Questionaire for ML fans
I have been engaged in dialogue about a few music BUSINESS issues. Being that I am a multi-genre artist I have some HUGE supporters of my sound/style/imaging and what not... and equally if not more so, an amount of music Business folks who don't get what I do. What they mean to say is they don't know how a rocking soul singer will have a career in this music business that is Trend Dominated. I go against the trends and conventions as I was born to. I'm not limited to REBELLING against the machine. I sing ballads and Jazz Tunes and choruses on Hip Hop tracks and all that. But to make IMPACT in this business you have to present a digestible image sound and delivery. A black John Mayer is unknown to the business of music and I'm not trying to compare to John in anyway, I'm just painting pictures in this discussion....Well, would John Legend splinter his market if he sang outside the box that has been created to support him...ie, if he decided to rock out with a dirtier sound and look and delivery, would his fans desert him or roll with? As the ages have proven, the sexy soul singer lane is viable and easily related to and almost guaranteed to make sense if you can put the right songs and looks and marketing around it. What isn't proven is the desire by that same audience to support that same artist for going outside of what has been a..lets call it an established direction. Is that possible? It IS completely a risk but if you got the goods, it shouldn't be a stumbling block because I could easily see Alicia Keys coming out with some HARD HITTING music that's darker and more upbeat and rocking out. I see something in her that lends itself to that chamber but that is almost abandoning what we have come to expect. I say expect the unexpected. F__k the trends.
As I am part Crooner/ Part Avant Gardeist/ Part Rocker/ Part Funkateer/ Part Urban R&Bay Arian Poet/ Part speaker of the times/ Part Singer Songwriter/ Part Fashionisto we have many puzzles to figure out. Now I knew this going into this business but I also know that with a proper amount of funds spent on developing both a market place (audiences who are considered your core) and the product (oh how I hate to hear artists referred to as product but again I'm painting pictures here) we start to catch fire with committed investment. COMMITTED INVESTMENT IS KEY!!!! Spending my own and my partners monies has not been enough. However we have made GREAT strides and are still gaining ground on our OWN. I like that very much but I don't like having to be denied action at RnB market places for being to ROCK HEAVY and then Not being welcomed in ROCK Arenas for not being ROCK ENOUGH and then Jazz Clubs fear me (except Birdland in Austria but who wants to go all that way just for one night ??!!) so...
What I want to know are honest opinions about what makes me/my music/my style and delivery work or not work for you or your peers. Being that I am working on 3 records at once ( a ballads record, a High Voltage rock record, and a Soul/RnB record) we have contimplated mixing the styles again like on Rebel Soul Music but since music programming/marketing has taken such a strong hold on the mental perceptions of what Radio Program directors and Video Program Directors and club owners and the like, think (trend suckers) that might be more of a fight than necessary. Do you want the hybrid sound of ML or simplified slices so you can pick what works for you?
It's all going to be good if not great music and well crafted. But in a bigger picture of what music fans want, I want to see if we can strike a balance on some of this and make either that monster multiformat pop/soul crossover joint..or some dedicated to the cause, streamlined and focused genre specific joints. Those are my questions to my existing fans.
For those who dare, Let your heart speak.
ML
As I am part Crooner/ Part Avant Gardeist/ Part Rocker/ Part Funkateer/ Part Urban R&Bay Arian Poet/ Part speaker of the times/ Part Singer Songwriter/ Part Fashionisto we have many puzzles to figure out. Now I knew this going into this business but I also know that with a proper amount of funds spent on developing both a market place (audiences who are considered your core) and the product (oh how I hate to hear artists referred to as product but again I'm painting pictures here) we start to catch fire with committed investment. COMMITTED INVESTMENT IS KEY!!!! Spending my own and my partners monies has not been enough. However we have made GREAT strides and are still gaining ground on our OWN. I like that very much but I don't like having to be denied action at RnB market places for being to ROCK HEAVY and then Not being welcomed in ROCK Arenas for not being ROCK ENOUGH and then Jazz Clubs fear me (except Birdland in Austria but who wants to go all that way just for one night ??!!) so...
What I want to know are honest opinions about what makes me/my music/my style and delivery work or not work for you or your peers. Being that I am working on 3 records at once ( a ballads record, a High Voltage rock record, and a Soul/RnB record) we have contimplated mixing the styles again like on Rebel Soul Music but since music programming/marketing has taken such a strong hold on the mental perceptions of what Radio Program directors and Video Program Directors and club owners and the like, think (trend suckers) that might be more of a fight than necessary. Do you want the hybrid sound of ML or simplified slices so you can pick what works for you?
It's all going to be good if not great music and well crafted. But in a bigger picture of what music fans want, I want to see if we can strike a balance on some of this and make either that monster multiformat pop/soul crossover joint..or some dedicated to the cause, streamlined and focused genre specific joints. Those are my questions to my existing fans.
For those who dare, Let your heart speak.
ML
13 Comments:
First of all, I'm a huge fan of your music and you as an artist. Especially, because you and your ART is different and unexpected and not what we get to 'consume' through the mass media. And also, I love the educational aspect in it, which should go out to much more human beings who still need te be awaken. In order to continue to educate the people they have to know about you first! And I understand your desire/wish/aim to succeed with your art also on a monetary level. You can stay focused and continue doing what you do, how you do it and just stay stubborn. I believe sooner or later it will PAY OFF. Or you compromise and do what industry's executives are asking for (and unfortunately the mass audience as well) and change your sound to a more 'commercial' one. Probably the faster way, but it includes the risc that you give up some of your own identity. Nevertheless, if you then made it to a certain level, you will gain the freedom again to do what YOU believe in. The question is, will you be still authentic and more than that, can you still convince the audience/fans that you haven't lost your authenticity?
My conclusion: It's not necessary to change your way - which is a complete one - to make THE one hit record (still as ML!) which will get you the attention of the industry and a wider fan base and access to money. IT'S JUST ONE RECORD AWAY!
I agree with what you are saying. Such a quandry this is because with proper funds spent on laying a foundation, there is NO reason to Change Anything.
That has been my plan.
Now I have songs that fall in the range of a Norah Jones/Sade...Un heard from male vocalists of today.
Also songs that push like Billy Idol and Nirvana.. also unpopular amongst our established RnB/Black is Bling crowd..moreso underdeveloped so folks just don't know how much they like it. It sux cuz after Russell Simmons does something like say... DEF ROCK Party and then u see black kids on instruments again ...then it makes more sense and becomes a trend..POSSIBLY but I make music for all ages and genres and that keeps people in the programming offices unsure as to when and what to pull the trigger on. I'm gonna make solid songs and let the suits figure where they should go.. but I apprecitate ur opinion. Thanks for Listening and letting ur heart speak
I'm grateful for 'opinion leaders' like Russell Simmons who are believing in something and are willing to take chances in establishing something new and/or different. They open doors for many great talents who otherwise wouldn't have been able to express themselves. Every society needs so called group leaders/role models. Who says you can't become one? Or at least get one on your side and establish THE MARTIN LUTHER EXPERIENCE? Anyway, I understand your dilemma being blessed to be able to write music from all kind of genres but to overstrain the industry!
u are so effin talented, it's disgusting. u can rock whatever u do.
ok so i have a confession. my first exposure to the ML experience was through that movie chasing liberty. i admit it! but point being, as much as i love music i never heard of u until that movie. and even afterwards when i tried to find out more, it took me a minute to find out more about u. googling "martin luther" doesn't take u very far and i'm not a myspacer.
somehow u gotta get out there. people seek u but can't find u. audiophiles will love anything u do, they just gotta find u.
my friend worked on the john legend/bailey's sponsored tour. i asked her how they chose their artists cuz i thought it'd be perfect to get u out there. then, of course, u'd be sponsored by a liquor company and i dunno how u'd feel about that. plus u'd probably have to deal with corporate bullfunk and being of a certain style/look/sound.
ultimately, u gotta do what u love. i think u're smart enough, talented enough, resourceful enough to pull it together.
my dos pesos.
come check me on myspace. u might like.
www.myspace.com/martinluthermusic
just put a special lil clip up called count ur blessings.
A child of so many talents she wonders where he'll go
Trying to instill the values of balance love and self control
But something had a hold on him and would not let go so she said Baby Count ur blessings and wish upon a falling star. Things have always been exactly like they are.
I'll be recording this one live for the new CD but I ain't even trippin man. I'm going to make a few classic ML joints and let the games begin.
Alcohol sponsor is a great way to match up an existing audience and intro a new or established artist. In my case I would be both new and established..lol
Chasing Liberty ..them cats NEVER paid me for that but I ain't mad...Learned what not to do. Experience is a great teacher ohh yessss.
Did yall hear Bono on the NAACP awards!!?? it's also on my myspace page. I got deleted so join up and add me as a friend.
myspace.com/martinluthermusic N-Joy
I would prefer the true artist in you, however, it can be frustrating sitting on the sidelines waiting for the 'in-crowd' of hollywood to get your music.
I wonder if you could hookup with XM radio...Radio One is some trash, I believe they have one program director for all of the stations they own.
Do we need to start a grassroots campaign for you, what can we do? The one question I have about the music business that i got tipped off by Prince, why are there so many people in the way of the music who have nothing to do with the song, but for some reason find a way to put their name on it. You know what I mean?
Hey Marty, I think you want our opinions but u are stuck on what you want to do so my (our) opinion really doesn't matter that much to you. If I am wrong in the observation please excuse me. You probably think that crossing over or being palatable to the suits will help take you to the next level, but what is the next level that you yearn to be? Do you want to be a household name, are you content with a grassroot following. You first need to be honest with how far you are willing to go for this music industry, and what chances and compromised you are willing to make to "Make It". You say you can croon, rock, riff and roll, but unfortunately in this industry you have to choose your strongest and stick with that one formula for a moment. I love your music, but will my mother, sister, brother, children, grandmother ect. love it or relate to it.(U get my drift right) What feeling can you leave us ALL with after experiencing a Martin Luther Song(s). These are the questions you need to ask yourself.yOU MIGHT HAVE TO COMPROMISE TO GET WHAT YOU DESIRE, IF THE DESIRE IS STRONG ENOUGH...It's so much going on in the world today MOST people just want to be happy and not have to think so much. Simplicity is the key, but can you write, sing and be simple? I know you can, but would that compromise your integrity? "Chick Noodle Soup with a Soda on the Side" How simple is that, but these simple ass kids has everyone including my mother and my nieces and nephews singing along to this simple ass nursery rhyme. You can do this Marty with your eyes closed I'm sure, but the question is are you too complex to Appear simple.
Yeah, my walk, my talk, my style of dress, my guitar choices, my car or attitude or approach to life more or less is as simple as it is complex Phe. And you make strong points. For me, simplfying really means that I need to make the three cd's I'm working on and in separate fashion for the most part because you have to be Prince to pull of a multiformat record that has appeal to large Black audiences and I'm not Prince and even he has a tough time with todays market buying practices. With some GREAT songs we will have much less deliberating to do so that is my first focus. DOPE NEW SONGS. and then we can see what goes with what and which projects make sense. I have much conversation about life and culture to share and I'm also a part of a big Beatles Film project which could simply catapult me into the listening/music buying publics radar with one swing and at that point as long as it's good and moving music, then the people will be serviced with any of these three next efforts or I might just make another multiformat but give it as much continuity as possible to galvanize the movie fans, existing ML fans of soul/rock hybrid and my DJ heads who just want some dope shit to bump and turn people on to. SIMPLICITY is STILL THE KEY HERE... agreed 100%
So i'll make my complexual self a lil simpler for palatable digestion, not for radio. I'm sure we'll get some radio love at some point but ML might just be that dude who rides under that radar or comes in and out from time to time but stays consitent with the quality.
Either I'm strange and you are too. I very much enjoy your music. I'ts the market at this present time and who's buying the records. There is a trend that is on it's way out again it's a combination of dirty south and timberland. People are begining to dance again. They are wanting dance head bobbing music. Most of it is wack, but dancing is good. If you want to market to the majority, get a product, a shoe,guitar,hat, something to back you. There are designers that definatley can get with your style. A live album would be so hot for you. Have product backing you on or before September before your movie comes out. Take full advatage of it. Some people try to put you in the neo soul category. Martin listening to your music is so inviting. Know that the trend is changing and your substance is so neccessary. You have appeal. The women love you. Stick to the truth in you. It is your time.
I got it. Well I got something. I got some clarity on how to approach the music cuz it had been bugging me and we have to strike solidly soon and me rocking out and me singing Songs is two totally different products. So I'll keep them just like that. There will be influences of all on both these projects but one is way more ''me and my band-ish'' and the other is more commonplace and cool to the eardrum. So when these projects are done we will let the music dictate the direction but I needed to hear from folks cuz I have some ideas like always and I'm going to record a few songs a few ways as to have versions to study and learn from. Often I'm testing the market with material without announcement to see if it moves a crowd. I'll have some mixes to do the same with. But as things progress sonically I'll speak on it. Cuz the me and my band ish is the ISH! dig..lol
Peace
Martin Luther, I have been absolutely jonesing to hear more music from you since forever...I discovered your music through the roots and have been hooked on your sounds ever since. I too am a huge Prince fan, and I think you can certainly liken yourself, in terms of style to Prince. Many of the black artists who do or have done something "different", i.e. Prince, the Roots, ML, Ngedechello, Van Hunt, Joi, etc other than the traditional R N B slant probably do find it difficult to find a true home. However, just like the mainstream media puts out these cookie cutter no talents and the mainstream culture eats what they are fed, there are many of us, of all colors who search out and are loyal to true musicians such as you. I believe that with the right mixture of timing and circumstance, you can remain true to yourself and still make it. However, in terms of music business practicality, you can certainly go the route of marketing all of your similar music together in a box...the question then becomes will you risk losing the fans you acquire through the one sound, when you break out and become yourself again? Or does it really matter?
i am thinking a double album (cd) one all ballads...one all rock.
It seems to me that the only thing in your way to the success you want is ... yourself. If it doesn't exist the way you want it, create it: you've got sumthing new, exciting and fresh. It's all about energy. Get all that self doubt out of the way, love who you are and things will happen the way you want. I told you once that the only career accident that could happen to you would be a business mistake. That was partly true. But I should have also added: what you focus on expands. Therefore stay away from your demons. Other than that, you're the best thing I ve seen and heard since a few years. Love your way.
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