Last week, a musician from my list decided to cancel his subscription. It was the first time someone unsubscribed. And I’m happy about it.

Because I want to help any musician, anywhere, to start and run a successful independent music career. Be it as a solo artist, band member or music producer. Be it on the side or full-time. And the person that left didn’t check off any of these boxes. 

He wrote to me two times, telling me that I was wrong. He wanted to talk with me about record deals and the “new” music industry. Unfortunately, he seemed to be stuck with the outdated belief (or myth) that all he has to do is to play and wait for an opportunity - like one of these legendary stories where an A&R guy shows up and signs them on site. Even though he complained about having only a handful of people at each venue, he insisted on being entitled to this. I feel bad for him as a human being and a talented musician. But he refuses to adapt. And it seems that there’s nothing I can do about it. 

Everyone handles oneself. And this person took responsibility by rather wanting to rant about the bad times and to blame everyone else but himself. I’m happy he left. He got not only a bad mindset but also no signs of realization. And that’s why you should be happy, too, when you “lose” subscribers. 

Yes, I don’t want you to have people on your lists that blame others, refuse to listen or even insult other people. But I also incentivize people to leave if I provide no value to them. I hate wasting time, especially if I waste yours. Rather than having thousands of “wrong” subscribers I prefer to have hundreds of open-minded subscribers that are determined musicians, truth seekers, and life-long learners. Like you 🙂

Speaking of learning. To use this story as an opportunity, I aspire to learn something from you.

(1) What's your #1 single biggest frustration with building your music career right now?

(2) Imagine having found a genie in a bottle - what one wish would you want to come true for your music career in the next 6 to 12 months?

Tell me about your challenges, and let us thrive in the independent music industry.