If you want to be a star, you need to play live. It doesn't matter what kind of music you play, there's nothing like the live experience to build loyalty in your fans. It's time to stop sitting there wishing you were a star, and go out and do the work to become one.
While playing live may sound old fashioned in this day and age of the internet, it is still an important part of your marketing arsenal. According to information at the MusicMarketingCenter.com, right now is a great time to build your career. There's no 'big thing' right now. If you have something unique to your sound, there's no reason you couldn't become the next music phenomenon. If you fit into an existing style of music, people are always looking for something new yet familiar.
First thing, find what niche your music belongs in. That gives you a starting point of where to look to promote yourself. We'll talk about that and promoting yourself online in future articles. But, for now, let's concentrate on playing live.
If you have figured out your musical style, or one that is similar, start there. Look for local places that are already known for music similar to what you play. Bug them till you get a gig there. Don't worry too much about the money in the beginning... you just need to build a loyal following for now.
Every time you play, it is an opportunity to gain new fans and to build your mailing list. You do have a mailing list, don't you? It's the most important thing you can do to help create that important buzz about your music. List building is one of the most popular subjects in posts at the MusicMarketingCenter.com. You'll find plenty of info about it there, but for now, just know that you need to bring at a minimum a pad of paper and some pens so people can give you their email and contact info at every show. Tell them to sign up before, during and after your set. This will become your main fan base, and they will tell others about how great you are.
You can even make money directly from your list. Make a t-shirt and offer it in an email at a profit. People love to wear a shirt from their favorite band, especially a new band that people don't know about. They feel like they know something special that others don't know, and they are happy to tell anyone how great you are when they ask about the shirt. It will keep those coins coming in in a number of different ways.
When you finish your set, and even in the middle, mention signing up for your mailing list. Stick around after you play. Talk to the audience, and tell them to be sure to sign up for your list so they know what you are up to. You may not think talking to you is a big deal, but to someone who doesn't know you and liked your music, you are a star, and it makes them feel special to have actually talked to you (yes, you). Be nice, thank the fans, and allow them to love you and think you love them back. Don't put on the punk attitude. Even in the late 70's when the punk scene and attitude was at it's height, the people loved talking to them, and plenty of the 'stars' would be really nice to people off stage. Fans eat it up.
If your music doesn't fit a specific genre, colleges and clubs have always prided themselves on being the first to bring their audiences innovative work.
Even audition nights and open mike nights give you a great chance to play. There are plenty of famous people and bands that started there. Bring in some friends who can be your cheering squad. People are often like monkeys. When they see others enjoying the show, they are more likely to enjoy it themselves. The more excited your friends get, the more excited all the people in the audience that never heard of you will become also.
The main thing to remember is that if you want to make it big in the music business, you need to get heard. And, for most bands and musicians, the best way to be heard is in front of a live audience. No other form of distribution of your music is going to have the impact of a great live show.
While playing live may sound old fashioned in this day and age of the internet, it is still an important part of your marketing arsenal. According to information at the MusicMarketingCenter.com, right now is a great time to build your career. There's no 'big thing' right now. If you have something unique to your sound, there's no reason you couldn't become the next music phenomenon. If you fit into an existing style of music, people are always looking for something new yet familiar.
First thing, find what niche your music belongs in. That gives you a starting point of where to look to promote yourself. We'll talk about that and promoting yourself online in future articles. But, for now, let's concentrate on playing live.
If you have figured out your musical style, or one that is similar, start there. Look for local places that are already known for music similar to what you play. Bug them till you get a gig there. Don't worry too much about the money in the beginning... you just need to build a loyal following for now.
Every time you play, it is an opportunity to gain new fans and to build your mailing list. You do have a mailing list, don't you? It's the most important thing you can do to help create that important buzz about your music. List building is one of the most popular subjects in posts at the MusicMarketingCenter.com. You'll find plenty of info about it there, but for now, just know that you need to bring at a minimum a pad of paper and some pens so people can give you their email and contact info at every show. Tell them to sign up before, during and after your set. This will become your main fan base, and they will tell others about how great you are.
You can even make money directly from your list. Make a t-shirt and offer it in an email at a profit. People love to wear a shirt from their favorite band, especially a new band that people don't know about. They feel like they know something special that others don't know, and they are happy to tell anyone how great you are when they ask about the shirt. It will keep those coins coming in in a number of different ways.
When you finish your set, and even in the middle, mention signing up for your mailing list. Stick around after you play. Talk to the audience, and tell them to be sure to sign up for your list so they know what you are up to. You may not think talking to you is a big deal, but to someone who doesn't know you and liked your music, you are a star, and it makes them feel special to have actually talked to you (yes, you). Be nice, thank the fans, and allow them to love you and think you love them back. Don't put on the punk attitude. Even in the late 70's when the punk scene and attitude was at it's height, the people loved talking to them, and plenty of the 'stars' would be really nice to people off stage. Fans eat it up.
If your music doesn't fit a specific genre, colleges and clubs have always prided themselves on being the first to bring their audiences innovative work.
Even audition nights and open mike nights give you a great chance to play. There are plenty of famous people and bands that started there. Bring in some friends who can be your cheering squad. People are often like monkeys. When they see others enjoying the show, they are more likely to enjoy it themselves. The more excited your friends get, the more excited all the people in the audience that never heard of you will become also.
The main thing to remember is that if you want to make it big in the music business, you need to get heard. And, for most bands and musicians, the best way to be heard is in front of a live audience. No other form of distribution of your music is going to have the impact of a great live show.
About the Author:
Do you want to make your living with your music? Music Marketing Center is the top site for anyone who wants to make their living with music. Promote Your Music with tons of tips, resources and articles you won't find anywhere else at Music Marketing Center dot com.
