In the music business, getting noticed is everything. You could have the best voice in the world, the most unique and captivating melodies, and the most innovative lyrics – but if you can’t get your music heard, then it doesn’t matter how talented you are.
Thankfully, getting noticed is easier than you think. There are tons of ways to make your music stand out above the rest, and we’re breaking down five of the best tips to help you become a star.
1. Create art that speaks to people
In today’s world, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of memes and social media platforms. There’s no denying that the internet has blown our minds and given us all new perspectives and opportunities. But while virtual reality has allowed us to meet new people and see new places, it has also made us less present and more distracted.
Art, on the other hand, has the unique ability to pull us out of our shells and bring us back to the present moment. When you create art that resonates with your audience, you’re guaranteed to get their attention – and maybe even their heart, as well.
One of the best ways to create art that speaks to people is through music. Whether you write, produce, or perform your own songs, there are thousands of artists out there who could use your help. You can easily get noticed by pitching in on a track or lending your voice to a studio recording – or even just by showing up to a few gigs a week. The more you put in, the more you’ll get back, and it’s a win-win situation.
2. Learn to love the sound of silence
There’s a reason why music has always been associated with meditation and soothing soundscapes – it’s because music has the unique ability to shut out all the distractions in your life and bring you into the present moment. The trick is in learning to love the sound of silence. When you do, you’ll be able to experience music in a whole new way – as something that can help you decompress, relax, and escape from the daily grind.
As someone who has spent a lot of time in the studio, harmonizing, and singing in front of crowds, I know how important it is to find the right tone for each song. With the right production and the right performance, you can make sure each song is delivered with the perfect amount of oomph.
Sometimes, you need a minute. Short songs with strong hooks can bring you back to your feet in no time, and they make it easier for the audience to get into the mood of what they’re listening to. Learn to love the sound of silence, and you’ll be able to better appreciate all the things that music has to offer.
3. Write songs that people need
If you look at most of the popular music out there, you’ll notice that the songs tend to fall into one of two categories. Either they’re written from a male perspective, or they’re written from a female perspective. There’s very little in the middle, which is a real shame, because we’re missing out on so many unique stories and points of views.
People will often tell you what they need, and oftentimes, that’s what they ask for. If you step back and think about what makes you different from other artists, you’ll have a better chance of writing songs that people want to hear. It isn’t always easy, but it’s often a case of following your heart and doing what you love.
One good example of this is Fleet Foxes’ ‘Tiger’ – a song that started out as a nursery rhyme about a tiger, but ended up being a metaphor for female sexuality. Although the lyrics are rather difficult to understand, let alone memorize, the song has become an ode to feminine beauty and strength, and it’s one of the most popular and most covered songs in the history of music. How’s that for getting noticed?
4. Touring is essential
There are plenty of established artists who prefer to stay at home and work their craft, producing albums and playing festivals throughout the year. While it’s a legitimate choice for some, touring is essential if you want to get noticed in today’s world. The only option is expanding your presence on social media, which, let’s face it, isn’t the most efficient way to attract an audience.
It’s important to note here that we’re not saying you need to do either/or. You can still produce albums and play festivals, but you should also consider the value and effectiveness of touring. The fact is, you need to put in the work to establish a presence on social media platforms, and you won’t be able to do that from a tour bus.
5. Get inspired by other artists
There will always be someone who inspires you, even if you don’t feel that way when you wake up in the morning. You never know who or what will inspire you to create something new, so you might as well be open to any possibilities. The best thing you can do for yourself and your music is to be open to new ideas and new perspectives. Learning how to accept and appreciate different points of view can help you find the strength and courage to continue pursuing your dreams.
This is particularly important if you’re looking to get into the music business. Nowadays, you’ll find lots of doors open to qualified producers, engineers, and singers. However, if you want to get signed, your biggest obstacle is going to be other artists. Chances are, there are already people signed to the same record label as you, and the competition for talent is fierce. If you’re looking to break into the industry, try to find the hidden gems among the hordes of artists, so you can stand out above the rest.