Some might disagree, but we think we’re currently in a golden age of independent music. Today, there are more opportunities for a young artist or band to get recognized and make a name for themselves! Selling music is easier than ever, and musicians today have far more options at their disposal.

How Selling Music Has Changed Over The Years

From the 1950s, and for fifty years, the “formula” for becoming a successful rock act was surprisingly standardized: bands played local clubs and hoped to be “noticed” by a producer or promoter scouting talent.

Otherwise, the only other route to success was being part of a manufactured group. From The Monkees, to The Runaways, to The Spice Girls, there was no lack of promoters trying to piece together a pop act. Occasionally the members of these groups found individual fame – like Joan Jett.

And that was really it. There were no “ins” into the industry that didn’t go through the establishment, one way or another. After all, even The Sex Pistols needed Virgin Music to publish Nevermind The Bollocks, as absurd as that might sound today.

Digital Music Sales Changed Rock

Today, for the first time in rock history, the power really is in the hands of the musicians. Sure, you can still sell your soul (and future royalty rights) to the big labels if you want, but it’s no longer a requirement.

Simply being a good act, with a strong fan following, is enough for a band to succeed today. Do-it-yourself services can cut out the middleman altogether.

Bands in the past, for example, needed label connections to have decent merchandise made. Now, there are custom print-on-demand services which can provide any sort of merchandise to anyone, quickly and cheaply.

When combined with online stores, selling music digitally allows a rocker to stay out of the “establishment” system entirely. When you can do your own promotion, book your own gigs, and even provide your own T-Shirts, what do you need a label for?

These are exciting times for rockers, and they’re full of opportunity for the talented!