Episode 23 - Lessons From Preston
What makes her story interesting is the
fact that she comes from a suburb called Preston. Her song “Depreston” captures
the ‘stranded in suburbia’ feeling as she deals with isolation. In this very depressing
Preston, Courtney Barnett and her amazing group of friends consisting of
musicians, artists, sound engineers, started Milk! Records in 2012. Through her label, Barnett released two EPs
in 2012 and 2013 which were re-released outside Australia as “The Double EP- A
Sea of Split Peas.” This along with her recent debut album- “Sometimes I Sit
And Think And Sometimes I Just Sit” has propelled Courtney Barnett from Preston
to international fame.
It is an inspirational story of a
talented, hardworking and an extremely determined artist who was able to rise
above her circumstances. The fact that I watched her success story as it
happened makes it even more compelling.
This article is not just about Courtney
Barnett, it is about us. Over the years, I've come across too many people
stating how our country is a dead-end for Indie musicians. I am grounded in
reality and understand how difficult it is to make a living as a musician. But
the fact is if you want to do something different and worthwhile, it’s a challenge
anywhere in the world, whether you are in Mumbai or Melbourne. Courtney Barnett
may not be earning as much money as Katy Perry or Miley Cyrus, but Barnett
earns immense Respect- Respect for sticking to her guns and not compromising on
her talent. She gets to play her music, tour the world and is paid for it! That
sounds like a happy deal!
So the gist is, let us not create an
imaginary monster called “India” who like the Terminator wants to hunt down all
indie musicians. Barnett and her team from Preston have shown that with
persistence and planning, musicians can help each other achieve a bigger goal
no matter what part of the world you come from. The days of playing Glastonbury
and Reading are here for Indian bands. Musicians from all over the world are
doing it and so can we!
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Milk!Records |
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