In the fast-paced world of music, the question of where to invest your time and energy is more critical than ever. It's easy to be drawn into the allure of superficial metrics and fleeting trends (especially on social media!)
Ex: EDM Trends...
@edmdougdimmadub Honestly feel like I nailed this #edmtiktok #ravetiktok #fyp #foryoupage #edmtok #ravetok #dubstep #edm #raversoftiktok
♬ original sound - G Zoom
It's tempting to hop on that sound or trend, but you want consistent growth ultimately. Understanding your true priorities is essential. It will get you a lot farther than just pumping out content on social media. In this post, we'll explore the importance of focusing on what genuinely moves the needle, emphasizing the necessity for high quality music, an authentic artist's perspective, and meaningful fan connections.
1. Prioritize Music Quality Over Superficial Aesthetics.
Often I have found that artists will procrastinate on their music and fill their time with creating artwork instead. By all means, pursue visual arts! But there's a time and place for it. And if you are going to work on art, make sure it's art you truly believe in. Because while aesthetics and visuals can enhance your brand, don't let them overshadow the core product – your music. It's a waste of valuable time to obsess over color palettes, logos, and visual art when the essence of your artistry lies in the sonic expression. Invest your time in perfecting your musical craft and creating songs that resonate deeply with your audience. From there, you can build out the visual direction.
2. Embrace the Artist's Perspective, it's your treasure.
Your unique vantage point as an artist is a treasure. It's the lens through which you convey your message and connect with your audience. The music industry is incredibly oversaturated, with new acts breaking into the limelight (and falling off) seemingly overnight. What's more, many of these "breaking acts" are backed by six or seven figure contract deals from major labels that have branding departments, management teams, connections to press outlets, and playlist pluggers. That's just scratching the surface. But what they don't have often is a sense of who the artist they represent truly is. Ultimately, I believe no one can understand your project quite like you can. So lean into what you stand for. Be honest in your storytelling and write songs based on real experiences and real emotions. Share your beliefs through your music. Your genuine perspective will resonate with fans and create stronger, lasting connections.
3. You're Never Too Cool for your Audience.
No artist is above engaging with their fans. Some artists fall into the trap of thinking they're "too cool" to respond to fan messages and comments. However, this attitude can come across as arrogant and detached, and deprive you of the opportunity of making a real connection with your supporters. Genuine interactions with your fans can be incredibly rewarding as well. Who doesn't like hearing that a song they wrote moved someone, or means something to them?
One example of an artist who does a great job of this is Will Clarke. He consistently responds to fans messages, comments, etc... He is an all around good dude and makes a strong effort to show how much he appreciates his fans and supporters at every turn. Check out a post here and you'll see him active in the comments!
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Respond to comments, engage on socials, and show your appreciation. Fans who feel valued will respect and support you even more. 🙏
4. Avoid Transactional and Fake Interactions.
Authenticity should be at the heart of your interactions with fans. Avoid the temptation to be transactional or inauthentic in your approach. Building a real connection with your audience is far more valuable than superficial gains. What's more, people can tell when you're genuine and when you're treating them transactionally. It really is quite obvious. So go within genuine every time and see what it does for you.
Ex: Post Malone fan interaction!
Conclusion
In your musical journey, it's vital to discern where your time is best spent. Prioritize the quality of your music over superficial aesthetics, embrace your unique artist's perspective, and connect authentically with fans. By focusing on these aspects, you'll not only enhance your musical journey but also create a meaningful and lasting impact that resonates with your audience. Remember, the heart of your music lies in its sincerity, and your connection with fans is built on genuine interactions. In the end, it's these elements that will help you build a strong career.
-Astara
