The Music Industry Is Dying...And That's A Good Thing

Hello my songwriting friends. In this video I'm discussing scams in the music industry and asking you what it is that you are selling to your audience. I use this as a jumping off point to talk about what I see as the inevitable new breed of artists that are emerging today. So much of what the music industry once was is crumbling and being re-organized. It will be up to us, the independent artists, to ensure that the new industry integrates the lessons of the past so that we can all thrive and flourish creatively and economically.
Like, comment and subscribe if it feels right, and check out my Songwriting Web Series, Folded In The Pages, here on KZbin and over at www.foldedinth... -- where you can hear my original songs, read along with the web series videos, and comment as a part of the community of songwriters there.
For more info on me, check out www.jimiwmusic...
Inspiration for Songwriters, Artist Inspiration, Songwriting Wisdom, Songwriting Philosophy, Talking about how to be a songwriter, how to keep your spirit alive for art and songwriting, Continuing to Make Art, Continuing the Craft of Songwriting, Being a Songwriter, Inspiration for Artists, Advice for Artists to Keep Going, Advice for Songwriters to Keep Writing, How to Keep Pursuing Your Craft as an Artist Musician or Songwriter, Philosophical Discussion of Songwriting and Art, Making Art a Lifestyle, Discussing The Art of Songwriting and Making Music, Music Industry, New Breed of Artists, Scams In The Music Industry, Artists Time To Wake Up, Music Industry Is Crumbling, New Music Industry, Independent Artists, Playlisting Services, How To Keep Making Art

[@MettleHurlant]

All media is dying right now. The market is oversaturated with only a handful of artists being promoted by platforms. Radio has already died. Television is on its way out. Print media is holding on by a thread. People are realizing that the streaming industry is a waste of money and lacks a curated experience. Quantity doesn’t equal quality. This is good because it means change is coming.

[@jimiwmusic]

Well said my friend. Truly. Especially "This is good because it means a change is coming." 👀

[@jtcartermusic432]

I'm in the top 5% of musicians and guitar players currently in the world. I've spent 10s of thousands of hours developing myself. Bachelors degree, studying with industry professionals, etc. My hands are literally worth more than most peoples houses. We have the greatest musicians that has ever been on the face of the earth and the best gear possible. The music industry fell apart and died in 2008 when the U.S. economy crashed, when I was on tour opening for major recording artists. No one is willing to work with people like myself. I cant even get a gig playing locally, because of how toxic, back stabbing and vicious just about any local music scene is in my town. Music is used to sell toxic products, ideology, and politics. Popular famous musicians are watched by and used by the CIA, FBI and other governmental controling/influcing funded agencies. We have the worse alcoholism death plague that has ever been in recorded history. A great way to control a population of a country if you ask me. All social media platforms ask me to pay them money and only then will they all my music fully on their platforms. We are a controlled, INDOCTRINATED species..... I wonder why?

[@JamesGaoist]

Legendary. I started playing guitar again and it ain’t for money. It’s for a message and expression. Shredding = emoting

[@jimiwmusic]

LETS. GO.

[@iamaquastonethrone77]

@@jimiwmusic jimi this was deep bro. I made beats for like 50, nas and Jay but when I humbled myself I reached out to Casey neistat when he started vlogging and this was my genius bc he helped me reach ppl. I felt this. Great vid brother. I can see u truly understand that music really is the language of the creator and is only meant to uplift. 😊 the is Aqua Stone Throne

[@lawsonbill1255]

But then invest your life into it. Actually try to be a great musician. Become one, and then you’ll have right to tell us all about how little you care about not being paid for being great at something. About how so nonchalant you are about a job and life responsibilities devouring all of the time that (guess what) DIRECTLY relates to how great you are. Then spend a fifth of the time you practice, and endure over a period of ten years day by day watching the “miraculous gift” mediocrities said you had deteriorate.

[@JamesGaoist]

@@lawsonbill1255 ahh, yes. but that's why the ages of 5-25 are used to gain the skills. you can still gain the skills after then, but once you have them, it's like riding a bike (i started at 14 and practiced rigorously thru the years). i took around a two year break recently and play with more soul now. shred tech chops are one part, but soul and emoting is indescribably more important. so. i like to have the attitude to shredding like riding a bike, u never forget how to do it. it may deteriorate, but i see the music as an art, rather than a sport. i use whatever skills and chops i have to emote. Also, the nonchalant feelings and irl emotions do play into the music. it's about applying the real life feels into it, like what the blues is about. IT's about using what u got.

[@santosblu]

@@lawsonbill1255saw😊

[@kinadabambino6872]

The music community hasn’t been at full strength for decades now, I say it’s time that changes. We can all work together and make art without the care for money and the unnecessary bs industry. I feel the way things have been going are about to break!

[@jimiwmusic]

I'm right there with you. Let's. Go.

[@ashleyogarro2686]

The gig is up, and has done its job...the folks running it does not wants any distractions at this time in the story...they are now using anything to distract us from what is about to go down...all the musicians today does not have that integrity that the folks b4 had...its now all about the money,and alot of them are even scared to sing, rap , or DJ anything that is challenging our masters rule over us...a bunch of money grabbing fools,who has forgotten what music was originally created out of...a necessity to say what is on your mind...that mindset is now dead.

[@justyoutubeaccount2]

@@ashleyogarro2686 It's not dead my friend. It's just buried very deep, growing slowly, and preparing itself to immerge again. I believe within the next decade, the way we think of the words "art" and "artist" will completely change for the better. There is hope. Just trust in the universal process.

[@WONANDONESPORTS]

Its at full strength to a 15 year old

[@orlock20]

That's a perception due to gatekeepers. Cream use to rise to the top. The act was either a bar band or touring while being on a major label and thee wasn't an in-between. Unless people went to the bar, they would never hear the band while people could hear the cream on the radio. Now that the internet has shown up, the cream has mixed with the bar bands from all over the world it just seems like the music industry has gone downhill.

[@mlfilion]

The rains won't stop, the flood has come, a drop of water in the ocean of song. A melody in the wind, lost in time, a beautiful way to live, another way to die

[@Forevrzae]

this idea has been on my mind for a while. when you start to make music from the soul and for the purpose of growth from within, youve already beaten the industry. Brother your perspective is beautiful and filled with love, so eloquently and thoroughly explained, it brought me to tears in revelation. Thank you for keeping your heart🙏🏾❤️

[@TheRealSheba]

I agree 100%. I'm so over the con artists selling fame and the desperation for fame whipped into a frenzy by the attention economy. You have to touch one heart at a time. That's the only metric. And the only way to do that is to engage in your art and with your community honestly. There are no shortcuts. Fame is not garaunteed, success is relative. You can't do it for the applause.

[@jimiwmusic]

Absolutely! Well said. Success is relative. That's good!!!

[@boredasfuck9319]

I love it, you're absolutely right!. Thank you so much for being part of the artists who actually cares about the Art and their People. ❤ You're great.

[@shapelessshapefromthebay8759]

Bless 🦁🍻

[@KenTeel]

Even the desire for attention, that accompanies artists, has to be questioned. What is it that we are trying to fulfill ? This is what is at the core of the whole damned thing. I bellieve that the sick, celebriry oriented culture, generates the desires that are central to what a lot of us are doing.

[@SeeSawMassacre]

@@KenTeel Someone who is primarily seeking attention and fame is not an artist, he's just a hack. An artist's aims are art- at the very least while he's making a thing. And celebrity worship is certainly on the decline lately. As with most points of discussion, i think this video is a few years behind in its understanding of the way things are, and a few miles off with the direction things are going. Everyone talking about "the music industry" acts as if it still existed in some significant way, and no one addresses the simple fact that a song is still worth about zero dollars. We're not going to get anywhere if we don't even know where we're at, and we say, "that's a good thing". And the predictions in this video, nice as they sound, are more laughable than 1950's hovercar predictions. Some new breed of spiritual artists "will make massive works of art that will heal the world." ? I don't even know what to say about that- without being rude. And yet people eat this stuff up.

[@CoryLiner]

i genuinely am so thankful i am able to make music in a self sufficient way. i will no longer chase a number. i am an artist and will be until the day i die ❤️‍🔥

[@jimiwmusic]

I love this. Keep riding this vibration. This is the way.

[@marcos_c_m]

died decades ago with the rising of internet

[@zephembers]

This is so deeply spot on! Our art is becoming what it was always meant to be: A method of connection and healing!

[@SeeSawMassacre]

How so? I don't see how music or any art is moreso a method of connection and healing than it was at previous points in history. What are some examples of this?

[@lebe220]

@@SeeSawMassacre Verdi: without his operas there would have been a civil war in Italy, like in France. It was planned but Verdi took out the pressure

[@SeeSawMassacre]

@@lebe220 Be that as it may- and i have no idea- this person was saying that our art is "becoming" a method of connection and healing (as in now). So i was just asking for examples of how music or any other art is moreso "a method of connection and healing" now than it has been in the past. I still don't get it, really. I haven't seen this happening, so i'm wondering what people are talking about specifically.

[@lebe220]

@@SeeSawMassacre If you feel fine (music can give you good feelings), it helps and heals

[@SeeSawMassacre]

@@lebe220 Oh, i don't deny the powers of music. I just don't get how music is "becoming what it was always meant to be". In what way? What's the difference now as opposed to how music has always been? I just asked for an example or two- of how "Our art is becoming what it was always meant to be: A method of connection and healing!" I'm starting to think there's nothing to this statement at all.

[@goldiebuckeridge7257]

Digital technology progression has made it way too easy for people who would previous to this, never gotten signed, never gotten anywhere near a recording studio and would never have gotten music out. So there are now way too many people saturating the music marketplace. Don't do it for others, just do it for yourself, don't have hopes of getting anywhere, they will just take away the joy for you. If you do get somewhere - great, but don't expect it.

[@leo49005]

As an indie artist its sometimes hard to remember why you started doing all of this. This video serves as the perfect reminder for that. Great content, keep doing what you love 🖤🌟

[@wickstorm_records]

The key to success: make hit music and i'll sell itself

[@d_girl]

Bro just sat down on the couch and fired off a heater

[@RRIZOMusic]

This is amazing! It should always be about creating and not chasing fame or $$. We all need to hear this… over and over again.

[@LuciensMusic]

Im glad I found this channel🙂

[@jimiwmusic]

me too 🙏

[@dotiworldwide]

56 seconds in and the video already bangs and the point is already entirely clear. ur slaying king.

[@jimiwmusic]

thank you ma dude

[@georgelong6571]

Bands I know make a lot more money from touring and merch sales than they do from their music being on the internet. Oh they use services like Apple Music, Deezer, Pandora, Tidal, KZbin Music, and Amazon Music to help get their name more widely known, but the real money comes from constant touring and merchandise sales.

[@jimiwmusic]

Absolutely.

[@soundsfortoday3623]

This was an amazing revelation shared with a multitude of musicians. I especially took notice when you mentioned that music is for the healing of the world. I concur with that wholeheartedly. Having two music YT channels is exactly for that purpose. It's not a numbers game. Whoever comes across my content possibly needed that day what came from it. And sometimes I receive comments that are living proof of this concept. I know in my heart that in a small way I am making a contribution to humanity.

[@AlexaMorales]

SO eloquently put! I just spent a month busking across America via USA Rail Pass on Amtrak. It was a glorious experience and the whole point of it was FREEDOM, baby!

[@carlosobando3056]

I’ve recently grown tired of music for the very reasons mentioned in this video. It felt more like I was clout chasing, and filling an ego; Like I was doing something with no real value other than being shallow entertainment. This video is so refreshing, and hearing that I’m not alone makes me feel motivated to make music for the sake of communicating a true idea, or an experience. Thank you.

[@jimiwmusic]

I'm so glad to hear that! So many of us, myself included get lost in the sauce so to speak. I'm super happy the message helps. Keep doing your thing ♥️

[@CareerDropout.]

Music never actually dies, priorities change.

[@jimiwmusic]

woof. this is awesome. 💪💪

[@stefeuphoria6086]

Yeah but he's talking about the music industry not music.

[@CareerDropout.]

@@stefeuphoria6086 I'm talking about the same thing.

[@CareerDropout.]

@emp12345 okay. . . Where else were you going from this statement

[@CareerDropout.]

I see the significance here @@emp12345

[@hoboeyjobi7020]

next level of enlightenment is: instead of "thinking about what you're selling to people", think about not selling it at all and give it away freely. that's how you can create the truest form of expression

[@superjazzman100]

Hi! I've been a full time Professional Saxophonist for 29 years, you are nailing it! The real question is why are we doing this? What do we really expect? Is it reasonable? What have we achieved? Am I happy? Is my art making any tangible impact to those around me or culture at large? Great job on your video!

[@jimiwmusic]

Howdy! All of those questions are right in line with what I've been asking myself lately. There are times when the value of my art to my community is clear and obvious and other times where the whole enterprise seems absurd and futile haha. It ebbs and it flows. The older I get the more I see myself and other artists as antennas who have trained themselves to tune into a collective experience and bring back messages to serve humankind and usher in greater understanding. The more I look at the creation of art in this way, the easier it is to get on with it and listen to the antenna of my artistic instinct. Who cares what any of this gets me? To participate in the great mystery of it all is really enough. Thanks for the insightful comment!

[@TarzanHedgepeth]

@@jimiwmusicIt’s called prophecy

[@joleaneshmoleane8358]

I’m looking for Deacon Blues. Anyone seen him around?

[@jimiwmusic]

he died behind the wheel, ages ago....

[@kohoxoxo]

Such a poetic way to end a conversation that can so easily, and so often does, devolve into a defeated and pessimistic outlook on the future of being a musician. Thank you for sharing your perspective and your optimism

[@bevandavidmusic6599]

Wow what a beautiful and truthful prophetic message, so resonates with me thanks dude!

[@jimiwmusic]

Glad to hear friend ✌️

[@TheMusicalNotesOfficial]

This is accurate for so many facets of music, and not just songwriting! It's why I've seen more and more classical music composers become self published, rather than publish with any company. (keeping their copyright and keeping 100% of profits instead of less than 50%!). Music is a wild time, and I sure hope that some aspects of it can be solved within a relatively quick amount of time. Art and Music are both so much more than money!

[@jimiwmusic]

It's so true! Independently doing everything is def the way of the future when it comes to music as business. Gotta keep the rights and be consistent. It's a longer game but it's more down to earth and grounded. Thanks for tuning in ♥️

[@EDawg_32]

Fuck the industry. I do this shit because I love it

[@jimiwmusic]

correct

[@quas3728]

people blame artists but they never blame streaming subscription system... "Don't hate the player. Hate the Game"

[@vince89503]

Why did I become an artist? To bring light and passion to my life , to have joy. It's sad how far us musicians get dragged away from that objective. It's really a grift you must be aware of. Great video and message. Spoken from experience makes it very authentic. Thank you brother❤

[@MrCheswickMusic]

I don't think you become an artist, I think you're born an artist

[@WONANDONESPORTS]

​@@MrCheswickMusiccalm down

[@SidAlienTV]

Well, now explain me how can I pay my bills with light and passion........................

[@pts-3d904]

We are witnessing a broad return to music’s origins as a form of community service. It’s no longer a product for consumption, but the background noise of micro-cultural movements that involve a few dozen people on some private Discord server. Whatever leaks out from these small circles is then deconstructed and rebuilt simultaneously by the larger social media feedback loop. Artists who don’t understand this sea change and try to rely on old models are the true “music industry” now. Selling stuff to people who are gullible enough to think there’s money in music is the only way to make any actual money.

[@Steven-c3n3m]

There is a noted shift happening in Music making and access to it again. Very inspiring!! Thank you your articulate assessment of why and how we create and for what purpose. Reflection is such a important part of the creative Art making process and what we want to leave behind for others to learn, enjoy, and inspire. Talent stands on it's own. Thank you !

[@jimiwmusic]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for tuning in ♥️

[@ragingchimera8021]

People are still looking for a piece of a pie that was eaten by the industry decades ago.

[@ninashimelis56]

probably the most important video about being an artist that I've watched in the last decade. thank you for this call to action

[@jeremiahmcpadden4386]

Prophetic words. Thank you!

[@ScottSmithMusic]

Man, you're right on. Super nice to hear someone else speak thoughtfully into this broad topic so specifically about awareness and purpose in and through our art. Never saw you before this great video you're sharing here and subbed right away because I feel you. Spiritual warriors... Absolutely. Very well said. Peace.

[@noahjuanjuneau9598]

I was a working musician in the late sixties and early seventies - played lots of smelly clubs (stale cigarettes, cheap beer and sweat stink) toured on same bill with name acts (every town looks the same across America now - strip malls and franchises, corporate food, tire stores, quick lube, clothing outlets, gasoline, parking lots, used cars, sprawling suburbs, decaying downtown, frontage road, bear right here, bear left…) had a record contract with Columbia (“we like the music but we don’t hear a hit song…”) *these days* I can’t figure out how anyone can make a living being a musician - literally paying KZbin to play your music… everyone rips you off, even the people who say they love your music believe they should get it for free… - I’m glad I left the game when I could. I got to meet a lot of famous musicians and ride in limos, hang back stage, play big halls for thousands of people, got to look over the edge and turn my back on it all and find a career in the ‘daytime world’ - no more coming home at three in the morning stinking of second-hand smoke - my ears are still ringing though bcoz I have tinnitus from standing in front of all those amps and screaming my lungs out…

[@jimiwmusic]

Thanks for sharing your story my friend. This echos my dad's story. He was in a psychedelic rock band in the 70s that became popular and received a record deal --- a deal that fell apart for the bands lack of commercial appeal. He spent the subsequent years grinding in small clubs and making a pretty decent, but hard, living. It sounds like you had fun while you were doing it!

[@amandasimon1997]

Wow, I loved this message. So much deeper and inspiring than I was expecting! I’ve been thinking the same thing might be going on and honestly that future sounds like paradise to me! Why would we want fame and fortune over getting to do what we love, making it meaningful to ourselves and to others, and building each other up. There’s room for everyone in creative fields but we often have this scarcity mindset, as if someone else’s success takes away from us. We should all be working together and supporting each other!

[@homecafejapan]

Thank you Jimi for sharing your real-world experience. Your advice is priceless. A brighter side is, to me, I'm motivated to create higher quality music and video than before because KZbin shows long lists of brilliant cover artists. They're world class. Perhaps including you. 😊

[@calebmckenzie8517]

The label companies full time job is to provide the artist the funds to achieve whatever they tell the label they need. Also, their main job is to call as many radio stations they can across the country, trying to persuade them to play the music of their artists. But the only ones they do that for is that top .1% that is going to guarantee them money. No one of us normal people have millions of dollars to spend on ourselves let alone the time to put together a full dedicated team and gain the connections needed to actually have effective marketing. This is why artists spend 15 to 20 years writing songs in hopes that they get discovered. You have to work your way into the music industry’s inner circle or songwriters and label companies. But the only way any label company will ever take a chance on an artist, is if they show that they already have a large enough following and “the song” to make it worth it. The single best piece of advice I have gotten after the biggest opportunity I have received. Was that songs are the gold, the currency, the heart and soul, whatever you want to call it, of the music industry. A song could have all the talent in the world, but if they don’t have the song that sells, they’re useless. To truly make it, you need to have the song that is going to be a chart topper. Without the help of anyone else, and sometimes that takes 15 years. Yes you can find certain amounts of success in other ways. But if you’re talking about the .1%, even established artists lose funds and label’s support if they don’t continue to top charts. It’s not because they wouldn’t like to value artists, but these label company ceos answer to people too, and if they don’t make more money than they did last year. It means they are out of a job. So the single best piece of advice I have received, is write 30 mins a day every single day, and try your best to finish 1 song a week. After a full year, that gives you 52 songs. The best song of 52 songs from that year is bound to be a pretty good one. That’s the one you need to go to the studio and record. Then with those songs you can do the little bit of marketing, or however much you can afford, but you only release the best of what you have. So that people have a higher chance of actually enjoying it, and replaying it and spreading it for you. If you continue that cycle year after year, day after day. Anywhere from 7-15 years is the standard amount of time it takes an artist to “get discovered.” Because by that point they are writing world class music. It’s all about writing “the next song that sells, or makes it big.” Only then will a label company take a chance on you.

[@BrekMilo]

Solid

[@markhalpin9711]

I couldn't DISAGREE with you more. The greatest songwriters of all time only write a few songs a year because they instinctually know what is great and what is mediocre. A better piece of advice would be to stop wasting your time writing lots of shit songs and spend a bit more time on the songs that stand out?

[@MaxFury_Official]

'Stick It In' i wrote earlier this year, it's the greatest i've written in a while. Quality from start to finish, arrangement, playingwise, etc. You start with a good idea always! I had the vocal melody on the guitar first, then i worked on that and i made new funny parts, falsetto harmonies etc, experimentation is key! That advice he's got was absolute garbage. Apart from the 'do something 30minutes everyday', which ofc is good for any craft that you actually do it. How else are you gonna learn. Even if it's just as little as 30minutes a day. Max Martin (that inspired my name btw) says he rewrites his songs all the time! That's what you do, if you're serious about it. You try to find out what's not working with the song, and re-write it to the best of your ability, but it's way easier to write with others. I did my song 100% alone, it's hard to be truly objective on your own vocals forexample. In my case the verses are just ok, i' m not entirely happy with how they've turned out, but the rest of the song is absolute killer, i wouldn't change a thing in the music, apart from getting a real orchestra and a better recording environment, one can only dream! @@markhalpin9711

[@mrmattyd]

@@markhalpin9711Exactly. There's a million YT videos from "gurus" telling you to churn out "songs" as frequently as possible for the algorithm. All this guarantees is that you're producing garbage.

[@Kai-z6i]

I don't think you understood what Jimi was saying.

[@treschicqui]

This is absolutely a prophetic word for the artists! Are you aware that you’re speaking from the essence of God’s very heart? We need this so desperately right now. Thank you for sharing your vision, speaking into existence and inputting hope into the spirits of those who have been weary reaching for the way forward in a system of smokescreens n discouragement. This is for the pioneers. You’ve got such a prophetic gift. God is using you so powerfully. Keep it up, please. So grateful for this. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💐🪽

[@GreatPlanet-c7o]

Most musicians will never build an audience, never. The vast sea of the internet is too big for anyone to connect in a way that's meaningful to new ears open to unknown artists. Most musicians aren't good enough to write meaningful songs at a commercial level. Ain't gonna happen for most.

[@GreatPlanet-c7o]

Just make music for fun, forget about financial success.

[@SeeSawMassacre]

Being good enough has nothing to do with it. If someone exactly as good as Bob Dylan put the same quality of music on the internet, it would go completely unheard. How could it not?

[@darrenmichaels]

Musicians historically were one of the main trendsetters. Society wanted to talk like us, dress like us, dance like us, think like us, and wear their hair like us. The record industry came along and profited off of that culture creation. They were the gate keepers, but digital tech changed that with barely any cost to record and distribute music. The gates were felled and the hoards came through. Music is everywhere now for free. Yet, the songs keep coming and the musicians keep playing. Now that music is demonetized, we have a new trend we're setting. What does that mean for society? Will we follow?

[@MikaelLewisify]

I rarely have the patience or attention span to watch an entire video like this one. However, I couldn’t stop watching this one. Really well presented ideas. I hope you are right. Art is suffering currently because we all treat it like it is a commodity.

[@cwilldoesmusic]

It’s great to know I’m not alone on my mission out here 🤗

[@Muyumbui_Curtis]

💯 I agree with you. Thank you for putting it more into perspective.

[@ereiffman]

Couldn't have watched this video at a better time. Powerful spiritual forces are at play - I agree!

[@newtension]

Right on! Songs are meant to touch people not scare them away

[@LittleLightCZ]

Now that was probably the (philosophically) deepest video on this topic I've ever watched. Thank you Jimi for remembering us why we're here. Your message has been heard; may the world be healed.

[@jimiwmusic]

Glad to hear! Thanks for tunin' in ✌️

[@swandaley]

Very great video. I can relate to process of being a marketer and not an artist and also relate to not being intentional with the marketing. It left me hollow and on sporadic serotonin trips that never produced genuine happiness.

[@jimiwmusic]

So true! I think a lot of people have experienced this. Sort of the story of our times. Thanks for dropping in!

[@cellophaneriot]

The truth is all exposure is free. Artist don’t need to pay for “plays” and “traffic.” An artist really only needs to make their art and put it out there for the audience to consume. And yes, we know that likely means “20 monthly listeners” for many years and for most musicians. But if your art is good, it will find an audience. It will take time, but it will happen. The only thing any artist needs to ask their self is…what number means success to me? Is it 1k monthly listeners? Is it a deal with a major label? Is it millions of listeners? Or is it something as simple as “I made something I am proud of!”

[@derekauth157]

Thank you so much for this, it’s exactly what creatives need to hear. Also, I appreciate that you’re not selling a book, a link in the description, a tips-and-tricks tutorial or a course. PLEASE keep making genuine content like this

[@MeltWithU]

I’ve been telling people this for years. The record industry can’t sustain itself anymore. Too many artists are aware of their tactics and business practices and it has made people find a different avenue to find a fan base. I always tell people who ask, build up your fanbase yourself online… Then, find a good booking company who can book you all over the United States, possibly opening up for somebody and make your own path. The only thing the record companies were good for was publicity. You can do that yourself now, online, fairly easily. Just remember this: record companies, give artists the scraps and take everything else for themselves. You can either be a slave to their system or free on your own. Making the music you want to make and being in touch with your fan base. So you know exactly what they like, what they don’t … And can pivot to further expand your reach.

[@Suzi.M]

This is immense, I’ve always followed these principles. It’s the quality and intention of our music, our art, our crafts, whatever it is that we create, that speaks to the world, and beings it’s own rewards. Thankyou, much Love. 🙏🌹

[@jodiemesler565]

THANKS for sharing your story!

[@activemusickid]

Jimi, you’re awesome! Keep being a gift to humanity

[@dionnel5743]

Tearing up at the end of the video at 8:28 when I need to leave for work at 8:30. This is beautiful Man, thank you ❤

[@jimiwmusic]

Glad to hear it my friend. Glad it resonates ♥️

[@mattuskamusic]

Good words. I have came to the same conclusion. I have decided that I’m going to make music and any marketing I do is sorta passive. The marketing has to be part of the art in my opinion. If nobody wants to listen to my music…🤷 I enjoy creating.

[@jimiwmusic]

Good for you my friend!

[@GarethThomasTunes]

“Service through art” You are spot on my bro. That brings alignment and momentum to your creative intentions - it should be the ultimate goal. Just subscribed 👍

[@jimiwmusic]

100% !!! Thanks brother 👍♥️

[@alankovin9204]

Jimi: I am 72 years old, and have been a musician/composer for over 5 decades. I have never made my music a priority for a career, because I never wanted to be a starving musician. Now, in my retirement, I do want to make music my avocation, and spend hours with my art. I have always used my music as an agent for change, and do write about issues and problems in the world, in addition to the love songs and relationship songs that are a part and parcel of so many composers.As a practicing Psychotherapist, I often times write about recovery and try to instill inspiration in my music, as well as address the breathtaking inequality and Oligarchy control of our society. Your video and others that I see, that I have yet to watch, are truly inspiring, even to this old codger. I am in awe of your insight, and embrace your philosophy, your propensities to challenge the old norms, living in the present, and of course, to continue to write and create with intention and meaning. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@ghfjfghjasdfasdf]

🤟❤️🤟

[@didgegirl6]

YES to ALL of this!! Thank you for this! You've put into words what I've already been thinking. Stay on the trajectory of writing and playing to help with the healing and connection with those who resonate with the music that comes through me.

[@jimiwmusic]

♥️

[@Jonesy795]

Thank you for speaking truth and inspiring the next generation of artists who will be devoted to their craft & not chase perceptions of success. This message was truly inspiring and insightful! Thank you 🙏

[@blackironpotrecords1600]

This video is the absolute truth 💯. There are others on KZbin selling aspriring artists "false hope." Create art for the love of the art. But......Rule 1. Get a job/career that provides steady gainful employment because you'll need to eat, have insurance and plan for the future. This is the real world. There have been many musicians / artists who became charity cases in times of illness or death with no finances in spite of their fame.

[@jimiwmusic]

Thanks friend!!! You speak the truth!

[@BrekMilo]

Very well said. Impactful points.

[@carmencampeanu7810]

Beautiful message, as a writer, same thing happening in publishing industry... so true 👍

[@jimiwmusic]

No doubt! Gotta stay sharp out there. Thanks for dropping in!

[@jmachatch6696]

You’re speaking with wisdom far beyond your years. Social media, IMO, clicks = love. I think there are others that want validation through music. For me, it didn’t happen. Just like “Harry who doesn’t mind if he doesn’t make the scene” I’ve got a full time job that I love. I am also fortunate to have a steady playing gig. This video helps me move forward by enjoying that gig, but also start posting my own projects more for friends and family. Hopefully they’ll receive joy. Just like the Neil McCormick book, there’s already a Bono, I need to work on being the best me.

[@eduardmodestow]

I thank you for your deeply enlightening and profound words on this subject. You have absolutely summarized the Zeitgeist of the last decade in just a few sentences and really captured the possibilites to where we as artists have now the possibility to move. Thank you, this was fantastic!

[@jimiwmusic]

Thank you for watching my friend. I'm so glad it resonated with you !!!

[@user-jg5xm8um8y]

Artists that create music that is a service to the world. We need more of those and we need them to become popular

[@illlyrical7976]

You are a true visionary! You are a witness to the paradigm shift happening in the world right now. I thank you for the confirmation and guidance you’ve given me. I now understand why my life has gone the way it has in fulfilling my role as a musician and I’m thankful as well. I have so much to teach and show the world through my music, and I know service to others is how we truly bring value to the world. Peace.

[@jimiwmusic]

Thank you so much for tuning in my friend! So happy to hear that the message is resonating. Don't stop putting your love into your music. The world needs it ♥️

[@johngallaghermusic9777]

Thank you .This is the most refreshing ,informative and honest video that ive heard on this subject. I also tried a few years back to embrace the new online music industry .I spent two years doing an online marketing course only to discover what your currently talking about is correct. I have now gone back to playing, writing recording ,busking and I make sure that all my music is registered with PROs so I can claim royalties on it. I no longer use spotify for new releases , I use other more ethical platforms. All in all, I've gone back to being a musician like I was before all this shit started. Thankyou ,Jimi. ive subbed. All the best to you

[@c-flat]

I think i may be the new breed you speak of my Tiktok account is my focus cause its less business and more fun. I've not spent a cent in marketing or promotion, i make music in a self created genre of "wizard grunge rock", then make clips which together becomes "content". 🤘🧙🏻‍♂️🤘 An awesome supportive community has grown around me from all walks of life. I promote being humble and off grid living....with a well stocked wizards library. 🙏😊🧙🏻‍♂️ It seems the game is to not be a rock star, but rather keeping it real and authentic.

[@jimiwmusic]

Nice! I love hearing that! I agree completely. Do your own thing in the way that feels good. So much of growing a community around your art comes down to simply participating consistently. If you can create in a way that is regenerative and gives you energy you are indeed part of the new breed! Your account sounds sick 🙌🙌🙌

[@secretchefcollective444]

Love the distorted acoustic if those vids are you, brilliant.

[@c-flat]

@secretchefcollective444 thank you, stoked you enjoy it 🙏😊🧙🏻‍♂️

[@silasbaby]

this is such an interesting watch and i'm so glad you backed this up with actual experience. thank you for this.

[@jimiwmusic]

Glad to hear it friend. Thanks for tuning in 😎

[@flashyk2430]

Blame the labels

[@joyti_jmg]

Definitely, an eye opener. I agree 100% and it time to put on the brakes, and do hesitates to these boost to viral adds. Thanks Jimi W. point taken.

[@DoYaPhilMeh]

This was a great video and exactly what a lot of people need to hear, myself included. We dream of being successful through music because of the facade that we create in our head about fame and fortune, that we will get discovered and propped up by industry people who genuinely want to see us succeed and have our best interests in mind vs the reality of how cannibalized the music industry is and how taking an offer by the very people you dream to be approached by can be the single blow that ensures you never make a living or get the exposure you long for.

[@JuliusFawcett]

The greatest value I can give to the world with my art is good vibes, fun vibes, uplifting vibes

[@geejmauriva9736]

Hey Jimi: Wow! What a mission statement and totally speaks to my experience in the music industry. I have definitely been one of those who said, "if the numbers go up then..." and I have never been able to answer anything after "then...". I think the problem with the music industry is that there is no true path forward, no path to follow except for the scammy one. I am mainly a songwriter of cinematic EDM which I have been doing for the last 4 years and have tried a LOT of marketing plans but have never gotten anywhere because the true path forward is just a scam and I HATE social media and what it has become: a place for egos to say they are better than other egos - it's the ultimate status machine. I want to join with you in this quest, so I am subscribing today and want to hear more of what you have to say. Your words have moved me.

[@brandongabel]

There’s nothing in the world that’ll stop a true creator from creating, in any variation. In my case, I’ve put a lot of time into working on a bunch of releases for myself and for my band in the past couple years, and then promoted the heck out of it. Promoting definitely paid off a little, but I think I was glorifying the idea that posting a lot is going to get us tons and tons of new listeners when it’s just not the case with everyone, especially the niche and independent styles of music we make (not to mention having them be the first time I officially engineered, produced, and released anything, so it was mostly pretty amateur). I’ve accepted that recently and decided not to worry so much about the timing of promotion and rather focused more on the love and meaning behind the music. Plus, without the limitations of feeling like I had to pump out new music and promote it like crazy, I’m able to improve my skills as a producer. In the end, the people who genuinely like it will share and listen to it, and above all, if you’re not your biggest fan you’re doing something wrong. Solid video man, you gained a new sub 🔥

[@boshjotz]

I really enjoy how thoughtful you were with this. How to provide real value through art is definitely the only route forward. REAL value.

[@markclason2272]

11:00 - I appreciate your optimism very much. I hope your dream of noble artists contributing a positive influence to the world in massively popular ways using methods of integrity becomes truth. I don't think that will happen. People are not "good" in their base nature. However, I encourage you to continue to express positivity in the artistic communities. We all need it. Live long and prosper.

[@niittykuu]

Beautiful, thought provoking conversation - thank you kindly for uploading

[@jimiwmusic]

Thank you !

[@Asherofficialmusic]

well said...hopefully change will come soon

[@mt030]

Good analysis, thanks also for the insights into your struggles and inspiring vision. -- and beautiful guitar next to you 😊

[@scottbecker3485]

Instant sub! Linguistically and spiritually, you’re an epic dude. 😎 Oh, and your messages resonate like the shaking of jungle palms when a herd of elephants strides out into a clearing. 😉

[@jimiwmusic]

Thank you my friend!

[@aikighost]

I've always thought the end of the art "industry" would be a good thing for art.

[@marshwitch9610]

Art can also be used for magic. It can be, quite literally, occult. Crawl to the back of the cave, as you did in the dawn of time, and sketch a sacred image. Drum or strum or incant a message to the gods. Embrace invisibility as a superpower.

[@jimiwmusic]

You are speaking my language. Yes.

[@LennyHarold]

This was amazing! Its been my mindset for the passed few months. Concerning purpose and being intentional. Eliminating ego and embracing service. We soundtrack the world with our art. We have the power to guide as well. I desire to be on that side

[@jimiwmusic]

Love to hear it ✌️✌️

[@gdoll1999]

Totally superb. So thought-provoking. Thanks for sharing this message.

[@jimiwmusic]

So glad to hear it resonated with you. Thanks for dropping in !

[@Clown321321]

Thanks for sharing your experience Jimi!

[@JosuaKarlson]

Thank you so much much for sharing your thoughts on that. I feel like I have to be more of a manager than a musician these days and I hate it. I am very glad you are adressing this systemic issue!

[@jransomtucker]

This is really good. Thanks for posting it.

[@melveenboo]

Well, my playlist is full of songs from the 90s. As a singer-songwriter and music producer myself, I vow to bring back those vibes from the 90s when everything was simple and the messages being conveyed were clean

[@MrCheswickMusic]

I'm with you man

[@markbeling3330]

Brilliant!! Thank you for this video!🙏

[@Jakesoriginals]

Thats great, right now i am enjoying just sharing my animation, music, and “content” at my leisure with my main target audience being friends and family first, THEN beyond. I really just want to create stuff that makes me happy and entertain the people I care about

[@jimiwmusic]

This is the way. That's so cool, do you do animation full time?

[@jimiwmusic]

I hear you. I especially vibe with the end, "It's all DIY like a real punk rock band." This is so true and makes being an artist in this day and age all the more exciting. Thanks for dropping in ✌️

[@Jakesoriginals]

@@jimiwmusic thank you! Yes I teach it and I am currently working on animated Short with a team and that we are planning to have completed in early 2024 between January-March

[@jimiwmusic]

Oh that's so cool. I'd love to stay in touch. I have a project that needs animation coming up later in the year. How can I contact you?

[@WatersAbove77]

Bro was giving the sermon on the mount at the end. Beautiful.

[@MusicEnthuZone]

Real talk here. Great video. It makes me glad I've pumped zero dollars into self promotion. Also that I'm not to destroyed by the lack of plays I've got. Let's let our art flourish.

[@hannahclareworld]

What a great message, thank you 🙏🏽 This spoke to my heart

[@ijr4937]

nobility is a fantastic word.

[@jimiwmusic]

🤟🤟

[@matthewthomasofficial]

I agree with all of this. Rick Rubin talks all the time about how the way we serve our audience is by "serving ourselves" first. And I definitely think we've been held hostage by people that have us chasing the very dream that we're selling. That said, I also care about sustaining my music career so I can keep investing in it. This means I have to sell a "product" like merch or a concert ticket. We all know streaming isn't profitable for most indie artists. So I don't think ads and marketing is the enemy. I just think we go about it the wrong way. The right message at the right time to the right person will always connect. As Jimi said, running ads for streaming is a huge dead. Running ads to sell a creative, musical, human product can work if you do it right.

[@jimiwmusic]

For sure. I think about what Rubin says on the subject all the time. Super important to remember.

[@chrishierro3]

Im very glad youtube showed me this video. I resonated strongly with your message. I wish I were as optimistic as you are. The good thing is I am still motivated and inspired to create. My belief is that as long as thats happening I can continue and I'll have good results.

[@jimiwmusic]

Thank you my friend! Keep proceeding with love ♥️

[@maxlawrence4189]

thank you so much for this, this is really really important