Is it easier, or harder, to become successful (with the Internet, and all that), than it was, 20-40 years ago?

[charlie brown]

Easier, due to all that "access"...Or, is it harder, because of all the new competition, from all over the world?

 

What are your thoughts, and why?

 

CB

[charlie brown]

No thoughts, or ideas...even data, on this? Nothing??? LOL

 

CB

[tartanbeastie]

ooh thats a real tough one. In theory it should be easier now because we have so many means to get our music out there BUT there is huge competition. The onslaught of cheap instruments has made it possible for more folk to pick a guitar up.

One thought i have is that in days gone by, 50's 60's because there was less choice in music anything new may have sparked interest. I think previously we were less technical with music whereas now theres so many electronics which can make reasonable players sound great.

Man.. this is a whole can of worms with so many possible ideas

[charlie brown]

Thanks, for your response, Tartanbeastie.

 

I'm looking forward, to more ideas...your's or others. ;>)

 

One reason, I'm asking, is that I recently watched a Documentary,

where the "Indy" band, in question, didn't sign (3 different times) with any

record company, and became reasonably successful...more so, than

even they realized, at the time, via the Internet. So, that sparked

this idea/question, on my part. Had they not stopped, due to infighting,

they could well have been even more "successful," apparently.

There "final" concert...which they expected, maybe 10,000 area fans,

at most, to attend, had 110,000 people, from all over the world! LOL

 

CB

[The RandyMan]

I have to concur on both counts--it is easier and it is harder. Easier because there are so many more opportunities to be "heard" due to today's technologies, but harder because there is so much more competition for people's attentions for the same reasons. With the hype-machines putting so much non-talent fluff in front of the masses these days, you really have to sift through a lot of mud to find those gold nuggets of real talent that are out there. But, at the same time, the internet offers everyone so many more opportunities to be heard that simply did not exist in the past. Just my twenty-five cents (2 cents, adjusted for inflation).

[DAS44]

I'm going to say something slightly different here. I consider the internet to be counterproductive to basic success. While in the 70s, an essay was very likely to have been written all in one continuous, connected thought, nowadays they seem to come out segmented. We write one paragraph at a time, stunting the flow. I know loads of people, including myself (though I try to shy from the practice), who will write a paragraph, go watch TV, then come back to it later. Now that in itself does not cripple someone, or hinder their advancement. But it does bifurcate one's attention. We have become multitaskers in this world of instant gratification (only a click or two away), and I find it hinders the ability to focus in on something. Now in the short term this is fine, but I find myself, and my peers, have certain issues finishing, say, an essay test. When the time comes that you need to focus, sometimes it just isn't there.

 

Might just be me

[ChanMan]

I'm thinking easier. Even going back 10 years or more.... Jewel was an internet success before she was signed. Understanding the "how" is still the key, regardless of whether you're going the traditional or the virtual route.

[Rocky4]

There's too much out there now. People get overwhelmed with all the new material and good stuff gets lost in the shuffle. .....and good seldom nets success anyway.

[FirstMeasure]

Easier because of the internet, but the levels of success have become more realistic than they seemed to be in the 70's and 80's. The chances of getting your band signed to Atlantic and headlining a World Tour have really dropped, but the chances of booking a small tour for your band and maybe landing a spot in the Telluride Blues Festivals are greater.

 

Used to be like playing the slots, now it's like playing Black Jack. Better odds for smaller payouts.

[tazzboy]

It's easier today then it was back 20 or 40 years ago. Back then you didn't have Youtube, the Internet, or a lot of media outlets like you did back in that time.

[rocketman]

I really don't know but Alex Lifeson had an interesting thought on getting into the business these days. When Rush started out they signed multi-album deals. The record labels had patience to let a band develop back then. Nowadays if you're not cranking out a hit on your first try, then you're pretty much done. With the internet the record labels can find it easier to shop around more these days. So I'm leaning more towards "harder."

[damian]

Easier these days...........without a doubt.....

[Duende]

For me personally I am convinced much easier. The style of music I specialise in (modern classical guitar) played even by a 'famous' artist attracts hundreds of people to a concert, rather than thousands, so if it wasn't for getting myself 'out there' via networking on the internet - ie facebook, myspace, youtube etc and also doing mail shots (once a year my manager and me look up potential concert venues that host the kind of music I play and send publicity e mails) then I think ten years ago, at the age I am now 35, I would be doing a lot less.

 

For small time musicians like myself, the internet is a blessing Your music can reach a world wide audience thanks to iTunes. Even recording is no longer the mysterious (and expensive thing) that is was, 'once upon a time'. For a few hundred pounds/dollars with a good idea, you can get your stuff out there!

 

 

Matt

[Steven Tari]

It"s harder.40 years ago people only heard what was in there area. So being a hit band and makeing good money was mostly done in the area. Haveing put out a CD and haveing to deal with Genre's now,also the whole world of musicians that weren't dealt with before it's harder. Also makeing the music is easier Because now if you make a rythem with your mouth you can make music. In older times making rythums with your mouth was left for hillbilly music. Also now you have all kinds of machines to make insterment sounds for you. In the time I was comeing up you had to play an insterment or sing for yourself to make a song. But back then you had to wait to get home or stop at a payphone to make a call. I miss those eaesier times ,No cell phones or computers messing up the world and our music. :unsure:

[cookieman15061]

Good question CB.

 

 

Personally I think it's all relative and therefore the same.

 

What does one consider successful? Putting out a CD? Touring? Opening for a Huge Headliner? Having a number 1 record?

 

Every musical generation has its pitfalls and mega stars.

 

I was able to play music consistently and get paid for it for 20 years. We had a faithful local following and played both small clubs and major outdoor events.

 

The internet certainly gives you an more opportunity to get your music out there. It's also littered with lousy crap as well.

 

I think in general it still takes a little talent, perseverance, a lot of hard work and a ton of luck and even then there is no guarantee.

[FirstMeasure]

After reading these responses I have to change my opinion.Like Cookieman said, it seems about the same, assuming you know how to utilize the market.

 

Used to be if you wanted to get noticed by the venue you had to make a really outstanding press package. If you gave them a tape or cd in a plain brown envelope it was in the pile, if you gave them a leatherette folder with your stuff in it it was at least given the once over. But all that aside, the only thing that landed the gig was face to face conversation with the venue manager.

 

Now, if you want to get noticed by the venue, you need a really nice looking CD and Business Card with an easy to get to Web Adress that brings them to a really nice looking page. If you page is just plain with pics and text you're less likely to be noticed than if you have a cool back ground with fitting fonts, streaming videos, demo songs, and dates lined up. However, all that aside, the only thing that will land the gig is face to face conversation with the venue manager.

 

 

Unless you can get an Agent........

[ScottGrove]

Well, if you're ugly, you're not going to get a deal. Nobody will want to watch you on You Tube etc. So, you probably won't end up on Ellen. Back in the day, all you had to do is have the chops and chemistry and the tunes and you were golden. You didn't even need to put your ugly mug on the album covers and there was no MTV nor internet. So, I think that today's "MUSIC" has more to do with how you look than anything else. One good thing about all that, you can do the KISS, G.W.A.R., etc. thing and cover yourself up with anything and get a deal by being a gimick act.

[Jeff-7]

If I ever get signed I'll let you know.