Nov 16, 2018
Ian Salazar recently turned 21. He’s been playing guitar since he could hold one, probably starting around age six. He plays for two Dallas Fort Worth bands and does a bit of solo work. He’s also a recording engineer and producer, working from both his own home studio and Redwood Studio of Denton Texas. Needless to say, he’s in search of balance.
We’re acquainted by way of my friendship with his parents. His father is quite a musician and a former bandmate of mine. Our conversation was an opportunity for me to learn about the mindset and struggles of a budding artist in today’s crazy music business. It was also an opportunity for me to practice a bit of impromptu coaching (hopefully well received).
Making enough money is at the top of Ian’s list of struggles. I learned that he doesn’t take his solo work too seriously. I believe this a fear based thing. It’s the same fear that every artist, musician, or entrepreneur faces at one time or another–fear of rejection. Ian tells me it’s more about being the center of attention, something he doesn’t seem to feel worthy of. I expect he’ll get passed this in time.
My impression is that Ian and his bandmates are somewhat haphazardly marketing themselves. Also very common among experienced artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. I know I’m guilty of the same haphazard approach on a couple of fronts. I expect this will also change for Ian in time. Hopefully he’ll take this thought away from listening back to our conversation.
No one is going to sell you or your music for you!
I know all too well how this goes. Many a DIY musician, artist, writer, and entrepreneur spends most of their waking moments thinking about marketing and community building. It can be draining, distracting at times. I believe that Ian can solve this dilemma by building a great email list and marketing himself to the world of house concerts.
I’m pulling for Ian. The world needs him to be a smashing success. And his time is now.
Read bonus content related to this episode.
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SHOW NOTES
- Ian Salazar
- Redwood Studio
- Acid Carousel
- Majik Taylor
- Majik Taylor on Instagram
- Acid Carousel on Instagram
- Buck Meek
- Main at South Side
- Radio Coffee
- Midlake
RELATED EPISODES
- Episode 76 – House Concert Tours & Community – Shannon Curtis
- Episode 62 – Tapping into the House Concert Scene–Robonzo
- Episode 60 – House Concert Host Amy Killingsworth
- Episode 54 – House Concert Ambassador Tom Meny
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS
- No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
- The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
- Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith