Selling your soul for fame and fortune doesn't always have to be as extreme as making a deal with a crossroads demon just like Robert Johnson did, or selling yourself to the Illuminati once you hit a certain level of income.
Selling your soul, our selling out, as many like to call it, is a simple matter of giving up something that is significant to you for a chance at success, fame, and money.
Most people who walk this path don't realize what's happening to their "soul" when this process is actually happening, and they may only see how the music industry has drastically changed them only after it's too late.
Are you looking for a quick trip to fame and success? Or, are you looking for some red flags on your route that you will want to avoid as you journey through this amazing and crazy thing called the music world?
Regardless of your true intentions, I'd like you to ponder a few ways that we, as musicians and artists, can lose ourselves (or our souls) as we try to make our music careers successful.
While these methods may be able to get you up the latter faster, will it be worth it in the end? Probably not.
Bad deals aren't only coming from major record labels in the music industry.
There are tons of ways that big companies, including labels, publishing companies, and even TV competitions, can screw you over for years if you sign a contract that you don't understand.
Bad contracts can make it so that you are literally a slave to another company.
You can get stuck with low profits, deals where you have to make a certain amount of albums before you can leave, or even deals that say you can't make or perform your own music without a bigger company slapping their name on your work.
Signing a bad deal is a quick way to get some spotlight if you have the talent and you know how to work with an audience, but it can be a huge headache in the long run that can cost you so much more than money and time.
Don't rush into a deal you don't understand just because someone is coming to you from a big name making big claims. The bigger the company, the more you'll need to be careful and get someone with experience to look over the contract for you.
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In this day and age where social media is a drug, and we love to see people acting a mess, you can get on a quick train to your 15 seconds of fame if you are desperate enough and get a lucky break.
We all have different sets of morals that we strive to follow day by day, and most of the time, we don't agree with something another person is doing.
But if you're looking for fame and fortune, try abandoning some of your principles, and you may find that attention will come your way, although all attention isn't good.
Putting out music that feeds people's darker obsessions, including sex, drugs, and violence, is a pretty good way to chase fame these days.
We all come with a certain threshold of what we allow and what's going too far when it comes to these types of obsessions, but the more you loosen up on your belief and lose your inhibitions, I'm sure some fame will come to you.
It may do you more harm than good from the jump, but you may find that abandoning your morals can help put you on the map. The blogs and podcasts will buzz about you, but all press is not good press in this instance.
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Often paired with a bad label deal, many new artists give up their creative freedoms in exchange for that financial investment that a big label or similar company can offer them for a chance at success and fame.
While many will still recommend this method even today in order to get your name out there first, giving up your creative control in the music world can be a truly soul-sucking experience.
At first, you'll be excited just to get your foot in the door, but the more you're used and seen as a product rather than an artist with a voice, the less you'll be excited to wake up in the morning and do your job every day.
Do you know how they say that the grass is always greener on the other side? These words have never been truer than with new artists as they adjust to a world where no one cares what you think or feel, and they just see you as an asset to control.
The more you are in tune with the creative process as an unsigned artist, the faster the novelty will wear off once you get that big deal and go through the motions as a signed and successful artist in the industry (and that's IF you reach success).
This one goes for those who are chasing fame and success and may not necessarily be looking for the spotlight in the music industry. All the best companies in the music world are the best because of one thing: money.
Putting money at the top of your priority list may seem like an obviously smart thing to do in any business, but the more you walk that walk and put other priorities behind it, you'll see where things start to get dangerous.
Putting money before values like giving, the love of music, building relationships, and spreading positivity can be a real way to lose your soul in the mix.
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Once you get a taste of success in the music world, you'll get wide-eyed and start to see that money more than you'll see or care for the people responsible for your success.
The more you get successful, the more you'll start treating people like objects and less like human beings.
The more you find riches, you'll begin to use and manipulate people for your own selfish benefits and give away pieces of your pure soul to the industry and the dollar.
I'm not writing these thoughts to get preachy on you, but I do want you to truly consider some of the dangers that may come the more you reach your goals in your music career.
While music, in general, is a magical art that I believe is a gift from God himself, the industry can bring out the ugly in people's hearts and souls.
Some people are willing to go through the darkness and won't be that damaged from it, but others will really go through hell and transform into a much worse version of themselves.
Brainstorm what this journey can do to you in particular, and be prepared for many surprises (good and bad).
Keep your love for music at the forefront of your journey. Instead of solely chasing monetary success, focus on creating meaningful connections with your audience through your music.
Authenticity resonates with people, and passionate artists often find long-term success by staying true to their craft.
Focus on creating music that aligns with your values and beliefs. While controversial content might grab attention, building a sustainable and authentic brand over time can lead to a loyal fan base that appreciates your artistry.
Cultivate positive relationships within the industry. Treat others with respect, and foster connections based on mutual support and collaboration.
Building a network of like-minded individuals who share your values can contribute to a more fulfilling and sustainable career.
Instead of rushing into a deal, take the time to educate yourself on contract terms and industry practices. Consider hiring a knowledgeable attorney or music industry professional to help you understand the terms of any agreement.
Emphasize the importance of creative control in your negotiations. Consider alternative models such as independent releases or partnerships that allow you to maintain artistic autonomy.
Many successful artists today build their careers by staying independent or working with labels that respect their creative vision.
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As a session singer, writer, and producer that has worked with over 300 clients to provide high-quality jingles, singles, and features, Yona spends her time creating and marketing new music and helpful resources for creators. Check out Yona’s latest releases on her Spotify, her Youtube and share if you like it!
If you are in need of singer, songwriter or song producer services, see what Yona Marie can offer you on her services page.
