Ever feel like every other artist is blowing up and you’re not?
You’re music is just as good, if not better.
You’re uploading regularly...
And, you’re engaging with what fans on social media… Yet nothing seems to be working.
Don’t stress — you’re not alone!
It takes more than just great music to be successful as an independent artist in the 21st century. But, with persistence coupled with the right direction it is possible!
Here are 13 essential steps to help fasttrack your success:
Focus on finding that one sound that you're passionate about. Then forget everything else. When you try to make music that appeals to everyone — you end up appealing to no one.
The worst thing you can do when trying to establish yourself as an artist is juggle too many things at once. You’ll get easily overwhelmed and it’ll suck all the fun out of your music career before it’s even got started!
When you find your sound… dominate it! You’ll find growing your fanbase, selling your music and getting gigs ten times easier when your not keeping with any other artists.
When all you want to do is create music it can be hard to focus on boring stuff. But, making sure you are using contracts and set up to collect royalties are essential if you want to have a successful career as an independent artist.
Create a rider and list any equipment or special requirements you might need in order to perform at a venue. If you’re a DJ this might mean you need 3 turntables. If you’re a singer this might mean you need a specific type of microphone.
Always send you rider out before agreeing to a performance. You want to make sure that everything you need will be there on the night. There’s nothing worse than stepping on stage to find a pair Pioneer CDJ-2000s and a mixer, when all you have is a bag of vinyl!
Networking is a powerful tool when used correctly. It can open doors for you can help advance your career much faster than doing everything on your own.
A good way to start is by connecting with one new person in your industry each day. It doesn't take a lot of time and can be as simple as sending a friend request on Facebook or commenting on another artists track.
When you have an established network, connecting with the right people and getting your music out become a breeze compared to doing it alone.
Persistence is one of the key attributes that are common between all successful people, whether in music, sport, business or anything for that matter.
Michael Jordan was cut off from his school basketball team and told that he wasn't good enough. If he gave up then he never would become what some people would describe as the greatest basketball player of all time.
When you feel like giving up, look back at how far you have come. Focus on what you want to achieve, pick yourself up and keep going. Our greatest failures are usually followed by our greatest success. But, only if you keep on going!
Not many people have the time and skills to do everything all on their own. The best way to succeed is to create a team of people around you that can do the things you can’t.
Sure, you might be a pro when it comes to laying down some lyrics on a beat. But, if you're terrible on Photoshop and your artwork looks like it was made on Paint — no one is going to give you the time of day.
Selecting the right designers, managers and producers is key to success. It will take a ton of workload off and give you more time to focus on what you’re really passionate about — music!
It’s all too easy to start splashing your cash as soon as you get that first big cheque. But, remember, money comes and goes.
Don’t be the guy that buys a lambo when his album drops and has to sell it 6 months later just to put food on the table.
Start putting money aside in advance and keep track of how much tax you owe. Taking a few simple precautions in the beginning can save you a huge headache in the future!
One of the easiest ways for your career to come crashing down is from ill health. The last thing you want after years of hard work is for to be tarnished by something you could have prevented.
Considering wearing earplugs when you go to music events to protect your ears and make sure to look after your body and you mind.
That means eating and sleeping properly. As well as keeping social.
Ever see those stalls in the mall handing out free pretzels? I have some news for you. They’re doing it out of the kindness of their heart.
The real reason is because they know that when you give someone something for free, or help them out… They’re more likely to return the favour. This works in all walks of life — not just the pretzel game.
Regularly hare tracks from like minded artists. Give them feedback. You’ll be surprised how these simple acts will start coming back to you.
When you rely on someone else, you’re putting your future in their hands. It could a manager, label or another artist you think you need to help you reach your goals. The more people you depend on, the less control you have over your ultimate success.
Instead of looking at other artists or channels to help take your career to the next level. Start creating your own fanbase and find ways to get exposure that don't depend on anyone else.
This is the key to true independence as an artist. Giving you the freedom to pursue your dreams while building a foundation of security.
The world is changing — rapidly. Unless you want to get left behind, you need to stay on the pulse.
That means subscribing to publications and keeping up to date with the latest happenings in the music, marketing and technology industry so you never miss a trick.
Keeping yourself in the loop will help you stay one step ahead, giving you an advantage over everyone else
If you're someone that finds it hard to say no. Then learn quick. Over Committing yourself when you're trying to make it as an independent artist can easily have you sidetracked.
It may sound counter intuitive. But, turning down opportunities comes with a number of benefits. Not only does it keep you focused. But, it can also safe guard your reputation, should anything negative arise from associating yourself with sub par artists, venues and promoters.
Whenever you're presented with an opportunity, ask yourself: how is this going to affect me in the run?. Always consider the long term impact of any decision.
Everyone makes mistakes. The difference is — successful people choose to learn from their mistakes instead of letting them hold them back.
There’s a saying in the business world: fail fast. And this applies just as much to music as it does to business. The quicker you start embracing failure, the faster you will grow. And, the faster you will reach your goal!
It’s a good idea to keep a notepad with all your mistakes and failures. That way you never have to make the same mistake twice.
Building a fanbase is one of the most important things you can do as an independent artist.
Having your own fan base means you don’t need to rely on anyone else for promotion and allows you to truly be independent.
Without a solid fanbase selling music and getting gigs will be a struggle. With a fanbase you will be able to set your own fee and promoters will come to you in flocks.
One of the best ways to grow your fanbase and network is by exchanging SoundCloud reposts on RepostExchange:
RepostExchange is a community 100k+ artists, labels and brands working together to promote each other's music.
By reposting each others music, members of RepostExchange are able to gain exposure helping to grow their fanbase and network.
Everytime you repost someone's track you earn credits. You can exchange these credits for reposts on your own music. The more credits you earn, the more exposure you get!
Here’s how to get started:
All you need to get started is a SoundCloud account.
Anyone can signup as long as your account is legit. RepostExchange has a strict policy against people with fake followers and routinely bans, making sure you’re only getting reposts and plays from real people.
To create an account click here
To get your music in front of the right people select your genres. Only music that matches these genres will show up when you’re browsing, making it easy to find new music that your fans will love!
Now you’re ready to start earning credits which you can exchange for reposts on your own music. Finding music to repost is simple. Just browse through the suggestions, click play and if you like what you hear — hit the repost button!
Now you have credits it’s time to start promoting your music. Request a repost from any artist you like or start a campaign to start getting reposts your track. The more reposts you get the more plays, engagement and followers you will get.
Not got time to earn credits? Or, don’t fancy reposting anyone else’s music? No problem…
Purchase a subscription or a credit pack and get your music in front of 100k+ artist, labels and brands instantly!
Want to join the community of 100k+ artist, labels and brands growing their fanbase and network?
To get started click here
