The Heart of Music: Supporting Independent Artists in Today’s Industry

I started this blog after watching Mick Blankenship push his video premiere this past week. It bothered me how many people say they love him and his music, yet not all of them joined the premiere. It got me upset, it got me angry, and it made me feel that I need to say something.... as a fan, as a promoter, as someone who loves all music, and especially independent artists.

I am writing this as a fan of real music. I am writing this as a promoter. I am writing this in support of the many friends I have made through the years. Their music and talent matter to me. Their passion and love for music matter to me. I see and feel their pain. In the end, I will do whatever it takes to help them. Please join me in this fight. Help me help independent artists. I am only one person, and there is a saying: it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it takes fans to raise an independent artist.

People forget that every famous artist they admire today was once an independent musician fighting to be heard. Independent artists like Mick Blankenship are living that reality right now. Mick pours his heart and soul into his music. It is not a hobby. It is not a side gig. It is his life, his purpose, the air he breathes. Every song comes from a place of passion, dedication, and experience. Supporting artists like him does not take much. Just a few minutes of our time, sharing, commenting, subscribing to their website or YouTube, following on social media, watching their videos all the way through, listening to their songs start to finish, buying their music or merch....can make an enormous difference.

I have been wrapped in music my entire life. I grew up singing in school choir, picking up guitar at 14, and playing piano by ear. Music shaped me, healed me, and raised me. Almost 17 years ago, I started putting on shows myself, giving independent artists a stage, paying them for their work, and watching firsthand the struggles they face every day. I have been part of NIVA, the National Independent Venue Association, and I have met musicians who have played the stages most independent artists only dream of. I have spent my life around music, friends who are big booking agents, producers, and musicians who have played all over the world, including a former bassist of Testament who is one of my closest friends. I know the stories, the sacrifices, the hours, the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to survive and succeed in this world.

I have had conversations with John Corabi, who sang for Motley Crue. I have spent time with his son Ian Corabi when he was in Tantric and Rehab, and with Sebastian Lebar, son of Jeff Lebar, guitarist for Cinderella, who was in Tantric and now plays for Saliva. What impresses me most is that neither of them is relying on their father’s legacy to further their careers. Ian and Sebastian are forging their own paths, developing their own styles, and creating music that is entirely their own. I share their music and support them whenever I can, because they are independent artists building something real through talent, passion, and hard work.

I have talked with Jaron Guilino, who played for Tantric and now performs with Lynch Mob and other projects. Jon Loree, who played drums for Tantric and is now with Smile Empty Soul, shared his journey with me. I have also had conversations with Hugo Ferreira, founder of Tantric. I have seen them all struggle, sleeping in RVs and vans, fighting every day just to play music. I have seen Scotty Austin, formerly of Saving Abel, now in his own independent band. Josey Scott, formerly of Saliva, is now independent as well. Their struggles as independent artists today are the same, no matter the legacy, the label history, or family connections. They are grinding, hustling, and giving their hearts fully to their craft.

Back in the 80s and 90s, fans showed up. They talked. They bought records, shirts, and posters. They went to shows. They made an artist’s success possible. Today, independent artists have to fight for attention against algorithms, streaming platforms that barely pay, and a saturated music world. Engagement is everything. Fans are no longer just listeners; they are the promoters, the marketers, the lifeline. Liking, commenting, sharing, subscribing, watching full videos, listening to full songs, buying merch, and joining websites all matter. It is the difference between being seen and fading into obscurity.

Something needs to change in the industry itself. Right now, the system rewards manufactured pop stars over real talent. Labels and corporations buy the “flavor of the week,” mold them, sell them, and promote them relentlessly, while artists with heart, originality, and passion are left to struggle. The industry no longer looks for talent; it looks for marketability. It is about how many units you can sell on your own, how well you can be packaged for shows like The Voice or America’s Got Talent, how perfectly you can use autotune, or even how AI can shape your sound. The art of music, the passion, the soul, the heart

is being replaced by formulas, numbers, and corporate agendas.

We need to bring the heart back. We need to bring back support for independent artists who create because they have to, who put their lives into their music, who connect with fans on a human level. Fans have power, and it is time to use it. Support artists by subscribing, following, commenting, sharing, watching their videos fully, listening to their songs start to finish, and buying their music and merch. Go see them live when they are in your area. Stand up for talent over algorithms. Stand up for passion over profit.

Independent artists like Mick Blankenship are giving everything they have. They write truth. They create connection. They pour their souls into their art. If we, the fans, show up for them, we can help keep real music alive. We can help artists rise on talent and heart, not on marketing budgets and formulas.

Remember, those bands you jam out to on the radio, the ones with expensive tickets you buy for their concerts, were once independent. They were just like Mick, Jon, Jaron, Ian, Sebastian, Hugo, Scotty Austin, and Josey Scott. They had to fight, grind, and hustle for every moment. These independent musicians today are no different. They need us, the fans, to step up.

It is time to make a change. The power is in our hands. Support real music. Support real artists. Give your time, your attention, and your heart. The legends of tomorrow are already creating today. They just need us to believe in them.

Please join me in this fight. Help me help independent artists. I am only one person, and there is a saying: it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it takes fans to raise an independent artist. You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and all social media. If you have questions on how you can help independent artist. Also enjoy Mick Blankenship's New Video below.

Peace, Love and Loud Music,

Mickey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t91tpUrA94

Legacy, watch it all and check out his other videos!