Entertainment / Music
1ns and 2s with DJ-Sticha - Favoritism and Politics in the Music industry
08 Jan 2016 at 07:13hrs | Views
Have you ever been in a situation yokuthi you want something badly, you've tried all avenues kwangangeneki, hayi ngoba kuvaliwe kodwa kuyikuthi people in power make sure you don't get in because of something personal or kube yikuthi they need you to moer itafula?. In the music industry, there are many underground musicians and Djs aba 10X better than abaku mainstream who are shadowed and shelved just because they not connected. First things first, no one in their right mind will spend money in launching a music carrier only to be stuck in the same place for a decade, noma sekuthiwa uyawuthand' umculo you can't just make music for fun kuyikuthi it's chowing from your own pocket.
You know you good entweni yakho and wish to see yourself listed kuma top spots and release chart topping hits kodwa umile nje endawen' eyodwa, every year you make ama new resolutions but still awunyakazi, why?. Am sure you've corrected amaphutha that you might have done eminyaken' edlule so, yin' enz' ukuthi abany' abantwana baye phambili wena ustakile?, well before you crack your head, sekungenzeka nje there's nothing wrong ngawe or your way of doing things kodwa uvalelwa ngumuntu osemandleni in your field.
I'll say this without favor or fear, the music industry is controlled by a little circle of selfish people who can make or break you, kuya ngokuthi wazana nobani njalo ubani umenzeleni, or how can you be of use to them. Today let's focus on some details ukuthi uziphatha kanjani uma ubhekane nesituation ethize. Let's not forget that there are a few good selfless people emculweni who can genuinely uplift you, make sure you don't burn any bridges.
Managers, agents, publicists, artists, Djs and producers, we love idrama nje!. I'm the first one to admit that sometimes it's nice to think that the big bad industry has done us wrong and our plight is not directly related to our actions and approach. While sometimes that may be the case, it's not really useful energy now is it?
Below is a list of things we need to come to terms with in order to focus on our real work. I am not saying these things don't suck and aren't very real hurdles;I'm saying let's stop throwing our hands up and commiserating. Lets get our hands dirty and use these factors to creatively get what we need. Lets embrace them and move forward.
As an entrepreneur, Dj and music producer in this dear music industry we call home, I choose to accept the realities of the crap that may stand in our way, and find ways to use them to my advantage. I love this industry and what I do. Souring every day with drama only does me and my clients a disservice.
We have to remember this industry is not meant to be fair. There is no scale at which to measure what a "fair" deal is, and you get what you fight for. Let's get over it and start to make a difference.
#1 NEPOTISM
Defined as "favoritism shown to relatives or close friends by those with power or influence, "nepotism is a real thing that affects a lot of decisions this industry makes. This industry is as loose in rules as they come. There is no certificate or license required to work in the music business. There is no fear of losing your management license if you don't obey rules. We are governed by ourselves and by how far we are willing to go.
Let's be honest, how else do you make decisions?You entrust those you like, or those who have helped you out in the past, with opportunities. You trust that your goodwill will come back to you when you make those decisions strategically. This is normal, and is often the way our business works. Embrace nepotism. Use it to your advantage and befriend everyone. Take the time to invest in relationships so they reward you in years to come. It's a two way street. Have others' backs and they will have yours when you need it.
If you want something and you don't have the connection to back it up or make it happen? Learn how to maneuver around it, and prove your value another way. Predict competitors' decisions and intercept them. Speak to their needs and desires. Nepotism may still beat you out but you may be surprised once in a while.
You're never b**ching about nepotism when you're on the receiving end of a nepotistic decision, right? So get on the right side of the game.
#2 EVER CHANGING TIMELINES
Enough about the annoying moving pieces. Let's just come to terms with the reality that things will likely never happen when you think they will and, if they do, something else will happen that disrupts the timeline anyways. Get comfortable with it and make it work. There's no use for fights or brawls when timelines shift. Just work hard, keep your head down, and don't get your panties in a bunch.
Do your best to plan ahead, explain the benefits to keeping up with the timeline to those around you, but be flexible with change when it comes barreling down your path. It's the way it will always be. That being said, depending on your business, "going with the flow" isn't always the easiest. Find a way to clearly communicate needs, costs, etc. and do your best!
#3 STREAMING
It's here to stay. Artists aren't getting paid much, but when it was a physical world, not as many new ears were discovering your music - so pennies are better than nothing. When you grow into a big and "valuable" artist, sell direct, do exclusive deals, and make BIG money;but when you're just starting up the ranks, it's in your best interest to get your music everywhere. Look at streaming as a marketing opportunity. You deserve nothing and no one owes you. Yes you are special and talented, and that is worth something, but growth will come by building up your value. You can do that by being accessible and easy to work with. Streaming is convenient and music fans are way in to it, so unless you can build a platform or tool that has the same power, and invest a lot of dollars in to marketing it, I suggest you get creative with finding revenue elsewhere. A few ideas: activate your core fan base by running direct-to-fan campaigns.
#4 DISORGANIZED FESTIVALS
How many times have you stood in the long lines la oku book(we) khon' ama artists wakho to pick up the passes, only to be told by a volunteer that you as their manager can do no such thing?. Sometimes you'll be told ishow iqala ngo 22:00hrs adlule engath' abamboni lowo 10pm iqale ngo 01:00am, ngaleso sikhathi you prepared a perfoming disk ye 15minutes utshelwe kuthiwe we giving you 5mins nje. WHAT RAGE!, This is a b**ch, but its a thing - it's not worth the stress, so let it go!
If there's anything I've learned working on festival teams its that things will always seem incredibly disorganized. Often, it can seem like there is no way this festival is going to come together, but somehow it always does. The festival business is overworked and understaffed. There is a lot of information and usually not enough people to manage it. Be understanding, be patient and see how you can help. Raging about it is not going to change a damn thing!
#5 BAFUN' UKUDLA BODWA, BAFAKANA BODWA(KUYA NGOKUTHI WAZI BANI PLUS UNGOWAKOBANI)
We're living in the age of politics and favoritism in everything, you'll find ukuthi endaweni yangakini there's a community event or music festival(I won't name drop, angithi it's not personal), the organizers know about you and your music but baland' ama artists from other provinces, towns or the neighboring countries who are unknown and pay them large sums of money to come and shine in your home ground, bese uzibuz' ukuthi, kanti wena wangaqokwa uyanuka yini?.
You have many radio stations in your community or City, you submit all your work and follow proper procedures bese you get no word back from the radio stations qed' umculo wakho ungadlalwa. Don't get me wrong am not saying just because the radio station is in your City or community they have to play your music, engikushoyo yikuthi ungabona bengawudlali owakho kodwa owabanye udlalwa kuyikuthi you followed indlela zakhona plus yiquality, okumele ukwenze nje from lapho yikucel' amabank details wabo nje ubaphe icoldrink. It's not a secret ukuth' abantu in your community don't support each other, they rather play umculo womuny' umuntu 80 times ngelanga ngoba baphuza bonke and leave wena oyingxenye yesigaba sabo with an egg ebusweni.
Kuba nama awards or competitions nje esikhaleni without any information whatsoever on how to submit or ngenela kuwo, wena nje uzobona ngama nominees or amawinners selidume ledlula, why?, is it because your music sucks?, is it because you not connected?, is it because uzivalele, or it's because you didn't sleep with the person in power?, Ai nam' angazi, awusho ke wena why are they doing that?
Well in such a situation, forget ukuth' uban' uthini and do you. Be visible and go in harder in a way that no one can ignore you. Research and equip yourself with current affairs and enter all competitions and submit your work 20 times if you have to, phezu kwalokho STAY SLAYING AND BE GOOD AT IT.
Enjoy your weekend and take care of yourselves, let's meet again on Monday
Asebelane ngolwazi, asikhule emculweni
OkaMncwango, umtwana uyazibongela
Facebook:Dj-Sticha Mixking
Twitter: @DeejaySticha
You know you good entweni yakho and wish to see yourself listed kuma top spots and release chart topping hits kodwa umile nje endawen' eyodwa, every year you make ama new resolutions but still awunyakazi, why?. Am sure you've corrected amaphutha that you might have done eminyaken' edlule so, yin' enz' ukuthi abany' abantwana baye phambili wena ustakile?, well before you crack your head, sekungenzeka nje there's nothing wrong ngawe or your way of doing things kodwa uvalelwa ngumuntu osemandleni in your field.
I'll say this without favor or fear, the music industry is controlled by a little circle of selfish people who can make or break you, kuya ngokuthi wazana nobani njalo ubani umenzeleni, or how can you be of use to them. Today let's focus on some details ukuthi uziphatha kanjani uma ubhekane nesituation ethize. Let's not forget that there are a few good selfless people emculweni who can genuinely uplift you, make sure you don't burn any bridges.
Managers, agents, publicists, artists, Djs and producers, we love idrama nje!. I'm the first one to admit that sometimes it's nice to think that the big bad industry has done us wrong and our plight is not directly related to our actions and approach. While sometimes that may be the case, it's not really useful energy now is it?
Below is a list of things we need to come to terms with in order to focus on our real work. I am not saying these things don't suck and aren't very real hurdles;I'm saying let's stop throwing our hands up and commiserating. Lets get our hands dirty and use these factors to creatively get what we need. Lets embrace them and move forward.
As an entrepreneur, Dj and music producer in this dear music industry we call home, I choose to accept the realities of the crap that may stand in our way, and find ways to use them to my advantage. I love this industry and what I do. Souring every day with drama only does me and my clients a disservice.
We have to remember this industry is not meant to be fair. There is no scale at which to measure what a "fair" deal is, and you get what you fight for. Let's get over it and start to make a difference.
#1 NEPOTISM
Defined as "favoritism shown to relatives or close friends by those with power or influence, "nepotism is a real thing that affects a lot of decisions this industry makes. This industry is as loose in rules as they come. There is no certificate or license required to work in the music business. There is no fear of losing your management license if you don't obey rules. We are governed by ourselves and by how far we are willing to go.
Let's be honest, how else do you make decisions?You entrust those you like, or those who have helped you out in the past, with opportunities. You trust that your goodwill will come back to you when you make those decisions strategically. This is normal, and is often the way our business works. Embrace nepotism. Use it to your advantage and befriend everyone. Take the time to invest in relationships so they reward you in years to come. It's a two way street. Have others' backs and they will have yours when you need it.
If you want something and you don't have the connection to back it up or make it happen? Learn how to maneuver around it, and prove your value another way. Predict competitors' decisions and intercept them. Speak to their needs and desires. Nepotism may still beat you out but you may be surprised once in a while.
You're never b**ching about nepotism when you're on the receiving end of a nepotistic decision, right? So get on the right side of the game.
#2 EVER CHANGING TIMELINES
Enough about the annoying moving pieces. Let's just come to terms with the reality that things will likely never happen when you think they will and, if they do, something else will happen that disrupts the timeline anyways. Get comfortable with it and make it work. There's no use for fights or brawls when timelines shift. Just work hard, keep your head down, and don't get your panties in a bunch.
Do your best to plan ahead, explain the benefits to keeping up with the timeline to those around you, but be flexible with change when it comes barreling down your path. It's the way it will always be. That being said, depending on your business, "going with the flow" isn't always the easiest. Find a way to clearly communicate needs, costs, etc. and do your best!
#3 STREAMING
It's here to stay. Artists aren't getting paid much, but when it was a physical world, not as many new ears were discovering your music - so pennies are better than nothing. When you grow into a big and "valuable" artist, sell direct, do exclusive deals, and make BIG money;but when you're just starting up the ranks, it's in your best interest to get your music everywhere. Look at streaming as a marketing opportunity. You deserve nothing and no one owes you. Yes you are special and talented, and that is worth something, but growth will come by building up your value. You can do that by being accessible and easy to work with. Streaming is convenient and music fans are way in to it, so unless you can build a platform or tool that has the same power, and invest a lot of dollars in to marketing it, I suggest you get creative with finding revenue elsewhere. A few ideas: activate your core fan base by running direct-to-fan campaigns.
#4 DISORGANIZED FESTIVALS
How many times have you stood in the long lines la oku book(we) khon' ama artists wakho to pick up the passes, only to be told by a volunteer that you as their manager can do no such thing?. Sometimes you'll be told ishow iqala ngo 22:00hrs adlule engath' abamboni lowo 10pm iqale ngo 01:00am, ngaleso sikhathi you prepared a perfoming disk ye 15minutes utshelwe kuthiwe we giving you 5mins nje. WHAT RAGE!, This is a b**ch, but its a thing - it's not worth the stress, so let it go!
If there's anything I've learned working on festival teams its that things will always seem incredibly disorganized. Often, it can seem like there is no way this festival is going to come together, but somehow it always does. The festival business is overworked and understaffed. There is a lot of information and usually not enough people to manage it. Be understanding, be patient and see how you can help. Raging about it is not going to change a damn thing!
#5 BAFUN' UKUDLA BODWA, BAFAKANA BODWA(KUYA NGOKUTHI WAZI BANI PLUS UNGOWAKOBANI)
We're living in the age of politics and favoritism in everything, you'll find ukuthi endaweni yangakini there's a community event or music festival(I won't name drop, angithi it's not personal), the organizers know about you and your music but baland' ama artists from other provinces, towns or the neighboring countries who are unknown and pay them large sums of money to come and shine in your home ground, bese uzibuz' ukuthi, kanti wena wangaqokwa uyanuka yini?.
You have many radio stations in your community or City, you submit all your work and follow proper procedures bese you get no word back from the radio stations qed' umculo wakho ungadlalwa. Don't get me wrong am not saying just because the radio station is in your City or community they have to play your music, engikushoyo yikuthi ungabona bengawudlali owakho kodwa owabanye udlalwa kuyikuthi you followed indlela zakhona plus yiquality, okumele ukwenze nje from lapho yikucel' amabank details wabo nje ubaphe icoldrink. It's not a secret ukuth' abantu in your community don't support each other, they rather play umculo womuny' umuntu 80 times ngelanga ngoba baphuza bonke and leave wena oyingxenye yesigaba sabo with an egg ebusweni.
Kuba nama awards or competitions nje esikhaleni without any information whatsoever on how to submit or ngenela kuwo, wena nje uzobona ngama nominees or amawinners selidume ledlula, why?, is it because your music sucks?, is it because you not connected?, is it because uzivalele, or it's because you didn't sleep with the person in power?, Ai nam' angazi, awusho ke wena why are they doing that?
Well in such a situation, forget ukuth' uban' uthini and do you. Be visible and go in harder in a way that no one can ignore you. Research and equip yourself with current affairs and enter all competitions and submit your work 20 times if you have to, phezu kwalokho STAY SLAYING AND BE GOOD AT IT.
Enjoy your weekend and take care of yourselves, let's meet again on Monday
Asebelane ngolwazi, asikhule emculweni
OkaMncwango, umtwana uyazibongela
Facebook:Dj-Sticha Mixking
Twitter: @DeejaySticha
Source - Dj-Sticha
