Vadium,
Left of center performers are something we have no shortage of. Remember we have three really huge music schools graduating about 3000 college students a quarter. Those are some of the most left of center people on the face of the planet and we have them from all over the world. You will probably find you are not even close to where most of those are.
And remember the things about being left of center. There is often no where to go with left of center. Mjusic is about "nicheing" and we are all doing that. And while there is a lot of different kinds of music here, you have to work harder to find your 'tribe" or fan base. When there is not radio formats, supporting venues, music press, etc. you pretty much have to invent it all. Can be a daunting task. Most do have internet approaches and that is one of the best uses of the Internet. But always remember, the Internet is VERY crowded. 30 Million artists, one billion songs a month. A lot to think about.
My suggestion to you is to come into town to ABSORB, not so much put your own stuff out there. You really like to see what other people do, how other people relate to this town. This is a town that is very much on how people know you and that comes from first helping THEM. So I would pay particular attention to the people and start building your relationships.
I'm often asked what it takes to be a part of and be successful in this town. Mostly it is about being willing to do things for others when it has not direct effect on you. There are so many people that come here every day,every week, every month,they all have the same goals, same dreams, and unfortunatly far too many with the same attitudes.
LOOK AT ME!!!! LOOK AT ME!!!!!! LOOK AT ME!!!!!!!
That seems to be all there is. They come in, are fairly arrogant and self focused. They text constantly and often you never see anything but the tops of their heads. They have an 'air of entitlement" about them. They think they know it all and "we just HAVE to hear them play because they're so great." and they are mostly another thing too.
GONE.
Of the people who come to town on any given day 95% are gone between 6 months and 2 years. The reason is because in this town (and the music business in general) you HAVE to work with other people. You HAVE to have teams. co-writers, supporters, producers, musicians, label people, publicists, etc. It is NEVER a solo game.
YOUR ABILITY TO ADVANCE IS DIRECTLY ONE HUNDRED PERCENT ON YOU BEING ABLE TO BUILD SUPPORT FOR OTHER PEOPLE.
In other words:
You want to be able to perform on a writers night? You have to make the HOST look good for putting you up.
Want to be able to join into rounds? Make the round orginizer look good.
Want to be involved with a publisher? Make the publisher feel they have something they can use to look good.
Want to be involved with a record company? Make the company (and all their employees look good to have you)
Want a big fan base? Write songs that make the fans look good and want to embrace what you do.
Want to have development money and people in your career? Make them money and get them recognition.
Without EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THOSE, you go NO WHERE.
So left of center? Yeah, we got em. They are most often "square pegs in rounds holes" with no where to tell them to go. Music is about ADAPTATION, not CHANGE. Better be willing to adapt and work hard forEVER! Because you are now into politics as well as music.
Welcome to the circus. If you want to get together, drop me an email. MBarne4908@aol.com. Will be glad to try and meet you.
MAB