There is no R in Fee...or why the Free Economy sucks for artists, or anyone really.

Just imagine if I asked you to do a job that could take months, even years, to complete; but before you started, I explained, you may never get paid for it.

Welcome to the world of the artist and musician. This is the environment we work in. Our currency is *IP and Copyright and sometimes we can earn a healthy amount for our output; but for the majority, it’s hit and miss and creative incomes are pretty lean.

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A Heretics View of the Music Industry Religion

The modern music industry focuses on chart success, data, stats, making money and fame, and, for some, that is aspirational. For me, it has always been a weird religion and one I never really signed up for. 

The industry or Popstars have never mesmerised me and I don’t relate to the ethos even though I had plenty of opportunity to drink it in. When I released my second solo album, I gave the cult away so I could forge a music career on my own terms and because of this; I am content today, plus I still produce music and, being a woman of a certain age, that is success in itself. 

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My Art Is My Business

One of the greatest things that has happened to me in the last few years is the discovery of Audio Books. Because of them, I can continue to cook dinner, do the washing, look after my family, travel, enjoy exercise and keep learning.

The more books I read, the more I understand how little I know, but then learning and questioning makes me think I am becoming a better person, so I am all for that.

If you have heard of me, then you probably know me as a musician, or perhaps now as a music business entrepreneur; someone who has always worked in the creative industries. I have always believed my job as an artist is merely to interpret the zeitgeist, box up these thoughts in some sort of expression and then send them out to the public arena. My Art Is My Business Photo: Kendal Simich

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100% Seriously? Really? You what!!! Sportsman Of The Year??? You did it!

A few weeks ago I started on a journey to raise some funds so I could record my fourth studio album.

Today, 17th December 2016, I reached the target and am so grateful to the many people who helped me reach this goal. Those who donated directly to the campaign, spread the word on social media or encouraged me along the way by ticking ‘like’ on my posts or leaving some kind words.

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Me and my Piano....

...I am just transported – I have no idea what is going on around me and I am at peace. Until someone comes into the lounge, right in the middle of a pivotal moment and says “Hey Mum, can you make me a sandwich?”. 

“Geez, Beethoven didn’t have to put up with this s^&*”, I think to myself....

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At last...

So now I finally have some news. I am about to launch a pre sale and reveal my latest offering. Thanks for your patience. I hope that that wait was worth it. But it does take time to flip a bird… in a good way.

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THE LOST SONGS – THE STORY BEHIND THE LOST SONGS

A year or so ago I was cleaning out some cupboards and came across a taped up box I had carried around with me for so long I couldn’t even remember why.

On opening this box (which had done time outside in the garage with the bugs and spiders and was looking a little ragged) I found a whole bunch of DAT and cassette recordings of old live sessions, demos and studio work from 1990 – 2003.

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ALL GROWN UP – ALBUM REVIEWS PART B

St Elsewhere  Graham Reid.

The title tells its own story, it has been well over a decade since Jan Hellriegel made an album and that might explain the huge interest in this one: lotsa interviews, articles and media attention, my guess from people who remember Hellriegel fondly for her swagger and sensitivity in bands and on her solo albums.

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