I spend time in many music spaces (groups, forums, platforms), places where collaborations spark, competitions unfold, reviews are shared, and artists gather. I won’t name them directly, but there’s a recurring issue I see everywhere. And I wonder: could this be the very reason some artists never move forward?
Let’s break it down. In these groups, you’ll find:
- New artists still finding their feet.
- Smurfs—bigger names pretending to be new.
- Indie artists with followers, listeners, and experience.
- Mainstream artists, yes, even some of them wander into these spaces.
- Mixers, masterers, and producers. (Many of them)
- And scattered in between: musicians, lyricists, and composers.
Now picture this:
A new artist posts a demo, asking for feedback.
…………………………………What happens?
Other new artists stay quiet. (Too scared to speak…even though some has knowledge)
Smurfs watch silently, waiting to see who speaks. (Who can be the next collaborator?)
Indie artists don’t respond “not about me.” (Own world, not my problem)
Mainstream artists drop a polite “Nice track” and move on. (They have been there and know the Hussle)
Mixers and masterers ignore it—it’s “just a demo.” (Pay me and I fix it)
Producers swoop in, pointing out mud, clashes, and flaws, but without guidance—nudging the newcomer toward hiring them. (This seems to be their way of doing things so not pointing fingers, just saying what I have seen)
And then, the composers. They break it down, offer solutions, and build the artist up. Because that’s what composers do: they live in the daily rhythm of giving advice, shaping, and guiding. (Again, lots of groups/forums experience showed me this and not pointing fingers)
This silence, this selective engagement, is what I call the “ME” syndrome. If it’s not about “you”, “you” retreat into your corner. But here’s the question:
How do you expand your artist base (Network) if you only ever think about yourself?
Every time someone posts, they remember who helped them. Maybe they don’t use the advice on that track, but they’ll carry it into the next one, and they’ll remember where the input came from. That’s how networks grow. That’s how collaborations are born.
You’re not producing their track (Do not nit-pick for work) . You’re not singing their song (Do not think you are top of your game if you are not). You’re simply offering guidance (Help a brother or sister out) lifting a vocal pitch, suggesting a violin bowing, pointing out a spectrum ceiling. Small things that ripple into growth.
So tonight, when a review request or a question passes across your screen, pause. Forget about “ME.” Think about “US.” Because maybe the reason you’re stuck in the same groove (for the past days, months, years) is that your network never expanded with your growth in the industry..
It’s not “ME.”
It’s US.
On a side note, My next track is done and submitted. Named “Toujours Avalon”. This will be the title track for the Album. Toujours Avalon is a half cassical half cinematic piece. It has flutes, lofi timpani’s and various other instruments (32 to be excact) taking you on a journey through Avalon. I will make an advert for it tomorrow so if you are interested keep an eye out on Tiktok and Instagram for a “Sneak peak”
So far I am still on schedule to have the album complete by Q3 2026.
Remember to pop in at CHARAGMA HUB for more information about me.