The pace of the music industry is wild. Maybe it's because I have no idea how anyone even starts making music, much less finishes a full-length album. How does anyone manage to bottle up feelings (that are often intense and deeply personal), write lyrics, build songs, loop in collaborators, get studio space, record everything, mix it, and make it sound amazing? And then you have to conceptualize the visuals, post relentlessly, line up press, do interviews that are vaguely flattering but also kind of off-putting, and throw events to hype it all up. After the release, there’s videos, shows, appearances, schlepping gear on tour, interacting with fans on social. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
It's so impressive. And what really blows my mind is when someone starts from scratch and releases their first album. Ever.
My friend Sam Reichman, who co-helms the art rock band MAN LEE with partner Tim Lee, is doing just that. Their debut album Hefty Wimpy drops this Friday, March 7, and I caught up with Sam about the behind-the-scenes work of marketing art, especially when you’re just getting started.
