Defining Independent Artist: What DIY Really Means

What Is An Independent Artist/Rapper?

For me, I define an independent artist and rapper as someone who isn't afraid of doing things themselves. Crucially, they aren't willing to compromise their integrity for something that isn't worth sacrificing their self-worth.

In simpler terms, an independent artist to me is someone who:

  • Hones many skill sets and isn't afraid to showcase all of them.

  • Uses those skill sets to create something good, bad, great, horrible, or magnificent.

  • Trusts that the effort will pay off in the long or short term, pending on their goal.

Bearie Kixx Groundbreaking and Distinguished Milestones from Chartmetric

Bearie Kixx Groundbreaking and Distinguished Milestones from Chartmetric

That’s the summation of what an independent artist is to me. We aren't going to let barriers deter us.

We pursue our passion relentlessly, even if it tires and wears us out. We get the job done because it makes us happy, driven by the sole purpose of self-satisfaction.

At least, that's me. I described myself as an independent artist, and I know there are many other upcoming independent artists and rappers like me.

The Difference Between Clout and Ownership

Being an independent artist means we have the ability to call our own shots and are willing to put ourselves out there with the image and brand we create along the way.

Sometimes, we've already done the tedious work of building that brand and image before landing on platforms and marketing ourselves.

I took the long and hard route: building my image and brand along the way.

This allowed me to arrive at a place of having the ability to see where many independent artists struggle.

We compare ourselves to signed artists who have massive marketing budgets.

These are the artists who signed their rights away to labels, took a lump sum of cash, and adopted the image handed to them because that "handed image" is what sells to mass markets.

Meanwhile, us independent artists struggle and fight to be heard. We look at those mainstream artists and think, "They're not even good."

But once you learn how to market yourself, you realize it's not that the mainstream artist isn't good, it's all about "what sells." That's what labels look for. They want to sell, sell, and sell some more. They bank on good branding and imaging.

The Independent Artist Start

Now, let’s circle back to where I said, "the artists who have signed their rights away to labels and take a lump sum of cash..."

It may not be the start of their music career, but it is the start of their mainstream music career. See, we all start independently.

We must sharpen our skill sets; no one else can do it for us. No one writes my lyrics or produces the beat for me.

It’s I who can turn an idea and a thought into a lyric on a beat. It's my voice hitting with the snare and hi-hat I laid down. It's all me.

There was no one there telling me what to say or how to compose a beat and lower the hi-hat on the eighth bar. It was me.

With that said, an independent artist is someone who takes matters into their own hands and determines their path.

Now, not all independent artists can produce their own beat, mix and master it, or even know how to distribute it.

But they are willing to learn and build a network of people to help them get their idea from thought to a finished product.

An independent artist and rapper is someone who is courageous enough to take matters into their own hands and make it happen.

HYiA 1% Structural Blueprint by Bearie Kixx (Hydrate Your Inner Artist)

The 1% Structural Blueprint by Bearie Kixx, Founder of Hydrate Your Inner Artist

All-in-One is The Start, But Not The Finish

When I released my first single, 'Like That,' I got a lot of compliments on the beat and lyrics. I was asked, "Who made the beat?" and I proudly replied, "I did."

Everyone knew I could rap and piece together catchy hooks, but they didn't know I could make beats.

I kept that skill quiet because I knew there would be a day I would rap on my own beat and people would ask who produced it. I knew that day would come, all so I could reply with, "Me."

That’s an independent artist: Unsigned, unknown, and still unrecognizable in an ocean full of artists. I knew I would be a "one of one" artist because I honed many skill sets.

At age 15, I was already being approached by music labels who stumbled across my freestyles on Bandcamp and Soundcloud.

Then one day, my uncle (who had his own independent label) messaged me and said, "Stop rapping on those YouTube beats. Rap on this," and he sent me a beat.

It was the best beat my fifteen-year-old ears had ever heard. I was like Eminem in 8 Mile, listening to the beat and jotting lyrics on a notepad.

I saw it as a chance to showcase my lyrical abilities to my uncle and hopefully get signed by him.

I recorded and sent it back. To my disappointment, he replied with a contract that had a bolded section: "You will record the lyrics I write, and perform on these dates, wearing the clothes I provide." He attached the lyrics to the email, telling me my voice would now rap those words on his beats.

I sat in disbelief, repeating, "What the f*ck." I closed the email, laughed at the trash lyrics, and hopped on Soundcloud. To my surprise, one of his artists was already using the same beat and made a banger of a song on it.

I messaged my uncle: "Yo, I just heard XYZ on the beat you sent me. That sh*t is dope!"

He replied, "Did you read the contract? I'm waiting on your signature."

I replied, "It’s bullsh*t. I'm good."

He replied, "Haha, so you wanna DIY?"

I shot back, "Yeah, the lyrics were trash. I write my own lyrics."

He then replied, "Hahaha. Don't sell yourself, ever. Tighten up your delivery, and keep practicing, bear. Don't stop."

I was fifteen, trashing many more messages from other labels. I got my first harsh taste of a contract. I read between the lines. I didn't need to see what wasn't written; I saw it anyway.

Know Your Worth As An Independent Artist

Being independent doesn't mean you're not ready; it just means you know what's best for you and your work. You know your worth, and you'd rather take the harder and longer route because you understand your value and the value you provide.

That refusal was my first choice to become an independent artist without even knowing it then. While my uncle's independent label was gaining traction and growth, it didn't align with my artistry. I knew the beat he produced was dope, but it was something I wasn't willing to compromise myself for. He gave me tough love that was crucial for my artist development.

Years later, we talked, and he said, "You know why I gave you that bullsh*t contract?"

I said, "To make me learn."

He said, "Exactly. Do you know how many people would sign that for clout? A lot. You have a lot more to learn, but now you know: Don't ever sell yourself for someone else. Your words, your work, your heart go into music. You outdid a lot of artists. So, learn licenses. And know, when people ask you to rap on the spot, don't do it. It's a job now. Every rap you spit and every bar you write is work. That's not free; get paid."

Since that conversation with my late uncle, I've read and listened between the lines of every person I've connected with in my independent music journey.

An independent artist is the 'all-in-one,' but it takes more than grit and confidence. You have to have the skill set and much more.

So, if you came here expecting a straightforward answer to "What's an independent artist?" keep searching. Because I just spoke to the independent artist who is still trying to figure it out.

Independent artists come in various sizes with various skill sets. So define yourself, move forward, and you'll figure it out.

You chose the hard route because you know your worth. But knowing your worth isn't enough, you need the structure to back it up.

Stop Figuring It Out and Start Building

My uncle gave me a choice: Sign a broken system, or build my own. I chose to DIY.

But years later, I realized that DIY without a layout is just a faster way to burn out.

You chose the hard route because you know your worth, but knowing your worth isn't enough.

You need the Infrastructure to back it up.

Stop figuring it out and start hydrating your inner artist, regardless of who you are and what you do.

The 1% Structural Blueprint is designed to be implemented repeatedly for any pursuit.

Claim your 18-point framework and gain exclusive access to the 1% Structural Blueprint by clicking here and turn your independent effort into lasting profit now.

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