As an artist in the business, you will often find yourself making statements to not only the press, but your label, fans, and so much more! It is in great practice to master your terminology early on to prevent improper branding of yourself as an artist in the future!
This in mind, the following are statements or words we STRONGLY avoid using as a signed major label artist, as well as what responses to replace them with! A “cheat sheet if you will!”
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“SELLING OUT”
Instead, try using:
“WE ARE ENHANCING AND EXTENDING OUR ABILITY AS MUSICIANS TO REACH AS MANY FANS AS POSSIBLE”
“WE ARE BROADENING OUR MUSICAL REACH”
“WE WANT AS MANY PEOPLE TO HEAR OUR MUSIC”
“YES!!! OUR GOAL IS TO SELL OUT CLUBS, THEN ARENAS, THEN STADIUMS”
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“CORPORATE”
Instead, try using:
“WE ARE ARTISTS IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS”
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“NOT AUTHENTIC, NOT ORGANIC”
Instead, try using:
“WE ARE FOUR REAL GUYS WHO WRITE OUR OWN MUSIC, PLAY OUR OWN INSTRUMENTS, AND PERFORM LIVE ON STAGE. THAT’S AS AUTHENTIC YOU CAN GET.”
And finally, the finale of what not to say …..
“THAT’S NOT COOL” OR “WE DON’T THINK THAT MAKES US LOOK COOL”
As the label answer will be:
“COOL IS SOMETHING YOU EITHER HAVE OR YOU DON’T.” IT’S NOT SOMETHING YOU TRY TO HAVE!”
Cheers!
-Cheryl Benson-Guanci