Hey everyone
Let me start by saying a huge thanks for all the support from my fans and from some amazing music industry people.
This is a letter to all my fellow independent musicians in South Africa and abroad. Why is it that in South Africa, if you aren't in the friendship circle with all the "big dogs" in the industry they don't even look in your direction? I mean, why does it have to depend on your genre for people to pay attention?
I recorded an album in 2012 and in all this time I've had the world of crap with SA Radio because my music is too Country for South African Radio. Then I release a song that has a little more of a rock feel to it and they say it's too Rock for South African Radio. Then this whole SABC Radio stations having to play 90% local content, I think, "Yes man awesome this could my opportunity" but NO... I get, "Sorry it doesn't meet our criteria", or in some instances I've had to wait up to 10 weeks after submission and still no response. Then when I call to follow up I get, "Sorry we are too busy to get around to listening to your song. We'll get back to you" and some even give me some attitude cos I call all the time (Which in this exact situation was the 2nd time I called in 10 weeks). One person even told me I should consider changing my genre to suit the SA Radio criteria if I want to "Make It" in this business.
I'm so damn confused.... What do we need to do to get this Country's music industry to pay attention to us. We have some amazing artists and talent coming out of our beautiful Country and they just don't get the exposure they quite rightly deserve. I mean I've watched insanely talented musicians quitting (Okay that is also a decision they've made, I get that no one forced them to quit) cos doors just keep closing. Can you blame them? I've even found myself (After 17 years) looking in the mirror and wondering what the hell I'm doing in this career.
Festivals, I cant tell you how many Festivals I've applied for in the passed 10 years or so, from being in Rocks band to now in Country/Rock and all you get is, "We'll get back to you". An opportunity is all we're asking for people.
What advice do my fellow musicians and/or industry people have for us?
