THE LONG ANSWER

The Long Answer:

First off, let's clarify the term "independent".  It seems to be the industry's favorite new word when trying to describe an artist that isn't signed to a label deal.  That's it.  It doesn't mean you're doing absolutely EVERYTHING for yourself, because you simply can't.

Even if you're setting up your own consignments with record stores, booking your own shows, recording your own material, designing your own product, etc...  You're still not exactly independent.  Think about it; the clerk at the record store is the one handling the transaction, the venue you booked has their own staff running the function, and someone is ultimately going to have to manufacture your final product.

So, this sweet little word has essentially been perverted into a powerful bragworthy pride booster for any artist who makes something happen without the help of a record label.  But any artist who is legitimately making an exclusive living off their music is far from independent.  They are very likely to have either a booking agent, a publicist, a manager, a distributor, or in some cases all of the above.

With all that considered, it's still super awesome to get it done as your own manager while being the sole person who gets to choose the agents who represent you.  And it's equally empowering to know that you don't have to get approval from some label head before pulling the trigger on a creative (or business) decision.  So I suppose we'll have to accept this new definition of "independent" as simply meaning you don't have a label deal.  And these days, if you want to keep full creative control of your material, you're probably better off without one.

I've had the privilege of going on several tours over the years, but  I will tell you honestly and humbly that not a single one of them have pulled a profit.  They have helped promote project releases, created buzz, and attracted a whole bunch of amazing contacts and comrades... even generated a crazy amount of merch and album sales collectively; but a financial profit was never reached.

Even artists that are above my caliber aren't making an exclusive living off of touring, but staying on the road as often as possible is probably their best shot at reaching that goal.  Because you're never making more noise than you are while touring.  And doing nine shows a month in your home town doesn't count.  I'm talking about getting out of town, out of state, and even out of the country.

Among my peers and people that I've had the pleasure of touring with thus far, there are only about two or three emcees who are (in my opinion) VERY close to achieving that illusive goal.  One of them is Skywriter, who lives in Arizona when he's not going state-to-state fulfilling tour dates.  This dude is the perfect example of an independent artist in the hip hop game.  I've only shared the stage with him a small handful of times, but I can tell you from experience that he's probably doing the most.

While some artists buy-on to bigger tours that are already set up with headlining acts and routes figured out, Skywriter is somewhere doing it all himself.  Whether at home, the studio, someone's crib, or in the RV (or van) on tour; this dude is setting up his own shows without relying on the leverage of a bigger name on the lineup.  While others are waiting for someone to notice them, he's out there making moves and staying busy.

Since he's one of the closest people in my circle to "making it", I felt like he was the perfect artist to interview regarding the topic.  Read up and enjoy!

Q:  Since reaching the point where touring is a regular part of promoting your music, how often would you say you hit the road?
A:  [It's] varied, but I would say each year has been busier.  I spent seven months on the road in 2015 between three tours.  I like to hit the road as often as possible.  Consistency is key!

Q:  Would you say it's essential to your promotional efforts, feeling like work; or is touring the fun part?
A:  Touring is essential.  It's work that's fun.  What's the phrase?  "Love what you do and never work a day in your life."  That's touring.  At my level I'm an artist, tour manager, and merch guy out there on the road.  It's a lot of work, but the payoff of displaying my art to new faces is unmatched in my opinion.

Q:  Between sponsors, performance guarantees, bar deals, door deals, and merch sales; which is the most reliable source of income for you when touring?
A:  Nothing on [the] road is guaranteed; shady promoters, bad nights... many factors can attribute to not making any income.  I try not to rely on it much, but somehow it works out.  If I'm stocked up on merch and records then those sales are usually great each night.  Depending on the tour, that could be all the pay I get!  So it's vital in all situations.  Bar deals get me drunk, and door deals are always good if you can get it in your favor (60/40 split or better).  Sponsors come through and help a lot each time also.

Q:  Do you have a booking agent or do you do all the legwork?

A:  Currently I still do all the legwork and booking for events.  But [I] have been talking with some agencies and management to take on the role [of booking] larger events and festivals.

Q:  Assuming no "big deal" comes your way and this is as big as it ever gets, do you think you could make a living staying on tour full-time?

A:  Even now I wouldn't say I'm "making a living" off music.  I still have a freelance job and studio business for supplemental income.  I think I will always strive for more, or to do better.  Accepting and becoming content with the feeling [that] I'm making a good living will slow my work efforts, and I don't intend on slowing down at this point.

Q:  If you had the opportunity to lock in an agency or management deal, would you go for it?  Or has doing it yourself become something too attractive to give up?

A:  If the deal was right, an agency would be cool to work with.  I have seen what they've done for artists I know, and definitely see [the] benefit to having a good agency or manager on your side.  But there are a lot of factors involved with it.  So again, the deal would have to be right.