DON’T FORGET YOUR
WEBSITE…
Social media is very important, yes, but one
might argue that a website is more universal,
and it is surprising how many musicians do
not have a functional one. It’s true that now-
adays it is possible to purchase a domain
and have it land on a band’s Facebook page,
but let’s face it, not everybody is on Face-
book, so you are losing people that way.
A website is also an opportunity for
you to gather everything you need. It’s real
estate, and while it is often a first impression,
it does not need to be complicated – just
informative, organized, and up-to-date!
A photo shoot is always a good idea,
as is having high resolution photos that are
downloadable for press – make sure that
what you wear is inspired by your music.
Arguably the hardest part is writing
one’s own biography. If you can hire some-
one or barter with someone to write it on
your behalf, do it – but a writer, not your
mom.
One of the platforms frequently rec-
ommended to musicians is called Bandzoo-
gle. Says Dave Cool, Director of Artist and
Industry Outreach: “What makes Bandzoogle
unique from generic platforms is that all
of the features, functionality, and design
options are made specifically for musicians,
based on the feedback from tens of thou-
sands of musicians over the last 16 years.”
Besides the fact that Bandzoogle offers
various templates which look great on both
desktop and mobile, the best thing is that
the back end makes it super easy to update.
Also, you can sell your music, merchandise,
and tickets without paying a commission.
ALEXANDRA STRÉLISKI
SHRED KELLY
JEFFERY STRAKER
@jefferystraker **Facebook
Saskatchewan’s own folk/roots singer-songwriter and pianist Jeffery Straker
falls somewhere between Elton John and Rufus Wainwright. His light tone
and humorous posts keep a high engagement level, as well as music videos,
live streamed performances, charity events, and a huge smile ideal for selfies.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
A few more great Canadian artists worth a follow…
Ori Dagan is a Toronto-based jazz singer-
songwriter, live music curator, writer, and
Instagram influencer. He can be reached via
www.oridagan.com or on social media:
@oridaganjazz
ORI DAGAN, @ORIDAGANJAZZ
…OR NEWSLETTER
Jessie Reyez – @jessiereyez ** Instagram
Serena Ryder – @serenaryder **Instagram
Tyler Shaw – @tylershawmusic ** Instagram
Stars – @youarestars **Twitter
Donovan Woods – @donovanwoods **Twitter
Robby Johnson – @robbyjohnsonmusic **Facebook
DJ NDN – @deejayndn **Twitter
JP Saxe – @jpsaxe **Instagram
Laila Biali – @lailabialimusic **Facebook
Tate McRae – @tatemcrae **Instagram
Brett Kissel – @brettkisselmusic **Facebook
Ambre McLean – @ambremclean ** Facebook
Ria Mae – @riamaemusic **Facebook
Shred Kelly – @shredkellymusic ** Facebook
A monthly newsletter is something that
many musicians overlook, particularly those
who spend a lot of time on social media. As
effective as Facebook or Instagram can be, let
us not forget that there are people out there
who hate social media period, and can you
blame them? Be sure to collect email ad-
dresses at shows and ask your fans if they’d
like to be added to the list. Many musicians
offer exclusive merchandise, contests, and
the like. The best way to learn how to create
a good newsletter is sign up for other artists’
newsletters and learn.
Some of the artists whose newsletters
I’m signed up for that I greatly enjoy include:
Alex Pangman, John Alcorn, Laila Biali, Eliza-
beth Shepherd, and Jessica Stuart, aka JESSA.
As one would do in a newsletter, I’m
going to sign off now and thank everyone
who has read to this point. I truly hope it has
been engaging – like your upcoming posts…
C A N A D I A N M U S I C I A N 47