Hip Hop Star Fat Joe: Why “independent” is the way to go
Things look a lot different these days for much of the world. One of the things many of us miss are live events. For now, concerts and music festivals are on unfortunately on hold. Many artists have taken to uploading new releases on social media platforms, and hosting impromptu “concerts” on IG and FB Live.
Executives with popular shows such as America’s Got Talent and The Voice have been challenged to find ways to keep their fans engaged with contestants singing from home and no studio audience. As they say in life… The Show Must Go On! but how? On August 28–30, more than 1,000 independent artists collided with more than 30 music industry professionals in the hopes of being “discovered” in the Virtual Music Expo. The Expo offered singers, songwriters, rappers and producers an unprecedented opportunity to connect with music industry decision-makers in the business of discovering and breaking new talent and to educate, inspire and share experiences of emerging, independent artists.
The Virtual Music Expo included Rock, R&B, Hip Hop/Rap, EDM, Trap and Country artists and producers from around the world. Industry legend, Fat Joe virtually attended from Miami with industry advice for all the young artists. I caught up with Fat Joe recently to talk about how the music industry has changed currently, and over the last decade…
Times have certainly changed since you first got into the music industry. Do you think things have changed for the better?
Things have definitely changed for the audience, you know. Back in the days you had to do everything by word of mouth, hand in hand. Now you can use social media. Social media is free. I would advise everybody to use it. Do what you can to get exposure and just keep promoting. You could reach all parts of the world…with social media you’re not just even national you’re international.
There was a time when it was important to get signed by a major label. Now, a musician can upload their music to the world without a label of any kind. What do you think is the benefit of signing with an indie label? What can they offer you that you can’t do for yourself?
You know, back in the day it was a dream come true to get signed by major label. Now I say the only way to go is indie. You know the math is funny with a label. It’s like taking a bank loan with an interest rate. It’s criminal pretty much, So investing your own self, believing in YOURSELF. independent is the way to go.
With COVID-19, touring or performing just about anywhere is basically out of the question. Do you think digital concerts are going to be a “thing”.
COVID-19 has us all, you know…. I missed out some touring because of it and that’s a major part of our audience. Money. You just have to think in different and creative ways. Me, I started a show on IG, the Fat Joe Show, I have sponsors. You know, I have to find a way, too. A hustler hustling. You got to find a way to pay the bills.
What are you currently working on?
I’m working on a tv show right now ‘The Fat Joe Show’ is on Revolt TV every Tuesday at 10 pm eastern. I just sold a movie called King Kato to Warner Bros. I have several businesses. I mean with music, I fell back a little bit. I have an artist, Angelica Vila who has just dropped a number called Deception Szn 1, which you all should check it out. And music wise, Fat Joe the rapper, well, I am on temporary retirement. All right, peace!
Follow Fat Joe and make sure to check out his upcoming show on Revolt!
