Advertising Music

– by Andrew Vohmann

To get noticed as a musician is a hard task. To get rewarded financially in the field is almost impossible. It doesn’t help having to go home and swallow TV shows like The Voice or American Idol – programs that are manufacturing ‘artists’ to promote their show. It’s no surprise all the songs on these shows are old hits, repeated over and over to please a mainstream audience that can’t tell the difference between a great song and famous radio friendly pieces. It’s a never-ending cycle that keeps the target market oblivious to the wider world of music.

Ask any musician and they’ll tell you that lining up with 5000 people for 8 hours to be told you’re a musician is a fable and a complete insult to the real nature of being found and getting that ‘lucky break’. These shows are not a ‘lucky break’ – they’re a marketing campaign.

But fear not, you don’t have to look far for that talented musician. Direct your attention to the adverts. You’re more likely to find a real musician here – one that will try to remain anonymous while making a dollar from their OWN songwriting.

Bands like Eagles of Death Metal have sold music to Lynx Deodorant, while Queens of the Stone Age gave the rights to one of their songs to an anti-drug campaign, helping provide them the funds to get back in the studio to record a new album.

Or, look up a band called The Transplants, who gave Garnier the rights to their song Diamonds and Guns to help their singer buy a place to live. Youtube that song – you’re bound to know it and will find an amazing band in the process, without having to put up with Joel Madden’s condescending compliments or Seal’s inappropriate hand movements.

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