good cop – bad cop

The Good Cop  -

Several years ago I wrote a couple of books for indie musicians called the Musician's Corner®.  The books were born out the popularity of my syndicated columns and radio spots of the same name. In the book (and additional audio book), I outlined tons of innovative strategies for musicians, bands, and artists to consider and put into place to take their music careers to the next level. I've gotten wonderful feedback over the years from numerous musicians, bands, managers, and industry pros who endorse this effort. Click HERE to read reviews.  My style for the initial Musician's Corner® material was a positive, "you-can-do-it" approach... the good cop.  I felt this was the best way to share my educational and encouraging messages. I pointed out the things musicians need to look out for, but I primarily focused on the things that should be done for a band or artist to make a name for themselves and their music. I stayed away from too much harsh reality, that could be construed as negativity, as it pertains to this very tough and competitive business.

So I have come to two realizations over the past few years that have prompted this writing... 1. As successful as these first books have been, I know there are many, many, more artists and bands out there who could benefit from this information.  2. In my travels and consultations with musicians and bands from coast-to-coast, I've realized that many people just don't respond to the good cop mentality. This "nice guy" approach gets overlooked or discarded for reasons unknown. Despite a wealth of great "nice guy" type resources out there for indie musicians, most local and regional artists I see and hear from are making the same mistakes over and over again wondering why they aren't really getting anywhere.

I deliberately wanted to deliver uplifting and positive motivation for musicians everywhere. But as the song says... nice boys don't play rock-n-roll...

Enter the Bad Cop -

The bad cop is the one who tells it to you straight; without sugar-coating; and without much regard for how you may feel about the information that is being shared. The goal is simply to pass along the message in the most direct and often-controversial way possible.

So whichever approach works best for you, I recommend you pursue that avenue. If you're one to get your feelings hurt easily and take things too personally, then go with the Good Cop products. If you've got thick skin and prefer things straight, then I recommend the Bad Cop products out there. Either way, you're going to get invaluable information that, if put into action, will greatly benefit your music career. The worst thing you can do right now is nothing. The second worst thing you can do right is to keep doing things the same way you've always done them, expecting a different result. The choice is yours.

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©2008 Tom Leu