The Music Industry Is Dying...And That's A Good Thing 

Legendary. I started playing guitar again and it ain’t for money. It’s for a message and expression. Shredding = emoting

The music community hasn’t been at full strength for decades now, I say it’s time that changes. We can all work together and make art without the care for money and the unnecessary bs industry. I feel the way things have been going are about to break!

this idea has been on my mind for a while. when you start to make music from the soul and for the purpose of growth from within, youve already beaten the industry. Brother your perspective is beautiful and filled with love, so eloquently and thoroughly explained, it brought me to tears in revelation. Thank you for keeping your heart🙏🏾❤️

This is so deeply spot on! Our art is becoming what it was always meant to be: A method of connection and healing!

All media is dying right now. The market is oversaturated with only a handful of artists being promoted by platforms. Radio has already died. Television is on its way out. Print media is holding on by a thread. People are realizing that the streaming industry is a waste of money and lacks a curated experience. Quantity doesn’t equal quality. This is good because it means change is coming.

I agree 100%. I'm so over the con artists selling fame and the desperation for fame whipped into a frenzy by the attention economy. You have to touch one heart at a time. That's the only metric. And the only way to do that is to engage in your art and with your community honestly. There are no shortcuts. Fame is not garaunteed, success is relative. You can't do it for the applause.

i genuinely am so thankful i am able to make music in a self sufficient way. i will no longer chase a number. i am an artist and will be until the day i die ❤️‍🔥

Digital technology progression has made it way too easy for people who would previous to this, never gotten signed, never gotten anywhere near a recording studio and would never have gotten music out. So there are now way too many people saturating the music marketplace. Don't do it for others, just do it for yourself, don't have hopes of getting anywhere, they will just take away the joy for you. If you do get somewhere - great, but don't expect it.

SO eloquently put! I just spent a month busking across America via USA Rail Pass on Amtrak. It was a glorious experience and the whole point of it was FREEDOM, baby!

As an indie artist its sometimes hard to remember why you started doing all of this. This video serves as the perfect reminder for that. Great content, keep doing what you love 🖤🌟

There is a noted shift happening in Music making and access to it again. Very inspiring!! Thank you your articulate assessment of why and how we create and for what purpose. Reflection is such a important part of the creative Art making process and what we want to leave behind for others to learn, enjoy, and inspire. Talent stands on it's own. Thank you !

56 seconds in and the video already bangs and the point is already entirely clear. ur slaying king.

Why did I become an artist? To bring light and passion to my life , to have joy. It's sad how far us musicians get dragged away from that objective. It's really a grift you must be aware of. Great video and message. Spoken from experience makes it very authentic. Thank you brother❤

This was an amazing revelation shared with a multitude of musicians. I especially took notice when you mentioned that music is for the healing of the world. I concur with that wholeheartedly. Having two music YT channels is exactly for that purpose. It's not a numbers game. Whoever comes across my content possibly needed that day what came from it. And sometimes I receive comments that are living proof of this concept. I know in my heart that in a small way I am making a contribution to humanity.

Wow what a beautiful and truthful prophetic message, so resonates with me thanks dude!

This is amazing! It should always be about creating and not chasing fame or $$. We all need to hear this… over and over again.

Hi! I've been a full time Professional Saxophonist for 29 years, you are nailing it! The real question is why are we doing this? What do we really expect? Is it reasonable? What have we achieved? Am I happy? Is my art making any tangible impact to those around me or culture at large? Great job on your video!

Such a poetic way to end a conversation that can so easily, and so often does, devolve into a defeated and pessimistic outlook on the future of being a musician. Thank you for sharing your perspective and your optimism

Wow, I loved this message. So much deeper and inspiring than I was expecting! I’ve been thinking the same thing might be going on and honestly that future sounds like paradise to me! Why would we want fame and fortune over getting to do what we love, making it meaningful to ourselves and to others, and building each other up. There’s room for everyone in creative fields but we often have this scarcity mindset, as if someone else’s success takes away from us. We should all be working together and supporting each other!

This is absolutely a prophetic word for the artists! Are you aware that you’re speaking from the essence of God’s very heart? We need this so desperately right now. Thank you for sharing your vision, speaking into existence and inputting hope into the spirits of those who have been weary reaching for the way forward in a system of smokescreens n discouragement. This is for the pioneers. You’ve got such a prophetic gift. God is using you so powerfully. Keep it up, please. So grateful for this. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💐🪽

Man, you're right on. Super nice to hear someone else speak thoughtfully into this broad topic so specifically about awareness and purpose in and through our art. Never saw you before this great video you're sharing here and subbed right away because I feel you. Spiritual warriors... Absolutely. Very well said. Peace.

probably the most important video about being an artist that I've watched in the last decade. thank you for this call to action

Very great video. I can relate to process of being a marketer and not an artist and also relate to not being intentional with the marketing. It left me hollow and on sporadic serotonin trips that never produced genuine happiness.

Beautiful message, as a writer, same thing happening in publishing industry... so true 👍

The label companies full time job is to provide the artist the funds to achieve whatever they tell the label they need. Also, their main job is to call as many radio stations they can across the country, trying to persuade them to play the music of their artists. But the only ones they do that for is that top .1% that is going to guarantee them money. No one of us normal people have millions of dollars to spend on ourselves let alone the time to put together a full dedicated team and gain the connections needed to actually have effective marketing. This is why artists spend 15 to 20 years writing songs in hopes that they get discovered. You have to work your way into the music industry’s inner circle or songwriters and label companies. But the only way any label company will ever take a chance on an artist, is if they show that they already have a large enough following and “the song” to make it worth it. The single best piece of advice I have gotten after the biggest opportunity I have received. Was that songs are the gold, the currency, the heart and soul, whatever you want to call it, of the music industry. A song could have all the talent in the world, but if they don’t have the song that sells, they’re useless. To truly make it, you need to have the song that is going to be a chart topper. Without the help of anyone else, and sometimes that takes 15 years. Yes you can find certain amounts of success in other ways. But if you’re talking about the .1%, even established artists lose funds and label’s support if they don’t continue to top charts. It’s not because they wouldn’t like to value artists, but these label company ceos answer to people too, and if they don’t make more money than they did last year. It means they are out of a job. So the single best piece of advice I have received, is write 30 mins a day every single day, and try your best to finish 1 song a week. After a full year, that gives you 52 songs. The best song of 52 songs from that year is bound to be a pretty good one. That’s the one you need to go to the studio and record. Then with those songs you can do the little bit of marketing, or however much you can afford, but you only release the best of what you have. So that people have a higher chance of actually enjoying it, and replaying it and spreading it for you. If you continue that cycle year after year, day after day. Anywhere from 7-15 years is the standard amount of time it takes an artist to “get discovered.” Because by that point they are writing world class music. It’s all about writing “the next song that sells, or makes it big.” Only then will a label company take a chance on you.

You are a true visionary! You are a witness to the paradigm shift happening in the world right now. I thank you for the confirmation and guidance you’ve given me. I now understand why my life has gone the way it has in fulfilling my role as a musician and I’m thankful as well. I have so much to teach and show the world through my music, and I know service to others is how we truly bring value to the world. Peace.

This was amazing! Its been my mindset for the passed few months. Concerning purpose and being intentional. Eliminating ego and embracing service. We soundtrack the world with our art. We have the power to guide as well. I desire to be on that side

Thank you for speaking truth and inspiring the next generation of artists who will be devoted to their craft & not chase perceptions of success. This message was truly inspiring and insightful! Thank you 🙏

💯 I agree with you. Thank you for putting it more into perspective.

This is immense, I’ve always followed these principles. It’s the quality and intention of our music, our art, our crafts, whatever it is that we create, that speaks to the world, and beings it’s own rewards. Thankyou, much Love. 🙏🌹

YES to ALL of this!! Thank you for this! You've put into words what I've already been thinking. Stay on the trajectory of writing and playing to help with the healing and connection with those who resonate with the music that comes through me.

I’ve recently grown tired of music for the very reasons mentioned in this video. It felt more like I was clout chasing, and filling an ego; Like I was doing something with no real value other than being shallow entertainment. This video is so refreshing, and hearing that I’m not alone makes me feel motivated to make music for the sake of communicating a true idea, or an experience. Thank you.

Thank you so much for this, it’s exactly what creatives need to hear. Also, I appreciate that you’re not selling a book, a link in the description, a tips-and-tricks tutorial or a course. PLEASE keep making genuine content like this

Music never actually dies, priorities change.

Thank you .This is the most refreshing ,informative and honest video that ive heard on this subject. I also tried a few years back to embrace the new online music industry .I spent two years doing an online marketing course only to discover what your currently talking about is correct. I have now gone back to playing, writing recording ,busking and I make sure that all my music is registered with PROs so I can claim royalties on it. I no longer use spotify for new releases , I use other more ethical platforms. All in all, I've gone back to being a musician like I was before all this shit started. Thankyou ,Jimi. ive subbed. All the best to you

"I was in a band..." still makes me a little sad, but your videos and insight are very interesting. Keep it up!

Jimi, you’re awesome! Keep being a gift to humanity

Bands I know make a lot more money from touring and merch sales than they do from their music being on the internet. Oh they use services like Apple Music, Deezer, Pandora, Tidal, RU-vid Music, and Amazon Music to help get their name more widely known, but the real money comes from constant touring and merchandise sales.

Couldn't have watched this video at a better time. Powerful spiritual forces are at play - I agree!

Thanks for sharing your experience Jimi!

I really enjoy how thoughtful you were with this. How to provide real value through art is definitely the only route forward. REAL value.

Hey Jimi: Wow! What a mission statement and totally speaks to my experience in the music industry. I have definitely been one of those who said, "if the numbers go up then..." and I have never been able to answer anything after "then...". I think the problem with the music industry is that there is no true path forward, no path to follow except for the scammy one. I am mainly a songwriter of cinematic EDM which I have been doing for the last 4 years and have tried a LOT of marketing plans but have never gotten anywhere because the true path forward is just a scam and I HATE social media and what it has become: a place for egos to say they are better than other egos - it's the ultimate status machine. I want to join with you in this quest, so I am subscribing today and want to hear more of what you have to say. Your words have moved me.

Good analysis, thanks also for the insights into your struggles and inspiring vision. -- and beautiful guitar next to you 😊

11:00 - I appreciate your optimism very much. I hope your dream of noble artists contributing a positive influence to the world in massively popular ways using methods of integrity becomes truth. I don't think that will happen. People are not "good" in their base nature. However, I encourage you to continue to express positivity in the artistic communities. We all need it. Live long and prosper.

Spotify needs us more than we need them and once we realize that power and take this all into the artist hands and not these major corporations paying us thirds of Penny’s for clout.

I thank you for your deeply enlightening and profound words on this subject. You have absolutely summarized the Zeitgeist of the last decade in just a few sentences and really captured the possibilites to where we as artists have now the possibility to move. Thank you, this was fantastic!

This is a great video man, thanks from the bottom of my heart, from Ireland. My band of 4 years just broke up. It was partly because the effort being put in to exposure wasn't paying off. Frustration gave way to doubt and finally collapse. Been reflecting ever since and your video crystallised what I had come to in my heart and mind. Next year and beyond is truly all about expression and connection and fulfilment with what we do as artists. It's in that authenticity that we find and meet our people. Thanks again, Merry Christmas. You've gained a sub my friend.

Instant sub! Linguistically and spiritually, you’re an epic dude. 😎 Oh, and your messages resonate like the shaking of jungle palms when a herd of elephants strides out into a clearing. 😉

Right on! Songs are meant to touch people not scare them away

Blame the labels

Amen! Couldn’t agree more. I’ve been personally realizing many of these things myself over the last few years. Well articulated. Thank you

Well put together, everything you spoke on really resonated with me. Thank you.

Thank you so much much for sharing your thoughts on that. I feel like I have to be more of a manager than a musician these days and I hate it. I am very glad you are adressing this systemic issue!

Jimi: I am 72 years old, and have been a musician/composer for over 5 decades. I have never made my music a priority for a career, because I never wanted to be a starving musician. Now, in my retirement, I do want to make music my avocation, and spend hours with my art. I have always used my music as an agent for change, and do write about issues and problems in the world, in addition to the love songs and relationship songs that are a part and parcel of so many composers.As a practicing Psychotherapist, I often times write about recovery and try to instill inspiration in my music, as well as address the breathtaking inequality and Oligarchy control of our society. Your video and others that I see, that I have yet to watch, are truly inspiring, even to this old codger. I am in awe of your insight, and embrace your philosophy, your propensities to challenge the old norms, living in the present, and of course, to continue to write and create with intention and meaning. Thanks for the inspiration!

Thanks Jimi.. this was worth my time.

video is resonating on all levels!! thank you for making this piece 🙏

Beautiful, thought provoking conversation - thank you kindly for uploading

Real talk here. Great video. It makes me glad I've pumped zero dollars into self promotion. Also that I'm not to destroyed by the lack of plays I've got. Let's let our art flourish.

“Service through art” You are spot on my bro. That brings alignment and momentum to your creative intentions - it should be the ultimate goal. Just subscribed 👍

THANKS for sharing your story!

This was a great video and exactly what a lot of people need to hear, myself included. We dream of being successful through music because of the facade that we create in our head about fame and fortune, that we will get discovered and propped up by industry people who genuinely want to see us succeed and have our best interests in mind vs the reality of how cannibalized the music industry is and how taking an offer by the very people you dream to be approached by can be the single blow that ensures you never make a living or get the exposure you long for.

I think you are still missing the point : to restore the " nobility " you are talking about we should make music for ourselves first, no need to take everything so seriously, no need to think we are healers or enlightened people serving the commoners.. we should make music to express ourselves, if someone else likes what we are doing great if not that is ok ❤

Man you totally put me in check in the best way with this vid! Thank you for sharing your experience and insights. I’m so backlogged with 🎶 I haven’t yet shared. Your encouraging words have realigned my perspective on how to move forward.

this is such an interesting watch and i'm so glad you backed this up with actual experience. thank you for this.

Totally superb. So thought-provoking. Thanks for sharing this message.

Im very glad youtube showed me this video. I resonated strongly with your message. I wish I were as optimistic as you are. The good thing is I am still motivated and inspired to create. My belief is that as long as thats happening I can continue and I'll have good results.

Wow. I love so much of what you said, and I hope something as good and intelligent as what you describe does indeed establish itself. Great message! You really made me think and I have been realizing lately that the world of music that inspired me to be an artist myself no longer exists. It is gone. Rock and roll and its many wonderful variants are dead. This doesn't even seem like the kind of world any more where something like that would happen. Music fans from 30 years ago were like a captive audience compared to people today who have infinitely more options in how they spend their time. I have been questioning everything that music seems to be these days and it was great to hear your thoughts.

Wow, I'm speechless...what a great statement, spot on! Wise words brother, thank you very much 🙏

I think i may be the new breed you speak of my Tiktok account is my focus cause its less business and more fun. I've not spent a cent in marketing or promotion, i make music in a self created genre of "wizard grunge rock", then make clips which together becomes "content". 🤘🧙🏻‍♂️🤘 An awesome supportive community has grown around me from all walks of life. I promote being humble and off grid living....with a well stocked wizards library. 🙏😊🧙🏻‍♂️ It seems the game is to not be a rock star, but rather keeping it real and authentic.

Im glad I found this channel🙂

Love your storytelling - thanks Jimi!

Prophetic words. Thank you!

10:43 “aware of the fine layer of digital sediment their art is a part of”... ooo I’m loving these ecological parallels, Brother. 🌱🌞 good points, may your artistic endeavors bear fruit to share with others

Thats great, right now i am enjoying just sharing my animation, music, and “content” at my leisure with my main target audience being friends and family first, THEN beyond. I really just want to create stuff that makes me happy and entertain the people I care about

thank you so much for this, this is really really important

Very pertinent, Thank you for sharing ! Words of a truthful artist.

nobility is a fantastic word.

Bro just sat down on the couch and fired off a heater

Great insights man, I also feel things are changing.

This is really good. Thanks for posting it.

Art can also be used for magic. It can be, quite literally, occult. Crawl to the back of the cave, as you did in the dawn of time, and sketch a sacred image. Drum or strum or incant a message to the gods. Embrace invisibility as a superpower.

The key to success: make hit music and i'll sell itself

Brilliant!! Thank you for this video!🙏

This was awesome man, great vid I hope you and the band are still making art together

This is so beautifully put, thank you. I am service oriented, and plan on launching a non-profit to help struggling artists, alongside my music career. I'm currently writing my campaign and you captured the essence of what I want to say. This helped me a lot.

My band has fluctuated between 50 monthly Spotify listeners and as high as 1800. The problem with all that is of course your listeners are scattered all over the world. You can't mount any sort of tour without loosing money and paying for everything. It would be just a vanity tour then. Ironically we only have maybe 3 or 4 listeners in our home town. We don't pay any attention to monthly listeners and we don't chase playlists anymore. We put music up as our "content" on social media. No extra fiddly bits. We don't have time. We each work full time jobs and when we were putting that stuff up it seemed to make no difference in how many people came to our shows. We are not marketing experts so it would be a waste of money and time to run ads. Right now we are concentrating on writing better songs and making new and lasting fans in our town.

Tearing up at the end of the video at 8:28 when I need to leave for work at 8:30. This is beautiful Man, thank you ❤

well said...hopefully change will come soon

This is a very insight talk

Fuck the industry. I do this shit because I love it

Yo this is so good to hear. Thanks for speaking on this matter. Its always necessary as a musician to remember the point of music is not to make number go up but to feel the inner peace that melodies and rythms have on your busy mind, and to use sound to communicate a higher truth than language possibly can. To bring people together in some trancendent celebration. Thats how music began anyway and why its still so central to the human experience. We all kinda half-know this. Playing sitar makes you fully know it.

Very well said. Impactful points.

died decades ago with the rising of internet

Well, my playlist is full of songs from the 90s. As a singer-songwriter and music producer myself, I vow to bring back those vibes from the 90s when everything was simple and the messages being conveyed were clean

Niiiiiice, good words my brother. Really appreciate it. You articulated that perfectly. All respect

Thanks for this. Spot on.

Hm. What are you selling?

I needed to hear all of this. Thank you

I rarely have the patience or attention span to watch an entire video like this one. However, I couldn’t stop watching this one. Really well presented ideas. I hope you are right. Art is suffering currently because we all treat it like it is a commodity.

This is phenomenal, im so glad i relate to the artist you spoke about at the end