Now is as good a time as any for independent artists to situate themselves for success in the music industry today. But how can you make sure you stand out from everyone else?
Connect with fans:
Connecting and building relationships with fans is very important when you’re trying to make it within the music industry they are a key component to your success. You want your fan base to continually grow as your career progresses, in order to do this you’ll need to regularly connect with fans.
Live gigs are great to gain new fans, especially if you play regularly and in various different locations/venues. With fans being able to watch you live they get a feel for your music and if your performance is impressive they are likely to remember you and recommend you to other people.
Online interactions are also important. Younger audiences spend a lot of time online so make sure they have things to interact with, like pictures and videos on social platforms. Upload regular content to all of your social profiles like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and engage with fans if they interact with you, it will benefit you as well as satisfy them.
Video diaries are great to engage with fans, especially if you’re entertaining. Uploading videos are touring or the project you’re working on updates fans on what you’re doing and makes them feel closer to you as an artist.
Pay attention to streaming:
Streaming has flip the music industry upside down and will continue to do so, so don’t ignore it. Labels are raking in huge amounts of cash each day all to thanks to streaming services, make sure you’re in on the action!
Don’t be afraid to put your music on steaming platforms, it can only work to your advantage when it comes to reaching new fans and getting your music in front of new avid music listeners. Apple Music and Spotify are free and extremely useful platforms in order to achieve this.
Focus on what you’re good at:
Find your strengths and use them to your advantage. You need to be focusing on what you’re good at and implementing it in order to promote your music and grow your fan base. If you’re handy with a camera and can shoot good material for a music video, you could focus on making an original and unique video. You could even offer your services to another artist in need of a music video and charge them a fee for doing so.
If you have a good stage presence and know how to handle a crowd try and get a regular gig(s) within your local area. You will be earning regular money and your music will be in front of different audiences every time you perform.
Don’t wait for a label:
Nothing is ever handed to you on a plate and if it is, then it’s too good to be true. Don’t focus on getting signed to a label in the early stages of your music career, there may be hidden agendas and catches you’re not aware of.
A lot of artists that are signed to labels don’t even end up releasing music and can be dropped from a label as quickly as they were signed. Focus on what you’re doing and don’t get distracted by trying to hit the big bucks with a record deal. Also, the big record labels look for artists with previous and successful music careers before the dish out any contracts.
Brand identity:
A good looking and eye catching logo is what you need to display on your social profiles, merchandise, business cards, website and more. You want a logo that people will remember and that stands out from others.
Designing a funky logo can be complicated if you’re not familiar with Photoshop of graphic design. Hiring an exert is your best option and you’re guaranteed a good product by the end of it. Yes you have to spend a little to get what you want but it will be worth it in the end.
Branding is key and you want a logo that will be recognised and remembered by those who see it. Plus, if they look good on items of clothing people are more likely to buy them, such as the Rolling Stones and RUN DMC logos.
Stay focused:
If you’re passionate about music, you need to maintain focus on your music career and push yourself and your music in order to be successful. Stay focused on your end goal and where you want your music to take you.
Don’t get distracted by what ‘may’ go wrong because you will begin to doubt yourself and your original plan won’t work out! In order to become successful in music you need to take risks here and there to get to where you want to be. Don’t get disheartened if things don’t go to plan straight away, stay focused and motivated.
(Feature Image – Pexels)
