Longing for the day ...

Maintaining relationships ...

Just caught Techdirt's coverage of Shaun Groves' pontifications on the importance of fan relationships (got it via CDBaby on Facebook - how networked it THAT!!)

Shaun discusses the changing nature of relationship-building for indies - about how the only important relationships used to be with managers, publicists, agents, etc, but how the new value is in building relationships with fans. That's very true, but it's also important to keep building relationships within the industry. However, the new relationships within the industry are likely to be more complex, less exclusive and more along the likes of peer development and/or mentoring.

One of the best ways to get gigs is to put a program of other bands together and hit up a venue. To do that, you need to be in good with other acts. You need to trust them, respect them and rely on them. That requires relationship-building within the industry.

Similarly with other songwriters/producers/guest musicians - whoever you need - managers (probably only one of those, but advice from others is good), agents, publicists, etc. The more of these relationships an Indie can draw on to meet their needs, the better. But fan relationships are different, and no less important.

You need both ...