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Comments on Lack of support for local artists

Promoting your music by The Missionary

Hi Ben,

We have a podcast that promotes only South African music. It is called the 1st Eva SA Music Podcast.Our website address is http://steco.libsyn.com. You can email us if you want your song to be promoted. We are currentl number 91 in the world our ranking is available at http://podcasts.yahoo.com/popular?&c=p&pgs=91.
We are also on an american radio station at least once a week.

In the meanwhile I will check out your website

Regards
The Missionary
http://steco.libsyn.com
podmusic@gmail.com

31 Oct 2005 18:01 Reply, Report this comment

GAP

Obviously there is a gap in the market. Start your own promoting company and help other artists like yourself.

1 Nov 2005 09:35 Reply, Report this comment

Gap is in ur head m8

so your offering to fund that then! or do ou you have no idea what-so-ever of the cost implications of such a venture?

1 Nov 2005 09:59 Reply, Report this comment

Gap?

I have to agree with Ben, and to the author of the GAP reply: Have you investigated what it takes to start a new company in South Africa? I have, and I can tell you now that while there are countless companies that specialise in this arena, I see no reason why an artist should be spending their time managing another business, while their music career (which is also run as a business) gets left behind.

I want to know why it is so difficult or in some cases impossible to get ahead in this country, when there is such a great response form the International market. Why is it that the international promotional agencies can spot talent here, but the local promoters couldn't care less? We constantly have to hear that all the best skilled people are leaving the country, but no efforts are being made to support them locally. Artists who leave are doing so to prevent themselves from starving. Local only seems to be “lekker” when you have deep enough pockets………….

Why do you think the US and European markets are doing so well, and so many new artists seem to pop up there? It’s simply because they are supported by their countries. I have yet to come across a company in South Africa who will give a new artist the time of day. They all seem to have the same principals: Promote yourself, and when you are well known, we will consider taking you on.

Come on people, what is up with that? If there is even one such agency who will give an artist an opportunity, let them speak up. I very much doubt if that is going to happen, as I too have spent a considerable amount of time searching, with no success.

1 Nov 2005 10:14 Reply, Report this comment

The raging debate! by Yvonne Loxton

I have probably been one of the most vocal (see "whining")people on this issue for the last couple of years and I have come to the conclusion that things are getting better for SA musicians, across the board, but there are still some huge progressive steps yet to be made. Let's start with the positives: There are fantastically supportive music journalists & publications out there who will support you all the way - if they like your music. There are venues nationwide who promote live music every night of the week and there are record labels, big & small, who bust their balls, if not their bank balance, to ensure that their artists sell as many albums as possible. So the support is out there.

On the negative side we are still up against the electrified, barbed wired, advertising quota-dictated to monster 2km high wall of radio. A band can tour this country flat but without airplay, it is unlikely that other forms of media will bite, resulting in minimum album sales and the inevitable poor-starving-musician-syndrome. Another complaint is one of my personal favourites - Proudly SA? Advertisers PLEASE NOTE - being proudly SA is a waste of time if you continually use international music for your ads - WAKE UP! Utelise the musical talents here and help line their pockets while you're lining your own. Please, thank you.

Anyway, I'd better get back to my job - promoting South African music.

1 Nov 2005 12:28 Reply, Report this comment

Yvonne by Ben Jordan

Hi Yvonne

Could I please ask you to get in touch with me? I would like to pick your brain on a few things. It seems we are 'brothers in arms' so to speak on this issue

Thank you so much. I look forward to hearing from you soon

1 Nov 2005 18:37 Reply, Report this comment

What? by Adam

You state that its so expensive to launch a company. Then you want that company to spend loads of thier hard earned cash on you when you're not even willing to do the same. Yes it is hard to get backing from companies, but you have to do the ground work yourself.

No-ones going to bet money on a someone when that person won't even bet thier money on it!

28 Nov 2005 00:54 Reply, Report this comment

are you kidding Ben?? by yabbat

Well, not to be accused of not knowing whereof I speak, I have been to your site and downloaded the only two samples there are of your OWN original tracks, as well as one of your "covers".

Dude, I cannot believe that you have international interest! Your pitch is way "suspect" - I heard more than a few flat notes in there, bru. And your delivery is insincere, inexperienced-sounding and bland. The production is so "yesterday" it's almost like you're taking the mickey. And your choice of material (at least from what I listened to) is funereal, to say the least - Depressing man!

Perhaps there's no local interest because the people you've played this utter rubbish to have good taste?

This moan of yours would be understandable if you REALLY had some good product to sell.

Just my opinion...

2 Nov 2005 08:28 Reply, Report this comment

Agreed Yabbat by mushy

Yeah sorry. Didn't know there was any real market for this kind of music aside from shopping centres and elavators? The world doesn't need any more of this music...

2 Nov 2005 13:30 Reply, Report this comment

Uh huh by SKiZM

um....not to be negative but sheesh...no wonder no-one is interested in it.

just listen to guiding light.

yeah.

someone needs pitch correction software or perhaps a vocoder???

4 May 2006 11:45 Reply, Report this comment

What the.. by pony

"Now my question is: Why is it that the international market is so interested, when the local market does not seem to care one way or the other?"

Now my question is: If you have international success waiting for you, why are you complaining about no interest from the local market? That makes about as much sense as an 8ft Wookiee living with 3ft Ewoks on Endor. From my experience, SA's pretty much bandwagoners. If you do well in the international market, you'll sell here.

If this international thing is true, I suggest you listen back to your tracks. The mix is not spot on, and neither's your voice. Vocal training might do you some good, or you could buy Antares AutoTune for the studio.

All the best.

4 May 2006 11:58 Reply, Report this comment

quality by Blu

well, listened to your tracks - i tried to anyway. cant say its my kinda thing...and im into a wide spectrum of music.
as for sa supporting you...did you do any research about whether or not you'd have the market for your style of music?at the end of the day it is a numbers game. im no expert, but from what iv heard, i dont think the numbers are on your side.
its nice to be proudly SA, but i dont care how fine the technical quality is, i'm not gonna buy something i cant stand listening to just for the sake of supporting our local muso's.
but congrats on securing the international deal- unlike here, they must surely have a market for your music. i really hope it works out for you.

3 Nov 2005 14:45 Reply, Report this comment

Not a hint of local flavour by mila

I listened to Ben's tracks and maybe the reason he struggled getting any attention from the SA industry is that there is just no market for his kind of music.

4 Nov 2005 18:54 Reply, Report this comment

Once again, Bands and Sponsorship... by Sean Inggs

I'm working on a solution. I'll be posting this on a few SA music sites as well but I've noticed some members of bands reading here too, I'm hoping that those ones have a more commercial appeal or willingness to add to their music. Therefore I'm asking for the following:

If you know of any bands or you in a band please contact me...
There's a CONDITION though, you have to be wanting to accept commercialism in your music and not afraid of being associated with brands or having them in your music. A current fan base or regular gigs already, unsigned and have a demo CD for me to hear.

Contact me on sean@seaninggs.co.za or 0765220778

I'm wanting bands that know hard work needs to be done. I'm also going to be straight, if your music isn't of satisfaction to me (if your family is your only fan base, please don't submit), I won't be able to assist you... you probably beyond help already ;)

14 Nov 2005 14:28 Reply, Report this comment

Your Voice is Damaged by Dave Thomson

'nuf said !

30 Nov 2005 20:18 Reply, Report this comment

SA Music in trouble by Jesse Henney

Unfortuantely dudes, there isnt a lot of support for SA music due to the fact that it mostly sucks! Even if you do make it to the top of the local scene, the talent in other countries is far superior. i am not trying to be cruel, but it is the honest truth. Hey, but keep trying to make it while you further your career at the video store.

19 Jul 2006 16:07 Reply, Report this comment

Alternative Media for Alternative Music by D*

Well, there are media opportunities available out there for up and coming artists, but you have to look hard and be smart. If you do a search within bizcommunity, or even google sa you're bound to find a media that is willing to help with some promotion in exchange for content or something along those lines.

but it is frustrating because if you're not backed by big names or have abig budget then you're almost left out in the cold, even, in some cases, with more underground publications, or rather, publications that fancy themselves supportive of the underground.

check out www.subkulture.co.za you may find some like minded people there who could hook you up...

21 Dec 2005 15:04 Reply, Report this comment

Internet Music Network by Dotcomguy

You might want to submit your Mp3s to The For the Masses Podcast network to get more exposure. They have a consortium of weekly podcasts that focus on new music from around the world. You could also create a band podcast talking about your music, upcoming gigs and where your CDs/MP3s can be purchased. ClickCaster.com is a good place to create and host your podcasts. There are other sites out there as well that are also free and are easy to setup quickly. Good Luck!

18 Jan 2006 07:37 Reply, Report this comment

not a hopeless situation - Rize mag

Hi Ben

The URL's no longer seem to exist. I can understand your frustration, our local music scene is one still trying to develop itself however I encourage you not to feel despondent. There are opportunities, they may just require a little digging. Unfortunatly I am not sure what genre you fall under, judging by the responses I am assuming you are an underground artist? :)
Perhaps you could foward me your EPK? We are a music magazine focused largely on the alternative music scene and are constantly looking for new artists to expose. As I said, I am not sure what your genre is but get in touch and we could take it from there... email rizemag@gmail.com

Our music scene is definately growing, the underground is gaining in strength and great things are happening, sadly due to the lack of exposure, many great opportunities and events go unnoticed but bear in mind that our music market is slightly more lagging...give it time to evolve.

25 Feb 2007 20:46 Reply, Report this comment

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