what I’m using next time.

[@ruzymusic]

"You're doing it for your own ego" Damn that was eye-opening! There was nothing that I already didn't know in this video but I was ignoring all this time in the back of my mind. Especially what you said about albums and socials, Thanks man! Going to finish a another single and make some tiktoks rn🍻

[@TheMusicalNotesOfficial]

While I am creating primarily orchestral and wind band pieces, I think this video still applies well to most musicians and composers across all music genres! While some things may have been interesting to hear, every single statement is extremely true! I am getting better at doing better at both music and at all content I create, and I am proud that everyone who is as well! While I have seen improvements, I am hoping to continue to see even more. Hoping you all have a wonderful, musical day!

[@PaapaVersa]

All facts, no cap. Keep preaching the hard truth, Damo!

[@SamStonerMusic]

So very pertinent ! And the “perfectionist” part hit me where it should ! Thank you again for a great video Mister Keyes!

[@JosephineDeSmet]

I don't know if I overthink social media... I find it a huge hurdle to have to ask someone to shoot content with me... I asked my partner once and he seemed a bit annoyed by it. I'm also not disciplined or something, because for a little while I posted on instagram, youtube shorts and tiktok like you said but now it's just instagram again and I forgot the others

[@boohaimusic]

Totally agree about the 'true fans'... I would take 100 true fans over 10k or even 50k likes any day. Spot who they are and love them right back, it's great advice.

[@stevemorano9317]

Thanks for the Video Damian ❤ The Music Industry isn’t better it’s just different! There are many pros & cons. I really do think this comes down to what kind of artist of music genre you are. Rock/Indie & Metal acts are not as popular as they were back in the day when I collected Hovis bread 🥖 on my bicycle at 6am in the morning! After my paper round! Data from Rick Beato’s KZbin Channel clearly show this in 2023 where Pop, Indie Rap dance type artists are pretty much killing it. The thought of going to a live gig where there’s no band & just a backing track makes me want to start word war 3, if that hasn’t already started. I’ve only ever lost money on streaming services as probably 99.9% of people reading my post who have released music have. But luckily I play the long game and make money on my live shows where I have managed to support myself financially. Unfortunately if you’re in a band you are pretty much screwed live at grass roots levels because the fees for gigs haven’t really gone up much since the 1980’s That’s why I mainly perform solo or duo with 2 to 3 full band gigs a year. Not loving the dream. But still appreciate ld as an original artist who play a few covers. PRS is by far the best thing I ever did & Much better than streaming. I make an additional £500 a year from this. Thanks for listening. Life is still great doing what I love Steve ❤

[@DamianKeyes]

Love it Steve! And I have to admit I still love some good Hovis bread! “Look at that saddle, it be like sitting on razorbaldes” 😂

[@stevemorano9317]

@@DamianKeyes 😂 That’s funny! I remember that one too 👍

[@stevemorano9317]

…and to be brutally honest Damo, most new music I hear the unlucky in debt no opportunities younger folk in the UK stream is Angry perfect sounding repetitive ⚾️ 🏉 …But this is just my opinion. The Henley College Music students I teach do pick up instruments & do have some stylish cool vibes. As you said before music & fashion do go hand in hand.

[@ScarsandShadows]

Thank you so much for this video. I feel so much better about what I do now. It is a hard road sometimes and you explaining it the way you did made me see things in a different light, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU...

[@officialWWM]

The music industry is over crowded and extremely competitive now. I’m too old to learn how to work this new system now. I guess I’ll never be a successful musician…

[@dustinseth1]

Especially loved the 1st point. Streaming is an absolute wonder. Idk if I was triggered by “no albums,” but I do like to release songs together if there’s an artistic through line. There’s probably a “both/and” solution to this though.

[@TheWorldsNo1Superstar]

Damian ❤❤❤ The shirt, very you. As for the things you said in this video. Thank you for putting it all in perspective. Speaking the truth and making it easy to fall in love daily with a fantastic industry. It is work, it's hard to deal with it all, but its worth everything it takes to live life as an artist! All the best, and stay AWESOME!

[@DamianKeyes]

That means a lot, thank you so much 🙂🙂

[@AustinWestbro]

That shirt is actually fire, but needs to be ironed

[@DamianKeyes]

Very true, Music industry i can do, i'm defo terrible at chores! 😂

[@tudortigla6456]

Well I am at the start of the start, I’m 20 so I just want to learn as much as I can, there for I didn’t find anything triggering be cause it make so much sense, thank you for this video!

[@benruppel9651]

Tbh these really aren’t hard truths, but the one that resonates with me is the “Social media is a reflection of you.” I am not successful in music, or social media, and I feel like this can be the only reason. Trying TikTok might help to an extent though. It’s nice hearing from you Damian, interesting video

[@xraycreative741]

Nicely done. Fluid meaningful concepts that truly deserve a good think over!

[@kaewestofficial]

We are hoping, coping, trying, selling and hopefully people will be buying our music. This can't be done without putting every effort into creating and promoting and giving it all together with a small team if you are lucky and family and friends to give you space to do so and support you, and a loyal, (small) amount of fans who believe in us. It is not possible to make a living out of our songs, not even for a week, but we keep on going, because we love making music and just started to getting the business side of it all on track. So there's hope. 😊 Our lead single will be out on June 23rd. Alert The Media. Thank you Damian Keys for your vids. They inspire every time.

[@elzoog]

Simple thing you could do. Mention one of the songs you have in your comments. For example, I'm listening to your cover of "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out". Definitely an interesting cover! If someone sees this comment, I recommend you check them out.

[@kaewestofficial]

@@elzoog Hi, I am so happy you like the cover of The Smiths! And thank you for recommanding the song. Ju☺st 3 days ago we released a debut single with my my band, Kae West. I hope you like that one as well : -) and would like to give it a shout out. 😊The video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5_OY3iDZqyqmac

[@elzoog]

@@kaewestofficial Always happy to support independent musicians. I know it's tough for you guys.

[@mrfleamino9350]

everything you mention is all true and all artist have to follow that now in 2023

[@stevemillar4248]

Brilliant, start to finish, and very generous of you.

[@soundscapes4619]

I don't consider myself a musician or artist, I'm just experimenting with electric guitars and effects. Its fun, however this is good information. Thanks for posting.

[@HarshhDiwakarr]

Wao you are such a good mentor for us aspiring artists. I'm so grateful that ppl like you are here to help us. Keep it up 💚

[@vincentwright9143]

I’ve been trying to help an extremely skilled, gifted and talented singer-songwriter jazz vocalist to thrive. I’ve sent this video to her with the hope that she’ll engage and follow through with everything that you’ve laid out. I know that it’s clearly “a lot of work”. However, anything that we each choose to be our profession does require us to get our hands dirty and work at it. Hard. Yet another “inconvenient truth”. Thank you for posting, yet, another brilliant examination of the facts about being a recording music artist in the 21st Century. Cheers!

[@elzoog]

Question for you. If you are a talented singer (of any sort) would it help to play in gigs? For example, play at a coffee shop that will allow artists to play their stuff for free, or play in some church gigs?

[@normapadro420]

I use social media platforms. They are very useful. I use it for research, and educational purposes.

[@JayKughan]

Great video! Thanks heaps for this 🙏 ..the old dinosaur in me truly needed to hear this. 🍻

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks so much Jay, that really means a lot 🙂

[@lexxycoppola4501]

I love each and every word of this vid. Thank you.

[@normancrew2739]

Watching this video was a a very good use of my time. Thank you for posting.

[@BrandochGarage]

I missed you! First time you showed in my feed in ages.

[@benjaminbarrington7721]

Great advice. I agree with everything you've said. Never have there been more tools with less gatekeepers.

[@DamianKeyes]

Yes! Love this, thanks Benjamin!

[@ChelseaMonet]

Straight up

[@wo-and-lo-yinz]

I still think some channels have been shadow banned for words they use in their song titles.

[@NADDHOBB]

top music adviser!❤ much love

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks so much, appreciate you

[@doranfixeseverything]

Hey Damian! Amazing video, loving all the free advice you really helped me motivate myself to promote my work. And it has worked, just a bit for now but still: THANK YOU! 🙏 Now I've got a bit of the nitpick for the shadowban thing. You are right that nearly no one is actually shadow banned, but a lot of people are definitely nerfed. I've seen it happen to me and others. Friends and I noticed how sometimes IG will NOT show your content in a hashtag for no reason. Like, even if the content is definitely relevant to that hashtag, even if you put only a few tags to not be spammy, even if you post often... It just does NOT get shown at all, so only followers see it. Some of my KZbin Shorts had ZERO views. Now tell me that's not some sort of nerf going on! Even if it was utter crap at least one person would see it. On top of that I think the quality of content is sometimes not at all related to how well it does. Some of my early lazy stuff did really well, like litterally just filiming my PC screen with bad lighting, playing the crappiest demo with terrible phone recorded audio etc... Since then I stepped it up and did similar content but properly recorded. My friends love it, BUT the non-follower reach has been completely abismal. Why? It's a bit of a mystery. Though the quality and consistency definitely matters, I think the truth is that these algorithms are just a bit random sometimes. So yeah, 99% of people seeing my reels not knowing me at all? I wish!

[@2daypresents]

You had me worried but I actually agree with everything you said. On this video that I realize that I fw with you! Thank you Damo! I don't who calls you that but I'll rock wit it 😂

[@axelovingguy]

So on point one - People only listen to a new artist if they are on a playlist. After 4 weeks most songs are removed from the playlist rotation. Whilst you may have only sold for one week for every album sold in a store a good proportion actually made its way to the artist. So having it available longer doesn’t actually generate more money for artists. Point 2 - social media and platforms rise and fall. MySpace was in TikTok’s position 15 years ago. But I agree social media is here to stay. Point 3 - Music is easier. Bullshit. As well as learning an instrument. Finding like minded musicans. Writing good music. Having a good aesthetic. Standing out in a very competitive and larger field. You must now also - be a ‘content creator’, be a marketing expert, be a social media expert, be a shameless self promoter, be an audio engineer, be a business expert, sell anything and everything except music (t-shirts etc) continue to work hard at all of the above all of the time or fall behind. Point 4 yes advertising works, however as a musician you can now spend far more on advertising than the revenue generated from music sales. This must be a loss leader excercise and involve far more outlay at the outset of a career. Point 5 Less venues to perform in. Higher cost of living with less concert goers. I find this video disingenuous and patronising. Musicians all suffer from self doubt as a result of predominant personality types. Social media is therefore NOT easy. Give a musician 1000 compliments and one negative review, I guarantee they remember the one negative. It is not easy, it is hard, there is less monetary reward, there are more elements to focus on, and all of it takes and time dedication. Point

[@jimmycrabtree-tb6jc]

Awesome information and advice!

[@MaPa60]

This was a really good one, sums up a lot. Thanks for not being angry about it! Love the shirt!!

[@DamianKeyes]

Thank you! Haha shirt is from All Saints, a bit brighter than the usual but I’m liking it!

[@ditatruth]

That’s crazy I been rappin and writing since I was 9 and in the streets until I was …. Well now I’m still in the streets but I’m a recovery advocate and still rapping but now I’m all about positive things and I was trying to learn the game so I enrolled into two different colleges Ohio media school and then Los Angeles film school for music production music business and artist management , so now I know what I can do to make a lot of money all I need is capital , and guess what imma get it with or without a label , I own my own llc and clothing company but I need to scale …. And doing that alone Is hard I need a team that can trust me for about a year to train everyone while we make money … I just have to hire people for shows security and for and start booking big artists to all the venues I know and pack them out as a co headliner to build other artists fan bases as well as my own .

[@susilkumar1025]

Pure gold

[@unfailingband]

Great stuff. Not as triggering as I thought it would be lol, some pretty straight forward knowledge there The one point I do have a different take on is the concept of albums versus singles. I understand wanting to let a “new” artist know that an album is a good way to waste a lot of money when you aren’t particularly known, but influencing people to make better choices and recognizing the importance of a “concept” for people to grasp when they reach for you are 2 different things. Albums are VERY valuable and I think we have sort of lost the narrative there as a community as evidenced by the way you and many others are “pushing” the idea I don’t think you really realize what music “is” An expression of the soul, a way to connect with another who may be feeling what you have once felt and now share with them to assist them to “rise above” what the writer is writing about Music connects people It’s not about “how do I get more popular” Boy we really miss those instruments in schools these days and it is apparent Music is about more than trying to be “known” It’s about expressing what is inside because there is a place for that in this world I feel we should start turning that narrative back towards the artist, not continue pointing in a direction where the art continues to water itself down LP’s are the shit and may even be making the biggest physical media comeback we will ever see (they are and it will be) Ride THAT wave It’s growing.. Mike unFailing

[@Ruinwyn]

The part about albums also somewhat contradicts the part about merch and offering extra to fans. You can make really small runs of CD's or tapes at low cost and you have high value merch to sell to your few fans and at gigs. Digital downloads are even cheaper to offer. Singles are great for discovery, but once you have been discovered by someone, you should have something extra to offer. Nothing is stopping you from writing an album, releasing it as physical and buy only, and continuing to cut singles from it to streaming. Even big artists aren't getting more than a single per album any more, since they give out everything at once. Why follow their strategies.

[@alciebelamusic]

Great video as always, I thought all the tips were pretty spot on and will take them on board for my next release!

[@DamianKeyes]

Really appreciate that, thank you so much! More coming soon 😊😊

[@judasvaliantis3614]

Golden words Damo, as always! Cheers from Malta's Metal Scene 👊🍻

[@yiodarcangelisandthenewlordsof]

Thank you, Damian. Very insightful and I will be utilize every bit of it with my material.

[@DamianKeyes]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that 🙂🙂

[@annickaadjo1]

Thank you for sharing. I think there has never been a better time to make music that has a chance to be listened to by the public. The industry no longer has the power it once had. Artists come in all shapes, and form. Music is made in all style, and Artist can control what happens to their creation. No more criterias defined by the big 4. Anything in between, is the small price to pay for that freedom. Nothing is free.😊

[@theend9494]

most people I know do not listen to todays music because it is crap and that includes my trendy 21 year old Grand Daughter, and boy friend, also all my in there 30's kids and friends, they listen to old music, I am a musician songwriter, and I have given up on the new music of today, sorry but it does not come anywhere near the old music, you need to realise that although you hate the labels, they knew how to pick the best artists, today is just a jumble of crap, that would not have made the D side in the past

[@annickadjo]

@@theend9494 Hello there... I think you misunderstood my point. Or I did not express myself all that well. I am in my 60s. I am starting to put out my own music, as a retired person. Because I can, due to the vast music making and distribution opportunities available today. Before, NO chance: Simply too old. I am talking from an Artist point of view. Not from a consumer point of view. Indies Artists were a small portion of the market before. Today, they have a bigger share of the market, because they can manage their own career. And whatever music there is out there now, it is a matter of taste. And your Gd Daughter has the choice... I grew up with Motown, and Island Records Music. No need to explain their legacy.

[@BluesHarpBiker]

The big one for me is over thinking.. Thanks for pointing that out..

[@Iamthelostboi]

One issue about tic toc is the algorithm is extremely tight, iv had over 30 songs muted over possible copyright claims ( false claims) when they say you only get 3, but anyway yes I agree it's where it's at, it's just algorithms