A: I still think all the most interesting bands come out of DIY backgrounds. You just inherently learn so much from having to be resourceful and you get so much out of the experimentation and process of figuring out how to even write and make recordings. Plus it’s nice to have time to learn and grow into your full potential as a band before a ton of eyes/expectations are on you. My DIY touring days were grueling but I wouldn’t trade the experiences both good and bad for anything!!
Plus I think getting into playing music with just the pure intention of like…. playing house shows and having fun with your friends is madddd underrated in our grindset ass world. But I get it too cause like you gotta survive!!!
DIY definitely aint doomed…. people will always be making music and expressing themselves in any condition. Is touring gonna get more and more costly and inaccessible?? Maybe?? but if the musics good and youre nice to people you’ll find it’ll get you very very far. People will wanna help u out !! At least if they are truly tapped in to the DIY spirit.
I think that shit is especially gonna be flourishing in smaller more affordable towns. Like Greensboro is where I live rn has a few cool DIY spots cause its slightly on the more affordable side of living…. but idk I’m not a city girl so I can’t really speak on the state of DIY in cities really and truly.
Advice for small artists : for real think long and hard about your lyrics…. I feel like I hear bangers but if the lyrics suck i’m like “damn what this person tryin to say”
Like not saying it has to be “good” writing?? But just…. care???
Like not all the lyrics in BRAT for instance are “good” but it rocks because you can tell Charli gives a fuck about sayin what shes sayin!! idk…. people just connect with people that care
And yeah just to reiterate…. the best advice I have to DIyers who want to make a career is be nice and kind. Build up your hometown scene and bring them up with you. Create a community. Make genuine connections w people not just network. And of course find ur own voice and style, no one really wants music that’s just a carbon copy of some other band in the long run (in most cases).
Hope to be in TX soon (I know of at least one thing thats planned atm but idk if it’s near where ur at cause its a big ass state). Peace
