Like me, you might only know Nickelback from their inescapable radio hits like “How You Remind Me” and “Photograph.” However, after watching their documentary Hate to Love: Nickelback, I’m convinced every musician should give it a watch too. It’s packed with valuable industry lessons.
Here are some key takeaways:
It Takes a Village
One of the most impressive aspects of Nickelback’s early days is their work ethic and strategic thinking. Gigging across Canada was just one piece of their puzzle. They proactively reached out to local radio stations in each city to get airplay and contacted music stores to sell their records. These savvy musicians from a small town knew that having multiple touchpoints would boost their presence and value. Fun fact: they didn’t have a professional team to get them radio and marketing; each band member played the roles of their own agents, handling everything themselves!
Know Your Worth
When Nickelback first signed with Roadrunner Records, they found it odd that a heavy metal label was interested in them. Despite some hesitation, the band trusted in their rock roots and signed the deal. This decision paid off, showing the importance of knowing your worth and staying true to your music.
Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
Frontman Chad Kroeger has moments in the documentary where he laughs at the cheesiness of his own lyrics. This is a great reminder that you should always be open to improving your craft. Keep evolving!
Build Strong Relationships
Nickelback’s success wasn’t just about their music; it was also about the relationships they built. The documentary highlights how they maintained strong connections with their fans, industry professionals, and fellow musicians. When their drummer of 18 years was going through physical pain, they wouldn’t let him quit the band, instead they offered to work around his needs as much as possible. This network of relationships helped them weather the ups and downs of the industry.
Embrace the Memes
With the rise of social media came a meme-fueled backlash against Nickelback. Initially, this bothered the band, but they eventually realized that as long as they could still book shows and sell music, they had an audience that enjoyed their work. This underscores a vital lesson: know your audience and focus on them.
So, if you’re a musician looking for some industry insight and inspiration, give Hate To Love: Nickelback a watch.
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