The Key to Artist Development: Developing a Unique Identity

In recent years, many independent artists are using the Internet and social media to promote themselves. They have been developing their fan base through YouTube, and other online services such as Facebook and Twitter.

But which of these artists are going to briefly experience Internet fame, and which are going to develop into true artists?

When it comes to artistic development, there are many factors to consider such as music production, fashion, education, publication and management. These factors, when executed correctly, all contribute to creating a unique artistic identity.

The first issue to consider when developing a unique artistic identity is a style. For an artist to stand out, they must have their own vocal style, fashion style, and music style, which includes both video and lyrics.  In 2011, a photographer, David LaChapelle,  sued “Rihanna” for copying his music video.  LaChapelle claimed that Rihanna’s single “S&M” contained similarities to his photographs. The case was settled when LaChapelle received an undisclosed compensation from Rihanna. While settling made part of the problem go away, Rihanna and her production team may have damaged their reputations.

Lacha Vs. Rihanna from Petapixel

A side by side comparison between LaChapella (left) and Rihanna (Right
from Petapixel

The second issue to consider is the artist's name or the band's name. Obviously, it is important to come up with a catchy, unique name, but sometimes this might be more difficult than it seems.  Recently, an unsigned American boy band "One Direction" sued a British boy band in band name dispute. The U.S. One Direction claimed that the U.K. One Direction causes consumer's confusion by using the same name. The U.S. One Direction stated that the band formed in 2009, a year before the U.K. One Direction had formed. However, this case is still being negotiated and is still off the record.  Regardless of the results, some speculate that this case could cost up to $1 million in damages. A similar problem occurred when Apple Records, managed by the Beatles, and Apple Inc.  disputed and settled in 2010. Both Apple Record and Apple Inc. had the same name, and fought to have the legal right to keep and use their names. It took almost 32 years to end the lawsuit. Both companies wasted a lot of time and money.  This is simply another case that demonstrates that it is beneficial to research and verify that an artist or band's name is indeed original to avoid problems that may occur in the future.

The U.S. One Direction Vs. The U.K. One Direction
from TMZ

The third issue is copyright infringement.  True artists do not plagiarize other artist's work.  The music industry is filled with copyright infringement cases, some of which may even be accidental. In October 2011, Syl Johnson filed a lawsuit claiming copyright infringement by Kanye West and Jay-Z’s latest album, “Watch the Throne.” Johnson stated that Kenye West and Jay-Z took a part of his song, “Different Strokes”, and used it on a song, “The Joy”, and released it without permission, credit or payment. The lawsuit was dismissed because two sides have reached a settlement; no further details were made public. Although a settlement has been reached, the settlement process was a waste of time and money.

Kanye West and Jay-Z from Soulculture

It is very important to do due diligence to ensure that the artist or band is not stealing, copying or borrowing someone else’s work. The role of an artistic developer is not only developing artist’s skills, but also to help develop a creative mind. This process will hopefully lead to the development of a unique artistic identity.