To be an independent artist is great because you're your own boss, but it's not an easy route for sure. Many don't understand what it truly takes to be a successful indie artist; the amount of work and time that goes into the job is unremitting. You don't have any partners helping split the workload or financial burden.
I built HunnyB Entertainment as a platform for my music career, and in conjunction with my husband's production company NHD Productions, we create everything from the music production, to the composition, the lyrics, the recording, the mixing, the mastering to then the marketing of the record. We also produce our own music videos, find and hire the directors, the editors, the makeup artists, the wardrobe designers, find the locations, and create the concepts. After all this we then have to continue marketing the song along with the video. HunnyB Entertainment is also moving into producing music videos for other artists.
To be independent, means securing your own gigs, being online scouting for performance opportunities, even radio opportunities.
As an actor, I do have an agent, but having a boss mentality, I don't sit around and wait for my agent to call me with an audition. I am actively seeking work, networking, building relationships, attending workshops because I want people to know I exist. Along with being time consuming, you also have to be part of different online memberships which aren't cheap.
I have also written a feature film entitled "Feel The Beat," which I want produced. It would be nice to find a production company to back me, but if not you better believe I will produce this film on my own.
This is the truth about being independent. It's a lot of time, money, and energy. The fact is, I am building a business alone, from inception to the completed product, and then pushing it out the public, hoping and praying it will be receptive.
It's hard work. I won't lie, I cry myself to sleep some nights. I give and give and give, and sometimes receive so little. Other businesses try and take advantage of you, and it can be deflating. But a boss never quits and keeps grinding.
The work never ends, and sleep is almost non existent, however the rewards are greater than great! The entertainment world and business are my passions, and to be able to do what I love is priceless. I work very hard, and sleep hardly because I want to succeed, and I can't feed my family on passion alone. I will continue to build HunnyB Entertainment as a brand, and hopefully one day look back and say, "Wow look at this. My sacrifices were all worth it."
HunnyB Entertainment will be an empire!
I AM A BOSS!
From a chance encounter on a London train, I have come to respect your musical talents and productions, Melissa. As someone who has written a lot of music as "roughs" (the musical recordings quickly improvised) but NOT produced, I truly appreciate artists and producers, such as you and your husband, that take musical ideas to a final, produced, and professional conclusion--and that's before the marketing. Then, I read about your acting accomplishments... You are succeeding, Melissa, and with your desire and hard work, more success will come to you both. Just a fan from over the pond.
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