They love your music. Do you love their brand?

There was a time when you were considered a “sell-out” for cutting a deal that resulted in any commercial use of your music. I’m sure that sentiment still lives with some people out there today. But with all the liberties music lovers can take with songs these days, can you blame an artist for trying to get a little more exposure. And better yet, a nice paycheck that’s probably long
over-due?

Well, when you put it that way….. Every musical artist has a story about how they got where they are. And I’ll bet most, if not all of them, want to keep moving down that road towards success.

And as fans, watching them drive by in their bus, van or station wagon, we can only hope their journey is fulfilling. And the soundtrack rocks.

And if that soundtrack ends up playing backup in a Nike commercial, or a Gap spot, or the closing song in a Scrubs episode, that’s cool. Because yes, they’re artist, but they’re human too. And things like food, shelter and an ipod cost money.

We can only hope they attach their music, (which is part of their brand), to
another brand that they love, connect with, or appreciate in some tiny way.
Because while they may lend some coolness to that brand, that brand doesn’t have to return the favor. The same crowd that loves you and your music, may not like who you’ve attached your tunes to. And that’s when the “sellout” word starts to creep back into conversations. That’s not to say you should consult your audience before you sell your music for a commercial. #@!!* that….

Just don’t forget that “you” are a brand too. And the company you keep, says a lot about who you are and possibly how far you’ll go.