When I first started out as a musician back in my teens, I had dreams like all young musicians of making it big. Touring the nation in a bus, playing the big stage with major record deals, living the life of fame and fortune. It didn't take long to realize that was nothing but a dream, and very few (like less than 1%) ever make it to that stage.
There are many more who fall into the second tier of musicians, still touring and making a living playing their music, but not in a bus. Usually a van pulling a trailer. Nothing wrong with that by the way, as they are making a good living playing all over the nation. Not a bad way to go by the way, but I noticed many of these musicians have side gigs as well. Some make money by writing music for others. The royalty payments can be very lucrative (better than royalties for performing). Others are DJs, or work in music stores.
And then there are the third tier musicians. Playing mostly local stages, maybe writing some music but touring is a lot less formal and more about running from gig to gig in their pickup truck. They play in a wide variety of venues, and even get some radio play supporting local music. Their music can't support them so they depend on regular jobs to fund their music.
Folks like me, well we probably fit more in the fourth tier, or somewhere in-between. Playing local gigs, but also branching out and playing out of town. I do get around, playing all over the State, but touring is really commuting to my next gig in my mini-van. I do write my own music, and publish it myself. I usually don't get to play big stages because promoters want bands for those types of gigs. But occasionally I do get the opportunity to play big stages and its always a thrill!
I was scrolling through my Facebook stuff and read a post by a second tier musician. He is a major player, writing music and occasionally playing on stage with a major first tier country artist. He tours himself playing small venues and listening rooms. He was talking about how for years he aspired to be a tier one musician. Playing big stages in front of big crowds, with major record deals. He has finally come to the realization that his calling is as a second tier musician. And he is finally at peace with that realization.
And I am perfectly fine where I am at with my music. I have no aspirations of a major record deal (in fact I would probably turn it down if offered one). I have been approached by “managers” wanting to sign me, but I turned them down as well. Might sound crazy, but I have become a bit tainted in my old age. Maybe its wisdom from years in this crazy industry.
I do have experience in the publishing world. Many do not know this, but I am a published author. My publisher is McGraw-Hill, and my engineering books (yeah, I can geek out sometimes) once sold all over the world. But my publisher gets most of the money. I get very little when you consider the amount of work (it took me over a year to write my first book) to write a good book. Not to mention the knowledge and expertise!
As a musician its the same dilemma. Lots of work handed over to a record label that is going to take your song and make tons of money on it, while giving you very little. Its why many have gone to independent publishing (like yours truly). We control our own destiny and we own our music. But I digress.
The challenge is promotion. Getting to the next tier (I made these tiers up by the way) of musicianship is hard work, especially when you are an independent. Its you. You have to do the hard work of promoting yourself and getting those bigger and better gigs. But I prefer it that way.
My latest song, “I ain't ever going to be Willie” talks to that. My favorite lyric:
I ain't ever going to be Willie
I ain't trying to be the Hag
I can't write like Kris or Prine
But what I do is all mine
When you see us local musicians out there, give them your love and support. All we want is to spread our music to as many people as possible. Whether we are playing the big stage or the barroom floor, our dreams are simple! Play and sing, and reach as many as we can with our music.
What the World needs now, is more Peace, Love, and Country Music! (you can quote me on that)