Editorial: What Dr. Phil taught me about the music industry
Ok, so I admit it, I watch crappy television shows – even more so out of sheer boredom! However, South Africa is known for the trashy import of day-time American talk shows. It’s really entertaining especially Jerry Springer if you have nothing better to do on a Tuesday night, that is.
So, this brings me to a point of interest – What Dr. Phil taught me about the Music Industry! (Bite me but this is really good!)
Who the f*ck is Dr. Phil? He is a bald and tall man who tells rough edged humans to – “Get real about their lives” – In a no-nonsense manner! That is all you need to know.
Dr. Phil: You either get it or you don't
It's easy to tell these people apart. Those who "get it" understand how things work and have a strategy to create the results they want. Those who don't are stumbling along looking puzzled, and can be found complaining that they never seem to get a break.
The Music Industry:
The Music Industry is not forgiving. Every band needs to know what they are doing and why they are doing it and how they want to play within the fields of the industry.
Dr. Phil: Life rewards action.
Decide that you are worth the risk of taking action, and that your dreams are not to be sold out. Know that putting yourself at risk may be scary, but it will be worth it. You must leave behind the comfortable and familiar if you are to move onward and upward.
The Music Industry:
Following the idea that every band knows what, why and how they are operating in the music scene then it’s time to go into action. Nobody got famous for only playing garage shows. So get out there into the scene!
Dr. Phil: You cannot change what you do not acknowledge.
Acknowledgment means slapping yourself in the face with the brutal reality, admitting that you are getting payoffs for what you are doing, and giving yourself a no-kidding, bottom-line truthful confrontation.
The Music Industry:
Change is constant in the Music Industry and bands need change too! (This would be a great time to mention Lulu by Metallica) What is holding the band back? Listen to the critics!
Dr. Phil: We teach people how to treat us.
You either teach people to treat you with dignity and respect, or you don't. This means you are partly responsible for the mistreatment that you get at the hands of someone else.
The Music Industry:
Face it – a band’s fan base will be and always shall be the greatest asset! If you treat potential and existing fans like shit – don’t expect any releases to be sold. Simple.
Conclusion: Dr. Phil's "Life Laws" just got applied to the Music Industry! Plus, they actually make sense - to me at least. What are your thoughts, reader?
First published on Air Guitar Blog and re-published on MusicReview's website (South Africa)
