To read part 1, click here. To read part 2, click here.
Cendrine Marrouat: What do wish to achieve through your artistic work?
Tiffany Apan: I love the aspect of creating and sharing a project, but I also enjoy the learning process that comes with each project. Some of the best artists I’ve known are those who always feel they can learn something new and that no matter how much better you become, there is always room for improvement. When one feels that they don’t need to learn and grow in their craft anymore is when they are no longer growing as artists or as people. I also feel that with each project, you can also learn a little about yourself as a person along with yourself as an artist.
CM: Any advice for novice independent artists out there?
TA: Try to do as much of it yourself and learn as much as you can about the business. There are lots of scams out there and the music industry (and the entertainment industry as a whole) is changing drastically. One thing to go by is that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Also, if someone asks you for money up front to “represent” or “sign” you, it should be a red flag. Managers work like agents. They don’t get paid unless you do.
Think about it: Say I’m a “manager” and I offer to represent 10 bands. In order for me to represent them, I want $1,000 from each of the 10 bands. If all 10 of them pay me the $1,000 then, what incentive do I have to find them work? That’s already $10,000 in my pocket, so I’m set. Now in a different scenario where I sign those 10 bands but take a percentage of what they earn, then that gives me more of an incentive to actually do my job and manage them instead of ripping them off by taking their money but not doing anything beyond that. Now, I’m not saying you’ll never have to spend money because you will. Spend money in order to make money. You just need to choose how you spend your money wisely. That’s why the best thing to do is learn and do as much as you possibly can. The more you learn and do yourself, the more likely you are to spot a rat and the less likely you are to get ripped off.
A website I always highly recommend is Music Biz Academy.com and David Nevue’s book, “How to Promote Your Music Successfully on the Internet.”
CM: What is next for you?
TA: Next in the cards is my second album titled “Elements.” I’m also getting more film soundtrack and song licensing offers. I have a few things lined up but can’t really talk about what they are yet. You’ll have to stay tuned.
CM: Where can people find more about you?
TA: For information, you can find me at my official website and at various sites on the internet: Myspace, YouTube, Twitter, Reverbnation, Facebook, Last.fm, iLike, and Poets Labyrinth Productions.
CM: Any last words?
TA: You can also check out the Musical Goddesses Webzine, the new webzine I recently launched supporting women in independent music. I also have some artwork I’ve shared as well on DeviantArt. There isn’t much up there yet, but I do plan to put up more artwork.
Also, you can buy my debut album “Poet” at the following stores: CDBaby, Shinto Records, Amazon (preferably the POETSLABYRINTH store), iTunes, Tarnius Music, Napster, AmazonMp3, eMusic, and all other major digital retailers.
And if you want more information on releases, tours, and some other perks, feel free to sign up for my “Messages from the Labyrinth” Mailing List and feel free to join the street team there as well.
Thank you very much and stay tuned for the new album!
End of the interview.
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Cendrine Marrouat is a freelance writer/reviewer, published author and translator living in Canada. Official Website: http://www.cendrinemarrouat.com
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