Tom,
Yes, if an artist is not interested in making any money from his art, then he can avoid the "business" side. But, even if you want to sell CDs after a live performance, you need to know about certain aspects of the business such as song or performance royalties, CD production and packaging, etc.

Even if you just want to perform in local venues, you need to know a bit about promotion, PA systems, etc.

Even if you are on CD Baby, MySpace or other sites, you need to know a bit about the net.

So, most artists are not immune to the business side. But, like most artists, they are not likely to delve into the business side of things. And that is why most artists without managers or agents do not grow beyond their own scope of business skill.


"And, in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." Paul McCartney