Ever since I was a child, I have always wanted to be a singer. I used to think that there was only way this dream could come true: I would have to be found by a record label.

Once I started learning instruments and writing my own songs, I realized that I didn’t need a record label. Once I met recording engineer, Willie Martinez, I learned that I could easily record and distribute my music as an independent artist.

Although the idea of getting signed and becoming so successful to the extent that people actually know who you are sounds appealing, I feel you would also have to give a lot up.

I just want to be me. As an independent artist, I like that I can look how I want to. 

Allison Merten
Photo By Caleb Behnke
I just want to be me 🙂

I have seen many famous, talented musical artists who could easily sell their music purely because they are talented, but instead of selling music, they’re selling sex. Maybe some of those artists like dressing this way, but I always wonder how many of those artists are dressing that way by choice.

As an independent artist, I can write and perform songs about whatever I want. The songs that I write are based on real life. Sometimes they’re happy, sometimes they’re sad, and sometimes they’re full of anger. Many of the popular songs I hear on the radio don’t seem to have much depth to them. It would be sad to give up my songs, as they are a part of me.

As an independent artist, you know exactly how much money you have (or don’t have 😉 ) as well as exactly how much of that money you will be spending on your music. Cracked.com posted an article called, “5 Things Record Labels Don’t Want You To Know They Do.” One of the things this article discusses is how a record label can provide their artists with large advances, but the advances don’t mean much when the artists are responsible for paying for things like studio time and marketing. This surprised me. I thought one of the reasons people wanted to get signed was because the companies would pay for things like studio time and marketing. If this is the case, then you don’t even have control over your own money.

Would I immediately turn down a record deal? No. But, I would have to spend a lot of time thinking about what sacrifices I would be making if I chose to stop being an independent artist.

All I want to do is share my music with the world while staying true to myself.