No matter what stage you are in, being a musician can be tricky. Succeeding in the music business requires a lot of knowledge and guidance, and although there are plenty of resources available online, nothing compares to actually being there. That’s why we’ve gone ahead and collected 20 of the most useful tips from industry experts, providing a comprehensive guide to help boost your game. So sit back, relax, and get ready to succeed.
Tip #1: Build A Great Music Community
One of the things that makes a musician stand out is the fact that they have a unique voice and are usually pretty opinionated about music. Building a community of like-minded individuals who love your music is a great way to get recognition and inspiration, and it also makes it easier to get feedback and support when you’re looking for it. There are a few ways to do this. You can create a Facebook group for artists and fans to interact with each other. You can start a blog and invite other musicians to join your community. Or, you can get in touch with your local radio station, who may already have a community of their own that they can bring you into. Having these various platforms allows you to reach a wider audience, and eventually, you may even end up on Top Artists on Spotify, thanks to the power of the internet and the magic of streaming music.
Tip #2: Create Quality Content
There is no substitute for good content when it comes to succeeding in the music business. However, creating top-notch content doesn’t mean you need to be a professional filmmaker. You can use a smartphone to film yourself playing music and upload the video to YouTube. If you have a good voice and are able to play some instruments, you can record an audio-only podcast and share it with your audience. Or, if you’re a visual artist, you can create an album cover or a graphic design for a song and post it on your social media platforms. The important thing is to find a way to get your content out there, whether it’s recorded audio, a video, or a graphic design. Having more content means you’ll have more opportunities to succeed. And remember: good content will always get remembered.
Tip #3: Promote Your Channel Using Social Media
Creating content isn’t the only way you can promote your channel. You can also use social media to gain popularity. The great thing about social media is that you can target the specific audience you want to hit, and you can do this based on geographic location, interest, and a whole host of other factors. One important tip is to always respond to your followers’ comments and engage with them. Replying to comments will give you something to look back on, and saying thanks will allow you to grow as a person and gain more popularity.
Tip #4: Build A Web Site
Nowadays, many people start a blog as a way of keeping a record of their music and their thoughts on music and the industry. You can also use a tool like WordPress to build a web site. A web site is a good place to promote your channel and connect with potential fans. You can put a blog on the site or use it to host your music and other content. Alternatively, you can use the site to get in touch with a journalist or a blogger who may be interested in featuring you on their platform.
Tip #5: Network With Industry Professionals
Networking is an important part of any musician’s or artist’s career. Having a strong network is great for getting new opportunities, getting your content out there, and generally having a better time in the music business. It can also be helpful to contact industry professionals who could become a resource or a mentor for you. Many music companies and artists’ management groups are more than happy to support emerging artists, and they may even see your as an opportunity to sign them up.
Tip #6: Join A Society Or Association
Membership in a society or association is another great way to make contacts and gain support in your career. Many musicians can be found serving on juries or participating in seminars for aspiring artists. Being a member of a creative group or association will undoubtedly raise your profile in the industry and allow you to network with other professionals. You may even get the opportunity to perform at charity events or launch parties for members.
Tip #7: Get Inspired By Others
There are plenty of successful and famous musicians whose work you can get inspired by. The great thing about the internet is that you can find a whole host of platforms where you can find inspiration, whether it’s Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram. You can follow the accounts of famous musicians who have influenced your work and learn from their mistakes and wins. You may stumble upon an incredible creator whose work will inspire you to continue creating and not to settle for less than your best. You never know where inspiration may come from.
Tip #8: Be Confident
Confidence is important in so many aspects of life, but it’s especially crucial as a musician. Being confident means being comfortable in your own skin and believing in your own abilities. However, there are certain things you can do to improve your confidence. For example, if you’re worried about playing live, then you should probably hire a band instead. Singing is also something you do alone, so there’s no pressure to perform live. You can also ask other musicians for advice about how to improve your confidence, as they may have been through the same thing. It is also crucial to have a positive attitude. Always believe in yourself and your work, and you’ll be amazed at how much more successful you can be.
Tip #9: Follow The Rules
No matter what stage you’re at, just follow the rules. You’ll get opportunities, you’ll get support, and eventually, you’ll achieve great things. You may want to ignore all the rules at first and just do whatever you want, but eventually, you’ll have to learn to follow them and succeed. Just make sure you don’t break any of them. Rules exist for a reason, and you’ll never know where following them will take you. However, one thing is for sure: you’ll never be short of opportunity.
Tip #10: Network At Local Events
Local events are great places to network and get in touch with fans. You can do this through meet-and-greets with signed bands or musical groups, which are often organized by promoters who get in touch with famous artists, or you can organize your own event and invite local businesses and fans to come together. This may take some organization, but it’s worth it.
Tip #11: Build A Roster Of Influencers
If possible, it’s a great idea to build a roster of important people in your industry. Influencers are people who have a massive impact on your industry and can help get the word out about your channel. They may choose to do this because they believe in your work or because they want to see more of it. Either way, having an important person on your side can only serve to improve your career. You can ask the influencers to help you out, whether it’s with publicity or just to talk shop with you.
Tip #12: Join A Lab Or Recording Studio
If you love creating music, then you should consider getting in touch with a recording studio or looking into joining a lab. Recording studios are great places to have jams with other musicians and to work on new ideas. They also provide you with expert guidance on production and mixing, ensuring you end up with a polished and professional-sounding record. If you join a lab, you’ll have access to various recording equipment, such as instruments, recording software, and more. This can help you find that perfect sound you’re looking for.
Tip #13: Consume Music
The final piece of advice we have for you is to consume music. Make sure you listen to new music and follow artists and bands you’ve never heard of. Take your time exploring different genres and styles, and eventually, you’ll find that perfect song, album, or genre that inspires you to create and improve. Above all else, make sure you love what you listen to, because at the end of the day, that’s what will pull you through.
Once you’ve built your music community, started blogging, and started recording, it’s time to take the next step. The first thing you need to do is put in the work. Consume music, network, and continue building your brand. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself up in the majors, enjoying the success and benefits that come with it. Good luck out there.