THE ART OF BEING INDEPENDENT

or The DIY Process of a Driven Madman

Spending the last 32 years making music has taught me a lot about being an artist. I recently finished designing a new website for my music, and it got me thinking about all the skills I’ve had to learn just to keep putting music out into the world.

Back in the 1990s, when I had a record deal, a lot was done on my behalf. I worked with amazing producers, recorded with incredible musicians, had album covers designed by talented artists, and had access to mastering, distribution, and tour support. It was great—until I realized that everything was recoupable. You never really get ahead. The pressure is immense, and at first, it’s just small things you’re asked to do. Then, those asks turn into demands. Slowly, you start losing control over your own art. And once you show resistance the door hits you in the ass. You’re dropped and they still own the rights to your music!

I’m grateful for that experience because it showed me exactly what I don’t want. I love being an independent artist. Every decision, every piece of music, every visual—it's my vision. It means wearing a lot of hats, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

THE INTENT

One moment, I’m a composer. The next, I’m a producer, a mixer, a photographer, a designer, and then a marketer. It’s not just about making music—it’s about building an entire world around it. And when it’s released into the world there is no better feeling. A sense of real accomplishment.

At the core of it all is the music. That’s where everything begins. The most important thing to me is creating something that has a feeling—something that moves me just as much on the hundredth listen as it did on the first. If I don’t believe in it, how can I expect anyone else to? So when I share a song with you, it’s because I know it’s something special. I trust that if I create from the heart, it will resonate with someone out there. Not everything is for everyone, and that’s okay. But the beauty of being independent is that I control what leaves my studio. Every note, every album, every mix—it’s all intentional.

But the journey doesn’t stop once the music is done. That’s just the first chapter. Next, I ask myself: What does this song look like?

This is where things get really fun. I step away from the music for a moment and start thinking visually. I grab my camera, find the right light, play around with colors, textures, and moods. I become a photographer, an editor, a designer. The goal isn’t just to make an image—it’s to capture a feeling, to create something provocative, that looks the way the songs sounds.

Then comes the sharing. Getting the music into the world. Uploading to Bandcamp, setting up a newsletter on Substack, tweaking my website. Finding ways to reach people without getting lost in the noise. This part is work, no doubt about it, but it’s still creative in its own way. It’s about telling a story, finding the right words and visuals to invite someone into my world.

NEVER STOP LEARNING

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is to never be timid about asking for help. Being independent doesn’t mean doing everything alone—it means constantly learning, growing, and surrounding yourself with people who can help you become better.

I take classes, go to workshops, ask people I respect for advice. I don’t want to just be a better musician—I want to be better at everything it takes to get my work out into the world. Right now, I’m working with

Seth Werkheiser

, he knows more about marketing and social media than I ever will. And honestly, he’s helped me find a direction in ways I never expected. He made me realize how important it is to not sell myself short, to respect the work I put in and present it in a way that does it justice.

He recently posted on Substack notes:

"An artist works for years learning the craft. Writing, re-writing. Recording. Re-recording. Days in the studio. Mix. Mastering. Playing shows. Writing better songs. Blood, sweat, tears. Late nights. Booking more studio time. Finding the right producer. Getting the best take. Finding the right drummer. The right vibes. Making magic in a vocal booth. Then… 'NEW SONG, CHECK IT OUT!”

That hit me hard. Because I’ve done it. I’ve spent months—sometimes over a year—on an album, only to throw it out into the world with barely more than a passing mention. The truth is, the work deserves more. It deserves care and intention at every stage, from creation to release. And that’s why I keep pushing myself—to learn, to improve, to honor the process. Because at the end of the day, I love it. The creating, the building, the bringing of something new and beautiful into existence. It’s not just about making music—it’s about crafting an experience, a feeling, a moment. And if that moment finds its way to the right person at the right time, then it was all worth it.

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RELATED STORIES I THINK YOU WILL ENJOY:

• A Glimpse Into The Guts of A Song

• Creating The Artwork for “Moonrise Over Baltimore”

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Thank you so much for reading. I hope my words have inspired or at least made you think. Please let me know. Comments, Thoughts, and Ideas are deeply appreciated.