Everyone who is ever considered becoming a musician has been confronted by the unshakable knowledge that it is a hard business to get into. That is true, of course, of all artistic areas and all entertainment sectors, but perhaps most of all for music. Because who has not dreamed of becoming a musician when they grow up?
So, it is not uncommon to hear a young artist or an aspiring musician say, “It’s hard, man”.
But it is not hard, or at least, that is what hip-hop artist and rapper Arden B. thinks. The Pennsylvania-born artist spoke with us about a wide array of things. He touched on connecting with people through music, the difficulties he is had to overcome as an artist, and his overall outlook, both on his career and on the industry itself.
And we have to say, it is a remarkably positive one. When we asked Arden what he thinks the biggest misconception about the music industry is, he said:
“That it’s hard. It is not hard. All you have to be is creative right? Be you. We are all creative in our own ways. Being you is being unique. Being unique is what makes your more attractive in this industry. You stand out more.”
A positive message in a world that focuses on the bad things far too much.
However, that is not to say that Arden B. painted a rose-tinted picture of the music world. On the contrary, he further supported his view by detailing the difficulties that are most common in the industry, such as overcoming a stagnant sound, or being scammed.
“Scams are everywhere. I was only scammed once thankfully lol. It was for cover art for my EP, which I had paid money and never received anything from the guy I paid.”
He also talked about the tendency new artists have to rush through their music, in order to get as much done as possible. It always seems as if you will become famous the second you finish this record or single, but the truth is, it is better to take your time with it.
“I used to rush my music whenever I first started. I did not know how to produce yet; I was impatient with the work and did not really write much. As time went on, I worked on all areas. Which was needed for growth.”
Arden B. also touched on the personal toll the music industry and the creative life in general take on an artist.
“Relationships were a big thing. They still are. Being in this field takes up a lot of your time. I started going out less and focused on my craft on the weekends. I was not able to hang out with my friends as much as I wanted to, but that is what you have to do when you want to make something out of this industry. It takes a lot of hard work. Keeping healthy relationships with friends/family is key.”
Despite it all, he stood by his notion that music, when you get right down to it, is not hard. And whatever hardship you encounter is well worth the effort.