I thought it would be nice to get a view point from someone who has just started on their music career. I caught up with Tina Wallace and found she some interesting things to say about the future of the music industry.....

Tell us a little bit about what you're up to:

Well, currently I’m in the studio and recording my first EP, and I haven’t really decided on what to call it, I’m debating on ‘The Makeup Made Me Pretty’, or ‘Pee Face’, (both of which have a very detailed background). I Am really just getting ready to start sending my stuff out to the public, and have been trying to book some more shows. Now that I’ve graduated, I don’t really have any more school Venues as a crutch to perform. I’m going to have to find some, ahem, ‘real venues’ to play at now.

Could you give your general thoughts on the music industry today?

Personally, as far as the ‘industry’ goes, it’s a really great time to be performing and into music in general, what with downloading destroying record sales, I believe that most upcoming musicians that are just like me—sitting in a basement, recording, writing—are the types of musicians that aren’t looking to get loaded, because really there isn’t much of an industry to get loaded on anymore. I guess one up-side to this whole recession is the fact that I’ve met over fifty really great and genuine musicians that aren’t looking at a label as a primary priority, (Although it would be nice, I’m certain)…As far as what survived the recession, I’m kind of upset that only promiscuous music is making it on the charts, but that is a whole other issue to discuss.

What do you think the future of the music industry will be?

Hopefully it will be full of musicians that care about music and nothing more, yet I have to wake up and smell the coffee, which is currently boiling over with the increasing amount of shitty music. Yes, shitty music. It disturbs me to wake up in the morning and hear that my radio ‘wants to go for a ride on my disco stick’, yet I feel that music will just keep getting more sexy, and people will be trying to push the envelope until everything falls out, and the only way to shock an audience will be to have a full on orgy in a music video. Wait, hasn’t that been done?

How do you see yourself fitting into this New Music Industry (NMI)?

Well, from what I’ve heard from others, I don’t fit into the industry. I am not downing on myself as a person, however I’m not pretty, or skinny enough for an A&R guy to look twice at me. From Taylor Swift to Alanis Morisette to The Spill Canvas, I’ve had a lot of people try to pinpoint what I sound like. Sometimes it sounds like a dying cat, but I’m just basing that assumption off of my neighbors. I feel that if I do make an impact on the physical industry, I want it to be a big one. I plan on being on of the first musicians in today’s day an age that doesn’t depend on their physical appearance to sell albums. I think a lot of people don’t realize that today’s music isn’t really about music anymore. It’s mostly about image, which kind of contradicts itself, doesn’t it? With photo shoots, music videos, interviews, and guest appearances, people seem to fall in love with the image of the musician, rather than the music itself. However, I’m not saying that if someone looks up to me, I’m going to slap them upside the head. I just feel that in music, music needs to be the priority, and in the NMI, I plan on achieving this.

I see the New Music Industry (NMI) as holding great opportunities for the average musician to make a living. What are your thoughts on this?

I disagree, however that’s my opinion. With Limewire and Bittorrent sweeping the nation, I don’t see this industry being the best if you want to bring home tons of bacon every night, but if you do, I suggest being a damn good musician. Music started as a hobby for me, and not a means of salary. Although, I truly am thankful that it has escalated into that. It is always a compliment for someone to want to pay you to perform for them, when you always thought it was something you did for fun on weeknights, but it isn’t a glamorous life that it’s portrayed as within the media. It takes hard work, real hard work, and I’m not even really close to anything renowned yet, but I’ve been working myself silly trying to pull this EP together for everyone

I see the role of musicians changing. There is a need now to create your own career, so aspects of business and entrepreneurial spirit will be just as important as musical skill/talent. Can you describe any other skills you have developed to help create the career you want.

Skills, skills, skills…hmmm. Other than the whole ‘possessing talent’ thing, It seems like it would be a good idea to know some things. What my downfall is right now is my technical vocabulary, a while ago it was pretty much non-existent. I think part of sounding good is your equipment, because I’ve heard some good musicians perform with a shitty mic, and it doesn’t sound good. Making sure that your voice isn’t washed out, and the instruments sounding clear are a big thing, I think. That and I think it is good to have some people skills. When it comes to getting to know ‘fans’ and company reps, if you are a charismatic person who is a pleasure to talk to, things are going to work out, even if you sometimes are bullshitting a little to get a gig. I mean, if you were hiring for a job, say, and it was between a guy who says, “I’m a really hard worker, I’m responsible and I really do put my best foot forward,” or the “I’m good at…stuff” guy, who are you going to hire?

How will musicians make money when so few people buy music any more?

Venues, venues and merchandise are a good way to make money. If you sell a bunch of t-shirts and stickers, congratulations! You can now afford to eat. Honestly, if you are an upcoming musician, (like me) than you really need to put into perspective that you aren’t going to be able to make money until people know who you are.

What's your idea of a successful musician?

A successful musician is a happy musician! Just kidding, but I think that has to play a part. I personally think if you are out touring, maybe have a cd out, and generally are in a state of happiness, then that makes you successful. Maybe I’m a little cheesy, but I think that regardless of cd statistics and all that jazz, as long as you are performing isn’t that what being a successful musician is all about?

…That and winning a Juno.