As independent musicians we all find ourselves in situations where we must decide where our money is best spent. Should we buy that Les Paul guitar or the new drum skins? Maybe we don't really need that fancy new van and we'd get buy with our old beater for another 6 months or so?

Regardless of what you've thought in the past or whatever you've been told, there are some areas where an independent band or musician should get off their backsides and get out into the real exposure areas of the music world.

Enter the infamous music festival. The holy grail of grandiosity. The "Let Me Be Heard" location for the up and coming band or solo artist. But the one question that gets asked time and time again; Do we really need to spend our money on these festival things?

You bet your bottom dollar you do!

Music festivals are hot spots for building a fan base. Getting that "buzz" going. Finding yourself in the midst of music industry specialists and hungry music loving fans will do wonders for you and your music career. There's absolutely no doubt about it!

Festivals like North By North East(NXNE) and South By South West(SXSW) or the Canadian Music Week will see your band receiving exposure that you just can't put a price on!

Of course, there is the problem of the small fee involved in getting yourself placed in one of these festival showcases. And don't fool yourself into thinking that just because you pay that you'll be a shoo in. No...No...No! In this business, and don't forget that the music industry is indeed a business, there is no such thing as a "free" ride. Your music must be top notch. Cream of the crop chops are a must. If it ain't tight, ask yourself what it is you're doing in the game anyway; Right? Getting into any of these hot music festivals is not as easy as dishing out some cash and voila! You must be selected as a showcase artist...and to be selected they want you to be something special!

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to scare you off of taking a shot at these high profile venues. I personally believe that if you're music career isn't worth a few chance dollars here and there, you're probably in the wrong world. I mean what's $35 to $50 bucks on getting untold exposure for you and your mates. Peanuts! Am I right? Of course I am, and if you really believe in yourself and your music you'll get out there and take those chances on yourself. Why the heck else did you pick up that guitar and microphone anyway...to collect dust on the shelf? To make demo tapes that no one will ever hear? Do yourself a favor, look into the festivals in your town first and take a chance with your music. When you conquer the local spots first, the national ones look a lot smaller and you're on your way to the big time baby!

We'll see you when you get there!

Learn more about this author, Garth Duss Rodgers.
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