5 Tips For Musicians to turn Music into a career
August 22 | Written By Kirsten Moreton
The music industry is a wonderful community of like-minded creatives. Unfortunately it can be a disheartening career path as it often seems as though turning passion into profit is nearly impossible. However, it is not really as daunting as it seems, with social media and the internet raising visibility for new artists there are many ways for new artists to get out there. With some will and helpful tips it is possible to start out and succeed in the booming music industry as a new face.
Get involved
Unlike any other industry, the music business truly is like a big community. This means peer support will be available from the get go. One of the best ways of navigating the way as an aspiring musician is to get out to gigs and to interact with fellow musicians, venue staff and sound techs. This way relationships are built and hundereds of doors are open. Pretty much every small face in the music industry will support one another. This mean when music is released or gigs are played, there will be fellow supports to give a like and share or even show face.
Although all of this may seem daunting, at the end of the day, everyone at a show will be a music lover. This means there is already common interest for everyone in the room! Music generally is a really supportive space built upon the foundation of creativity and passion. So there is no shame in being new to the space.
2. Promote Social Media
Using social media for anyone trying to promote themselves is a no brainer. Facebook, Instagram, and even Linkedin are all great ways of connecting with like minded individuals and creating a following before even setting foot on a stage or in a recording studio. Having social media also means there is somewhere to promote everything for small artists, from live shows to upcoming releases, social media is essential.
Arguably the most important app to have installed is TikTok. TikTok’s weird and wonderful algorithm essentially allows anyone to blow up regardless of the number of likes or follower that person has. There are so many artists that have grown from TikTok, with Piri and Tommy, Crawlers and WetLeg just being a handful, the app truly is a must have for aspiring musicians.
3. EPK and PR
Electronic Press Kit’s (EPK) and Press Release’s (PR) are essential for new artists! Creating one of both of these means new musicians essentially have a digital portfolio to send to PR teams and management essentially applying to be a client. In addition to this, these can be sent to blogs and magazines to have articles and reviews written. This in turn further shares and promotes new music and again builds more relationship.
This digital gems are truly like gold in the industry and a great way of quickly telling industry professionals what you and your music is all about. For tips and assistance in creating an EPK or PR, click here.
4. Join Social Pages/groups
Finding a of support group on social media is like striking gold. Facebook in particular has hundereds of groups filled with musicians, sound techs and band’s needed members for new artists to join. These groups are great for sharing inspiration, tips and support for up and coming artists.
However, more importantly, they can get new artists in with the local music scene. Most areas will have a local music page, a great in for new faces on the scene and it is far less daunting than an in person approach. Likewise, music universities and colleges have a music or band society for musicla students to join and meet fellow creatives. In short, social groups are a great way of networking and getting invoved with the local music scene.
5. Stand Out From The Crowd
With thousands of new musicians trying to fid their way and streaming platforms being open to everyone, music is not for everyone who wants it to be, not just the best of the best with a record deal. This means new artists need to stand out. With so much going around there is nothing better than being unique. Musicians should experiment and try something new, creating something that will catch listeners ears.
This is also beneficial as it prevents burn out. Continuously experimenting and exploring the musical craft helps keep it fresh for artists working to turn their love into a career.