Last week Allhiphop.com published an article interviewing Lloyd Banks. In it he discusses many things surrounding G-Unit, but most importantly, him Going Indie.
There is no doubt in my mind that the powerhouse that G-Unit is, they can succeed in the Indie world. They have a large enough fan base, and many of whom are extremely loyal.
With the success of Thisis50, Banks and other G-Unit artists are able to release digital download only mixtapes and singles. They have also been premiering new music videos strictly on Fif’s website.
By being able to stay in constant connection with their fans through one simple URL, why wouldn’t Lloyd Banks wanna go Indie?There are so many perks available with Going Indie. Financially, Banks will be able to reap the benefits of selling directly through iTunes, and even capitalize on the ringtone market.
“A lot of artists are sitting there when you first get signed to major label and the massage you like you can’t live without them. It’s a beautiful feeling to be independent and to be able to make money directly though iTunes or ringtones.”
I think the important thing to remember here is that he has built up a fan base, and is in the position to be successful. Without his fan base, it would be difficult to create the buzz needed to generate downloads. That is what Indie Artists need to remember; you have to build up your fan base.
How many of you have 16,431 friends on Myspace? Now how many of them actually listen to your music? That’s my point! True fans are a key success factor with Going Indie. It’s like you become a destination point. Meaning, no matter where you go, they will follow.
“When I did the, ‘Officer Down’ — the response to Rick Ross — it was already 700, 800 thousand free download before we even made the deal with iTunes. Before they approached me and I still sold 60 or 70 thousand.”
I congratulate Banks on his decision to go Indie. It is just more proof that the music industry as a whole is becoming less and less dependent on the Majors.
Indie is where its at