Mela Kamin – What I Say in between Songs

So, what’s it like being independent? For me, being independent (as a singer/songwriter) means I can work when it fits into my schedule – a great benefit for a busy Mom of 3.

• It can also mean I likely won’t be played on the major radio stations.
• It means I probably won’t play at the big festivals.
• It means no one knows this is what I do, unless I tell them.

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But, it means I’m in control of the music I make and my career.
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It means I can have my professional photographer husband shoot my cover and he and my designer friend can work on the insert together. It means my husband and I can start a ministry to impact others. It means, we get to decide what our merchandise will look like and we control my calendar.
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Somebody might think I have a group of people working for me behind the scenes. Let me set the record straight … I’m independent, which means no label, no team – just me, my husband and three kids. It’s a fantastic team and my family, friends and ministries like IndieHeaven have helped immensely, but when it comes down to the details of “selling” this artist, that rests squarely on my shoulders.
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I realize the great fortune I have to be able to work at something I love to do and I’m passionate about. Still, envy and pride get in my way and I sometimes wish I could have the tough stuff done for me. Doing all the work for the business side of things is necessary, but can honestly suck the passion right out of me for the music I’m making.
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Like, this week when I’m redoing 100s of CDs, because of a printing problem on the insert. That means, I’m physically taking the shrink wrap off, opening each case, removing the insert, replacing it with the new one and boxing them back up. Not hard work – just work.
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So, for my fans, independent means putting out this CD was like starting a new business in my thirties – one that I had no experience in before – it’s a dream come true that I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to share. It’s an adventure that I’m making up as I go along and I’m so thrilled to have you cheering me on.
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It also means when you buy a CD from me, you can be sure, my “team” and I have done the little things to make it just right.
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What does being independent mean to you?