Published: Friday - December 7, 2007
Words by Donny Goines
Blog by Donny Goines (Photo: Don Michael)
So tonight I went to a bowling alley with the Internet Celebrities to promote an upcoming show (very interesting, check out the footage on youtube). I was there with some of the other artists who were performing at the event, having a good time and I kept thinking to myself "Why are most artists so adverse to the idea of working with others?"
I always believed a big reason why the South is winning now is because they understand the power of forming unions and aligning themselves with others. Although you may feel like you don't need to work with others (and maybe you don't), but if you did, what damage could it possibly do? Now I'm not saying you should work with any and everybody, even I wouldn't do that, but what's wrong with teaming up with others who are just as talented as you are? My grandmother always told me "two heads are better then one" and this old saying still resonates with me to this day. Overall, I think alot of up-and-coming artist really don't utilize nor understand the power of collaborative efforts. I'm all for working with others to achieve a common goal and if you were smart, you would be too.
One common mistake up-and-coming artists tend to make is that when they do want to collab, they usually tend to reach out to the "big names" thinking that it will happen. Rookie mistake. One rule of thumb you should always remember is that this game is VERY political and not many established artists are going to be willing to work with you unless a) there's a check involved, b) there doing someone a favor, c) they have some sort of vested interest in you or your music, or d) they know you personally and that's that. Trust me. Here's a question tho, why approach them when there are so many talented artists on YOUR level? I would suggest reaching out to others that are on the same page as you or people that are doing the same things (similar shows, working with same producers, etc.) as yourself. Also, try reaching out to artists who may not be as popular as you, but have the same hunger and drive. You would be surprised with the results you get. Furthermore, when others reach out to you take them serious and consider it. If the music's good, and it's possible, why not? Many artists in this game have egos, and that is the biggest hindrance with collaborations. Be sure to check yours at the door and be humble (Remember Troy Duffy?) because no matter how hot you are, there's always someone waiting in the wings ready to take your place and that just might be the person you brush off as a nobody.
Remember those artists I mentioned earlier? The ones I said were performing with me at my upcoming show. I asked them both to jump on a song with me. You know why? Why not? As long as they make good music and take it seriously its all love. Same goes for any other artists reading this blog. Learn to work with others, and others will work with you.
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