I was compelled to write this post after reading based on a
certain R&B musician featured on MTV’s latest installment of ‘Love and Hip
Hop’. There is a musician named K. Michelle who was on the show and wanted to
be taken seriously in the music industry. She is beautiful, she writes music,
and she has a beautiful voice, but she is missing two important things that
could possibly give her mainstream success—a new attitude and the one thing I’ll
address in my blog—her image.
Artists must understand that an image that does not relate
to your music is one of the top 10 mistakes that can make or break anyone in
the music industry, especially if you do not create an image that you can truly
live by. The beauty of being an artist is that you can create a unique and
engaging image that solely defines you. For example, Beyoncé is very poised
and shy and her music and interviews reflect that. On the other hand, her
former alter ego, Sasha Fierce is more on the wild side and was the person you
would see when she performed on stage.
In Frascogna, Jr. and Hetherington’s book, ‘This Business of
Artist Management’ (TBAM), they discuss the importance of a musicians image
from a managers point of view, but I am going to explain how a few of them
applies to musicians.
Number One: What is
your intent? You must decide what you want your image to portray. Your
image must tell us who you are as a person, but also be reflective of your
music style.
Number Two: Are you
creating an image or following a trend? You want to create an image that
could be considered traditional or classic. In other words, as trends come and
go, you want to make sure that the image you create will withstand industry trends—remain
original while still incorporating your own style.
Number Three: What is
your existing image? Do you already have an image? What is your existing
imaging saying to the public? Are you trying to change your image to depict a
new you? Make sure you incorporate flexibility while trying to create an image;
it will make for an easier transition and will not turn off fans.
Going back to the original story, if K. Michelle
incorporated these three points listed in ‘TBAM’ I think she would be an artist
that a manager would not mind representing. Incorporating these three things
along with other factors listed in TBAM would be a great investment in your musical
career!
