<h1>The ASPA: The Future of The Independent Music Business?</h1>

Like everything else these days, things are changing---and that’s true for the music industry, too. Yes, the major labels are still there doing a great job, but in answer to not only the economy but also to the growing desires of independent artists, musicians, and bands to get a ‘better share of the pie’, new companies are emerging to help the independent musician get where they want to go with better, more ‘interdependent’ deals.  

Now the same rules apply, in general—you’ve got to have the goods, be professional, and willing to work so it’s not ‘easy street’ by any means. But, with companies such as The ASPA (The American Songwriters and Performers Association), you can submit to song & music video contests and win valuable top-level recording and radio packages that used to only be available once you got the coveted ‘record deal’. And then your material gets presented to label execs and other industry professionals that can offer a deal that will be more beneficial for you financially and get you out on tour with the rest of the movers and shakers in your current music genre. In the past, you couldn't 'just do that'--well, win one of these contests and you can.

Sounds good, doesn’t it?  Well, it is, and now, instead of signing your life away or waiting your life away trying to get noticed, you can simply become a member of the ASPA and put yourself in the spotlight of this organization---not to mention all the other great features and member benefits, such as real discounts on music equipment from Sweetwater Music, recording services, entertainment law services (from one of the best law firms in Nashville with A list clients), plus a great, simple social network built into the ASPA website that doesn’t include all the other crap and game requests associated with some other social media sites.  Best of all, you can sign up for a free profile to get started!

So if you’re a serious, hardworking artist, musician, band, songwriter, or other performer looking for a good songwriter competition or music association to join that can really help your music career take off, check out The ASPA.  The next ASPA Singer Songwriter Competition starts May 16, 2014, so you definitely want to get in on that---and you can enter as a singer, band, duo, etc. Oh yeah—they have a monthly ASPA HotSheet that lists up and coming artists, bands, etc that goes directly to record labels, publishers, producers, and investors—if you’re a member and you’ve got some great sounds, you might just be included in that! 

 

So go check out The ASPA and definitely sign up for a free profile and take a look around!  You'll be glad you did.

 

Rex Murphy

The American Songwriters and Performers Association

www.theaspa.com