If you are an aspiring recording artist, there is a lot of information you may not have about the industry especially if you are independent. Recording artist and record label owner Adam Bennet aka Snazzy Phade from Phaded Records has some insight to help new artists not make the same mistakes he did when he first started out. With know-how and talent, Adam is able to contribute to your start.

In his own efforts as Snazzy Phade, he has put out almost fifty songs that are streamable on many platforms. He has been in your shoes, and knows the ins and outs of what really goes on as an independent artist. From budgeting, marketing, promotion, and online presence, Adam has the information to help you plan your path and succeed. His experience is a valuable resource to guide you through the fog of the recording industry.

Adam has mixed and mastered all of his songs and is currently working on his debut album, but the biggest part of his process is the behind the scenes knowledge of the independent music scene that might be confusing or unexpected.

“The most difficult part of being an independent artist is marketing yourself. There are many aspects like budgeting, online presence, and promotion that all have to be considered before and after you release a song,” he simplifies.  Lucky for you, aspiring artist, Adam knows the process and can guide you along your way.

For new artists, there are a lot of things that can be overwhelming. “For someone just starting out in the music industry I would tell them to invest in themselves and their future. If they are serious about their career in the music industry you have to go all in and invest into yourself.  Learn how to do it right and how to get paid for what you create. Too many artists pay thousands on studio fees, engineer fees, producer fees, and music videos, and don’t spend anything on actually promoting it! Learn what labels do for their artists. There’s a learning process to everything new someone starts in their life but if you put in the time and believe in yourself you will reach your goals,” Adam explains.

Adam has some good experience reaching his goals as of late. His current motivations as an audio engineer and recording artist started young. At an early age Adam had a deep love and passion for music. Growing up he was heavily inspired by Bay Area music and RnB/Rap. “My first CD ever was Confessions by Usher in 2004,” he said, remembering. He attended SAE Institute/Expressions College in Berkeley, CA for audio engineering and music production and graduated in 2016 as class valedictorian with the highest overall GPA and the most hours logged in the class nearly doubling everyone else that attended. He is also Pro tools 101 Certified and only uses the best quality plugin bundles to mix and master for his clients.  “I am proficient with Abelton, Pro Tools, Logic, and Cubase, I’ve worked with a wide variety of high quality gear at high quality venues for my audio engineering gigs like microphones, audio processors, outboard gear, live sound gear, live sound setups, and concert audio.

From capturing audio, manipulating audio, mixing live audio, concert setups, recording artists, to using million dollar audio consoles, Adam has been reaching new heights. “I am pretty versatile when it comes to mixing and mastering. I use the Izotope Mix and master bundle, waves plugins, UAD plugins, all run through a Universal Audio Apollo Twin Duo. I have a song out with Keak da Sneak who has a decent following and songs with e40/too short.” Getting a great sounding song comes with a price!  Using the right gear and software is key to finding your sound as an independent artist and high quality equipment makes a world of difference.

Knowing what you want is a good start to getting where you want to go. Building your team is one of the best things you can do for yourself as an artist. Choosing people that are educated, supported, and aware of the industry are great tools for your success. Check out Phaded Records to see if they would be a good match for what you want to accomplish.