What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?

Every industry has its myths—stories insiders repeat until they sound like truth. But behind the slogans and the spin are unspoken (and sometimes unnoticed) realities – we asked some of the wisest folks we know to share what lies they’ve noticed in their industries.

ANSON

One lie is: “If the music is good, it will find an audience.” I’ve always wanted to believe that, but the truth is I know hundreds of incredible artists with amazing music who barely get heard. Talent alone rarely breaks through anymore; success today depends just as much on consistency, marketing, and storytelling. Great songs die every day because they weren’t marketed well. Read more>>

Manny Valdez

I think the biggest lie that the art industry tells itself is that it’s purely merit-based. Theres’s this idea that talent, hard work, and vision are all you need to succeed, but the reality is much messier. Read more>>

Jo Majesty

That focusing on the music or the artistry alone is enough to be successful. As an artist, it’s crucial to your success to have your business in order. Make sure you’re confirming your splits. Make sure you’re registering your songs in all the places you need to. You could be leaving revenue unclaimed. If you believe in your career enough, trademark your artist name. Read more>>

Darwin Reina

One of the biggest lies in this industry is the idea that there’s only one right way to make or distribute a film — the so-called “Hollywood way.” We’ve been conditioned to believe that success means following the same formula: certain budgets, certain names, certain structures. But that’s not true anymore, and maybe it never really was. Read more>>

Camila Grey

That the artists are the bottom feeders. That men in suits sitting behind desks in Silicon Valley value us at .003 to the dollar for our craft. After paying everyone their commissions and fees, we are the last ones fed. Why is that? Why don’t labels give artists health insurance like their corporate staffs? Read more>>

Andrew Garinther

The biggest lie the tattoo industry tells is that it’s an industry. An industry is built on competition and is a zero sum game. I’m part of a community of artists all working to support and empower one another to continue to grow and do what we love. This is collaborative, not competitive. Read more>>

Carol Rosenstein

It’s a lie to say that our community of seniors suffering from neurodegenerative diseases can’t learn new things like new songs, embracing music to comfort them, to excite them, to bring joy to them, because music has proven that these potential lies are completely untrue. Our seniors can be empowered. Read more>>