There so many independent artists out there with great music. A lot of that music doesn't get heard or overlooked by record labels due mainly because of one reason. Without spending proper time branding, most of the artists will continue to be overlooked. From the artist's image, to the album/mixtape, even down to the people you work with, branding can make or break an artist. We came up with 5 tips that will help artists in this area.
Rule 1: Trackable Data
We know the #1 rule of the street is credibility. It's the same thing with the rap game. Labels will more likely take a chance with you if they see your numbers. Invest in BDS (Broadcast Data System), or at least use what they offer for free. You can also use Media Spin. Use these to track your radio plays. If you don't have a budget for radio, start with online stations, and college stations.
Rule 2: Quality Product
The next thing is to put out a good mixtape, and promote it. A few post here and there won't do it. Do some shows or open mics, and do the songs from your mixtape. Make a flyer with a QR code, or the link to your mixtape. Yes you could give out your mixtape as hard copies, but if you are really trying to push your number's up then lead people to your music on line. You want to create quality music that the blogs want to post. Once you feel you have that then push your music to blogs and get posted. This means you are going to have to do a little bit research on what type of audience they cater to, and if your music fits.
Rule 3: Build A Team
The next thing is you need good managment. Someone that cares about you and the music, is who you need. So do your research, and create a contract between the both of you, or read the contract that they give you, and make sure its terms you can agree with. You may also want to find someone that is good at promotion or marketing. This person should be able to handle social media, and promoting your shows, albums and mixtapes. The team you create or hire, should be responsible for doing certain things such as maintaining a consistent image, decding what tracks go on the album, promotion, shows, ect. It doesn't take an army, but it will take a few people that will work like one.
To many artist make the mistake of thinking something is owed to them because they made a song. They think that a venue is going to pay them something for performing. Here's the thing with that, if you can't sell tickets or draw a crowd then you don't get anything. Why? Nobody made any money. If you don't sell tickets or put in the work to at least promote your own performance, then they can't really give you anything if nobody paid anything to come in. Nothing from nothing equals nothing. Most venues want to make enough to pay the dj, the security, and bartenders. This is why some venues ask for money up front. They have to pay the people to work for them.
As independent artist you are going to have to invest in yourself, even if it is small budget. You just have to make smart decisions and investments. If your goal is be on major label, then that's what they are looking for. We often ask ourselves how the most untalented people get major deals. Simple they invested in themselves, built some type of fanbase, caught the labels attention, and got signed. They started making small investments , and as their fanbase grew they made bigger investments.
Law 5: Work Hard
What artists really need to have is a good head on their shoulders. It's good to have confidence, but having a big ego wont get you very far. Don't follow industry trends. If every song you make sounds like Migos, then really the people that you are trying to covert into fans will probably turn your music off and pop in a Migos album or mixtape. In other words, pay your dues and dare to be differnt. Most rappers that made it will tell you that in order to accomplish those two things it took a lot of hard work. Don't talk about how hard you work, let the fruits of your labor be the proof.
5 TIPS TO BRANDING