"Independent artists and labels have always been the trendsetters in music and the music business"

Independent artists and labels have always been the driving force of innovation in music and the music business. At its core, this idea is about how these smaller, often more flexible entities are the ones that push boundaries, take risks, and ultimately shape the trends that the larger, mainstream industry eventually follows.

Think back to the punk rock era of the 1970s. Bands like The Ramones and The Sex Pistols were not signed to major labels—they were on small, independent ones that were willing to take a chance on something new and raw. These bands didn’t just create a new genre of music; they created a whole culture. The major labels were initially skeptical, but eventually, they had no choice but to get on board because the movement had become too big to ignore.

Take Chance the Rapper as a recent example. He’s never signed with a major label. He released his album "Coloring Book" independently and still managed to win a Grammy. By doing so, he highlighted that artists don't necessarily need big labels to be successful. Chance has shown other artists that you can maintain control over your music and still achieve mainstream success.

So, how do you apply this piece of wisdom to your own life? The idea is to embrace your individuality and be willing to take risks. If you’re working on a project, don’t just follow the beaten path. Think about what makes your perspective unique. Are there uncharted territories you can explore? In music, it’s about finding your sound. In life or business, it’s about finding your voice or your niche.

Now, imagine you’re at a small, local gig. The crowd is modest, but the energy is electric. An unknown band takes the stage, their sound is fresh, nothing like the polished pop hits on the radio. They’re giving it their all, and you can feel their passion. You later find out they recorded their album in a basement and funded it through a Kickstarter campaign. This is where trends are born—right here in this raw, unfiltered moment.

You, as a musician, artist, or even a startup founder, can take inspiration from this. Don’t wait for the big break or the major investor. Start with what you have. Create authentically, and let your unique voice be your guide. It might take time, and it might be tough, but remember that the trendsetters were once in your shoes.

So, next time you’re working on your craft, keep in mind that the giants of any industry often look to the independents for the next big thing. Your innovative ideas and willingness to take risks might be what sets the next trend.