New Year’s Resolution: 5 Tips On Becoming An Indie Nerdcore Rapper in 2014
Okay, well maybe I won’t exactly be an Indie Nerdcore Rapper – but I definitely intend on living like one in 2014. After the past few years as a promoter I can safely say I have been continually inspired by an interesting group of people – nerdcore rappers. They are some of the most passionate, driven, creative and intelligent people I have ever come across – so here are the top five ways you can channel your inner nerdcore rapper in 2014 too:
1. Do What You Love
I remember Adam Warrock was on tour with Kirby Krackle a few years ago and my dad came by to visit. My dad asked him if he had another job and Warrock hesitantly explained he quit his job as a lawyer to pursuit a career rapping about comic books and video games. I’ll never forget my dad’s response: “Well, that’s probably the best decision you’ve ever made – It sounds a hell of a lot more fun than being a lawyer.” Do what you love, who knows – you might even find out its exactly what will make your parents proud.
I made the switch after being a lawyer for three years, practicing as a litigator in DC, said Warrock. I was getting opportunities to do shows, do events; and I was being badly managed at my job. There was a moment that I truly believed I could be more successful as a musician than as an attorney, when you take out salary/money as the only factor. So I just quit one day. Been three and a half years since. I guess I made the right decision.
2. Become a Jack of All Trades
Infinitely more-so than with any career have I seen a single person take on so much responsibility and really drive their own career to accomplish their goals. From figuring out how to manage a brand, to figuring out how to publish music on iTunes, to learning how to plan a national tour and star performer – these guys have problem-solved their way into being able to launch and maintain a music career.
You have to be your own cheerleader, publicist, manager [and] online brand handler, said MeganRan. You become everyone of those roles and you must do it well before anyone will see any need to help and even after, no one will work harder than you for your dream.
3. Find Balance
Every time I talk to MC Lars he’s either making an album, prepping for a TEDtalk, packing for an international tour or working on a kid’s show. So, every time I think I’m busy, I remember how just thinking about all of his projects make my head spin. To this day I am pretty sure he stole Hermoine’s time turner necklace. What I have learned from MC Lars is to prioritize time and projects.
You could spend all day chatting with fans on Facebook, or you could spend that time making a great song, said MC Lars. It’s all about finding a balance between the two.
4. Apply skills from one aspect of your life to another
I remember when I was in school I would always wonder what my teachers would do in their free time, but I don’t think any of my teachers were rapping about old school video games. In a former life MegaRan was a teacher and if you’ve ever been to one of his shows its obvious he can command a crowd.
In teaching and in performing it’s all about instilling trust in your audience and being confident in what you deliver, said Megaran. I utilize a lot of techniques from the classroom — call and response, wait time, icebreakers – all kinds.
5. Don’t get hung up on perfection
Make stuff, publish it. However you can. No one can support what isn’t out there. And don’t worry if it’s not perfect, if it’s not ready. People like process. They like falling in love with someone as they figure it out. They enjoy seeing the cracks and the faultlines, so that one day, when you hopefully rise up and become a giant, they can say they were there from day one. Just get started making stuff. You’re already behind the curve. -Adam Warrock
Want to actually be an Indie Nerdcore Rapper? Here are some helpful pointers:
From MC Lars:
TuneCore is great for digital distribution, but physical distro isn’t so important any more. My last album didn’t come out in stores, just online and to the Kickstarter supporters. I had a ten year retrospective vinyl that I put out last year that a friend of mine helped get into Amoeba and other indie stores. It’s all grassroots but you don’t need to put everything you release in stores… . Spotify is great because you get paid for each listen instead of just once like when someone buys your mp3 on iTunes – the cloud model is more sustainable.
From MegaRan:
Learning how to budget your incoming funds is the hardest thing. I just got a financial plan from a fellow musician which is really helping me, but you have to have a plan and stick to it. the money could stop at any time. I’ve also been told by veterans to keep a side hustle– a skill that you’re good at that people often need help with that can make you some additional income — graphic design, web design, mixing services, anything.
From Adam Warrock:
I remember hearing Chris Hardwick give advice to young comedians once. He advised them to have a weekly gig, hosting an open mic or something like that. Do the gig, every week. Never miss it. Treat it like it’s mandatory. You’re sick. You’re busy. You’re sad. You can’t miss it. The first time you go on stage when you absolutely do NOT want to be there – and you kill it – boom, you’re a professional.
Be sure to check out these artists in a city near you! Check their websites for tour dates:
