Digital Music Rules of the Road for Artists
Here is an useful list for success in the immediate future:
– Utilize MySpace and other
websites to its full potential and don’t be afraid to “give your music
away for free”. If one million people listen to your songs online,
don’t see it as you just lost 1 million dollars in potential sales. See
it as you just got radioplay in 100 markets.
– You have to
learn new ways of viral marketing, including widgets and blog search
engines and don’t be afraid to experiment with putting your music in
new places and contexts.
– Look at what the most progressive record labels are doing with their artists, like Canadian Nettwerk and Barenaked Ladies and try to copy it.
–
If you play a live gig, make sure people know about it. It may seem
like a no-brainer, but it isn’t always. I don’t know how many good
shows I have missed just because I didn’t know about it. Do all you can
to get in Flavorpill and other online publications. Send emails to
everyone you know and make sure everyone that shows up signs your email
list.
– Press vinyl copies. This might be the last thing you
think about doing, but DJs love vinyl and so do music lovers. Press a
few copies and distribute them to your favorite DJs, clubs and critics.
–
Don’t sign a record deal. This may seem like a weird suggestion, but
stay indie as long as possible. You want to make sure the odds are in
your favor when you finally sign with a big label or it can be a
blessing in disguise.
More here from Digital Media Wire
The New Music Strategies blog is half-way through a 20-part series talking about “20 things you must know about music online”, aimed at helping musicians get to grips with how to market themselves online: http://newmusicstrategies.com/
Probably worth a read if you found this blog post interesting but want a bit more detail.
The New Music Strategies blog is half-way through a 20-part series talking about “20 things you must know about music online”, aimed at helping musicians get to grips with how to market themselves online: http://newmusicstrategies.com/
Probably worth a read if you found this blog post interesting but want a bit more detail.
Artists should also think about combining point 2 & 4
!
The basic principle of viral marketing is too keep the quality of your product high. Play an awesome gig and next time the audience will bring their friends to your concert.
But also think about a marketing strategy based on your show. Make sure that the audience will spread the word about you to all their friends while they´re overwhelmed with emotion from watching your show (next 1-2 days).
You´re artists, so be creative 🙂
Best wishes
Basti
Artists should also think about combining point 2 & 4
!
The basic principle of viral marketing is too keep the quality of your product high. Play an awesome gig and next time the audience will bring their friends to your concert.
But also think about a marketing strategy based on your show. Make sure that the audience will spread the word about you to all their friends while they´re overwhelmed with emotion from watching your show (next 1-2 days).
You´re artists, so be creative 🙂
Best wishes
Basti
Great suggestions. I would add stop selling CDs and get on board with companies like Disc Revolt.
Great suggestions. I would add stop selling CDs and get on board with companies like Disc Revolt.