The music industry has often thrived as a result of its mythology. Audiences sometimes treat their favorite artists with reverence when presented with intriguing narratives. This has helped musicians and ancillary businesses that surround them to build lucrative brands. The rumor mill also creates publicity for artists which — while being a double edged sword — is helpful in the advertising of tours and new releases.
However, this has only really assisted a very small, usually wealthy subsection of the music industry. For most career musicians, myths serve to pull attention from the culturally enriching work that they are trying to share with the world. Persistent, inaccurate rumors affects the ability of artists to create sustainable careers.
But how do we strip away some of the more harmful myths that have become a burden upon contemporary artists? Musicians are in dire need of a rebranding, to present the truth about their hard working, ethical, and creative approach to their craft. Here are three of the more corrosive stereotypes, and some starting points for individuals to affect industry-wide change.
There’s no real beating about the bush on this one, as it has been one of the most popular and pervasive myths about musicians for decades. Musicians sleeping with a cavalcade of adoring fans has long been a feature of the rumor mill. There’s even a secondary mythology built around the presence of “groupies” for the express purpose of serving a musician’s sexual needs. Promiscuity isn’t the issue — the suggestion of a callous attitude toward fans’ welfare, consent issues, and sexual health is.
Musicians must set the example by always treating their fans with the utmost personal respect. It’s baffling that we still need to clarify this in 2019, but receipt of express consent must precede physical contact (sexual or otherwise). It’s also each individual’s responsibility to call out non-consensual or disrespectful behavior whenever they see it.
It is important to adopt a responsible approach to sexual health, alongside encouraging an open dialogue on the subject. Whether on social media or in the press, musicians have a platform to keep the issue in the public consciousness. Not only does a healthy, responsible attitude to sex help musicians remain healthy while they are touring, it also sends a clear message about the importance of treating sexual partners with respect. No matter how big or small a fanbase is, it’s worth remembering how important it is to act as a positive role model.
This myth paints musicians as people who are not especially intelligent when it comes to the business aspects of their craft. The “naive artist” reputation makes musicians erroneously appear as though they are easy targets for bad deals. It also ignores the fact that they often direct their own business affairs — from leading marketing efforts to controlling publishing rights.
Streaming services and downloads have changed the income model of the industry over the last decade or so. As a result, musicians have made well-publicized efforts to ensure all artists receive fair compensation. There has been a rise in artists adopting crowdfunding platforms, such as Patreon, to take personal control of their business. This also encourages an element of transparency; opening a window on the reality of creative careers.
The various pros and cons of the gig economy are a salient economic issue for many workers today. Musicians have been navigating this employment model for decades; even when signed to a label, they are freelancers. Freedoms such as flexibility and greater independence are offset by serious challenges. Job security is non-existent, and the lack of health benefits can be problematic. Being open about the financial issues that affect artists’ creative endeavors showcases their hard work and commitment. It also reveals their emotional and artistic intelligence is enhanced by their business savvy.
Musicians are too often depicted as wild and animalistic, traveling the world in a drunken haze and leaving chaotic ruin in their wake. The image of bands destroying hotel rooms and throwing furniture from windows has damaged artists’ ability to tour with any ease. This reputation has led to discrimination, with some touring musicians struggling to obtain essential insurance.
The public need to see musicians as individuals rather than a cartoonish exaggerations. By encouraging people to view artists with empathy, they can start to understand that they are not all wealthy divas. They are people who are trying to do their jobs and make their mortgage payments. It can be helpful to show that artists undergo the same daily struggles as any working class person, such as creating the family budget or taking childcare into consideration when booking studio sessions.
A useful method to elicit empathy is through an honest approach to storytelling. Provide an insight into the struggles female artists face in creating safe spaces in their workplace. Invite conversations about working experiences of stress, vulnerability, and mental illness. To break down these unhealthy caricatures, musicians need to show their humanity, and connect with the public on a deep, personal level.
While the myths of musicians’ destructive behavior has served to make for a captivating, entertaining addition to the music we love, it has long outgrown its usefulness. We live at a time of great economic change in the creative industries, and must work to accurately portray musicians as committed, responsible business people. By being more open and encouraging honest dialogue, we can break down barriers to making being a musician a viable, respectable career option.