INDEPENDENT VS. UNDERGROUND
We all are reaching for the same goals some more than others but, to have one person to want to hear your music I always said is a blessing. Music speaks volume in the urban community. Allowing artist to express themselves lyrically from their own perspectives. There are a lot of differences but similarities to being an independent artist versus underground artist.
Independent artist can create and distribute music freely. There not under any contract with a record label. The terms are used in the music industry as a marketing technique. Most independent artist already had established a fan base and solely invest into their career no major label support, no financial advancements. They book their own shows and radio appearances. But seek out major companies to do their distribution and manufacturing. Independent artist share their music through the streets and the internet determined to get heard on a mainstream level via radio, internet and performances and any other social media outlets.
Now as for an underground I went to research a more standard form of definition and what I found was that Underground is an umbrella term for Hip-Hop music outside the general commercial canon. It is typically associated with independent labels or no labels at all. Underground hip-hop is often characterized by socially conscious, positive, or anti-commercial lyrics.
I also had the liberty to speak to fellow musicians and engineers and they pointed out some valuable tips. Underground artist have even more creative freedom because they are not legally bound to any independent or major labels what so ever. A friend of mines spoke of the Insane Clown Posse and how they have become millionaires basically off of their music, merchandise, sold out shows with no independent, nor major label support. Now from others that I have asked about their opinions they replied that most underground artist don’t invest as they should in their career that they have bootleg and cheap material and that they are unprofessional but, there are always two sides to every story.
The feeling that Underground music gives me is honesty, loyalty and facts about current world and political events, conscious thinking and reality to what we face on a day to day bases. There’s nothing wrong with being extraordinary and thinking outside the box please do so I say that’s the beauty of music period to creatively speak with lyrics your emotions and to speak out on things that people wouldn’t dare. Independent artist does the same it’s just the only difference they chose to seek out media avenues to get their music heard more publicly.
The feeling I get from independent music is also mutual but from a different perspective and this depends upon the artist and their music. I have had heard from many others where they feel that some independent artist are “sellouts” because they wanna be apart of the mainstream and will do anything to reach that level. With being that most independent artist or unsigned as they put it try to go mainstream see there are guidelines to follow though. In order to go mainstream you have to go with what sells there are marketing strategies to understand because you have to know what the consumer wants not what “you think” they should hear that’s the big difference between independent and underground and I believe that’s what separate the two. For example, Chance The Rapper looked up his info and Im like WOW his amazing he had the opportunity to sign to a few major labels when he dropped mixtape Acid Rap mixtape back in 2013 and he chose to remain INDIE and is still working hard making his music be heard. Making a major impact in the music industry. So this proves that getting a deal isn’t everything but making powerful music and getting it to the people is what really matters regardless if your mainstream, indie or underground. The advice that I would give to any artist is learn the business know and under the market that your trying to target and never let anyone take the one thing that defines as a person or artist and that’s your identity. Your image is everything and what you speak will carry you in this industry whether you chose to stay mainstream, indie or underground. And also try other avenues for your audience to see you whether it’s from designing clothes, creating a fragrance, publishing a book, or acting do it stay focused and stay busy. There are pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages to any career. My moto is to do what works for you and again I say stay true to yourself and make a difference. I am an unsigned artist that chose to remain independent. Love Life and Let Life love you back. #NdureThaMovement!!!
