Being Indie is Major

"If you look at the people in your circle and don’t get inspired, then you don’t have a circle, you have a cage." Nipsey Hussle

Hey girl, 

I believe I’m in a season of serving and learning. Yes, I’m still working on developing myself as an artist and entrepreneur, but I’m also a student of the game, picking up lessons in the academy called life. This time around, I had the opportunity to contribute to the launch of Being Indie is Major —a networking event that empowers the independent music community in LA and beyond, hosted by Walter J. Tucker, a notable music executive and avid supporter of independent artists.

Although my 9-5 is currently centered around a major record label with indispensable talent - it is always refreshing to see independent artists thrive. As an independent artist myself, I was honored to be in the presence of successful independent artists and vocalists such as Eric Bellinger, Elijah Blake, Cocoa Sarai, Jazlyn Martin, and many others. 

Beyond that, the night was full of energy and community building among artists, executives, and creatives alike. After nearly every performance, each of the artists spoke with Walter about lessons they’ve learned while navigating their careers as independent artists. Topics such as sync licensing, team building, perseverance, and marketing were discussed heavily - if I wasn’t working, I would’ve definitely been taking notes.

700+ people RSVP’d for the event, yet I got to be in the room. Experiences like this drive me to keep working on my craft despite the challenges I face as an independent artist and budding entrepreneur.

My biggest takeaway?

Find a team who truly supports you and is in it for the long haul. This type of support only comes once you start putting in the work yourself - which involves vision, consistency, and time.

Once you have a team that’s locked in to what you’re doing, you’re on track to making major moves within your career.

As Miss Independent, I needed that - and best believe several of the artists let me hear it that night.

Working the event was just as fruitful as watching it. As an event assistant/volunteer, I hardly let Walter leave my sight. I like to think that I was his #2 for the evening - the Dwight to his Michael Scott. 

This included managing arrivals with the guest list, setting the stage for fireside chats, guiding performers to Red Carpet, and a slew of other random tasks that tend to pop up during events. We even got to surprise Walter with an early birthday cake and congratulate him on stage for a job well done because he most definitely DID THAT!!

Overall, I’m grateful I got to work with beautiful boss women, learn from the best, and get my ears blessed by magnetic vocal performances. 

It might be a man’s world, but it wouldn’t work without the industry girls...or INDEPENDENT ARTISTS!! 

Xoxo, 

That Industry Girl