How to Get Your Music Heard
Creating music is one thing, but getting it heard is
something else entirely. Read on for some actionable tips to help you promote
your music and make sure it reaches the right audience.
Music & Sound Effects.
So you've written the lyrics, came up with the music, and pieced everything together. You think you've created the next big hit, but you're still waiting to be discovered.
You're not alone. With the advent of technology, it's now easier than ever to create your own music—and there's no shortage of musicians and artists waiting for their big break. Creating music is one thing, but getting it heard is something else entirely. Read on for some actionable tips to help you promote your music and make sure it reaches the right audience.
1. Develop your brand
These days, having great music doesn't automatically guarantee success in the music industry. Branding and identity are just as important to make it big. Everything, from how you look and dress to how you interact with listeners, spells the difference between you and other peers who are also trying to make their mark.
To get your music heard, you must first develop your brand and craft a story around your music to attract your target audience. Your brand should reflect your musical style and own personality to help you stand out from the sea of music waiting to be discovered. Once you've established a solid brand identity, incorporate it into everything—from your press materials and album art to your website and social media profiles.
2. Create a website
Speaking of websites, let's delve more into how you can use the internet to your advantage. Your website is your online home where you can post new music, share behind-the-scenes images and clips, create links, and much more.
It's a terrific way to establish relationships with your followers and give them authentic information about yourself and your music. Your website also serves as a hub for fellow artists, labels, and other industry professionals to connect with you for potential projects and collaborations, resulting in your music naturally getting out there.
3. Record a demo
Creating a demo is a no-brainer for any aspiring musician or band. A demo's primary purpose is to sell your song to the listener, which could be anyone you meet, anywhere. After all, you never know when you'll bump into a producer at a parking lot or in line at the grocery store.
When making a demo, include your best, catchiest music tracks along with professional photos. You can also include links to your website, social media profiles, and other important press. Ordinary demos won't cut it in today's competitive industry, so make sure you go the extra mile and put together something that will make you stand out and leave a good impression.
4. Be present on social media
There's no reason why you shouldn't be on social media in this day and age. Almost everyone—from students and professionals to millennials and Gen Z—has at least one social networking profile. As an artist, social media is a fantastic avenue where you can get your music discovered and heard, so you must maximize its benefits.
We've seen how platforms like YouTube and Tiktok promote an artist's music and make it go viral. That's why they're some of the best places where you should regularly share your content to reach new listeners.
5. Play live shows
Live gigs should be on top of every artist's priorities. With live gigs, you get to meet and connect with your listeners and show them your personality outside your music. You can tell anecdotes between songs, share your upcoming shows or projects, or choose an audience member to perform with you on stage.
Additionally, what makes a musician a cut above the rest is if they can perform live well. While anyone can release an instant hit, not all can perform and entertain on stage. Use local gigs as an opportunity to develop your showmanship further and make your live performances unique from your recorded tracks.
6. Build a fanbase
While this may be obvious, expanding your fanbase is an excellent way to ensure your music reaches the ears of the right people, aka the decision-makers. Having a huge number of followers from the get-go makes it easier to impress producers and record label executives and increases your chances of getting signed or booked.
Having a solid following also means your music is constantly posted and shared online, thus reaching more and more people organically.
7. Network
Just as connecting with fans is important, so is networking with fellow musicians, artists, and anyone in the music industry. Spend time getting to know people and show you're genuinely curious about what they do. Who knows, they might reciprocate and ask about your music, as well.
Networking is not limited to physical interactions during events, concerts, and festivals. You can also network online by connecting with people on social media, engaging with them, and eventually finding a window of opportunity to invite them to listen to your work.
8. Reach out to a music blog for a review
Blogs have been around for quite some time, but they're still a vital part of online culture. From sports and cooking to music, blogs hold some level of influence and authority in their niche, especially if they've already garnered a massive following.
If you want your music to reach a wider audience, consider reaching out to influential music bloggers and requesting a review. Getting featured in their blogs is a sure ticket to promoting your music, drawing in more listeners, and eventually growing your fanbase.
9. Upload on Pixabay
One way to get your music heard is to upload it on music-sharing platforms like Pixabay. Pixabay is a free stock media site where creators can freely share their music, photos, video clips, illustrations, and more.
By freely sharing your tracks online, you're naturally letting anyone around the world find your music. On Pixabay, users can browse tracks by genre and download them for free, so you can rest assured that your music is just out there, ready to be heard and discovered.
Conclusion
Branding, live performances, networking—there are plenty of ways to promote your music. While these make it easier to get your tracks heard, they also increase competition as many aspiring artists are all vying for the same thing.
Focus on creating great music and honing your craft. Naturally, your music will reach the right ears with the help of these nine handy tips.