Solo artists in music

The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do. — Walter Bagehot

Bass player Steve Lawson and cellist and composer Zoe Keating discuss what it is to be solo musicians, making your way in the music businesses

Not a career, music is something you do because you love music, because it is fun and you enjoy what you are doing

Both Steve Lawson and Zoe Keating had played as session musicians and with other people, but as their solo work developed, the other work dried up.

As a solo artist you get the opportunity to work on collaborations and projects with other people.

One advantage of being a solo artist, apart from being able to do your own thing, is that you get to keep all the money.

Danger of lack of cross fertilization. Important to meet and collaborate with other musicians for new ideas else become stale.

Stairway to Heaven on bass to piss people off in music shops. Now that has to be a must on bandcamp or soundcloud.

Learn to be like Santiago in The Alchemist, learn to follow your dreams. Learn to grasp opportunities as they arise.

Into The Trees – Zoe Keating

Live So Far – Steve Lawson and Lobelia

• Musings on musicianship
• Using internet and social media

Tags: music, Steve Lawson, Zoe Keating