Help Me, Harlan!
These days artists can reach billions of people just by putting it out there
By Harlan Cohen
April 21, 2008
Hi Harlan: I’m 15, and I love music. I write a lot of songs, but I don’t play any instruments. I sing, and then upload my music on MySpace.com. A few of my friends have heard it and said my music sounds good. Well, I want to record it – I want everyone to hear my music. My family is not very encouraging about this, so hiring an agent is out of question. What are a few simple steps you would suggest? Thanks a million. — Jess
Dear Jess: Three pieces of advice — put it out there, put it out there, and put it out there.
For the first time in history, one person can reach billions of people, and have it cost zero dollars and zero cents. But you have to put it out there. All you need is a recording studio (or a bedroom with a computer and microphone). Forget an agent – you just need to put it out there. And really, an agent isn’t going to want you until you have a following. Release a new song online once a month. Post it on YouTube. Post it on MySpace. Post it on your Facebook profile. Do this for the next five years and, in a few years, you’ll have a music library of 60 videos – and a following. In the meantime, sing in the choir and learn how use your voice as an instrument. Go to college and study music theory, sing in the college choir and join a band. It takes a lot of time, some talent and luck. You can only get lucky if you put yourself in the path of opportunity. That’s why you must put it out there.
Dear Harlan: I am 20 years old, and going through a lot by myself. My mother just moved to California because my grandfather passed away, but now is the time I need her the most. My father and I never really got along, and now that my mother isn’t around, it’s even harder. He is an alcoholic, and as much as I wish I could move out, I’m stuck money-wise. I have friends, but they are away at school or work. The guy I’m kind of seeing doesn’t really seem to understand how much I need him right now, and he’s the one I thought would help me get through this change the most. I spend a lot of my time stressed or depressed, and feel that at any minute I could reach my breaking point. What should I do? — Stressed and Alone
Dear Stressed and Alone: I’m so sorry about your grandfather, and your mom moving away. You need support – no question about it. Whom you choose to lean on is where this gets exciting. Don’t lean on just anyone. Find steady people who have your best interests at heart. Make a list of the people you can start reaching out to. One can be your mom (via the phone and e-mail). One can be another family member. One can be a counselor at school. One can be a teacher you trust, such as a teacher from your former high school or college. One can be a spiritual leader. One can be an Al-Anon support group (visit www.al-anon.org) or a group like Al-Anon. One can be a close friend. Another can be a close friend’s parents. You might lean on your boyfriend, but he may be more interested in himself than you. Lean on several people, and you will make it. (c) Harlan Cohen 2008. Distributed by King Features Syndicate Inc.
Harlan is the author of “The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College” (Sourcebooks). Write Harlan at Harlan@helpmeharlan.com or visit online: www.helpmeharlan.com. All letters submitted become property of the author. Send paper to Help Me, Harlan! 2506 N. Clark St., Ste. 223, Chicago, IL 60614.
Comments
Please log in to post a comment.
