A couple of years ago I (Kerry Blu for those new to me!) was a part of a podcast comprised of independent artists. We were a great podcast! I mean, really good. We would discuss topics relating to the world of independent artists, the dos and don'ts of putting together a team, our responsibility to listeners of our music, how music culture has changed for the indie artist, women's safety in musical communities, where to find resources to build a sustainable career in the music industry, and the list goes on. Somewhere along the way, “Our signals got crossed, and we got flipped.” The podcast broke up. We are still great friends to this day, but I have always felt a little bitter about it (which my past co-hosts understand) because I knew we were having conversations that needed to be had among indie creatives.
Fast-forward a couple of years and my girlfriend tells me, after rummaging through my TikTok videos (where I give my insight on the state of the music industry), that I should start a newsletter.
Up until this point I had been itching to have a place to continue those same conversations, to give voice to artists’ stories and new music, and top showcase the myriad of resources available to indie artists and help guide “The Glow-Up” of artists looking to forge their own path in this industry.
It took some time, but six months later, here you are starting this journey with me with this very first issue. So, in the wise words of the Black Eyed Peas: "Lets get it Started!”
This Newsletter Is For You If…
🧑🎤 You are the indie artist; the dream catcher; the person who wants to live their lives making money doing what they love. It’s for the struggling musician looking for paid gigs or trying to build a team of people they can trust. It’s for artists who want to be a part of a community that is like-minded in pursuits and motivated to be successful (whatever that looks like to you). ‘Cause I’m not here to decide what success is for you or to pigeonhole you into believing there is only one way to reach your goals; I’m here to show you multiple pathways and cheer you on as you take the one that suits you.
🎧 You are the person who loves music and is looking for ways to discover new, amazing and unique artists. The person who itches to be on the edge of how music is changing and is invested in supporting artists on their glow-up path.
📣 Every month, I’ll share info on things that serve both of you:
I will showcase new artists and music, as well as highlight the conversations I think are most relevant when it comes to navigating the life of an independent artist in this crazy world.
I’ll share resources and services that help artists reach the next level in their careers without breaking the bank!
I’ll give my take on new music tech and platforms that artists can use and shed light on new, emerging music trends.
I’ll also let you know when my Empire is producing new shows and events, as well as when I, Kerry Blu the artist have performances, so we can connect in real life.
If this sounds like the thing for you, I hope you will take this journey with me once a month, and beyond!
Helping Others In Their Glow-Up
One of my big dreams was to come to the big city and create a performance platform for independent music arts. Maneuvering through New York City as an independent artist is damn near impossible, and I wanted to do whatever I could to make that journey for independent artists easier. So the Empire State Music & Arts Festival was born: an annual multi-genre music celebration where artists come first! Myself and my growing team produce concerts, music industry workshops, panel discussions, songwriting round tables, and so much more!
After 10 years of this, I’m expanding ESMAF in the same vibe of providing resources and pathways for indie artists. Starting today, I’m launching my own artist and event services division of ESMAF. These services will range from artist accountability management, event planning, artist development, performance coaching, booking, and so much more.
I’ll tell you a quick story: A couple of days ago, a friend of mine attended the show of one of my recent clients, This Minority. He commented on a performance choice This Minority made and said “It was fire!” He was really impressed, which made it extra cool when I quickly realized that choice was something I directed my client to do during one of our accountability and artist development sessions together!
If you’re an artist and know what your goals are but are having trouble reaching them (or are looking for support in gaining clarity on them), I would love to speak with you to figure out how I can help you. You can click the link below and grab a 20 min FREE consultation with me.
“Working with Empire was an amazing experience. They bring a lot of knowledge and gems to the table. What makes a great consultant is translation, and Empire does not fall short in this aspect, and it was the best part of working with them.”
- This Minority
Indie Music Podcast Anyone?
The sting of my old podcast breaking up nagged the fuck outta me (obviously), so I decided to create another podcast that answered the question '“How are dope artists made?” Enter in The Process. A podcast where we explore the moments and experiences that shape creatives.
Listen to my first three episodes with indie artists Precious Gorgeous, ReeCee Raps, and Mandella Eskia, as we direct their journeys to become the artists and people they are.
Listen to The Indie Glow-Up Playlist
Discover the best, the brightest, and the future of the music industry with ESMAF’s Indie Glow-Up Playlist: a monthly playlist that highlights 15 phenomenal artists on the glow-up from all walks of music!
This month’s playlist includes artists like Montell Fish, Eaglin, Rubber, Lillimure, and more!
Concerts in Random Places
Check out our new digital concert series Concerts in Random Places with R&B songstress Emelia Vero and 2022 festival headliner Juice!
Concerts in Random Places allows viewers the opportunity to witness amazing artists from all over the world performing their favorite songs in small businesses and local establishments of NYC!
Top 3 Glow-Up Tips Of The Month
Want to perform, get paid, and not have to worry yourself about promotion? Submit to play or go check out a Sofar Sounds show and start building with a truly expansive community of artists from all over the world. They pay well and you can build a real following quickly, connecting with real people in real life.
Looking for careers in the music industry? Make sure to check out The Digilogue, a diverse global music and tech community that programs career resources, artist discovery content, and educational conversations.
Need legal advice as a creative? Get in contact with Lexi Todd. A NY based artist and entertainment lawyer that can help you navigate the dos and don’ts of contracts and legal matters in music!