Music Banter - The average lifespan of an underground artist today

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I forgot I made this thread, looks like it ran away on me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DwnWthVwls (Post 1613845)

I wonder the same thing. I heard a few years back tech is clearing well over $100k, but he also does a lot of traveling and goes around talking about politics and stuff.

I heard the same thing, that he does lot of spoken word. I use to be a big fan of his until he wrote that 911 truther song about Bush and the twin towers. Then I was like... this guy is whacked! lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DwnWthVwls (Post 1613845)

I wonder about groups like JMT who have been around for a long time and still push out content. Seems like they and many others have a built a strong enough following to live a regular blue collar life + travelling. I don't think they are caking it in.

The underground scene is so volatile, I'd fear for my future when I can't do it anymore. You never see rappers performing in their 60s like you do some of these rockstars.

I am more concerned about underground artists who would be trying to blaze the same trail as JMT and Technique. I'm worried that with all the free downloading they will never get off the ground, and all we'll be left with is the Kayne West's & the Lil Wayne's.

Quote:

Originally Posted by William_the_Bloody (Post 1615454)

Downloading has existed for over a decade and a half now, and the undergroung has grown, not shrunk, because now people actually know these artists exist. Quit worrying.

Quote:

Originally Posted by William_the_Bloody (Post 1615454)

I heard the same thing, that he does lot of spoken word. I use to be a big fan of his until he wrote that 911 truther song about Bush and the twin towers. Then I was like... this guy is whacked! lol.

Well that happened on his 2nd album release and I didn't like his first album all that much.. or are you talking about the song with Mos Def?

I hope I live for a long time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Batlord (Post 1615468)

Downloading has existed for over a decade and a half now, and the undergroung has grown, not shrunk, because now people actually know these artists exist. Quit worrying.

Yes, but they hardly make any money these days unless there constantly touring on the road. If you could find me an underground artist that does as well financially as the Dead Kennedy's did, I'd change my mind.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DwnWthVwls (Post 1615500)

Well that happened on his 2nd album release and I didn't like his first album all that much.. or are you talking about the song with Mos Def?

Ah this is the song I'm talking about, I had no idea it was done with Mof Def at the time...but that makes sense now lol.

I was into him hardcore until I heard that track, than I was like man he's whacked I can't listen to him anymore & that was it lol.

Depends on how well the artist knows the game, the indie artists that utilize crowd funding platforms seem to do pretty well for themselves. Of course you won't make much if you sink all of your merch and tour profits back into album production, but if your fans are willing to collectively pay your production costs then your rockin. The music game is different now, can't play it by the old rules.

I learned like 50 bob marley covers with a couple other dudes and made awesome bank playing gigs at bars and ****holes. It wasnt the best since bob marley gets old as fuuuu..
I was making enough money to sustain myself easily, 300-400 a week, given it was the peak season in a tourist town...

but that was a long time ago :( oh if i could ever gain the courage to be a solo act.