by Cari Cole
If you’re like most artists you hate being put in a “box” and you despise labels. I get it. It’s natural, especially when your brain is wired to explore and create like a mad scientist!
Exploring and experimenting are good, just not on your album.
But truth is, unless you jump the proverbial “fence” and cross the line into marketability, you risk wasting all of your hard earned money and time on a record that hears nothing but crickets.
That said, why is it so hard to commit to a sound, style. Like I said, who likes being boxed in?
Here are 5 reasons why it’s hard to commit to a genre:
(See if you find yourself in one of these scenarios below)
1. Commitment phobic
If I commit to a genre then I might be stuck with it forever. What if I commit and everyone loves it and then I am stuck with it for my career. I hear about other artists who try to jump genre after they are established unsuccessfully.
2. There’s so much more to me than just one genre
You find yourself having trouble committing because you like a LOT of different kinds of music and you like to sing/play in several genres. Choosing one (or two) is like parting with your arm.
3. Your creative brain hates being limited
That’s okay, you’re supposed to be ridiculously creative with thousands of ideas, you just need to herd them into one corral.
4. Something else always catches your ear
You find yourself never being able to nail your “sound” and are easily distracted with the latest trends or stay stuck in the past. Yup, as a creative music brain this is always going to happen. Stay current, but see this as being “inspired” and don’t jump genres. It’s GOOD to listen outside your genre and weave in threads of other influences. That’s what great music is all about.
Three Techniques for Honing Your Genre Commitment Skills
Genre is there for a reason. Don’t think of it as a box, think of it as a definition tool. The closer you get to defining your sound, the easier it is for people to identify with you and make bonds. That’s what you want – right? Here’s 3 ways to help you hone your genre commitment skills and help you own your domain in music ….
1. Pretend You are Your Own Manager
Pretend that you are your manager. A manager will have more objectivity about what you sound like vs. what kind of music you like. You can like a lot of different music, but you can’t play it all on your record and be successful with your career.
2. Play “Match My Genre”
Match your genre with the kind of music you play when no one’s looking. It might be a few things. Write it down. Spend a whole month or two doing this exercise. Then review the results. You might be surprised at what you think you like. And you might be twisting your music to be “commercial” or what you think the industry likes vs. who you really are.
3. Try a Genre Mashup
This one is fun ;). Mix 2 or 3 genres to come up with a fresh spin on what you’re offering. You might land on something new that strikes a chord, or be careful because you might end up too far left of center. Keep tweaking until you arrive at something that’s in the ballpark and that sounds totally YOU.
Here are some genre lists and maps to have fun with!
http://www.musicgenreslist.com/
Genre map: Use this super fun tool to play with!
Share your thoughts about genre in the comments below…
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