6 Digital Marketing Tips for Musicians & Bands

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There’s absolutely no doubt that digital marketing is the key to success in the music industry. If you’re keen to make the most of each and every ounce of exposure you receive, if you are set on becoming the next big thing, if you are striving to live life as a full-time musician or band member, then you must embrace digital marketing and acknowledge all the concepts and trends currently relevant to your industry.

How do I get fans? Is it about quality or quantity?

The 1000 True Fans concept is the idea that as long as you have 1000 ‘true fans’, you are never going to have a problem selling your music and your merchandize online. These true fans will help create a fanbase and market for your music and products that will help you drive further sales and success.

The point of digital marketing is to make the most of the exposure you receive when you perform and find those magical 1000 true fans who will give you a musical career for life. In some ways, true fans are similar to the marketing concept of brand advocacy. Encourage loyalty, reward loyalty, and give freely.

Make the most of Facebook pages

Digital marketing goes hand-in-hand with social media. If you’re wondering how to get fans, you must build a platform that allows them to express themselves, to engage with you or your band, and to learn more about you.

Begin with a Facebook page. Facebook provides plenty of tools to assist you in keeping track of who is engaging with your posts, as well as allowing you to measure how successful your reach has been. Make your page super engaging with a ton of live video, music, photoshoots, and quirky outtakes from life ‘on the road’.

Don’t forget to sync up your Facebook page with offline activities like gigs and fan meetups.

Embrace Twitter & Instagram & share your story

No matter how good your music is, your fans will want to know you or your band personally. Facebook is good for finding out information about gigs and news. Twitter, on the other hand, is good for little bits of communication and for emphasizing your personality. You can also personally thank a fan for coming to see you, as well as share articles, images and updates that you find exciting. Many people use Twitter to tell others what they’re up to. If you’re writing a new song, you can share this in a couple of words with an appropriate hashtag.

Instagram is very similar to Twitter, but favors images rather than words. You can share pictures and videos of you or your band travelling to a gig, images of the audience from your gig, shots with collaborators, or pics of your latest merchandize.

 

Having an engaged social account is a great confidence booster, as well as a commercial asset. Nurture the community you’re building — and think twice before purchasing fans.

Get your stuff out on YouTube

Many gig organizers will use YouTube to check out your music before hiring you. YouTube isn’t always an easy platform for new bands and musicians, so don’t worry if you don’t get many views at the beginning. Instead, focus on releasing some of your tracks in high quality for gig organizers and potential fans. Be sure to add tags and keywords to your video to increase the likelihood of someone finding your video or even stumbling across it through YouTube’s autoplay feature.

The good thing about YouTube is that your true fans will happily do the necessary advertising for you. They will share your latest releases through their social media networks and their friendship groups. They will also add their comments and likes to your videos. This interaction between fans encourages a fan base to emerge, which will develop its own personality as it grows.

Create a killer website

Still trying to figure out how to promote your music independently? A strong website can make your music enterprise look professional and serious. If you truly want to commit to a musical career, ensure that you invest in a website that has intuitive navigation, accessible contact information, and ecommerce facilities that allow you to sell your albums and merchandize yourself.

 

Your fans will want to be able to make purchases easily and securely, so make sure that this is possible. If you’re looking to set up your record shop, you can sell music through your own store and get up and running in a matter of hours. Setting up an ecommerce site independently is a sure-fire way to take matters into your own hands, and get your music business on the right track!

In order for your digital marketing efforts to be successful, be prepared to fully engage with these tips. Going into marketing half-hearted is simply not good enough. Just like an instrument, grasping digital marketing can take time and practise.

 

 

Author Bio:

Victoria Greene: Brand Marketing Consultant & Freelance Writer.

I work with online businesses and entrepreneurs to create valuable content and marketing strategies that yield big results. I am always happy to share my knowledge and love discovering new opportunities for collaboration. I’m also a keen singer and guitar player, but that’s strictly for pleasure!

 

 

 

Promote Positive Change: Rivermaker’s Story

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Maurice White from the band Rivermaker–who will be performing at the upcoming youbloomLA 2017 Music Summit & Festival–shares his band’s challenging yet inspiring past and their socially aware vision.

 

Surreal Beginnings

At Cal Poly Pomona, Maurice met Austin, the band’s guitarist, at a jam session organized by the band’s drummer, Brooks. A “mutual love for the craft of creating eruptive sounds” brought the band together then, in 2009.

 

Their influences range from Little Dragon, The Police, Sade, and even “good culinary creations” or “the LA political and social system.” Since their beginnings, however, they’ve endured more than just typical band disputes. Lamentably, their lyricist, frontman, and friend passed away in an untimely manner. Their mutual dedication to music allowed them to keep going so that they “evolved and reconstructed into a power trio.”

 

Maurice aims to “promote positive change”

Unlike most bands, Rivermaker has had a politically in-tune past and strives to sustain their community-minded themes. They volunteer with groups such as the Los Feliz Lions Club in order to, as Maurice states, raise money to “help the visually impaired” and to “push for grand change in our city toward the aim of public transit.”

 

Their active schedule–split between music and social awareness–can sometimes be exhausting. Having been “previously involved in politics” by “campaigning, protesting, [and] organizing”, their toughest challenge is maintaining balance and sanity.

 

Looking Forward to youbloomLA

Rivermaker is hoping to “give a strong musical performance” at youbloomLA for their first year there. Maurice stated that they have attended similar industry events before, but “not to the same magnitude.” They will be performing songs from their first full length album, expected to release in May 2018, along with a few songs from their EPs.

 

Their intentions also are to foster a relationship with “record label executives and producers” who could “provide guidance on how Rivermaker can record a timeless album that exemplifies the quality of our hard-worked and heartfelt songs.” And to have their music featured in films by interested individuals is another goal of theirs for youbloomLA.

 

The music world is, according to Maurice, “what [they] make it.” We’re anticipating that they’ll make it great at youbloomLA!

 

–

 

Attention music lovers!

Youbloom is looking for passionate individuals to join our team for youbloomLA: our annual Music Summit and Festival! Follow the link below to learn more.

 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzFR-OdsG41_bHg4VnNWVlFWa3ZFd2hxNjN5UE5MR1RVQzlz

 

6 Apps That Are Helping New Musicians Succeed

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While we see hundreds of music apps on the play stores and app stores for music-lovers to listen to and download their favorite songs, there aren’t many for budding artists and musicians.

These are the people who might be looking to connect with other music artists and succeed in their music careers.

However, in the recent past, new apps made their way into app stores for musicians to connect with each other in same vicinities, find local musicians and discover new spaces to display their music. Succeeding as a musician in a highly competitive world is no joke. But there’s a ray of hope for newbie musicians now.

Here are our 6 favorite apps that are helping new musicians succeed and get in touch with their contemporaries:

 

1. Jambro

Referred to as a ‘Tinder for musicians’, the app’s goal is to be the best possible solution for musicians at a time when quite often they are not given due worth, respect and opportunities.

Since one of the major obstacles musicians face is the lack of space to get together and play music, the founders of Jambro decided to help musicians get over this major obstacle. The makers of this app spoke about the vision behind Jambro and said that they want local musicians to get out of their comfort zones and get together as a community that loves and creates music.

Jambro is easy to use – whether you are a guitarist, singer or pianist, all you need to do is search the app to find other musicians in your vicinity.

 

2. BandFriend

This app presents a new way to local musicians to collaborate by providing them with a great opportunity to jam together, come up with a new band or even have study sessions together.

The app detects your location and subsequently shows you possible matches who share your skills, interests and favorite music styles. Even if you are new to learning an instrument and are an upcoming budding artist, the app still lets you connect with others to study and learn the instrument together.

BandFriend also has SoundCloud and YouTube integration which lets the musicians show off their talent online and also watch videos and listen to songs by other artists in an attempt to help them find the perfect match.

 

3. GigTown

Providing musicians with an opportunity to market themselves for free on a broader stage, GigTown brings musicians, venues and party planners together. The real power and strength of this app is in its ability to connect musicians, fans and venues in a brilliant manner.

Moreover, with the option to search musician profiles, this app is a great way to establish connections beyond the already established world of music. The app allows musicians to upload audio tracks, video performances and personal information, which besides helping them promote themselves, also connects them with other artists who share similar interests.

 

4. Musicr

If you are looking for awesome musicians to jam out with, this app will help you do just that. Musicr is designed to bring local musicians together for the love of music.

Users of the app simply fill a profile that showcases their interests and proficiency and the instruments that they like to play. Musicians can then search for people with similar music interests and connect with them, form a band together, practice with each other and also share music tricks and tips.

 

5. Indaba Music

This app is more like an online community that brings musicians, the general public publishers, and radio stations, together It is a wonderful platform for new and old musicians to collaborate, work on music recordings, and interact with music professionals and fans alike.

Users of this app can also add new tracks or work on existing ones in an attempt to make music with people all around the world who share similar interests.

 

6. Sonicbids

This is more of an interactive open space for musicians and promoters to help them get together, collaborate and come up with jamming sessions and gigs. It also allows budding musicians to get more gigs, attain industry exposure and network with other musicians. Sonicbids helps other people find talent on this platform, get in touch with those musicians and advertise playing opportunities. Additionally, independent musicians can also connect with promoters and music-loving audience to expand their music careers.

The music industry is growing industry which is in the process of expanding and reaching out to an ever-increasing audience. While these apps and platforms are definitely helping new musicians succeed in what they love and gain exposure, an underlying reason for the growth of this industry is music’s positive effect on brain health.  

 

Author Bio

Kamil Riaz Kara is an HR Professional and Inbound Marketer. He has completed his Masters in Administrative Science from the University of Karachi. Currently, he is writing on mental health, fitness and lifestyle. Visit his company blog and check the latest post on Online Dementia Test.

 

 

 

Be Yourself: Raised on TV’s Advice

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Keaton Rogers offers some excellent advice, tells his band’s story, and elaborates on how they’ve arrived where they are: about to release their debut album titled “Season 1” and two months away from playing at the youbloomLA 2017 Music Summit & Festival.

 

Garage Band Beginnings

Keaton, Kacey, and Ryan, the members of Raised on TV, began “working away in Ryan’s mom’s garage” in the summer of 2015. Keaton and Kacey, who are brothers, “always thought it would be cool to be in a band together”. So when Keaton’s previous band disbanded and Kacey and Ryan’s previous band also fell apart, they joined forces to create Raised on TV.

 

With influences such as Weezer, Jimi Hendrix, Simon and Garfunkel, Pink Floyd, and Blink 182, there’s no doubt that Raised on TV’s first EP, released in 2016, had rock and roll roots. Since their humble beginnings, they’ve toured twice and recorded a full length album. And they “feel like [they’re] in a good place as a band.”

 

When asked about the band’s vision, Keaton joked that their band’s vision is “20/20 when [they] wear [their] glasses”

To “make and share quality music” is, “in all seriousness”, their true vision. Live performances hold an especially special place in their hearts, as Keaton stated “having an amazing concert experience is very much at the heart of our vision for our band.”

 

And if they can help others “get through a tough day” with their music, even better.

 

“It’s not about the competition”

Last year, Raised on TV entered a battle of the bands competition for a chance to play on the Vans Warped Tour. With 200 original contestants, they successfully navigated through the hoops to compete out of 8 groups in the final round. However, their “mindset was never that [they] were competing with other bands.” Instead, as Keaton states, they were just aiming to become “the best version of [themselves].”

 

Even though they lost in the final round, they reminded themselves that “it was never about winning in the traditional sense anyway. So, don’t get caught up in the competition. When you go see twenty or so amazing bands at a festival, there’s no first or second prize, no gold or silver medal, there’s a bunch of freaking awesome music and people there to enjoy it.”

 

Keaton’s word of advice? If an artist is true to themselves, “there will be nobody else like that artist and that’s what it’s all about.”

 

Romance at youbloomLA

Since it’s their first time at youbloomLA, Raised on TV is hoping for the usual: to develop connections, enjoy the music, and have a great time performing.

 

However, according to Keaton, it would also be neat if their drummer, who is “currently the only single member of the band” met someone and fell in love. Here’s to hoping!

 

–

 

Attention music lovers!

Youbloom is looking for passionate individuals to join our team for youbloomLA: our annual Music Summit and Festival! Follow the link below to learn more.

 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzFR-OdsG41_bHg4VnNWVlFWa3ZFd2hxNjN5UE5MR1RVQzlz

 

 

Seven Dos and Don’ts When Forming a Band

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Seven Dos and Don’ts When Forming a Band

Not everyone is lucky enough to go to high school with their musically inclined buddies or meet compatible musicians while attending college.  Sometimes, a musician must actively recruit members for a band.

It doesn’t matter if you form a band organically or through planned machinations.  What matters is finding like-minded musicians and getting the most out of your experience.

There are probably as many ways to form a band as there are bands.  Regardless of how you put your group together, there are some dos and don’ts that you might want to consider.  Below are seven tips for artists looking to form a band.

 

Do Be Professional

Being a musician conjures up images of licentious groupies and wild partying.  In reality, it’s a lot of hard work.  Being in a band is like starting a business with one or more partners.  That means you’ll need to show up on time, be prepared, and stay sober—that includes the formation process.  You can be wild and crazy on stage, but before and after, you should act like a professional.

 

Do Know What You Want

Before starting a band make sure you know what kind of music you want to play and what type of career you’re hoping to achieve.  This will help you find like-minded musicians.  When discussing your project with others, be clear and honest about goals and expectations.  You’re going to encounter plenty of personal issues while in a band.  Don’t let simple misunderstandings be one of them.

 

Do Consider More Than Just Talent

You’re going to spend a lot time with your bandmates.  Do you really want to hang out with a bunch of jerks?  Sure, you want musicians with talent, but don’t let that be your only deciding factor.  Before joining forces with another musician, get to know them a little to see if you’ll enjoy their company.  You’ll still have conflicts, but it will make being in a band much more enjoyable.

 

Do Get a Dedicated Email Address

Perhaps you’re going to find musicians on the internet.  Perhaps you’re going to find them at jam sessions, local music gigs, or record stores.  Whatever method you choose, consider getting a dedicated email address that you can give to potential bandmates.  This prevents someone of dubious character from having your personal email address.

 

Don’t Be in a Hurry

You’re probably very excited to form a band, but be patient.  Don’t necessarily pick the first musicians that come along.  It may take weeks, or months, to find like-minded musicians you’re comfortable with, but when you do, the wait will have been worth it.  

 

Don’t Pouch Musicians from Other Bands

Some music industry insiders recommend pouching musicians.  You attend a gig, find a musician you like, and steal him or her away from their current group.  The problem with pouching is the musician you steal is likely to be stolen from you.  If they’re not loyal to their old band, why will they be loyal to their new band?  A better route is to occasionally check in with the musician to see if they’re still in a band or let them know that you’d like to work with them in the future.  If the fates are kind, you’ll be jamming in no time and without burning a single bridge.

 

Don’t Stop Practicing

Throughout the process of forming a band, don’t neglect your chops.  It will be easier to recruit like-minded musicians if you’re constantly improving your skills and challenging your musical abilities.  It will also show potential members that you’re serious about music and forming a band.

 

BIO

Bert Gordon is a writer living in Vancouver, Washington.  He has been writing about music and the music industry for nearly a decade.  You can read more of his articles at Clickitticket.

 

 

 

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