Jen Cloher Drops Free Handbook Of Knowledge On Being An Independent Artist

Jen Cloher (who uses the pronouns they/she) has launched a free handbook of knowledge for artists, stating that knowledge doesn’t exist unless it’s shared freely and widely.

Revealing the inspiration behind the project, Cloher shared on Instagram, “I wrote down all the things I’ve learned from my community about managing and releasing music DIY on these lands for the past 20 years.”

The handbook tracks Cloher’s feelings of “jealousy, envy, and shame” as well as fear, imposter syndrome, depression, and low self-esteem. Along with feelings are practical tips, including savings and raising money, being organised, who you need on your team, and clarity surrounding your music project.

Upon opening the document, artists will also find headings such as The Metrics of Success, Define Your Level of Success, Business Separation, Debt and Vagueness, The Reality, Isolation, Paying Others What They’re Worth, and more.

“Everything I have learned has been through making lots of mistakes and often doing the opposite of what I’ve written here,” Cloher continued. “And I still get things wrong because I’m always learning. Wisdom is hard won!”

The handbook is an open-source document with comments enabled, with the singer-songwriter welcoming feedback and will credit anyone who shares their ideas within the handbook.

The handbook can be found here. Cloher recommends sharing it with people you think will benefit from it.

Cloher toured across Australia and appeared at this year’s Vivid LIVE program in June and July. To accompany the tour, they released the single Annabelle.

Earlier this year, Cloher joined the Board of the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) as an artist representative. They said about the move:

One of my core responsibilities as a mid-career artist is to make sure the industry we work in is transparent and accountable to its most precious resource, the next generation of artists coming up. Without us, there is no industry.

This year also saw Cloher make the shortlist for APRA’s 2024 Song Of The Year award, earning a nod for their recent single, Mana Takatāpui.

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