The Fine Line Between Self-Promotion and Being Humble

Hmmm, I have always found this fascinating, and never more so than right now. As an artist/producer, I need to be vocal and active in promoting my work, since that comes with the territory. If I expect to (pardon the expression), "sell" myself as an artist of note, then I have to let people know about me and the value of what I do.

On the other hand, it has always felt a bit awkward to me, to actually say out loud that, "This music is fantastic!"...even though I feel in my bones that it really and truely is.

Now, during this first round of Grammy voting, these seemingly contradictory ideas are more prominent than ever, since I am now working on letting voting members of the Recording Academy know about my project. My debut album is called, "No Limits". I submitted my work for Grammy consideration in three categories: Best New Artist, Best R&B Album, and Best Vocal Performance, R&B for my song, "Who".

I know that it is possible to be both humble about what you do, in terms of appreciating the opportunity, being thankful for the gifts, etc., and letting the world know about it. And I agree whole-heartedly that such a balance is necessary and healthy. I navigate that balance with my closest friends and family all the time, but I have to admit that I still get just wee bit uncomfortable when expressing the same to the rest of the world. Although, over time that is lessening.

What do Org. folks think?

So I've never heard of you but love your vibe, voice and groove. Do you play live anywhere? Are you from the D or are you living there currently?

I guess I just ask because it sounds like you have connections in LA. With that said, USE THEM AS MUCH AS YOU PROFESSIONALLY CAN.

If you can back-up those kick-ass recordings you've made with a live show where people can get a taste of how you deliver on stage, you may just not have to say anything. Let a publisicst/A&R rep and the machine write you're rav reviews and knock on doors.

Just my

First of all I love what you do...very nice voice.

As for promoting, I really don't know much about that
sort of thing...but it seems to me the best thing to do
is have someone else promote you.

Take yourself less seriously and whore yourself incessantly.

Example: get iron-on letters and put "TALENT" on your t-shirt. Like I did. How would I know I'd iron the E on upside down (backwards) and it would catch on and people would buy t-shirts with that on there.

beauhall said:

Take yourself less seriously and whore yourself incessantly.

Example: get iron-on letters and put "TALENT" on your t-shirt. Like I did. How would I know I'd iron the E on upside down (backwards) and it would catch on and people would buy t-shirts with that on there.

angelasinger said:

beauhall said:

Take yourself less seriously and whore yourself incessantly.

Example: get iron-on letters and put "TALENT" on your t-shirt. Like I did. How would I know I'd iron the E on upside down (backwards) and it would catch on and people would buy t-shirts with that on there.

obsessed said:

First of all I love what you do...very nice voice.

As for promoting, I really don't know much about that
sort of thing...but it seems to me the best thing to do
is have someone else promote you.

Slave2daGroove said:

So I've never heard of you but love your vibe, voice and groove. Do you play live anywhere? Are you from the D or are you living there currently?

I guess I just ask because it sounds like you have connections in LA. With that said, USE THEM AS MUCH AS YOU PROFESSIONALLY CAN.

If you can back-up those kick-ass recordings you've made with a live show where people can get a taste of how you deliver on stage, you may just not have to say anything. Let a publisicst/A&R rep and the machine write you're rav reviews and knock on doors.

Just my

angelasinger said:

obsessed said:

First of all I love what you do...very nice voice.

As for promoting, I really don't know much about that
sort of thing...but it seems to me the best thing to do
is have someone else promote you.

I totally agree! Thanks so much for your kind words and compliments. It's definitely appreciated. Actually, I was not so much asking for advice about how to promote, but more so, wondering if anyone has ever experienced what it's like to feel both good about promoting oneself, and at the same time feeling a bit strange about it too. As in trying to constantly balance a strong self-confidence about your talent, yet not wanting to appear overly arrogant.

obsessed said:

angelasinger said:

I totally agree! Thanks so much for your kind words and compliments. It's definitely appreciated. Actually, I was not so much asking for advice about how to promote, but more so, wondering if anyone has ever experienced what it's like to feel both good about promoting oneself, and at the same time feeling a bit strange about it too. As in trying to constantly balance a strong self-confidence about your talent, yet not wanting to appear overly arrogant.

You're welcome...actually I knew you were asking more, but I've never
had to promote myself in that way, so I couldn't really relate to it.
However, I do understand what you're saying about striking a balance.
If it helps, you don't seem arrogant on your thread, so if you just
keep that in view, you'll do fine. Time is the only thing that will
really tell...some musicians start out humble and change...others start
out arrogant right from the beginning. It's a very special musician
that can remain humble throughout their career.

I did read what you said in response to Slave however, and I just want to
wish you the very best in your grammy endeavors...good luck to you!!

And if you get time, take a look at some of the other musicians
that are posting in here....that may also give you some perspective.

beauhall said:

Take yourself less seriously and whore yourself incessantly.

Example: get iron-on letters and put "TALENT" on your t-shirt. Like I did. How would I know I'd iron the E on upside down (backwards) and it would catch on and people would buy t-shirts with that on there.

thedude said:

beauhall said:

Take yourself less seriously and whore yourself incessantly.

Example: get iron-on letters and put "TALENT" on your t-shirt. Like I did. How would I know I'd iron the E on upside down (backwards) and it would catch on and people would buy t-shirts with that on there.

It don't matter what the t-shirt says when there's a rack like that in it!!!

Ask 'Dre about self-promotion, he is the shiznit at it!

Hey Hey, Slave, Beau!!!!! What the heck has been going on with the two of you - been so long.

I think self promotion, at least in the sense of talking about oneself is the epitome of Humble Art. And, a little like a good comedian; it’s about timing and delivery And.... must include an informative baseline.

Angel, you’re exactly right when you say “in terms of appreciating and being thankful”. You said it all right there...and here lies the art of self promotion.

You would never say ‘my music is fantastic’. Instead look for or ask for testimonials from others - artists, fans etc.

Someone might say....Hey, I’ve been in the business for 30 years. I’ve met everyone from _____ to _____. This is flagrant, arrogant, shameless self-promotion and only gratifies that person...feeding THEIR ego. However, if that person were to say something like ...in my experience over the last 30 years, working with artists like _____ and _____, have given me great appreciation for _____. I’ve learned that _____. There is possibly interesting information and experiences here to share, that others may find valuable.

I also think that self-promotion can only go so far and the real key in momentum is by getting others to talk about you (artists, fans fans and more fans) and a dayum good publicist. Yes, some are expensive, but it’s because they can flagrantly talk about you and they CAN make you a star. And it’s peanuts compared to what you can make if they make U big. But then the question arises again…what is BIG these days? That mass market appeal is so fragmented that even a little piece of the pie is better than no pie. We will rarely see Super Super Stars the way we saw them 20 years ago. I don’t think – maybe.

There is nothing wrong with celebrating your achievements in a way that offers interesting information to someone,anyone that might take something from it - and maybe remember or talk about YOU.
[Edited 11/2/08 9:02am]
[Edited 11/2/08 9:05am]