Its Time To Sell Out! : Why Its Now Ok To Sell Your Songs

Punk rock costume, $39.00, Target.

Ok, I’m just going off on a rant here. So far, I’ve talked to some amazing folks, and I’ll tell you what, I want to sell out! Yes, you heard me. Oh does that bother you? Well it shouldn’t. Let’s back up a bit and I’ll explain myself.  Remember back in the 90’s when you were 15 and a diehard punk rocker or metal head and you were never going to ‘sell out’? Remember when you were never going to change and you going to keep that long hair or Mohawk until the day you die which you told everybody would be before 30, lest you lose all credibility with your peers? Yes, being alive and 35 is totally for sell outs right? HA! Well here we are in the 21^st century, were in our mid 30’s or 40s and how the industry has changed!

Now let’s face it, punk is infantile in its understanding of the world. Seriously are you still drinking PBRs in the alley, bitching about cops and the government at 35? How did that punk rock band turn out? Yes, I understand the geopolitical ramifications of the two party war machine, but still, I have a kid to feed and righteous indignation is not going to do it. Now maybe you’re still riding the rails bumming change for your 40 of Malt Liquor, that’s fine by me, I won’t judge you but you also are beholden to only yourself, not the rest of your foul smelling junkie train friends. I have a child and I have to earn a living.

Now we live in an age that music does not sell like it used to, and gigs don’t pay any more so what is a musician to do? You can either get a day job to support yourself and play music on the weekends like most of us do, or you can sell your music to movies, commercials and television. Now I sell me services to people who need graphics or content for websites and that’s cool with me, however, I’d much rather sell my tunes and make real money. I’m not terribly skilled at much other than the creative arts so for me, getting that 9-5 or graveyard shift job is not the best way to make a living so I sell what I make. No it’s not lot a lot of money, I grant you that, but neither is working as a barista, or any number of other day jobs people work. But for the most part, I’m happy.  That being said, I could be making more money

Hey guys, look how hip we are!

in 2012, Rock N Roll is no longer anti establishment, it is not counter culture nor is punk, or metal, for that matter. When the Republican National convention is playing rock anthems and the Nominee for Vice President listens to Rage Against The Machine ( I kind of doubt that claim) It is not rebellious, or anti establishment any longer.

 Mike Huckabee, evangelical 'rocker' played alongside formerly relevant and ultra conservative douche-nozzle Ted Nugent and were supposed to believe it is rebellious? Please. The establishment has now embraced the image of rock, therefore nullifying its rebelliousness and they use it to win over the youth. If you fall for that, you're a gullible fool. 

Rock N Roll was the opposition to all the establishment was and I vividly remember the Republicans and Tipper Gore were by and large anti rock n roll because it was explicit in lyrical content, supported drug use and sexually provocative. Now, they use it in campaigns. Ozzy Osbourne in reality shows and commercials? The Vandals on a Legal Zoom commercial? Please, tell me again how you're a part of the counter culture? 

"Whats Amnarky?"

I saw the writing on the wall that many would be rockers refused to admit when Hot Topic splashed on the mall scene. Suddenly every kid with mommies credit card was buying Slayer and Ramones T-shirts, plaid punk rock pants, spiked collars and hair dye. Yep, in the 90's punk rock became corporate. 

Now that the utter irrelevance of the idea that music is sacred and not for sale is behind us, I want to sell my skills to whoever would want them for their services, I don’t care. Some of the people I respect the most are fine musicians and sell their music to commercials and documentaries and movies and I still enjoy their music. It did not magically become meaningless and of poor quality simply because it sold well to Papa Johns. Guess what, their integrity is intact. They make a living off of the only thing they know. And they work multiple jobs. They teach, they gig, and the write jingles too. I want that.

I’ve grown up now. I’m still skeptical about the government and I still think a lot of cops are dicks, but now I know that not all of them are, and sometimes government does actually work. I also know that I am the one in charge of my life and my happiness and no amount of anti-government angst will make my life any better. I can sign petitions and work at the same time if I choose or I can focus on my life and what my family needs and do that. I can sell my music. It’s good enough and people like it. Now it’s time I do more than write about it. Yea the Kidnapper song probably won’t make a good jingle for potato chips, but I also write about life in other aspects. And I can tailor a song to the needs of another, if need be.

 Music always means whatever you want it to mean, and it is always personal in some way. Music is timeless and a good song will always be a good song. If my tune winds up on a Geico commercial ( crossing fingers) , chances are that commercial will be out of the public eye in a year but iof the song it well received  it will live on indefinitely.

I’m not sure how to go about it getting it to the right person just yet, but I’m going to find out. Then I’m going to tell you how I did it. I’m writing new songs, I like them, they are my heart and soul and soon I’ll have enough for my own CD. If someone comes along and says, ”Can I use that?” and they are willing to pay me for my work, well id be stupid not to take the offer and I’m not too concerned with what the punk rock purist or ancient balding metal heads have to say about it.