Indie / DIY musician and bands are beginning to have an advantage over major label artists. Why? Because they are forced to learn and have marketing savvy. Indie artists and bands who wish to start the process of making, distributing, and getting radio airplay for themselves, without the help of a major label contract, are starting their own record label.

If you are an indie / DIY artist and your goal is to eventually land a major recording contract, you will still need to gather more attention for your music by cutting, distributing and promoting your own music first. You will have a much better chance of obtaining a great record deal with a major label if you’re are successful on your own before the bargaining table begins. You may even find out initially that as an indie artist you can be more financially successful on your own.

If you are looking for a helping hand in the entertainment industry, then you’d do best to look at your own two.

I know that sounds harsh, but if you’ve ever worked or tried to work in the entertainment industry you’ll know exactly what I mean. The myth of “being discovered” as you are walking down the street, sitting on an airplane singing, or even as you are performing in a small nightclub or Town Hall in some small town USA is simply that, a myth, another urban legend. (And trust me, if you hear someone tell you they were discovered that way, it’s probably a marketing ploy they are trying to sell you on or they invited the “discoverer” to the venue or to walk down the street with them!)

Country Music Legend. It’s not just a title; it embodies my friend and colleague Ernie Ashworth. Ernie is one of the few entertainers, through hard work and diligence as well as a loyalty to the DJ’s and his fans, who has retained his status as a successful touring musician / singer.

Ernie was recently nominated for a Grammy and Time Life Records added his No. 1 Smash Hit Talk Back Trembling Lips to their collection on Classic Country — Hard to Find Hits.

Ernie passed on March 9, 2009. I was lucky to have spoken to him just prior to his passing. He was his usual happy and spry self, asking me to marry him and ditch my finance!

After he read this article and the one that follows, Ernie was elated. His passing has touched the lives of many and broken hearts such as mine. It is with love that I release one of our many interviews in dedication to him and his wife Bettye, whom he sits with today.

Please sit back in a comfortable chair with a cool drink of water and relax a while. I am about to take you on a journey back in time and behind the scenes to talk with an incredible man who led an incredible life.