Music is life
I’m gonna step back this week from the story to talk about something that is important for todays musician to hear.
NOBODY CARES ABOUT YOUR NEW SONG!
It sounds harsh I know, but it needs to be said. Now, before you scream at your screen and swipe to the next distraction, let me explain.
It used to be, before the age of all this tech, you needed to be discovered! You needed to play as many shows as possible with the hope that some record company exec just happened to come down to that dirty dive bar on a Tuesday night. lol
Back then getting your songs recorded was a BIG deal too! But recording costs $$$. Something most gigging musicians have wrapped up in their gear, beer, and flyers for the next show. Having a CD with your music and your art work was a sign of professionalism and that you were a “serious” band.
Of course they didn’t tell what it was like spending big $$$ and 16+ hours in the studio with a stranger only to put the CD in your car stereo and hear shit. It is/was a grind and we knew it. The payoff was worth the work, it was thought.
Ever heard this? “Once a label signs us, they’ll make us rich and famous.” Unfortunately I’ve know too many bands like Fingertight, SinisterDane and P-roach that got signed and then faded away.
These days you need your live audience to follow you around so you can show the powers that be that you have value. That comes in the form of social media presence and following. The thing is, even today, record companies SUCK at taking nothing and turning it into something! They are, however AWESOME at taking a brand and exploding it.
So what’s the problem?
Home recording tech and online promotional tools make it possible to write, arrange, record, promote and distribute your music to the world, all by yourself. And oh boy are the online “coaches” in abundance. Most however, when you look deep down, are just trying to get you to do the same old school tactics or allow them to do it for you, for a fee.
Artists are still told that following that old school method is the only way, hoping someone will take notice. Sending their EPK’s and EP’s to hundreds of A&R music executives, praying someone will hear and sign them to a huge deal. They’re still posting on social media to the same pool of friends and relatives that they have a new song over and over. Then wonder why so few liked or commented.
Psst, Psst. Remember, “Nobody cares about your new song!!” Until they care about you.
I believe you need to brand yourself/band like corporations do products. Why is Coke a household name? It wasn’t cause they kept saying “we have a new soda coming out!”. They were introduced to us as a part of everyday life. Coke was pictured on dinner tables, after the big game, on a first date. These events in our lives, brought to you by, COKE!
Think back, why do like your favorite artist? Chances are they featured in a part of your day/life and you associate them with that aspect of your life. Even if only subconsciously.
The challenge comes when, as an artist;
You don’t know you need to do this
You don’t know how to do this
or
You don’t have the time or desire to do this because you want to focus on the music.
My advise: find a resource/company that is in the business of developing online branding and promotion for artists. Make sure they are a good fit for your personality and commit the process. You thank me later.
Next time:
Back to the story.