We have our two regular contributors , “ MusiqKop ” and “ Kat ” for the feature “ BrandIt ” as we discuss “ How To Build A Solid Brand Within The Music Industry ”?
BUILD YOUR OWN BRAND
We have our two regular contributors , “ MusiqKop ” and “ Kat ” for the feature “ BrandIt ” as we discuss “ How To Build A Solid Brand Within The Music Industry ”?
First on the line is Anele Mamkeli , also known as “ MusiqKop ”. Anele Mamkeli , is a 20 year old self taught male DJ and Music Composer based in the Khayelitsha which is one of the townships in Cape Town South Africa . After a several failed attempts to enrol in music institutions , he basically decided to teach himself how to dj as well as music composition . It all began on virtual dj years back , but now he is a very capable and hands on unsigned underground DJ and Producer . Not only that , he is also one of our regular contributors to our magazine . This is how our “ chat ” went down ...
Sho ! Mag : According to your understanding what is Brand Building ?
MusiqKop : Brand building is when one or a group of people establish a certain brand and ensuring that it has a solid foundation , so as for it to be able to grow from strength to strength . Most importantly building a brand requires one to know his target audience .
Sho ! Mag : Would you say building one ’ s brand is a fundamental element in one ’ s musical career ? And if it is , how so ?
MusiqKop : Definitely it is , all due to the fact that in the music scene we have a lot of unnoticed talented people or shall I say “ Undermined ”. Just to be brief , we have people like music producers & backup vocalists that I strongly believe that what they stand for is not recognised . So to speak in essence , it is a fundamental element that one buils his own brand .
Sho ! Mag : What are the “ tools ” you can say a Musician can use to build their brand ?
MusiqKop : Firstly , one has to be an active social network user because social networks have made things easy for artists to reach their audience and sell their product . For instance , you ’ re in Johannesburg CBD and you have 3 or 4 CD ’ s of yours with you , you can simply tweet that if anyone who is around and interested in buying can pull thru . Secondly it would be “ Media ” , when I talk about media I mean Radio ; Television ; Local Newspaper etc . One should make amends to approach the media sources I mentioned above . Thirdly what I would like to pinpoint is that one needs to be humble and respect your audience , because no matter how good you are at your art , with a stinking attitude it will all be in vain .
Sho ! Mag : What would you say is a “ NO-NO ” when one builds their brand ?
MusiqKop : Taking all the credit to yourself , because building a brand requires a team and making people value you , you have to give them credit for their valued input . We ’ ve seen a lot of artists do that and some of them have taken a deep slide downfall towards their careers because of such actions .
“ My advice to young growing artists like me is that , you have to be persistent , the music industry is rough but most of all “ Believe in your hustle . Be original , the audience out there wants something new and fresh , do not attempt to imitate what ’ s already out there . One more thing you should know is “ No man is an Island ”, everyone needs assistance at some point so seek assistance to help you put your brand out there ”.