If you want to make it to the top on your terms, you have to start somewhere. Indie artists, at one point, had a huge disadvantage in the music scene, but they seemed to be evening the score.
Although many of these artists don’t know how to get to that place yet, they know they want to be a star. That is great, but without action, this will never happen. You have to put in a lot of work to make it. It is still harder to do this without the help of a label.
They can get money; instead of investing in themselves, they get something they don’t need. Or just blindly spending and forgetting where the money has gone. There are so many things that can go wrong. Hopefully, this article gives you some great advice.
There are a few things to make it on your terms, although creating it will be defined for you. First, release your music; it can not help you slowly waste away on your computer where no one can listen. Music distribution will get you to where you want to go, so you have to have it on streaming platforms which is much easier to do now on some sites that only cost you one payment per year.
Next, you have to identify your brand and grow a team. These two in tandem will cause you great success in growing. Lastly, social media and networking will boost you to a level you cannot succeed in alone.
Please Release Your Music
You may see famous artists hoarding and not releasing their music for years. They are not you; they are already famous and have a strong fanbase. They put in the time to pick and choose to release; unfortunately, indie musicians don’t have that luxury.
So before you go full Frank Ocean and decide not to release, rethink that strategy. Of course, to make the most out of your music, you must be on streaming platforms. All of them, if you can, can reach audiences worldwide.
Now, this is easier than ever and only costs one yearly payment. If you have $19.99 to spare, you can upload unlimited songs. This service also gives you 100% of the royalties you receive for the song. Your music distribution will have the ultimate effect on how your year is going to go. Will you release one song or two, or maybe an album? You need to make a plan before starting, so you have this all figured out.
Identify Your Brand
You never want to copy, but who do you emulate when you envision yourself performing? What person seems to do everything right in your eyes? Branding is a big part and a huge factor in who gets famous.
You should also ask yourself questions to get to the bottom of it. How do you want to dress, what is your signature sound, and who are you catering your music to? These are all valuable questions that need answers.
Besides music distribution, how else will you add value to yourself?
How to Build a Team?
How you construct your team will be purely up to you. Since you don’t have any label forcing one on you, you can make the decisions. You should base it on your goals and what you want to obtain.
Once you start getting the ball rolling, you won’t be able to perform and read contracts every night. There will come a time when you need help. Your team can help with all aspects of the business, including music distribution.
It would be nice to have a team that believes in you as an artist and gives helpful advice. But also one with connections who can easily contact people in the industry.
Social Media / Networking
If you are an indie artist, it is vital to have social media. It is one way to connect with fans and people you want to become fans. There have to be countless times you heard of a new artist because of TikTok this year alone.
When choosing social media platforms, make sure you have your brand in mind. Who are you targeting, and what are you trying to convey? Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube are all channels that are must-haves right now.
Networking can go hand in hand with social media. It is possible to network on social media because we can connect with nearly anyone there. They might not see it but at least you tried.
The real networking will be out on the streets. At events, bars, your hometown performing, and talking to people to make sure they know who you are. Music distribution, knowing your brand, and growing a team while using social media and networking are all a part of your success. Good Luck!