the reason why i hide my identity is cause i feel more confident with most of the people not knowing who i am... and the goal part music saved me and it means everything yo me is my drug thats why i pursue it... i wanna get my family out of the position that we are stuck in and help them get a better life and also get myself a better life
@5,ooo LightYears Away just never release any personal info online, never perform your own music in public (people will be able to figure out it's you by hearing that you're sound the exact same), and don't upload any photos with anything identifiable on them, not even a background, no metadata, nothing.
Up to now i haven’t release anything yet, but I’m about to release my 1st single and I’m thinking about hiding my identity too: I feel like I’m not a popular guy and if I release something it would just not work well because it’s me, like I’m not the popular guy who just launches a song or something and everyone loves it
@@fernandojimenez5206 boy, what are you saying? there's a lot of artists who were rejected, didn't have friends, were misfits in their personal life. It has nothing to do with the popularity in your music, maybe you can make songs about this feeling that you have, about this fear, insecurity. it's about the vibe and conect with people, recognition and fame come with the love of fans. so make them know they're not alone.
I disagree. That's the point of you being yourself, if you are normally a secluded person, then stay secluded as much as you can because that IS you. Why would you want your face everywhere on the internet? just have it in certain areas. You aren't the type to go crazy on the internet? that's fine. Look at The Weeknd, Drake, Jhené Aiko, Daft Punk, Gesaffelstein, J Cole, Lana Del Rey, SIA. they all keep to themselves in a way and you can see it. you don't have to be a Lil Pump or Cardi B for the internet to be as big as you can be. All about marketing yourself efficiently and strategically.
I agree. Back in the days a lot of reggae artists and djs were only heard not seen. It built up a curiosity as to what they may look like. David Rodigan surprised a lot of us as most people thought he was black lol. Creative marketing can do wonders for the secluded person if done correctly.
I really think it’s depends but I respect your opinion. Drake, jcole and the rest you mentioned have been in the game for years at first they were all over social media and Internet. They’ve just been in the game so long and have so many fans they can get away with not being in the scene. If lil pump or cardi b stopped looking for attention they would die out asap. Also jcole adaft link etc make amazing music cardi b and lil pump are ass so they have to reach out to other platforms
Sellous you right but that’s cuz there was no insta/snap stories/live. They came up in a different era, when all this new social media stuff cameout all those artists you mentioned were already big and had millions of fans.
One reason I’ve thought about a hidden identity with a music career is to be able to have a career and not be hounded as a famous person and be able to keep my personal and professional lives deprecate... as well as the privacy thing... thank you kindly, sir, you’re a plethora of info
I think that's the point he's missing here, because fame is HIS end result. Some people want to walk into a room and soak in all the adulation that comes from being famous, while others want to just enjoy, privately, the fruits of their labor. Take Robert John "Mutt" Lange, for example. The world knows what he looks like (he was married to Shania Twain), they know his work (Def Leppard, AC/DC, Foreigner, etc), but there is very little else about him available for general consumption. The guy could walk into any restaurant or boutique in Beverly Hills, spend as lavishly as he'd like, and walk out unencumbered by paparazzi. That's what the op was getting at.
Man I needed this. As a singer/songwriter in my late 40s so concerned with no longer looking like some young pretty boy, this question has crossed my mind many, many times.
I've always thought about doing an anonymous music career myself actually. But that was because I didn't want people to know who I am. Mainly out of fear of people that are my enemies from the past. But I think it makes such a bigger impact to your fans to show that you can take the hate and harassment and not let it get to you. People respect courage. No doubt.
For me creating music is to share emotions i can't express with words. I don't care about fame or bring rich, just wan't to share my music with people who wants to listen. Ofc, getting some small money on the sideline because of it wouldn't hurt as maybe i could use it on new equipment / plugins etc.. :) I personally suffer from PTSD, and that's the real trickster for me. I'm not hiding but don't want to be in the spotlight either, and looking back in the mirror and see the story with Avicii is kinda scary. Well to make it short i'm not aiming to be anonymous, but i have no intention on walking into the spotlights either. And i know the competition is insanely hard, so the chances of that is short. 💙 Cheers for making this video Adam 👍
"don't be the next anyone be the first you!" A line to live by! It's nice to hear someone say you're the next "XYZ" but its a million times better to hear someone say "that was 100% you!"
For me I feel like being a faceless artist is to keep my stability when it comes to my mental health cause I’m not good with being around paparazzi or the media making hurtful assumptions on my real life I would rather keep my privacy but still be able to interact with the fans in person talk to them and connect with with them do you like live shows and touring .
The most important thing is to have very compelling visual art attached to the music. A story is always good and concept albums are awesome. Seems like some people who want to make an alias still mostly focus the brand on themselves but at the same time don’t want the world to know who they are and that can be a turn off to certain people. When people instead focus the brand into a well thought out story with compelling and good looking art to go with it, the audience doesn’t seem to be too worried about the artist’s identity, in fact sometimes they they don’t want to know it at all because they are so attached to the art. Then obviously they need to have good music haha
See, I remember when I started Nyhavo, I wanted to be an anonymous identity because I felt like people around my local area weren’t supporting my music because they knew me personally. I was bullied in school etc... and the fact that I made music, apparently, made me a laughing stock. So I started as an entity so that people weren’t talking with me about music using my real name, and talking like the family (“Awh here he is, how’s your little music thing going?”). It was annoying and then I realised “wait, how am I supposed to promote this without people knowing it’s me?” So I started showing my face and shifted my branding so it was a bit more true to self.
I honestly hope those people that made fun of you or bullied you or even belittled you in some sort of way burn in hell. I’ve never understood how a human being could treat another so badly. There’s literally nothing wrong with you even if they say other wise, they’re projecting their insecurities onto you because they’re cowards. You are more than enough and you’ll make an impact in the world someday soon, I believe in you, much love buddy❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for this comment this hit home literally because I’ve had friends cut me off and stop speaking to me since I started making music and they made jokes about it, so I’ve also decided that I’m going to start sharing more personal things and photos I’m also going to use part of my real name instead of an artist alias name. Much love 💕
I have 2 separate accounts related to music,this one and one more because of this reason. This one is for the public,the other one is completely anonymous for now
Yup. Exactly where I’m at now, fighting the urge to want to hide. Not just in music but in entertainment in general. I’m finding comfort in creating a circle that is easier for me to be myself in. Idk if that makes sense
Thank you so much Adam! Your videos are inspirational and SUCH a big help to me. In October 2018 I lost my marketing job and decided to take the leap and make my living as a full-time musician and producer. My TH-cam channel is the center of my brand just like you recommended in previous videos and I've been documenting my whole journey on TH-cam as structure my business to monetize MY creative process! And as the channel builds my brand, I'm also trying to help others along the way if they are trying to achieve the same thing. It's so perfect you put this video on this particular topic because I've always wondered how much to balance my brand with my personal name so I'm going to make a better effort to put my personal story out there more and make a stronger connection. Thank you so much once again for making relevant content for musicians! Much love!
@@rasheemthebestfirstone3274 people get sent death threats get tracked down or family members harassed or new stories made about them. It might not even be physical danger
Thanks Adam, another great video! I’m fairly introverted and when I first started really wanted to be anonymous and off social media. Thought it would be cool to just drop songs with zero promo. Well, that’s the response I got. Zero. I realized that my goal is to create incredible music, share it with the world, and hopefully improve people’s lives with it. That’s next to impossible from behind the shadows. I’ve always loved “behind the scenes” and “the making of” type content. It’s so much fun for me to see the real people and work behind the polished finished product. I can’t be the only one who does. I now realize I’m being foolish to not incorporate this content for my fans. They want to know ME too, not just the stuff I create. 👍
I get the introvert thing but as a musician were here to raise the vibe and to love and connect, the people who love your creations are going to be your tribe anyway, I watched Adams video on 90 days of publishing and I am going to give it a go!!!
I've saved lives before and want to keep it up and amplify it with my music and make a huge positive impact on the world. Attention sucks but its part of the package. 🍀
There’s a lot of valid reasons to be anonymous. Not wanting fame, physical insecurities, or even legal/street trouble. But one big reason I see now is mystique and world building. In an age of stans and onlyfans, I think many no longer want to give up everything about themselves for free just bc ppl demand it. There’s just a few really successful acts but that’s what makes the air all the more rare imo. It’s a balancing act and you need storytelling, great music, and powerful message against the machine to walk it.
I like your videos, even those i disagree with, like this one. You say people want a story. You can look at the band Ghost, who have the most amazing story, now we know who the singer is, but it dosent change anything, its still a realy interesting and suspencefull vibe around the whole band. They got the hype for doing something new and mysterious, and they still keep going after the "veil" is gone. Also, for every 10.000 new marshmellows, you'd have 10.000.000 new Zara Larssons or Dj.Khaleds. The way i see it = less competition. Me personaly, i looove an anonymous act. Anyways, i hear ya, and i see what you mean. There are pros and cons. I just dont think there is the ONE correct way of making it. I dont think it matters what or how you do it, as long as you do it wholeheartedly. No path is easier or harder than the other.. My personal belief. Anyways, i do enjoy all of your videos and i think you make a lot of sense. Keep it up man! Cheers from Sweden.
Kiss is another example. Painted faces, although they each had names (assuming they weren't stage names), ensured them a private life separate from their rock star image
This was the video that made me hit the sub button. As a producer/ DJ who wears a gekko mask during shows and when I'm streaming, this really touched home. The reason(s) why I wear a mask is it's a persona, a character I made. One that I wrote into a story that will end up being in a cartoon eventually. There's also the whole "keep private life separate from the fame" thing. But this video got the gears spinning, and tho I may have a tough road ahead of me, that only motivates me more, so thank you for that.🤙
Love your videos bro. I've spent allot of time trying to find influencers, artists, and people to rep my brand. I finally said you know what I am what I'm looking for. I gotta record, I gotta write, I gotta produce, I gotta do these things. All insecurities aside! Let's get it! Stay blessed man keep up the good work.
This video speaks realness. From someone who has seen a lot on social media for years I can say that this man is real and he is no bs. Good advice, great video! Love it
The last 3 videos I've just watched and now this one, all yours Adam have been along the lines of talk about putting you "FACE" out there for people to see with the idea of being transparent with people and giving people your story....... Realized this was the biggest issue of mine recently to why I hadn't been going hard with my pursuance in music.. now I'm sitting here like damn, this is definitely the reason why. I've been stopping myself big time!
Adam is a legend. He’s like a father figure almost. He believes in his followers like they’re his family. Such a good guy. Success never changed him. He just wants to help other people in the world.
This is something I did back In 2008. My project is called Nightmare Arcade and I go way back to MySpace days . Started as a teenager. I wanted to be anonymous and let my characters be the centre stage for a while , but it was because I was bullied and in the end , i wanted to hide myself . I felt that nobody would listen to me...but listen to my characters. My characters were everything I wanted to be . Fast forward, I unveiled myself years later , and used Cosplay to promote my music more. Now people know who I am with and without my cosplay!! I hid away because I wanted to hide myself away from bullies , and I felt like my characters were protecting me . I’m not afraid anymore . I promote my characters and my project...and also...myself.
I juat want to share my music, but nothing else. My personal information is not of their business. I hate people's urge for connecting or just their curiosity, like just focus on the product.
ADAM, you earned a sub with me. I love how genuine you are in making this video. There aren't 100 edits and jump cuts or ridicules editing, just the facts and I respect the perspective. As an artist that has tried to maintain anonymity for over 10 years I can attest to the fact that it is much harder to brand yourself. good work and I am looking forward to more videos from you.
dont you dare stop doing what you do!you are a inspiration and relief to so many of us u cant imagine!keep up the work and keep dragging people to the top!
I agree on a lot of elements, such as embracing your identity, but... I think it's important to clarify that there are SEVERAL purposes and paths in the music industry as an artist, a band, a composer, a producer. It's an ART, and therefore it's INFINITE. I need to reiterate this first because the music industry can pressure you to take a very narrow path to express your art. Nowadays we're bombarded with information that seems to push you through a tunnel of things you HAVE to do in order to even think that you have a chance as an artist, and I think it's important to remember that there are still things and events to come, that nobody can predict, which will shape the future of music. The ones that will be part of that wave WONT be doing what EVERYONE is doing. And the most important part as an artist should be to define your relationship with your music and the story you want to tell as an artist. But there are infinite ways to do so. Even taking the example of Sia, Marshmello and others... They STARTED with a persona, and the reason why it worked is because they had a unique story to tell through that character. Yes, eventually their identities became public, but they didn't start that way. So why should you start being so public when they went through years of creating a persona? The fact that they became public doesn't make it less relevant that they had a mask before. Finally, I'll agree on the fact that it shouldn't be done for the wrong reasons. There should be a strong, intentional reason to do this, with the full awareness that it isn't forever and it's not an escape. Personally, I think there can be a sweet spot between using it and taking it off to bring contrast and depth to your art. But because it's like putting on a costume, I think it would be a faster way to burn your brand and loser fans if it doesn't have a solid purpose that people can connect with. Otherwise I think people would just lose interest in you as an artist. People will give more respect to someone showing their face than to someone hiding, so you'll have to stand out that much more.
Hey dude keep making videos, don't stop, because they really help. At 8:38 in this video you went off, the "don't be the next anybody be the first you" speech was really key. This is where a lot of people make the mistake of trying to be like everybody else and don't realize they can be more successful by embracing themselves and working on their own unique brand. Keep it up!!
Adam, I loved this video so much that I felt like I needed to comment on it. I am starting up an alias and persona for my first solo music though I have been a producer/engineer for a few years (aka working in the shadows). You've toyed with my brain some today and I'm going to play with all these ideas. Thanks for inspiring me today!
I'd be careful with it, mate! I didn't realise how well people knew the real "me" before I released my first album under an alias (the biggest mistake was to not replace my entire name; just my surname) and whem sharing.on socials, it was a bramd control nightmare! I'll get on the desktop and come back to this thread to elaborate in detail. :)
i find it very pleasing that you are so up front with us. You dont beat around the bush, you tell us like it is, you make us realize that WE are the only ones holding ourselves back. Sometimes we all need a slap out of the delusion that we create for ourselves. Seriously Adam thank you ♥
Great vid Maestro! More than beeing secret I’d like and recommend to switch positions from label A&R to Producer to artist to musician ( even with different emails etc) simply because is damn fun and you get to see the musicbusiness from so many angles! I’m actually introvert but the fun is in the challenge of going out of the comfort zone and expose yourself🔥
When your passionate music journey clashes with covert day job... not pandering to fear by hiding, but pandering to necessity. It's the only way for both worlds to coexist!
Thank you for another interesting video, this one really hit home. Weirdly enough, I've had the chance to meet and speak to multiple artists that hide their identity for different reasons, specifically in the Norwegian black metal scene. It is quite common in that scene to keep your private information to a minimum. Some people do not want fame, some are happy just making music however they like, some artists personas are being very different from who they are in real life. Some of the artists are even able to release successful physical releases despite never playing live, and I personally think their anonymity can be a good asset in some cases. "The more mysterious = the better" -mentality. Seems to somewhat work in some niche genres. This is my favorite interaction with one of those said artists. I saw some guys from one of my favorite bands walking around a festival. I knew it was them because I had been working backstage the year prior when they were performing. The next day I brought my cd and got them signed. At first, they were a bit surprised that someone recognized them but very grateful to hear that they were the gateway band for me into that genre. They proceeded to tell cool stories. For example how they composed their album covers, hidden easter eggs, some stories from songs, how they make song titles and how to read them. Forever grateful for that encounter. So much so they inspired me to make an anonymous project on my own.
you should check out a collective called "The Residents" They have been mostly anonymous for somewhere around 70 years and their music is very niche like the scene you're talking about. They are still going to this day
I have to give you credit for this, your videos are so high quality and the sound quality is so good man, it's pleasant to watch your videos, thanks and great content
I think the main reason someone would want to stay anonymous is because they don't want to deal with the fame aspect... Which I can understand. Fame can completely destroy your personal life. Most people are willing to make that trade, but I can understand if someone doesn't want to.
Hey Adam, Huge fan of your videos! I thoroughly appreciate all of the wisdom and advice that you share with us! I'm definitely interested in hearing more about your different streams of revenue. I've lately been looking into this subject a LOT and I already know and trust you, so I'd really like to know your approach! Please don't ever stop dropping these knowledge bombs and bringing this great content! - Cali
The reason i want to at least start out anonymously is because i want people to like and judge me for my music, not becasue of what i look like, what clothes i wear, my social status etc
Wow I thought you were going to suggest different, this was very cool and helpful for many reasons.... Daft Punk is a rare case who’s mystery I feel enhanced their brand and they also were great at keeping the helmets on and their actual music was well done and unique
Thank you so much Adam for releasing another excellent video :-) They are really helpful and you are 100% right :-) We are both private people but we still share who we are, we just chose the bits that are relevant to share and don't worry about the other stuff :-)
Super interesting to hear your perspective! I've spent close to 10 years building up a following on my social media/blog. Over the last several months I've dived into songwriting but, I've committed to a different "username" if you will. Certainly not hiding but I suppose it's more freeing and comforting to experiment under the radar and then weaving my two worlds together when I'm more confident in my work. Looking forward to your next video!
I want to accomplish all my dreams and be all that I can be, push it to the maximum, ex spend life, have maximum experience that make me happy and excited .. it’s definitely lead to attract more people (like you guys, even if we don’t all about the some music we have the love of music, passionate, some goals and path. My family is my family that I love .. but you are my people that I adore because you chasing after a dream as me and I know what’s is take, and everyone here know because need to be one for to know one. 😌
Im building my rap carrer and im 100% sure that i will be using a mask all the time. and im sure about that for simple 2 reasons 1- i have a lot insecurities about myself. im white, i use glasses, i dont really consider myself "beautiful" and yeah, i feel a lot more confortable using a mask BUT THE BIGGEST REASON is that i dont really want the fame. i mean, yes i want to be famous and give wild concerts like XXX, but i dont want to take my life away from myself you know. i wanna get on the stage, be the person i always dreamed of and then i take the mask off and i go to the grocery store and calmy do what i need to do without having 1000 people following me, screaming, taking pictures, asking for this and for that. i really just wanna live my simple life knowing that i do what i love without hurting myself doing it so. i really believe that being able to go to beach or to mc donalds in peace is the most important thing and we dont even give it value beucase we dont really know the other side of the story. i cant even imagine how bad it must feels to be always locked away because people cant behave next to me. 3- and now that im thinking about it, i have 3 reasons ahaha true love. i really do believe in true love and i wanna find it one day but once you get famous, that is completely gone. even if you love someone to the bone, you will always have a voice in the back of your head saying "she just wants you because you famous or because you are rich". if i can take my mask off and just be me like ive always been, then i can say that im trully happy and that is all i want and now i feel like ive grown a little more after this little text. thanks Adam, you really helping me out in ways that i couldnt even imagine.
There are also certain legal steps needed to legal brand yourself. Which leaves a paper trail to your true identity. So there’s no hiding in public. I have a stage name and persona I’ve created to keep my personal life personal. It works for the most part. But there’s still a legal document that’s public record. In my case it works because people remember the name ,but they mostly remember how my playing touched them emotionally when heard live. 😎🎸🎶✌️🤟
Great info!!! What I take from this the most is, it's an individual journey of discovery. I'm one of those people who have less than perfect teeth but I won't allow it to stop me ...
I can’t show my face because I live in a strict household. It’s not because I’m chasing anonymity, it’s because I can’t. I want to release music, I have songs ready. I’m working on getting the equipment. I just have a hard time promoting.
Very good points in here. I'm totally following your trail and understand your perspective. Thank you for your insight. Nothing is going to happen unless you make it and you must come out of your comfort zone and be willing to go to every extent doing whatever you have to do to achieve your goals.
Thanks Adam, this is something to consider. What I'm more interested in is how to set up and successfully run a music production business with an artist name (as opposed to my legal name), and still get all the royalties, pay taxes, etc.
My Guy! You are money. I was shocked to see this video while watching a lot of your content. This is something I am incredibly interested in because my music is usually compared to Radiohead, Bjork, Sigur Ros, etc. So the music is bizarre to an extent. As Mainstream as anything I have is like NIN / Reznor and I imagine that I have a lot in common with Death Grips as well. My music is truly good, but I have zero interest in doing any of this shit. I respect your hustle. I’m typing as I hear this and it’s not about hiding whatsoever, MF Doom & Gorillaz are great examples of people who people either don’t care and if they did, they don’t/didn’t know who they were. It is about Privacy - Banksy is a solid example as well. The Legend of it is cool. I believe I have enough money to make it work. There are so many trash rappers and musicians making millions. EDM Artists make 25-50 Million a year to press play on a Laptop. Some stupid ass Ad just came on and I can’t skip it without sending this. So, I need to find you and have a conversation with you. I guess I wonder, if my music has been incredibly well received and if it got out there, I know the industry well enough to know I would at least pull the Modest Mouse where all you need is 100,000 Loyal Fans and if they spend $20 a year on music or shirts or special vinyl or unique merchandise, that is obviously 2 million dollars a year. I can throw 25K at Promotion and Advertising. I just need help. I can make the right Manager a millionaire and the Grammys are not something out of reason for me either. I am a partner at a Hemp Manufacturing Co. & we do incredibly well, but music + film + writing are my passions and what I’m good at and I’ve worked with a lot of big names and been on big sets and stages and most of the people in the industry are mailing it in. I hope you read this or someone else does and understands what I’m trying to say. Marshmello is wack. I’m talking more Gorillaz type of “anonymous.” You do have a point. I’m not afraid and I have the charisma and I am interesting to people. Ahhhh.. You just ended it saying exactly what I wanted to hear. Why is it lame though? It’s part of the story to get “found out.” I’m incredibly into concepts and the art of everything though. I appreciate your work and respect it man. IG and Twitter and TH-cam and people just wanting to hear themselves talk seems like such a vacuous mindset and vapid existence. I was excited to hear what you said on here and I’m shocked that you don’t seem to get what that dude was asking. Everyone is different. I love making music. I love playing shows. I love chilling and jamming with heroes, but spending all day everyday just posting shit is my definition of hell. It’s such a shame what the world has become. Ehhh. C’est La Vie. Appreciate you man, it’s a lot of work what you do. I could never do it. I guess that’s why I just sell weed legally all day and then work on music and have a studio with artists afterwards. Rod Wave has been at our place, I just find myself at a crossroads and I am obviously all over the place. I also don’t give a fuck. I basically need to know who I can give 25 or 30K to and let the rest take care of itself. Thanks again. Cheers.
Hey Adam, I just became part ot the channel family after watching this video. I liked what you said here, but I do have a couple comments to add and I would like to hear what you think about them. #1. I think what you said about someone wanting to hide their identity becuase they may be insecure or they're trying to hide something about themselves, is a good point, and it may be true in some cases, but the way you communicated it, I believe, left out the fact that the situation may not actually be like that at all.. I don't think it's as black and white as you you communicated it to be.. and I think it depends on what the channel/brand/name is and what it's setup for. For instance, I watch a guy, he is a Metal TH-cam music critic. He calls himself, "Flight of Icarus".. and his channel is "The Metal Trenches".. and he wears a mask and sunglasses for his videos. His focus in these videos has absolutely nothing to do with him.. or his "story".. or being "authentic".. He never talks about himself.. why would he? that information is irrelevant to the purpose of the channel.. And.. I could give a rat's ass about what his real name is or what his "story" is.. why would I care about those things? His channel gives me what I need period. I judge him 100% on the content of what he says in his critiques. Isn't that the way TH-cam should be? That viewers would be able to decide whether or not we're going to subscribe and listen to someone based solely on what they say about the subject matter? Why would their personal life matter at all? and.. I"m not interested in his "story"... And I'm sure I'm not alone. Now.. let's say that some jealous hater in his life gets butt-hurt that he's starting to get thousands of subscribers.. maybe even millions in the next 5 or 10 years to come.... let's say that jealous hater "exposes" who Flight of Icarus really is.. his name.. other information... maybe that he's done jail time or something.. whatever.. Who cares???? Why would any of that matter to me? I respect the fact that it's the content of his show that matters most.. In fact, I'd get just as much out of his show if it was just a podcast only, and had no video at all. #2: I assume you know that most rock, pop, hip-hop musicians and stars all have aliases for names right? Why do I care what their real name is? Why should anyone care? and why do I care about their stories? I'm a musician as well.. so I appreciate their aliases and respect them for having them.. I couldn't care less what their real name is. Nikki Sixx to me.. will always be Nikki Sixx.. I know that's not his real name.. but to me, that's who he is! Because that's who he wants to be.. so I respect that.. But it seems that what you're saying in your video is that it's going to be much, much harder to build a brand if you have an alias and you hide your face.. I don't see how.. The Rock band Ghost has the annonymous gouls.. they play their part.. and they get to walk around society and live a normal life because no one knows their true identities.. And that's a beautiful thing for them and their families.. that they get to be in a world renown Rock band, play in front of millions of people.. and never have to be stopped for an autograph or hounded by the media.. or paparazzi. What do you think of my point here? My real name is not Zephyrus Halo.. So what? This is who I choose to be for my upcoming TH-cam channel and music that will be realeased world wide.. As long as I'm making the music that some people will connect to, and as long as my furture TH-cam channel is giving people value, what does it matter what my true, real name is? And why do you seem to be against me hiding my face? I want to walk freely to the supermarket and be anonymous.. don't you?
I just tried it once. Or twice. I wear glasses so it’s already annoying and foggy. At the end of the day I just don’t like being on stage anyway. As I get older I’m less interested in performance. Or people. Or doing anything I don’t have to. I wish the best for anyone who still gets out there and busts their ass though.
KISS did the mystery / anonymity thing for 8 years from 1974 to 1982 and it was the most successful period of their career. And to be fair, I don't think they did it out of fear. Just my opinion, but I think some artists do the mystery / anonymity thing for other reasons besides fear.
There are "ghost" producers in which I like the idea in a way. We are in such a vain society; its always about looks etc. But to kinda remain in "secrecy" I feel like it would get people to focus more on your music than how you look. A lot of djs/producers go by aliases or don't put to much out there. Daft punk for example, one of the best electronic dance producers and throughout there entire career they hid their identity. There is this other guy name Zhu, he too as well doesnt put himself out there a whole lot. I feel like the music should speak for itself. And in this day an age with the internet and social media it can be done where people can put out their music and not necessarily be known or seen.
Hey man... new to the channel. Am now a subscriber. Thank you for your honesty. My insecurities & perfectionism have kept me from making videos like this , but I am now encouraged to get over it. Thx for the great content. I’ll be watching
I love this post!. I'm a music producer/ drummer/ engineer/ studio owner of 2 studious ap, & songwriting but I like to be in the background & getting the money. But I've also know that I'm going to have to be seen a little bit in my upcoming projects but this video got me feeling better about being seen. I just one of those guys that want to sit back & be producer , song writer & CEO nobody see my face all the time, Strangers all up in my business judge my business & what not. But you really got me thinking more into when I'm being seen & how I'm going to be seen when I choose to be seen. Thank you & keep up the good work on your videos
My method has been keeping it anonymous from the inception of the project. It is tough, but the growth is genuinely organic. My reason for this has nothing to do with fame or anything really. It’s to keep the focus on the music. The alias is a character, sure. But I feel if the quality of musical storytelling is beyond a certain level, it’ll speak for itself. I’ve been on a 3 year hiatus and just released my EP last week. With some careful marketing, no paid promotion or support (anonymous remember?), I’ve managed to gain some traction in just 1 week. My VEVO channel is featured on my OAC. Hope this doesn’t come off as clickbaity, but my entire project is technically relevant to this video 👽
Hey Adam! First comment on one of your videos since it actually hit home. With electronic synthwave project Rad_Warrior I've been behind my p100 gask mask, in spirit of creating the madmax atmosphere. Recently did a photo shoot where I'm no longer wearing sunglasses (still masked) and released a demo with vocals and I've had much more response. So it looks like your correct! Thanks for the great content, been enjoying numerous amounts of your videos!
Another insightful video! Can’t thank you enough for all that you do, you’re an absolute legend Adam! 🤘🏻Definitely would like to hear more about the revenue streams. 👊🏻💯
You nailed it again! Excellent as always Adam. Man, aren't you snowed under with work? How do you cope with your tasks-TH-cam videos, music production and stuff? Incredible! Thank you so much! 😎✌️
I really needed this reality check thank you Adam, I have been trying to do all my music career in the shadows for a long time with no success at all, it's time to get out to the world leaving all my insecurities behind, by the way I love your content makes me get back on the track
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"You can become a mysterious entity if you have good story telling skills" - Well said Adam! 💯
yeah look at ado
the reason why i hide my identity is cause i feel more confident with most of the people not knowing who i am... and the goal part music saved me and it means everything yo me is my drug thats why i pursue it... i wanna get my family out of the position that we are stuck in and help them get a better life and also get myself a better life
@5,ooo LightYears Away just never release any personal info online, never perform your own music in public (people will be able to figure out it's you by hearing that you're sound the exact same), and don't upload any photos with anything identifiable on them, not even a background, no metadata, nothing.
@5,ooo LightYears Away same except I’m a rapper
Up to now i haven’t release anything yet, but I’m about to release my 1st single and I’m thinking about hiding my identity too: I feel like I’m not a popular guy and if I release something it would just not work well because it’s me, like I’m not the popular guy who just launches a song or something and everyone loves it
@@fernandojimenez5206 boy, what are you saying? there's a lot of artists who were rejected, didn't have friends, were misfits in their personal life. It has nothing to do with the popularity in your music, maybe you can make songs about this feeling that you have, about this fear, insecurity. it's about the vibe and conect with people, recognition and fame come with the love of fans. so make them know they're not alone.
Damn bruh how'd you get the music icon next to your name?
I disagree. That's the point of you being yourself, if you are normally a secluded person, then stay secluded as much as you can because that IS you. Why would you want your face everywhere on the internet? just have it in certain areas. You aren't the type to go crazy on the internet? that's fine. Look at The Weeknd, Drake, Jhené Aiko, Daft Punk, Gesaffelstein, J Cole, Lana Del Rey, SIA. they all keep to themselves in a way and you can see it. you don't have to be a Lil Pump or Cardi B for the internet to be as big as you can be. All about marketing yourself efficiently and strategically.
I agree. Back in the days a lot of reggae artists and djs were only heard not seen. It built up a curiosity as to what they may look like. David Rodigan surprised a lot of us as most people thought he was black lol. Creative marketing can do wonders for the secluded person if done correctly.
@@RoomAtTheTopStudio key word is "back in the day" you are your brand anymore.
I really think it’s depends but I respect your opinion. Drake, jcole and the rest you mentioned have been in the game for years at first they were all over social media and Internet. They’ve just been in the game so long and have so many fans they can get away with not being in the scene. If lil pump or cardi b stopped looking for attention they would die out asap. Also jcole adaft link etc make amazing music cardi b and lil pump are ass so they have to reach out to other platforms
Akira Maruyamam they were all over social media music wise. not showing their everyday lives and posting every 10 minutes
Sellous you right but that’s cuz there was no insta/snap stories/live. They came up in a different era, when all this new social media stuff cameout all those artists you mentioned were already big and had millions of fans.
One reason I’ve thought about a hidden identity with a music career is to be able to have a career and not be hounded as a famous person and be able to keep my personal and professional lives deprecate... as well as the privacy thing...
thank you kindly, sir, you’re a plethora of info
Same 😀
I think that's the point he's missing here, because fame is HIS end result. Some people want to walk into a room and soak in all the adulation that comes from being famous, while others want to just enjoy, privately, the fruits of their labor. Take Robert John "Mutt" Lange, for example. The world knows what he looks like (he was married to Shania Twain), they know his work (Def Leppard, AC/DC, Foreigner, etc), but there is very little else about him available for general consumption. The guy could walk into any restaurant or boutique in Beverly Hills, spend as lavishly as he'd like, and walk out unencumbered by paparazzi. That's what the op was getting at.
Man I needed this. As a singer/songwriter in my late 40s so concerned with no longer looking like some young pretty boy, this question has crossed my mind many, many times.
You can do this Jason!
We need men! Not boys!
I’m interested in learning about those different income streams!
me as well!
Same!
Agree
Me too.
me too✌🙏
I've always thought about doing an anonymous music career myself actually. But that was because I didn't want people to know who I am. Mainly out of fear of people that are my enemies from the past. But I think it makes such a bigger impact to your fans to show that you can take the hate and harassment and not let it get to you. People respect courage. No doubt.
True. But they also respect the willingness & cunning to break conventions to get what you want without withstanding needless abuse.
For me creating music is to share emotions i can't express with words.
I don't care about fame or bring rich, just wan't to share my music with people who wants to listen.
Ofc, getting some small money on the sideline because of it wouldn't hurt as maybe i could use it on new equipment / plugins etc.. :)
I personally suffer from PTSD, and that's the real trickster for me.
I'm not hiding but don't want to be in the spotlight either, and looking back in the mirror and see the story with Avicii is kinda scary.
Well to make it short i'm not aiming to be anonymous, but i have no intention on walking into the spotlights either.
And i know the competition is insanely hard, so the chances of that is short. 💙
Cheers for making this video Adam 👍
"Don't be the next anybody. Be the first you."
"don't be the next anyone be the first you!"
A line to live by! It's nice to hear someone say you're the next "XYZ" but its a million times better to hear someone say "that was 100% you!"
I very much like the fact that you just set up a camera and talk, no fancy cutting or unnecessary zooming in and out, just good content. Thank you
For me I feel like being a faceless artist is to keep my stability when it comes to my mental health cause I’m not good with being around paparazzi or the media making hurtful assumptions on my real life I would rather keep my privacy but still be able to interact with the fans in person talk to them and connect with with them do you like live shows and touring .
The most important thing is to have very compelling visual art attached to the music. A story is always good and concept albums are awesome. Seems like some people who want to make an alias still mostly focus the brand on themselves but at the same time don’t want the world to know who they are and that can be a turn off to certain people. When people instead focus the brand into a well thought out story with compelling and good looking art to go with it, the audience doesn’t seem to be too worried about the artist’s identity, in fact sometimes they they don’t want to know it at all because they are so attached to the art. Then obviously they need to have good music haha
I don't hide in the shadows,I become them!
-Shikamaru Nara
See, I remember when I started Nyhavo, I wanted to be an anonymous identity because I felt like people around my local area weren’t supporting my music because they knew me personally. I was bullied in school etc... and the fact that I made music, apparently, made me a laughing stock. So I started as an entity so that people weren’t talking with me about music using my real name, and talking like the family (“Awh here he is, how’s your little music thing going?”). It was annoying and then I realised “wait, how am I supposed to promote this without people knowing it’s me?” So I started showing my face and shifted my branding so it was a bit more true to self.
I honestly hope those people that made fun of you or bullied you or even belittled you in some sort of way burn in hell. I’ve never understood how a human being could treat another so badly. There’s literally nothing wrong with you even if they say other wise, they’re projecting their insecurities onto you because they’re cowards. You are more than enough and you’ll make an impact in the world someday soon, I believe in you, much love buddy❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for this comment this hit home literally because I’ve had friends cut me off and stop speaking to me since I started making music and they made jokes about it, so I’ve also decided that I’m going to start sharing more personal things and photos I’m also going to use part of my real name instead of an artist alias name. Much love 💕
I can relate to this totally. Keep ur head held high my friend dont let anyone dull ur shin x
I have 2 separate accounts related to music,this one and one more because of this reason. This one is for the public,the other one is completely anonymous for now
Thank you for sharing that. Your mindset shift is powerful.
Yup. Exactly where I’m at now, fighting the urge to want to hide. Not just in music but in entertainment in general. I’m finding comfort in creating a circle that is easier for me to be myself in. Idk if that makes sense
Thank you so much Adam! Your videos are inspirational and SUCH a big help to me. In October 2018 I lost my marketing job and decided to take the leap and make my living as a full-time musician and producer. My TH-cam channel is the center of my brand just like you recommended in previous videos and I've been documenting my whole journey on TH-cam as structure my business to monetize MY creative process! And as the channel builds my brand, I'm also trying to help others along the way if they are trying to achieve the same thing. It's so perfect you put this video on this particular topic because I've always wondered how much to balance my brand with my personal name so I'm going to make a better effort to put my personal story out there more and make a stronger connection. Thank you so much once again for making relevant content for musicians! Much love!
please break down your income streams bro.
i am doing because i love privacy, but only my face and my name. Not my life story. i want to protect family and friends.
How would they be put in danger?
@@rasheemthebestfirstone3274 people get sent death threats get tracked down or family members harassed or new stories made about them. It might not even be physical danger
@@Soneelicious yup that’s true
Thanks Adam, another great video! I’m fairly introverted and when I first started really wanted to be anonymous and off social media. Thought it would be cool to just drop songs with zero promo. Well, that’s the response I got. Zero. I realized that my goal is to create incredible music, share it with the world, and hopefully improve people’s lives with it. That’s next to impossible from behind the shadows.
I’ve always loved “behind the scenes” and “the making of” type content. It’s so much fun for me to see the real people and work behind the polished finished product. I can’t be the only one who does. I now realize I’m being foolish to not incorporate this content for my fans. They want to know ME too, not just the stuff I create. 👍
I guess an appropriate case to look into is Daft Punk. Everybody knows the robots, a tiny little know the creators.
I get the introvert thing but as a musician were here to raise the vibe and to love and connect, the people who love your creations are going to be your tribe anyway, I watched Adams video on 90 days of publishing and I am going to give it a go!!!
I've saved lives before and want to keep it up and amplify it with my music and make a huge positive impact on the world. Attention sucks but its part of the package. 🍀
This similar to mine
There’s a lot of valid reasons to be anonymous. Not wanting fame, physical insecurities, or even legal/street trouble. But one big reason I see now is mystique and world building. In an age of stans and onlyfans, I think many no longer want to give up everything about themselves for free just bc ppl demand it. There’s just a few really successful acts but that’s what makes the air all the more rare imo. It’s a balancing act and you need storytelling, great music, and powerful message against the machine to walk it.
There’s also the benefit of being able to produce risqué content without putting your entire family at risk
Yes. Let’s hear about all your income streams 👌
I like your videos, even those i disagree with, like this one. You say people want a story. You can look at the band Ghost, who have the most amazing story, now we know who the singer is, but it dosent change anything, its still a realy interesting and suspencefull vibe around the whole band. They got the hype for doing something new and mysterious, and they still keep going after the "veil" is gone.
Also, for every 10.000 new marshmellows, you'd have 10.000.000 new Zara Larssons or Dj.Khaleds. The way i see it = less competition. Me personaly, i looove an anonymous act. Anyways, i hear ya, and i see what you mean. There are pros and cons. I just dont think there is the ONE correct way of making it. I dont think it matters what or how you do it, as long as you do it wholeheartedly. No path is easier or harder than the other.. My personal belief.
Anyways, i do enjoy all of your videos and i think you make a lot of sense. Keep it up man! Cheers from Sweden.
Great comment. Ghost is a perfect example
I agree
Lil toenail is a good example too, if u can create a character and make it entertaining enough u gonna pop
Kiss is another example. Painted faces, although they each had names (assuming they weren't stage names), ensured them a private life separate from their rock star image
This was the video that made me hit the sub button. As a producer/ DJ who wears a gekko mask during shows and when I'm streaming, this really touched home. The reason(s) why I wear a mask is it's a persona, a character I made. One that I wrote into a story that will end up being in a cartoon eventually. There's also the whole "keep private life separate from the fame" thing. But this video got the gears spinning, and tho I may have a tough road ahead of me, that only motivates me more, so thank you for that.🤙
Love your videos bro. I've spent allot of time trying to find influencers, artists, and people to rep my brand. I finally said you know what I am what I'm looking for. I gotta record, I gotta write, I gotta produce, I gotta do these things. All insecurities aside! Let's get it! Stay blessed man keep up the good work.
This video speaks realness. From someone who has seen a lot on social media for years I can say that this man is real and he is no bs. Good advice, great video! Love it
The last 3 videos I've just watched and now this one, all yours Adam have been along the lines of talk about putting you "FACE" out there for people to see with the idea of being transparent with people and giving people your story....... Realized this was the biggest issue of mine recently to why I hadn't been going hard with my pursuance in music.. now I'm sitting here like damn, this is definitely the reason why. I've been stopping myself big time!
Adam is a legend. He’s like a father figure almost. He believes in his followers like they’re his family. Such a good guy. Success never changed him. He just wants to help other people in the world.
This is something I did back In 2008. My project is called Nightmare Arcade and I go way back to MySpace days . Started as a teenager. I wanted to be anonymous and let my characters be the centre stage for a while , but it was because I was bullied and in the end , i wanted to hide myself . I felt that nobody would listen to me...but listen to my characters. My characters were everything I wanted to be . Fast forward, I unveiled myself years later , and used Cosplay to promote my music more. Now people know who I am with and without my cosplay!! I hid away because I wanted to hide myself away from bullies , and I felt like my characters were protecting me . I’m not afraid anymore . I promote my characters and my project...and also...myself.
Not everything is fear-based.
I juat want to share my music, but nothing else. My personal information is not of their business. I hate people's urge for connecting or just their curiosity, like just focus on the product.
This is the video that made me sub! 💯 love it!
ADAM, you earned a sub with me. I love how genuine you are in making this video.
There aren't 100 edits and jump cuts or ridicules editing, just the facts and I respect the perspective.
As an artist that has tried to maintain anonymity for over 10 years I can attest to the fact that it is much harder to brand yourself. good work and I am looking forward to more videos from you.
dont you dare stop doing what you do!you are a inspiration and relief to so many of us u cant imagine!keep up the work and keep dragging people to the top!
I agree on a lot of elements, such as embracing your identity, but... I think it's important to clarify that there are SEVERAL purposes and paths in the music industry as an artist, a band, a composer, a producer. It's an ART, and therefore it's INFINITE.
I need to reiterate this first because the music industry can pressure you to take a very narrow path to express your art. Nowadays we're bombarded with information that seems to push you through a tunnel of things you HAVE to do in order to even think that you have a chance as an artist, and I think it's important to remember that there are still things and events to come, that nobody can predict, which will shape the future of music. The ones that will be part of that wave WONT be doing what EVERYONE is doing. And the most important part as an artist should be to define your relationship with your music and the story you want to tell as an artist. But there are infinite ways to do so.
Even taking the example of Sia, Marshmello and others... They STARTED with a persona, and the reason why it worked is because they had a unique story to tell through that character. Yes, eventually their identities became public, but they didn't start that way. So why should you start being so public when they went through years of creating a persona? The fact that they became public doesn't make it less relevant that they had a mask before.
Finally, I'll agree on the fact that it shouldn't be done for the wrong reasons. There should be a strong, intentional reason to do this, with the full awareness that it isn't forever and it's not an escape. Personally, I think there can be a sweet spot between using it and taking it off to bring contrast and depth to your art. But because it's like putting on a costume, I think it would be a faster way to burn your brand and loser fans if it doesn't have a solid purpose that people can connect with. Otherwise I think people would just lose interest in you as an artist. People will give more respect to someone showing their face than to someone hiding, so you'll have to stand out that much more.
Hey dude keep making videos, don't stop, because they really help. At 8:38 in this video you went off,
the "don't be the next anybody be the first you" speech was really key. This is where a lot of people make the mistake of trying to be like everybody else and don't realize they can be more successful by embracing themselves and working on their own unique brand. Keep it up!!
“Don’t be the next anybody, be the first you.”
Absolutely.
Adam, I loved this video so much that I felt like I needed to comment on it. I am starting up an alias and persona for my first solo music though I have been a producer/engineer for a few years (aka working in the shadows). You've toyed with my brain some today and I'm going to play with all these ideas. Thanks for inspiring me today!
I'd be careful with it, mate! I didn't realise how well people knew the real "me" before I released my first album under an alias (the biggest mistake was to not replace my entire name; just my surname) and whem sharing.on socials, it was a bramd control nightmare! I'll get on the desktop and come back to this thread to elaborate in detail. :)
@@NeilBolandGuitaristWriter elaborate in detail
i find it very pleasing that you are so up front with us. You dont beat around the bush, you tell us like it is, you make us realize that WE are the only ones holding ourselves back. Sometimes we all need a slap out of the delusion that we create for ourselves.
Seriously Adam thank you ♥
You the Best to ever do it ! Big Legend
You are not ranting sir.... youre making sense
Thanks for your time once again
Best Regards
Great vid Maestro! More than beeing secret I’d like and recommend to switch positions from label A&R to Producer to artist to musician ( even with different emails etc) simply because is damn fun and you get to see the musicbusiness from so many angles! I’m actually introvert but the fun is in the challenge of going out of the comfort zone and expose yourself🔥
When your passionate music journey clashes with covert day job... not pandering to fear by hiding, but pandering to necessity. It's the only way for both worlds to coexist!
This is exactly what I wanted to hear man. You literally answered my questions without me asking
bro!!! your videos and rants are great!! keep up the great work and awesome content!!!
Thank you for another interesting video, this one really hit home.
Weirdly enough, I've had the chance to meet and speak to multiple artists that hide their identity for different reasons, specifically in the Norwegian black metal scene. It is quite common in that scene to keep your private information to a minimum. Some people do not want fame, some are happy just making music however they like, some artists personas are being very different from who they are in real life.
Some of the artists are even able to release successful physical releases despite never playing live, and I personally think their anonymity can be a good asset in some cases. "The more mysterious = the better" -mentality. Seems to somewhat work in some niche genres.
This is my favorite interaction with one of those said artists. I saw some guys from one of my favorite bands walking around a festival. I knew it was them because I had been working backstage the year prior when they were performing. The next day I brought my cd and got them signed. At first, they were a bit surprised that someone recognized them but very grateful to hear that they were the gateway band for me into that genre.
They proceeded to tell cool stories. For example how they composed their album covers, hidden easter eggs, some stories from songs, how they make song titles and how to read them.
Forever grateful for that encounter. So much so they inspired me to make an anonymous project on my own.
you should check out a collective called "The Residents" They have been mostly anonymous for somewhere around 70 years and their music is very niche like the scene you're talking about. They are still going to this day
Good artist that remains anonymous without a gimmick: Zhu.
Stick N Groove big facts
not anymore
I have to give you credit for this, your videos are so high quality and the sound quality is so good man, it's pleasant to watch your videos, thanks and great content
maybe it’s not insecurity but more of safety
I love when you freely express yourself nothing wrong with the cursing
Awesome brother! You have totally changed my perspective! Thank you so much for being real. I look forward to learning more from you!
I think the main reason someone would want to stay anonymous is because they don't want to deal with the fame aspect... Which I can understand. Fame can completely destroy your personal life. Most people are willing to make that trade, but I can understand if someone doesn't want to.
Hey Adam,
Huge fan of your videos! I thoroughly appreciate all of the wisdom and advice that you share with us! I'm definitely interested in hearing more about your different streams of revenue. I've lately been looking into this subject a LOT and I already know and trust you, so I'd really like to know your approach!
Please don't ever stop dropping these knowledge bombs and bringing this great content!
- Cali
Please, talk about the different income streams
The reason i want to at least start out anonymously is because i want people to like and judge me for my music, not becasue of what i look like, what clothes i wear, my social status etc
Wow I thought you were going to suggest different, this was very cool and helpful for many reasons.... Daft Punk is a rare case who’s mystery I feel enhanced their brand and they also were great at keeping the helmets on and their actual music was well done and unique
Thank you so much Adam for releasing another excellent video :-)
They are really helpful and you are 100% right :-)
We are both private people but we still share who we are, we just chose the bits that are relevant to share and don't worry about the other stuff :-)
Super interesting to hear your perspective! I've spent close to 10 years building up a following on my social media/blog. Over the last several months I've dived into songwriting but, I've committed to a different "username" if you will. Certainly not hiding but I suppose it's more freeing and comforting to experiment under the radar and then weaving my two worlds together when I'm more confident in my work. Looking forward to your next video!
In regards to the anonymointy of an artist or musician. I personally choose to wear a mask on stage as a character and privacy type thing
I want to accomplish all my dreams and be all that I can be, push it to the maximum, ex spend life, have maximum experience that make me happy and excited .. it’s definitely lead to attract more people (like you guys, even if we don’t all about the some music we have the love of music, passionate, some goals and path. My family is my family that I love .. but you are my people that I adore because you chasing after a dream as me and I know what’s is take, and everyone here know because need to be one for to know one. 😌
Im building my rap carrer and im 100% sure that i will be using a mask all the time. and im sure about that for simple 2 reasons
1- i have a lot insecurities about myself. im white, i use glasses, i dont really consider myself "beautiful" and yeah, i feel a lot more confortable using a mask
BUT THE BIGGEST REASON is that i dont really want the fame. i mean, yes i want to be famous and give wild concerts like XXX, but i dont want to take my life away from myself you know. i wanna get on the stage, be the person i always dreamed of and then i take the mask off and i go to the grocery store and calmy do what i need to do without having 1000 people following me, screaming, taking pictures, asking for this and for that. i really just wanna live my simple life knowing that i do what i love without hurting myself doing it so.
i really believe that being able to go to beach or to mc donalds in peace is the most important thing and we dont even give it value beucase we dont really know the other side of the story. i cant even imagine how bad it must feels to be always locked away because people cant behave next to me.
3- and now that im thinking about it, i have 3 reasons ahaha true love. i really do believe in true love and i wanna find it one day but once you get famous, that is completely gone. even if you love someone to the bone, you will always have a voice in the back of your head saying "she just wants you because you famous or because you are rich".
if i can take my mask off and just be me like ive always been, then i can say that im trully happy and that is all i want
and now i feel like ive grown a little more after this little text. thanks Adam, you really helping me out in ways that i couldnt even imagine.
There are also certain legal steps needed to legal brand yourself. Which leaves a paper trail to your true identity. So there’s no hiding in public. I have a stage name and persona I’ve created to keep my personal life personal. It works for the most part. But there’s still a legal document that’s public record. In my case it works because people remember the name ,but they mostly remember how my playing touched them emotionally when heard live.
😎🎸🎶✌️🤟
Any suggestions for that?
@@mikafizz1022 I just went to the county clerk paid the fee and got the document .. took about10 mins. .
Looking forward to the Training! Found your channel the other day and i love your stuff. Really informative and really comforting. Thanks Adam
Great info!!! What I take from this the most is, it's an individual journey of discovery. I'm one of those people who have less than perfect teeth but I won't allow it to stop me ...
I can’t show my face because I live in a strict household. It’s not because I’m chasing anonymity, it’s because I can’t. I want to release music, I have songs ready. I’m working on getting the equipment. I just have a hard time promoting.
Very good points in here. I'm totally following your trail and understand your perspective. Thank you for your insight. Nothing is going to happen unless you make it and you must come out of your comfort zone and be willing to go to every extent doing whatever you have to do to achieve your goals.
Everyone doesnt wanna be famous . Being heard and being able to have influence is something I can see being more valuable .
I didn't expect this video to be this good and deep. This video really made me think. Definitely not disappointed!
you do not need to swear less...say what you mean and mean what you say...that's what we watch for....truth.
Thanks Adam, this is something to consider. What I'm more interested in is how to set up and successfully run a music production business with an artist name (as opposed to my legal name), and still get all the royalties, pay taxes, etc.
"P-Bag the Producer" made me bust up laughing. Great video. Love the content as always. Continue swearing.
I came to say that name is actually fire.
I’ve been WAITING for that video thx!
My Guy! You are money. I was shocked to see this video while watching a lot of your content. This is something I am incredibly interested in because my music is usually compared to Radiohead, Bjork, Sigur Ros, etc. So the music is bizarre to an extent. As Mainstream as anything I have is like NIN / Reznor and I imagine that I have a lot in common with Death Grips as well. My music is truly good, but I have zero interest in doing any of this shit. I respect your hustle. I’m typing as I hear this and it’s not about hiding whatsoever, MF Doom & Gorillaz are great examples of people who people either don’t care and if they did, they don’t/didn’t know who they were. It is about Privacy - Banksy is a solid example as well. The Legend of it is cool. I believe I have enough money to make it work. There are so many trash rappers and musicians making millions. EDM Artists make 25-50 Million a year to press play on a Laptop. Some stupid ass Ad just came on and I can’t skip it without sending this. So, I need to find you and have a conversation with you. I guess I wonder, if my music has been incredibly well received and if it got out there, I know the industry well enough to know I would at least pull the Modest Mouse where all you need is 100,000 Loyal Fans and if they spend $20 a year on music or shirts or special vinyl or unique merchandise, that is obviously 2 million dollars a year. I can throw 25K at Promotion and Advertising. I just need help. I can make the right Manager a millionaire and the Grammys are not something out of reason for me either. I am a partner at a Hemp Manufacturing Co. & we do incredibly well, but music + film + writing are my passions and what I’m good at and I’ve worked with a lot of big names and been on big sets and stages and most of the people in the industry are mailing it in. I hope you read this or someone else does and understands what I’m trying to say. Marshmello is wack. I’m talking more Gorillaz type of “anonymous.” You do have a point. I’m not afraid and I have the charisma and I am interesting to people. Ahhhh.. You just ended it saying exactly what I wanted to hear. Why is it lame though? It’s part of the story to get “found out.” I’m incredibly into concepts and the art of everything though. I appreciate your work and respect it man. IG and Twitter and TH-cam and people just wanting to hear themselves talk seems like such a vacuous mindset and vapid existence. I was excited to hear what you said on here and I’m shocked that you don’t seem to get what that dude was asking. Everyone is different. I love making music. I love playing shows. I love chilling and jamming with heroes, but spending all day everyday just posting shit is my definition of hell. It’s such a shame what the world has become. Ehhh. C’est La Vie. Appreciate you man, it’s a lot of work what you do. I could never do it. I guess that’s why I just sell weed legally all day and then work on music and have a studio with artists afterwards. Rod Wave has been at our place, I just find myself at a crossroads and I am obviously all over the place. I also don’t give a fuck. I basically need to know who I can give 25 or 30K to and let the rest take care of itself. Thanks again. Cheers.
Hey Adam, I just became part ot the channel family after watching this video. I liked what you said here, but I do have a couple comments to add and I would like to hear what you think about them. #1. I think what you said about someone wanting to hide their identity becuase they may be insecure or they're trying to hide something about themselves, is a good point, and it may be true in some cases, but the way you communicated it, I believe, left out the fact that the situation may not actually be like that at all.. I don't think it's as black and white as you you communicated it to be.. and I think it depends on what the channel/brand/name is and what it's setup for. For instance, I watch a guy, he is a Metal TH-cam music critic. He calls himself, "Flight of Icarus".. and his channel is "The Metal Trenches".. and he wears a mask and sunglasses for his videos. His focus in these videos has absolutely nothing to do with him.. or his "story".. or being "authentic".. He never talks about himself.. why would he? that information is irrelevant to the purpose of the channel.. And.. I could give a rat's ass about what his real name is or what his "story" is.. why would I care about those things? His channel gives me what I need period. I judge him 100% on the content of what he says in his critiques. Isn't that the way TH-cam should be? That viewers would be able to decide whether or not we're going to subscribe and listen to someone based solely on what they say about the subject matter? Why would their personal life matter at all? and.. I"m not interested in his "story"... And I'm sure I'm not alone. Now.. let's say that some jealous hater in his life gets butt-hurt that he's starting to get thousands of subscribers.. maybe even millions in the next 5 or 10 years to come.... let's say that jealous hater "exposes" who Flight of Icarus really is.. his name.. other information... maybe that he's done jail time or something.. whatever.. Who cares???? Why would any of that matter to me? I respect the fact that it's the content of his show that matters most.. In fact, I'd get just as much out of his show if it was just a podcast only, and had no video at all. #2: I assume you know that most rock, pop, hip-hop musicians and stars all have aliases for names right? Why do I care what their real name is? Why should anyone care? and why do I care about their stories? I'm a musician as well.. so I appreciate their aliases and respect them for having them.. I couldn't care less what their real name is. Nikki Sixx to me.. will always be Nikki Sixx.. I know that's not his real name.. but to me, that's who he is! Because that's who he wants to be.. so I respect that.. But it seems that what you're saying in your video is that it's going to be much, much harder to build a brand if you have an alias and you hide your face.. I don't see how.. The Rock band Ghost has the annonymous gouls.. they play their part.. and they get to walk around society and live a normal life because no one knows their true identities.. And that's a beautiful thing for them and their families.. that they get to be in a world renown Rock band, play in front of millions of people.. and never have to be stopped for an autograph or hounded by the media.. or paparazzi. What do you think of my point here? My real name is not Zephyrus Halo.. So what? This is who I choose to be for my upcoming TH-cam channel and music that will be realeased world wide.. As long as I'm making the music that some people will connect to, and as long as my furture TH-cam channel is giving people value, what does it matter what my true, real name is? And why do you seem to be against me hiding my face? I want to walk freely to the supermarket and be anonymous.. don't you?
You forgot to mention that wearing a mask while performing is a massive pain in the ass.
Then dont publicly perform. It is that simple. Someone could just remove the mask anyway. Too risky.
I just tried it once. Or twice. I wear glasses so it’s already annoying and foggy. At the end of the day I just don’t like being on stage anyway. As I get older I’m less interested in performance. Or people. Or doing anything I don’t have to. I wish the best for anyone who still gets out there and busts their ass though.
@@fraustpunk what kind of mask did you wear?
KISS did the mystery / anonymity thing for 8 years from 1974 to 1982 and it was the most successful period of their career. And to be fair, I don't think they did it out of fear. Just my opinion, but I think some artists do the mystery / anonymity thing for other reasons besides fear.
There are "ghost" producers in which I like the idea in a way. We are in such a vain society; its always about looks etc. But to kinda remain in "secrecy" I feel like it would get people to focus more on your music than how you look. A lot of djs/producers go by aliases or don't put to much out there. Daft punk for example, one of the best electronic dance producers and throughout there entire career they hid their identity. There is this other guy name Zhu, he too as well doesnt put himself out there a whole lot. I feel like the music should speak for itself. And in this day an age with the internet and social media it can be done where people can put out their music and not necessarily be known or seen.
Hey man... new to the channel. Am now a subscriber. Thank you for your honesty. My insecurities & perfectionism have kept me from making videos like this , but I am now encouraged to get over it.
Thx for the great content. I’ll be watching
I love this post!. I'm a music producer/ drummer/ engineer/ studio owner of 2 studious
ap, & songwriting but I like to be in the background & getting the money. But I've also know that I'm going to have to be seen a little bit in my upcoming projects but this video got me feeling better about being seen. I just one of those guys that want to sit back & be producer , song writer & CEO nobody see my face all the time, Strangers all up in my business judge my business & what not. But you really got me thinking more into when I'm being seen & how I'm going to be seen when I choose to be seen. Thank you & keep up the good work on your videos
Adam you should go live bro that would be so awesome to interact like that about the biz
Dude... who are you? Super clear video. Thank you for being so vulnerable when you were talking about your own insecurities as well.
I'm glad you brought this topic up, as I have been thinking about this for a while as a producer.
My method has been keeping it anonymous from the inception of the project. It is tough, but the growth is genuinely organic.
My reason for this has nothing to do with fame or anything really. It’s to keep the focus on the music. The alias is a character, sure. But I feel if the quality of musical storytelling is beyond a certain level, it’ll speak for itself.
I’ve been on a 3 year hiatus and just released my EP last week. With some careful marketing, no paid promotion or support (anonymous remember?), I’ve managed to gain some traction in just 1 week. My VEVO channel is featured on my OAC.
Hope this doesn’t come off as clickbaity, but my entire project is technically relevant to this video 👽
We appreciated this video, keep sharing the positivity & keep swear it's just pure passion and real 👌🏾👌🏾
Adam with the marketing sauce again.
P bag in tha house!!
cristian hernandez my favorite part of video. I wouldn’t doubt someone who would use that as their stage name
“What the fuck are you afraid of?” I felt like you were speaking to me specifically. Thank you 😳
Hey Adam! First comment on one of your videos since it actually hit home. With electronic synthwave project Rad_Warrior I've been behind my p100 gask mask, in spirit of creating the madmax atmosphere. Recently did a photo shoot where I'm no longer wearing sunglasses (still masked) and released a demo with vocals and I've had much more response. So it looks like your correct! Thanks for the great content, been enjoying numerous amounts of your videos!
Embrace your individuality 👍
Finding value you in this video is an understatement I'm mad I didn't catch this when you first posted this.
Another insightful video! Can’t thank you enough for all that you do, you’re an absolute legend Adam! 🤘🏻Definitely would like to hear more about the revenue streams. 👊🏻💯
GREAT VIDEO! Thank you very muchn adam! U're very wise on this! Please don't stop making content and music!!!
You nailed it again! Excellent as always Adam. Man, aren't you snowed under with work? How do you cope with your tasks-TH-cam videos, music production and stuff? Incredible! Thank you so much! 😎✌️
The wtf are you afraid of was life changing! Because really wtf am I afraid of?! Appreciate how heated you were🔥
Martin Margiela, Burial, Aphex Twin, MF Doom, etc...
Struggling is only way to success
I’m totally interested in learning your different revenue streams.
I really needed this reality check thank you Adam, I have been trying to do all my music career in the shadows for a long time with no success at all, it's time to get out to the world leaving all my insecurities behind, by the way I love your content makes me get back on the track