How Can an Indie Artist Become Popular?

How Can an Indie Artist Become Popular?

The history of Indie music stretches back to post-war period in the United States. With thousands of forms and genres of music available around the world, remember that music fans are not waiting for your music. Most commercial ventures get swallowed up by major players with strong market presence. This makes it imperative for you to make your presence known, if you do not plan to join a major. While joining a major takes away the hassle of marketing, because they are well-known and have considerable power and finances, it also increases the chances of success. However, working independently offers more freedom of thought and action. Keeping this in mind, planning your association with major labels or listing out marketing procedures to be followed is as important as creating good music. So, while you are busy creating your new album, do not forget to get on to the internet or social media, or find a promoter for your album.

Use Technology

Use technology while it is available. It enables you to reach out to people across the globe, sitting at home or sipping coffee at a nearby café. Never stop making and maintaining connections. Your career is your business, treat it like one. While all you want to do is sing and create music, you also have to be your own promoter. Take some time out to connect with friends and fans on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and send teasers of your upcoming album. You will be surprised at how their requests turn into brilliant ideas for you and how their support boosts your confidence. And if the teaser becomes a hit, you are already half-way through to success.

Use the Right Words

Be vocal about your work, but remember to use the right words. You wouldn’t want to get involved in legal problems or remembered for a wrong statement. Preparing a script is advisable. Permission-based marketing using e-mails to your fans is a good way to advertise. This makes them feel important and generates interest in your upcoming release. They even book for a copy in advance. When you get support from artists, friends, fans and DJs, do not forget to thank them. Gratitude and humbleness will take you a long way and open doors to success.

Never be boastful about your work. Let others appreciate it. Work on finding your own identity in your creation, instead of trying to follow someone who is already successful. Aspire to constantly reinvent yourself rather than trying to impress future audience. Don’t let the style define you; define your own style and keep changing it. However, do not forget to update yourself with the ‘latest in’. When promoters, buyers, distributors and music channels get your music, they will know how good it is. Remember, a good change is always welcome. Be patient and wait for the response. Eventually it is public that will decide ‘how’ good your music is.

Keep Learning

Keep learning and evolving. Never let the chain of thought break. Listen to other forms of music. This gives you rhythms and methodologies to experiment with. If you look back to the history of music, you will notice how new music has been created using older forms and mixing them in different styles.

Help Others

Help the budding musicians in every way possible. This will make you the star for your fans and younger artists. Give more than is expected of you at a gig or a concert. Never hesitate in repeating a performance, if the audience wishes so. Make them feel satisfied when they are leaving, and there is a high chance that they will want to come back for the next show. Add some humor to keep the audience engaged. Louder the audience gets, higher is the chance of the organizer wanting to call you again.

Never Give Up

Lastly, remember there is no easy way to success. Don’t feel disappointed and don’t stop working. Success is not always about winning, but about not giving up. Every successful person has a history of failing and beginning again, in a better way. If you believe that you can create music, you are right. Just remain focused, positive and dedicated. Don’t stop, ever.