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Features

Oct 30, 2014 03:04 PM

Lisa Occhino

How to Make it Big Without Sacrificing Your DIY Spirit

The Black Lips return to their roots with an invite-only show at the tiny 529 Club in Atlanta. (Photo by Bobby Moore)

While many underground acts are content to live solely by DIY means, like playing house shows or releasing records on tiny labels (or self-releasing their music altogether), some have larger goals. But will playing larger clubs, having a publicist and booking agent, and signing to an independent label with wide-reaching distribution rekindle the old debate over what constitutes "selling out"? It shouldn't – if the band is unwavering about their goals and remembers their underground beginnings. The following three tips are for DIY musicians who have dreams of reaching a wider audience, but don't want to forget who they are or where they came from.