Well I have a big problem, I'm an up coming artist, I'm very very new at this but know I have the talent to make it the problem is I'm very into a neo soul style of music and hope to dabble in alternative rock and I keep hearing that this is not what is hot now people want to dance people don't care about the lyrics they are not listening that closely you have to
1. look good like rihanna or beyonce
This means dye your hair
Wear make up dress a certain way and
Lose weight mind you I'm not plus sized just not skinny sz10 5'6"
2.dance (like chris brown)
3. rapp sing
4.write hooks
5. be sexy
Or in this case write sexually explicid lyrics I know nothing about cause sex sells
Now it hurts me to think that I have to change who I am to be successful
Do you think I should give in and do what people have told me to or can I stay a low key neo soul artist with deep poetic lyrics and less tracks you can dance to but still be a success?

There are two thoughts, first a true artist will write the type of music that is in their soul, even if it is not popular, don't sell well and you don't get many gigs, that is a true artist who is true to their own soul and music desire.

Then there are those who write not from the heart, but from the wallet, they look at the music of others and steal bits and pieces and copy what they think will market, Some times it works, other times it looks like a cheap copy.

Sex always sells, don't matter if it is country western, rap or blues, the way it is presented is what makes the difference.

Normally something newer and more over the top in the alternative rock the better. I mean dress like corpses and use a coffin as your back drop
( most likely already done by someone)

But a true musician who is true to the music will write what is in their heart and soul and not worry about being famous or successful, since doing and working hard at what you love is success