What do you do with an artist who doesn’t fit a mold – the one who feels like a square peg trying to fit in a round hole? The artist who the industry says is amazing, but can’t figure out how to market them? Or, as an artist, you create what you think will “fit”, but know you can do something unique?
I get it – we have to have rules and ways to identify artists – from radio to awards. But, what do you do when someone creates something different? Or, their project is so diverse, how do you promote that artist or get them seen when the market is already inundated with those who ARE trying to fit in?
Some of the greatest artists ever known became icons because they were “outside of the box” – unique – original.
Those are the artists I seem to gravitate to – the more rounded artists – the artists that are able to write, sing, create, produce, perform their own original music, and can play their own instruments. They are also multi-talented in other creative areas, not just music, that enhances their whole brand. Their creations are maybe not all the same genre or style, and some include other artistic partnerships in their shows.
Together, we figure out whatever tools we need – and get to work on how to get that square to fit – maybe not in a round hole – but as they should, on their own.
Sometimes it happens fairly easily, and sometimes it takes a while. Sometimes we end up with a lot of saw dust and splinters.
And, sometimes, we just stay outside of the box.
But, be assured, we will have tried our best, left our mark – and maybe even left some room for more “squares” to fit in.
ZIGO – Live in St. Louis
With the firm belief that each artist has their own story to tell, we work together to do our best to help that artist be who they are meant to be, within the constructs of the industry as it is, but allowing that artist to create and take ownership of the gift they have been given. From the creation of a song, to the analysis of how that song needs to be presented, on to the full production stage showcasing that song – we do our best to help give that story, set to a melody, justice.
I remember singing on stage at age 3 – fast forward to I’m 16 and sitting behind a sound board running sound for major touring acts. I was just hanging out with friends and having fun – I didn’t realize I was being “mentored”. I found myself at festivals, fairs, in studios, and traveling in busses across the US “learning” the business from heroes. I had some pretty good friends who believed in a curly-headed blonde girl. Back in those days, I didn’t know ANY women who did what I was doing. (There is a whole other story).
It would seem my life had a plan before I could even make one. And, despite continuing to travel full-time from the age of 14, I graduated high school, then attended university full-time (there were no online classes then) while getting on a bus every weekend, and still managed to graduate with a BS in Marketing/Management.
After 35 years, I now tell people, “I get paid to play with my friends – and, I’ll never stop learning”.
MONROEVILLE with the Fairmont Youth Orchestra in Kettering, OH
Monroeville has performed for over 20K kids in schools in conjunction with Gibson, I’ll Fly Away Foundation and Bluegrass Music Museum
From Gospel to Rock, Bluegrass to Classical, Americana and everything in between, I have the privilege to work with all of the above. It’s that diverse exposure to music that fostered my belief that music truly has no boundaries, and is the universal communicator.
ZIGO with Kinetic Tapestry – combining live shows with Silk and Acrobatics
“Music is a communicator regardless of language or culture. If you focus on the message through sound as well as words, just as much as the craftsmanship of the song, you don’t have to worry what ‘style’ it’s played in – the song will be as it should be, and will say what it needs to.”
Songs of the Fall in Czech Republic 2017
Honestly, everything, not just music, but each person and experience is designed to be different – unique. We weren’t meant to be the same.
So, maybe, “outside of the box” is actually normal. And, those who decide to conform are actually – different.
Here’s to being different, continuing to be a square peg in a round hole, and giving that story – your story – set to a melody – justice.
Until next time,
Talent, Calling, Favor and Chocolate
Sheri
