Ok so this week's article looks at the sticky issue of how to promote your music.
You have some singing talent and get great responses from family members and from a few friends sitting around the house on the weekend. You do have a good voice and have learned some popular songs and may have even written a song or two of your own that people seem to like. Does this mean you are guaranteed to become famous and rich because of your music?
No, sorry, it doesn’t really work that way. Of course, the performers who have become household names draw hundreds, even thousands when the radio, television and newspaper folks simply mention the name. For independent musicians, bands and beginning singers it is necessary to put the word out that you are available for small performances and local gigs.
You can do this with a few different plans. One of the best methods, of course, is the Internet. In fact, social-network sites, free video sites and instant messaging should be used as a primary tool for promoting your music. Not only that, but you should consider such promotion materials as flyers (you can do them yourself on the home computer) and advertising in the local newspaper and on the local radio station.
The resources available at low cost for internet music production are amazing. Try the Music Marketing Manifesto - Advanced strategies, tactics and tips for selling your music on the internet, from major label recording artist John Oszajca.
If you have some luck getting a few local performances on the calendar, you might plan to have some materials available at the gig too. If you haven’t advanced far enough to offer T-shirts and CDs, you could prepare some flyers, hand-outs with artwork and information about yourself and anyone else playing/singing with you, or even make up some cards or small, colorful cards with graphics or photos on them. These will go quickly when you have them on a table or on the stage as you play.
At the next level of promotion you might give some thought to such items as bumper stickers, T-shirts and even posters. Remember, the more you offer about yourself the more people will remember you when it is time for your next performance. The key to good promotion is using the materials correctly. Don’t follow the leader, so to speak. Don’t offer T-shirts just because every other singer or band does. Do it because it would be one of the good ways to present your musical talent.
The other side of promotion involves giving away too much stuff, especially if it is cheaply made and looks unprofessional. There is a happen medium when it comes to promotion materials. Be sure you choose quality over quantity. Have just enough for what you need and maybe a few more pieces just to be safe. Try having a discussion with friends, other singers and with family members to find out what they think. It helps to get ideas from outside sources.
You can even go the whole hog and look at setting up your own label. If you're looking to this, you need ADVICE first. I use ReachFame, the biggest record label database online with 100s of A&Rs, industry listings, record producers etc.
When you are planning ways to promote your music, don’t make the words and art too small. Don’t make them too large either. There is a “just right” for promotional materials like posters, T-shirts, flyers and so on. Practice and become professional, then promote yourself. Good luck!
Related posts:
- Hot Tips for Music Production
- Shy? Sell Your Music Online
- 5 Great Sites for Finding Free Sheet Music
- Making Music – Don’t Get Discouraged!
- How To Create a Music Video
