DJ TROTSKY

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT 101: 
  
It's never been easier to make music. And that's great for everyone. Almost anyone with a laptop or a phone can sing, record, mix program and post videos on-line and have your friends watch and comment. 
  
And there's never been so much music available to everyone everywhere. 
  
As Bob Lefsetz says, "we have the entire history of recorded music in our pockets". 
  
So it's easy to make music and easy to find music and listen to music but what about those of us who want to make great music and cut through the noise? 
  
Right now if you want to break through, you have to be great. 
  
Not just good or promising or just talented or attractive. 
  
YOU MUST BE REALLY GREAT
  
Authentic 
Deep 
Original 
Unique 
Meaningful 
Melodic 
Vulnerable 
Scary 
Passionate 
  
Now I'm sure you've already started saying in your mind what about this artist or that artist? They're on the top of the charts and they're none of those things? 
  
AND IT'S TRUE
  
All sorts of musical artists breakthrough somehow or other with none of these things. 
  
And the major labels and managers can use their power and influence to surround certain artists with the best producers, songwriters, video directors and publicists money can buy. 
  
It's always been like that and it always will be. Some great songs and artists have always had great hits and some have had great careers. 
  
But that path is not for most people making music today. 
  
So if you're a singer, songwriter, producer, performer or player what can you do to have a great career in one of the most creative and fulfilling professions around? 
  
In the past record companies and major label used to have a department called A & R. 
  
WHICH STANDS FOR ARTIST AND REPERTOIRE
  
In other words, matching the right artist with the right song. 
  
What's the right song for a non-writing singer to sing? 
  
Who's the songwriter to write for a singer?   
  
(And this still happens with the top non-writing artists. Rihanna. Ariana Grande. Etc.) 
  
It was A&R folks who were originally tasked with discovering new bands and artists. 
  
And now as YouTube has become the main method of discovering unsigned artists the labels have put in less time discovering and developing new artists. 
  
Keyword: Developing. They don’t develop artists. 
  
THAT'S WHERE THE ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM COMES IN
  
It takes time. 
  
It takes practice. 
  
It takes development. 
  
Lady Gaga, Lourde, Meghan Trainor: all worked closely with a creative team to fine tune who they were as artists. What was their music going to be about? What were there best skills? Who else did they need on their creative team? What songs best expressed who they were and set them on the path to who they would be?
  
I am developing a program for developing musical artists designed to help you find your center and depth as an artist. 
  
To define or create the musical direction that will help you to create your best work and break through all the noise of beginners with a YouTube channel. 
  
I WILL HELP YOU BECOME YOUR BEST ARTIST POSSIBLE
  
Whether you are a singer or songwriter or instrumentalist: You will not succeed in the current marketplace unless you have done and are doing the inner work and outer work of becoming a true artist. 
  
There’s much more to discuss. Contact me here if you’re ready to break though. 

"David’s keynote address on finding your own unique sound as an artist was informative, entertaining and inspiring.  Usually a speaker is one or two at most.  During his workshops, he keeps his clients involved, participating, and listening.  This is no small feat at ten o’clock in the morning with a room full of musicians who stay up half the night and usually get up at noon. It was the perfect way to kick off a great event." 
  
Harriet Schock 
Platnium songwriter/recording artist/songwriting consultant