How to Promote Your Music

Promoting indie music can be a daunting task, especially for independent musicians who do not have the resources or budget to compete with major label artists. However, with the rise of digital platforms and social media, independent musicians now have more opportunities to reach a wider audience and build their fan base. In this guide, we will discuss the strategies and tactics that independent musicians can use to promote their music and increase their visibility.
1) Define your brand
Before promoting your music, it is important to establish your brand and identity. Identify what makes your music unique and what you stand for as an artist. This will help you create a cohesive message that resonates with your audience and differentiate yourself from other musicians.
2) Use social media
Social media is a powerful tool for promoting indie music. Choose platforms that align with your brand and audience, such as Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Use these platforms to share your music, engage with your fans, and promote your upcoming shows.
3) Collaborate with other musicians and industry professionals
Collaborating with other musicians and industry professionals can expose you to new audiences and help you gain new fans. Reach out to other musicians and collaborate on new projects or consider working with a producer or manager to help you promote your music.
4) Use targeted advertising
Targeted advertising can be a cost-effective way to reach your ideal audience. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer options to target users who match specific demographics, interests and behaviors. This can help you reach people who are more likely to appreciate your music and become a fan.
5) Create compelling visual content
In addition to great music, creating high-quality visual content can help increase your visibility and reach. Consider creating music videos, cover art, or behind-the-scenes content that showcases your creativity and personality as an artist.
6) Play live shows
Playing live shows can help you connect with your audience on a personal level and build a loyal fan base. Consider performing at local venues or festivals, and promote your shows through social media and other platforms.
7) Get your music on streaming platforms
Getting your music on streaming platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music can help increase your visibility and reach a wider audience. Consider using digital distribution platforms to help you get your music on major streaming platforms.
8) Build an email list
Building an email list can help you stay in touch with your fans and promote your music directly to them. Consider offering exclusive content or early access to new music in exchange for their email address.
9) Engage with your audience
Engaging with your audience is important for building a loyal fan base. Respond to comments and messages on social media, ask for feedback on your music, and create opportunities for your fans to connect with you.
10) Be persistent and patient
Promoting indie music takes time, effort and patience. Don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Consistency and persistence are key to building a successful music career.
Conclusion
Promoting indie music requires creativity, hard work and a willingness to try new things. By using social media, collaborating with other musicians, creating compelling visual content, playing live shows and leveraging digital platforms, independent musicians can increase their visibility and build a loyal fan base. With persistence and patience, independent musicians can successfully promote their music and achieve their dreams of a successful music career.

Who is Ben?

Ben Blackett is a music promoter

Not everybody knows that he is also a fine musician.

I could talk volumes about the quality of his latest track, which is Bandcamp only until the general release March 23rd.

Winds of Time...

But... I would much rather give you his words from the notes...

We are ephemeral beings trapped in a moment of time, yearning to break free of our stony embrace. With eyes fixated on distant horizons, we strive for a freedom that we have not yet known. Yet it is in the here and now that we must exist and live our lives. We must find ways to flourish and outlast the winds of time. Not as individuals - as you and I are but a drop in the ocean - but as a unified whole, changing the very landscape upon which we all flourish or all perish together. Escaping our singular fate is impossible. But, like soft wind or water changing the face of stone over time... we just might be able to shape it for our future generations.

If we dare to dream as one.

Winds of Time is a reflection of the passage of time in a world that seems to change by the minute - yet oddly stays frustratingly still as well.

https://benblackett.bandcamp.com/track/winds-of-time

Connect with Ben on Twitter: @BlackettMusic - and if you are into ephemeral, lush landscapes of sound... Listen to his song!


Article by mAncient. (Tulku Haakon Rian mAncient Ueland - @mancient_com on Twitter - is no longer affiliated with the Kingdom of Atlantis. That means he is no longer a Duke, and will have to go back to his former title of Lord. (He is the proud owner of 1 square inch of Scottish soil, and the title came along with it).

He recently left music. It took less than two days, and a beautiful Grand piano enticed him back.

Hawk spends a lot of time looking at the stars. Music: HERE (and a book))

Get A Grip of Yourself

IMAGE CONSCIOUS!

One of the biggest issues I see as I come into contact more and more with indie artists is the lack of clear marketing. The fact is, the next "big thing" in music will be pushed upon us by the marketing machines of big labels. It won't have anything to do with good music. 

So, what do indies need to think about? Firstly image. Yes I know, folk will be screaming at the screen now and say it's the music. But for this article, we are assuming there is an audience out there for your music already, you just need to find it. 

This article is not a list of things to do, more, it's a things to think about. Image is really important. It has to come from the core of what you are about. Not created to fit with what the people want. If you are honest with your image, your target market will come. 

Marketing is all about selling a product and your music is more than "art" it's a commodity that you want to sell. 

First thing to think about is a "unique selling point". This is what makes you different. What makes you stand out and what makes you different to all the others? Seriously, it matters. It's what made people like David Bowie stand out. A genius of recreation. But always honest to himself. 

Secondly you have to understand the basic marketing premise of AIDA. This is simple really, but hard to do.

A = Attention.

How do you grab the attention of your prospective listener? Image, colours, music, movement. All these things are "natural" elements used by marketing men for generations. 

I = Interest.

Once you have caught the gaze of the listener, you need to keep them interested. This is basically smaller "attentions", movement, colours, sound. It all depends on you and your music. More of the core revealed. 

D = Desire.

Once you have their attention and you're keeping them interested, you need to build a Desire to buy. Often this is by "association" whether that's you being played by Lady Ga Ga or your political opinions etc. Association is massive and all encompassing. She's eating that chocolate bar and she's sexy so I need it too!

A = Action.

This is the most simple one. How do they now get your music (or chocolate bar - vegan of course)? These are now more often than not links to where to download. Make sure you have a linktree or something similar because people buy from all different places and if they don't see iTunes they might not buy. Twitter is a big promo tool these days and SO MANY bands and singers don't have a pinned tweet with links. It's madness not to use this facility. 

All of the above relates to your website, your videos, twitter, instagram and even press releases. Try to think like the newspaper man and come up with a grabbing headline! Journalists don't want to have to work too hard, give them the ideas! 

So, there's a brief overview of the basics of marketing. The complexities all come from breaking these elements down and that's where a lot of people fall down. Understanding who you are and portraying that well, in a clean, crisp and uncluttered way. 

I'm always open to helping so if you need help, just say! 

Our website is HERE and our twitter is HERE.