Self-isolation is probably one of the biggest cancers affecting
many artists. They want to do it alone or in some instances with
a few, close and carefully chosen confidantes. To be clear there
is nothing fundamentally wrong with building a team around you.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a support system
built around your craft. I am all for that. I would even go as far as
saying every artist must go the extra mile and even have some
cheerleaders on board as well because you will at times need to
be encouraged to stay the course. Making it in the music is often
a tough and treacherous journey. That said, a team – moreover
a team you have built around yourself should not become a
barrier to collaborations with other artists or limit your ability to
hear alternative voices in this music business.
Don't keep yourself locked away in your little space only working
with producers and artists you know. Taking advice from only the
wise men you have vetted, ignoring everyone else save for a
voice coming from your squad. It is ignorant to imagine that your
select group of loyalists "knows everything" there is to know
about the music business. It's unfair even to put such a burden
on your team. A team for the most part made up of close friends
and cheerleaders. How in the world are they supposed to know
everything? Allow yourself to be a critical thinker and ask
questions. It's that simple, ask questions. Don't be a know it all
emboldened by your crew pretending that there is a masterplan
in place and you and your craft are on the verge of a monumental
musical breakthrough. How does one get nominated for a
Grammy? How do I get signed to a recording company? How do I sell my music? Ask questions. If your team does not have a
satisfactory answer feel free to ask the question elsewhere and
get a response from knowledgeable people in the music industry.
Don't let foolish pride limit your growth. Isolating yourself
kneecaps your ability to engage with other artists, producers and
stakeholders. Be bold and look beyond your inner circle. When
you hear something you like, reach out to the artist or producer
and ASK them how they did it.