The Jezabels Model DIY Success

The Jezabels are an Australian rock band that just won the prestigious  Australian Music Prize for their debut album Prisoner, which they released independently. Beating competitors like Gotye, Boy and Bear and Adalita, they  are described as unsigned though they seem to have signed themselves. With ambitions that are expanding internationally, The Jezabels offer one model for DIY success.

The Jezabels have won numerous Australian awards this year and are performing in Austrlian venues that hold up to 5000. They also recently wrapped up a successful North American van tour and are booked to play Lollapalooza.  Pretty good for "an unsigned band who produced their records themselves."

The Jezabels – City Girl

The Jezabels have grown without commercial radio support but with the support of Triple J, a "government-funded alternative radio station supporting local music," and with live shows:

"We came down to Melbourne once and did a show and sold 75 tickets. That showed us that you can keep playing live and build an audience. It’s a hard road but it’s definitely worth it in the end. Also, in Australia, triple j’s support can’t be denied. They’ve been so supportive of us. It’s almost like we have commercial radio support because triple j are so powerful."

The Jezabels' experience is teaching them that they "don't need a major label":

"It’s a different world. In Australia, we don’t need a major label; overseas, we’ve got independent labels in each region. We haven’t had radio support overseas either, but we’re still able to sell tickets in each city. It feels good because you’re more empowered."

Danny MacAskill – Way Back Home

The Jezabels' music also appeared in a BMX video along with that of Loch Lomond:

"We got on a YouTube video behind a guy who’s a really good BMX rider called Danny MacAskill. He approached us, we didn’t know who he was. It was a Red Bull-backed and it we got a small amount of money for it, which was awesome. But then the first day it had 400,000 views, but now it’s had 20-million. Off the back of that we could do 300-capacity rooms all throughout Europe – and that’s just from a YouTube video."

Since then they've had music placed in an Under Armour commercial and as background music for Foxtel.

Lead singer Hayley Mary advocates licensing music for commercials:

"Hayley Mary, said that being played on an advertisement is 'essential' if you want to earn money in a band…'It's really difficult to reconcile with a musician's stance. [But] it's about exposure and radio is less important these days.' "

"And there is always the risk of being accused of 'selling out' when music is tied to the corporate world. 'But those people don't understand the reality of being a musician,' Mary said."

The Jezabels: Prisoner

Hypebot Senior Contributor Clyde Smith blogs about business at Flux Research: Business Changes and about dance at All World Dance: News.  To suggest topics for Hypebot, contact:

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