Before we talk about what we look for in an artist, we wanted to let you know how excited we are to launch the ‘Zero to Hero’ Music Competition
on TalentWatch. There’s one thing we can guarantee to the winning artist… This will be a career changing experience. It’s more than receiving a Demo Package worth $12,000. It’s about the emotional support and intangibles we provide. For every other artist who enrolls in this competition, we will provide you with feedback to help you as you move forward developing as an artist.
As far as what we look for in an artist, the first thing that sticks out in our selection process is whether the one claiming to be an artist is actually an artist. We define that as someone that has a definitive message, the honest delivery of that message and the skills to back it up. So many musicians are out there just singing or just playing, but their heart and soul do not seem to be ‘in it’. There is an honesty factor missing in a great deal of performers and this is something that is the most difficult to teach. We can teach someone to be a better performer or player but you cannot teach them to feel.
Secondly, we look for the drive in an artist. We want to be certain that there is a heart in that chest of theirs that is just aching to burst out in a blaze of fire. Drive can be directed into a great deal of aspects of one’s career, but the most important is the understanding that they need this. It is impossible for them to live without being a career artist every day of their life. We do not select artists that want it for the fame or the money. The ‘idol types’ (we call them) do not really understand the concept of hard work because they have never really associated that with their craft. Often times the ‘idol’ mindset prevents them from putting forth the effort to become a career artist. It was Thomas Edison who once said “We often miss opportunity because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like work.” I have a medical degree and I have lived in a van down by the river and ate from a pizza shop dumpster to stay in the game. That was a choice and it was probably one of the best moves I have ever made.
Lastly, we look for the following attributes in an artist- loyalty, honesty and dedication.
With loyalty we know we can invest a great deal of time into an artist and have a family style relationship with them. Assisting someone closer to their goals makes us really happy and when they reciprocate that with a loyalty to our brand we will work for them indefinitely.
Honesty is crucial in working with someone because lines of communication need to be wide open and very uninhibited. This makes for smooth operations, game planning and just an overall sense of common ground. Without honesty someone is just pulling the brake line on the train.
Dedication is necessary for us to agree to be in someone’s corner for the long haul. If we are dedicating hundreds of hours developing and producing their product then it is only fair that they back up that time and creative investment in the form of a ‘can do’ and ‘will do’ attitude. Sometimes artists go through some sticky times and we understand and appreciate that. However, as a professional your dedication will enable you to break through those difficult times in order to persevere.
Joshua Rumer, affectionately called ‘The Captain,’ is the CEO and Producer of Invengo Productions.