Making rap music in your bedroom and landing at the Victoires de la Musique awards a few years later is often hard to imagine, but some people manage it. Orelsan, Damso, 113, Diam’s—none of them ever imagined they’d end up on stage at this major annual event. And yet, through their conviction and hard work, they all achieved something they never thought was on the table. Was it strategy or luck? We think it’s both. Let’s find out how to make your own luck and rise to the tip-top of hip-hop with these tips.

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Are you a rapper?

Contact playlists, media, labels, and pros on Groover and gain visibility 👇

1. Look at the big picture

It all starts with a simple question. How far do I want to go? What’s my objective, my goal? It’s really important to know where you’re going if you want to break into the rap world. Why is that? By seeing the goal in the distance, you can map out a road that leads there. You may say that it sounds a bit like a guru throwing around personal development mantras, but I can’t deny that. But there’s a long way to go, and you need to plan ahead to avoid the pitfalls, and even safeguard your sanity.

Have you ever heard know the quote, “He who fails to plan, plans to fail,” by Benjamin Franklin? I admit I didn’t read it, I heard it in the latest Will Smith movie. This film, “The Williams Method,” shows how the father of Serena and Venus Williams planned everything, to the point of writing a 78-page manual describing precisely every stage of his daughters’ careers. Now, it may be a bit extreme to have such a comprehensive plan, but you can start by setting yourself intermediate goals, and allowing yourself to celebrate when you reach them. It gives you courage for what’s to come.

What might the next steps be? Releasing a first rap single, playing at festivals, getting certified, reaching a certain number of views on YouTube, releasing your first album, releasing a music video? In short, it’s up to you, but don’t forget to set milestones that aren’t too complicated to reach, and build up your confidence!

2. Breaking into rap on the springboard circuit

To break through, you need to be noticed by the public, but also by professionals in the music world. It’s not enough to simply make a string of appearances with rappers who are better-known than you. The pros will take you through stages that will push you to the top faster. And even if you remain independent. We’re not just talking about label pros here. We’re also talking about programmers, bookers, PR… You can use Groover to get in direct contact with those who are right for your musical project, but you can also take part in musical springboards to get yourself spotted.

If you want to break into the rap world, you need to gain visibility, and these events can help you do just that. You’ll be able to play in front of an audience that could potentially become fans, but also, and often, have the attentive ear of music industry pros. Do your research, find the springboards that best match your music, and apply. The whole point is to create the opportunity that will elevate you. When you’re building a career and want to reach PNL’s stats, it’s the lifeblood of the business. What’s more, rap isn’t represented that much in these springboards. Even though it’s one of the major genres of our time. So if you’re a rapper, you’ve got some room to maneuver.

3. Quickly assemble a team to support you

Many French rappers talk about it in their lyrics: having a team behind you is of paramount importance if you want to break into the rap game. In fact, it’s the number 1 key to success. You can never manage everything on your own when it comes to getting your music out there. Releasing a track, a new video clip, a first rap album—it’s a huge job, almost impossible on your own. In the beginning, you’ll be hard-pressed to find people with skills in the music game, so surround yourself with curious, disciplined people. They’ll learn about the different subjects as you do.

The most important criterion to remember when surrounding yourself: your future team members must believe in you as much or even more than you do. They’re your first fans, and they’re going to have to defend your music and help you make millions of views. So, they need to be solid! Here’s another cheesy quote to illustrate the point: “alone we go faster, together we go further.” Okay, it’s a bit of a truism, but it’s very true.

4. Communication skills for a breakthrough in rap

In the age of social networking, careful communication is essential to promote your music. In the previous point, we talked about having a solid team. If you have a community manager in your ranks, that’s a very good point. Even PNL, whose communications are based on mystery and rarity, use networks to promote tours or the release of projects. Take advantage of this incredible tool to get your music out there! We often complain that this or that post doesn’t get the visibility we’d hoped for, but in the end, even if one person discovers your music, that’s already a big step.

So take the exercise seriously, because that’s how you promote your music from now on. As with your career, plan ahead and develop a strategy. Alternate content, show your personality. Think of communication as an opportunity to explain your work, to say more about it, to give the keys to understanding it. In a way, it’s the perfect forum for engaging fans and future fans in the development of your career. You can even post things that you wouldn’t normally put out, like a freestyle for example, or covers. Anything goes.

5. Create a coherent artistic direction

What is the artistic direction of a rapper? It’s all the factors that make up a rapper’s personality. From the themes they tackle to the outfits they wear in music videos, at festivals, or in public (or online). The best way to understand the concept is to think about “starter packs.” They bring together a few distinctive elements about an artist, and by putting them all together, you can become the person. You can try to reproduce this. For example, if you see a light blue Fender Mustang guitar, a sailor suit, oval red glasses, who do you think of? Kurt Cobain, of course.

The concept can be applied to just about everything that makes up the artist’s personality. The idea is to be quickly recognizable, to anchor yourself in the minds of fans. It’s also important to imagine a set of characteristics and write them down somewhere, so you can ask yourself the question: am I consistent with the rest of the project, and have the answer to every move you make.

-Translated by Kole Wright-

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Get in touch with music industry professionals on Groover today!

L’article How to Break into Rap? est apparu en premier sur Groover Blog.

Some artists get music managers first, and their manager finds them a label. Other artists may be scouted by a label and the label assigns them a manager. There are many different ways to advance in one’s music career!

In this article, we explain what artist management is all about: what a manager is for, how to know when you need a manager, and how to find one. A music manager can help artists focus on creating amazing music by handling the business aspects of the industry and opening the door for further opportunities. Understanding the importance of music management can significantly impact an artist’s career trajectory.

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Are you looking for a music manager? ⬇️

1. Why artists need managers

Did you ever dream of performing in sold out stadiums as a kid? Of course, this is what many still think being a musician is — a cool and shiny profession that doesn’t require much work offstage. In reality, being a musician is a lot about entrepreneurship.

To be successful as an artist, it is necessary to have a strong team behind you in order to cover all your bases. Being a musician involves wearing many hats, and artists often find themselves doing a lot more than they bargained for on their own.

The music business really is a business. There are a number of areas that require attention: live performance, contracts and paperwork, finances, and press, amongst others. Thus, juggling these responsibilities (and doing it well) is a full time job.

So where does the music making, the most important part, fit into the equation? If you’re doing everything yourself, it barely does. Quite simply, there aren’t enough hours in the day to both 1) fill every business role in music, and 2) actually make the music. Your focus will be pulled from your art and may take a toll on the quality of your work, as well as your mental health.

2. What does a music manager do for an artist?

So how do you navigate this complex musical ecosystem? How do you learn the ins and outs of distribution, getting signed, promotion, royalty collection, touring, and the like?

It all starts with meeting artist managers in the business. Managers act as an extension of and #1 champion to the artist, covering all day-to-day duties and ensuring that the artist’s only job is creative, not administrative. In addition, the importance of a manager’s network of music industry contacts cannot be overstated. To attract such professionals, it is crucial to release quality music that resonates with a global audience.

No rulebook tells us where the lines are drawn between roles, and every manager is different. However, in addition to what’s listed above, every manager is especially responsible for:

• Career planning
• Online PR/image
• Contract negotiation
• Promotion
• Personal branding
• Financial guidance
• Legal affairs

Duties such as booking shows (usually done by booking agents) are sometimes covered by managers as well. What they can’t do, they will hire someone to cover, building a solid team around you that oversees everything necessary for success. Managers also play a crucial role in finding opportunities for artistic and professional growth, such as pursuing record label deals, publishing deals, and sync placements to increase exposure.

You should view your manager as your number one partner; the ideal sidekick, the one who helps set up the strategy for your career. They are the ones who will be instrumental in developing your professional network.

3. How to get a music manager as an independent artist

Your relationship with your manager is of the utmost importance, so you must be selective in this process. At the beginning of your career, especially as an independent artist, you can either meet people, or recruit someone you already know.

Someone You Know

You’d be surprised by how many artists are currently being or have formerly been managed by someone they knew personally before making it big, whether they be family or friends. A couple examples:

• J. Cole is managed by his college friend, Ibrahim Hamad
• Dua Lipa is managed by her father, Dukagjin Lipa
• Usher was managed by his mother, Jonetta Patton, for 14 years
• Angele is managed by her childhood babysitter, Sylvie Farr

The reason this often works well is because managers and their artists must trust each other 100%, and managers should believe in their artists 1000% – this is a non-negotiable. They absolutely must have your best interests at heart. Therefore, if someone in your life wants nothing more than for you to succeed and you believe they have the skills to get you there, you should definitely consider asking them to manage you.

Meeting People

If it makes more sense for you to meet/get in touch with a manager elsewhere, make sure to prepare. The goal is for your prospective manager to want to help you grow as an artist. Show them your potential so that they can envision a big future for you, what that might look like, and how they could contribute.

First and foremost, you must have music out on streaming services that has gained some traction. This is crucial because, most often, it is the manager who finds the artist. They are often on the lookout for new talent, so don’t be surprised if you receive a DM or email from someone who’s interested in repping you after hearing your music on Spotify (which is why your contact info should be readily available on all your pages).

Secondly, if you opt to reach out yourself, make sure you know what you need. Are you struggling to book shows? Do you need help with distribution? Are you unsure about the contracts you’re signing? Why exactly do you need this person’s help? Express this to the person you’re talking to so they know whether they can be of service. If you’re contacting them through social media, you’ll need to write a small pitch.

Attracting Potential Managers

To attract potential managers, you need to prove yourself and your demand through live performances and online presence. Potential managers look for artists who show promise and have a clear vision for their career. Do not hesitate to put footage of past shows on your website and social media pages to show that there is public interest and support for your art.

4. How to find music managers through social media

Finding music managers through social networks is a great strategy if you know where to look.

Start by finding the IG accounts of artists who are similar to you and your music. Someone who is managing a hip hop artist will likely pass if you’re a singer-songwriter in the indie/folk world, so no need to waste your energy.

Next, figure out what music industry professionals these artists are working with. Do they have record deal, promoter, publicist, or band manager? Is the manager working independently, or for a label?

This information is often available online on the artist’s website. Their “contact” page will likely lead you straight to the person you want to be talking to. If not, browse their socials for “thank you” messages to their team, tags on group photos, or even in their comments where a manager will often be supporting their artist.

5. How to contact music managers: the pitch

Once you’ve drafted an initial list of potential music managers, it’s time to get in touch with them. Start by researching the manager’s background, accomplishments, and current projects. Then craft a personalized pitch that demonstrates your value and how working together will be mutually beneficial.

Include any relevant information about yourself, such as your background, experience, and releases. Even better if you have an EPK to send along as a reference. Make sure to explain why you think the two of you would be a good fit. Don’t be afraid to mention artists they are working with and how you could be a great addition to their repertoire.

Apart from introducing yourself and your music, it’s important to be direct in what you are looking for. A lot of indie artists send their music out to labels, managers, or publishers, and forget to ask for anything concrete. Provide a clear action plan or timeline of your current goals or releases. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, ask for an initial phone call or to meet up for a coffee in person. A well-crafted pitch can be the difference between a successful connection and a missed opportunity.

6. Important tips to follow when contacting prospective managers

Be clear, direct, and friendly in your communication. Remember that you are not only pitching yourself as an artist, but also as a collaborator. Don’t forget to let your personality come through in your messaging!

Have proof of concept. Try not to jump the gun and look for a manager in the baby stages of your career without proof of public interest. You may know your own potential already, but you should be able to have something to show for it.

• Have a single, EP, or album out to send to prospective managers that has gained traction on streaming services, press coverage, or likes/views on social media
• Be able to demonstrate that you and your project will be something truly special. If you believe in yourself, let it be known
• The more organized you are, the better. If you already have the following before you contact anyone, you’re all set: website, artist pages on all DSPs, an EPK, social media pages, an artist bio, professional photos.

Be selective. Let’s say you find someone who you click with and who believes in you. Establishing a good working relationship with a manager is crucial. Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and overall strategy, and consider seeking legal advice before signing any contracts. They may seem great, but they also know more than you about the business. Make sure you are ok with the terms they’re setting if you’re going to lock in.

Reach out directly on social networks or through Groover. Many artists, producers, artist managers, tour managers, management companies, etc. are on X (formerly Twitter). This means that they’re accessible directly through X, if you reach out with a specific request. We suggest sending your EPK to who you think you’d work well with, and who share similar goals. We also recommend using Groover to get your music heard without having to go through the tedious process of sending potentially unanswered DMs.
Groover allows you to contact the best music industry professionals with a guaranteed response within 7 days, or your credits back.

7. How to find a music manager that is right for you

Remember the essential criteria for finding the right manager: a manager must believe in you 1000%. The personal investment the job requires is so intense that they must have absolute faith in your success. They have to “sell” you and your potential to a lot of different people, and must therefore know it inside and out.

Do you understand your own strengths and weaknesses on the business side of things? By assessing where you need help most, you can find someone who complements your skillset (and vice versa). We recommend trying out the roles and responsibilities an artist manager takes on to understand which skills you know must definitely be taken on by someone else.

8. How much are managers paid?

It is industry standard for managers to take 15-20% of their artists’ income. If your budget is tight, look to personal relationships for a potential first manager — at least in the short-term — if you’re not able to offer a significant financial incentive upfront.

It is very common for smaller artists and managers to help each other for free until money starts rolling in. You are giving them work experience and networking opportunities, and they are helping you develop your career.

9. Conclusion: getting a music manager and advancing in your career

In conclusion, to get a music manager and advance in your career, it takes focus, dedication, and hard work. You must network and build relationships in the industry to find a manager who is passionate about your work, as well as continue to output quality music so they can also find you.

It is important to maintain a professional attitude, stay organized, and have a good understanding of the industry. With time and effort, you can get a music manager and take your career to the next level.

Sure, some independent artists advance in their career without a manager, however these artists are often highly organized, already have professional connections, or have significant financial backing. This isn’t the case for everyone.

Staying solo is not impossible, but we recommend that you do this only if you are meticulously disciplined and treat it as a full time job on top of your artistry. Don’t forget that asking for help is not a bad thing! Nobody succeeds alone. The music business is overwhelming, and up-and-coming artists can really benefit from the support of having a good manager.

Lots of emerging artists remain just that: emerging. By working with the right music manager, you can break this cycle and really make headway in your career. Be smart in your research, confident in your pitch, and the rest will follow!

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Next article:

> Manager, booker, publisher, label? Who do you need to develop your musical project?
> How to sign with a label when you are an independent artist?
> Where to find a booker?

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Need feedback on your music? Get in touch with music industry pros on Groover now!

L’article How to Find a Music Manager est apparu en premier sur Groover Blog.

We know it’s as hard as it is cool to get a spot in a festival lineup. So we’re centralizing all of our sharpest techniques in this article to help you reach your goal: playing a festival. Don’t thank us now, but don’t forget to invite us when you’re on the mainstage at Coachella.

1. No one will book you for a festival without seeing you live first

The importance of playing live can’t be overstated when it comes to landing a spot in music festival lineups. For artists, performing on stage is not just a chance to hone their craft but also a crucial opportunity to show what they’re really made of. Bookers, promoters, and other industry pros often rely on live performances to gauge an artist’s potential. Even the best studio recording can’t capture the energy, stage presence, and audience interaction that make a concert unforgettable.

Playing live allows artists to create a unique connection with their audience, and it’s precisely this connection that can convince a festival booker to invite them to perform. The magic of a successful concert, where the emotion is palpable and the energy contagious, is a powerful selling point for any decision-maker. Videos of performances can help, but nothing beats the direct, immersive experience of a live show.

To maximize your chances of getting noticed, it’s crucial to invite bookers and industry pros to your gigs. Let them know about your tour dates, offer them invitations, and make sure every performance showcases your full potential. A solid, well-prepared, and energetic performance can be the deciding factor that turns a casual industry spectator into a passionate advocate for your music.

2. Develop your professional network and see who is programming the music festivals you want to be in

Having a great artistic direction and released music is great, but you need to let the main stakeholders know about your existence, otherwise you won’t get very far. So approach the festivals directly. For that, you’ll have to become the Indiana Jones of email addresses. Search the websites of each festival for the right contacts. Search all Linkedin, search all Instagram. You’ll find it like the sleuth that you are. Make a document with the essential information of these people, name – first name, the festival, the role he or she plays in the festival.  

Now, make yourself a nice EPK. The electronic press kit – or press kit – is your artist business card. It has to be concise, as much as possible, you are not the only one sending music, if the recipient of your EPK feels that it will be too long to read, they will not read it. But don’t forget the main thing either, you have to find the right balance. There has to be at least one link to your music project.

By the way, needless to say, there’s no point in canvassing if you don’t have enough money to play on stage for a set. It’s good to have at least an EP. And if you already have some experience on stage, inform them. Put a short bio, a link to your social networks, and that’s it.

💡 Don’t hesitate to use Groover to find pros who can get you into festivals – especially bookers/agents – or give you feedback on your music. 

Canvassing online for festivals is great, but you should also do it in person. There’s nothing better than catching a pro at the corner of a concert bar or after a conference to convince them. It’s not forbidden but be careful: stay professional, never insist. Being persistent is an asset, it’s true, but there’s a fine line between being reluctant and being prejudiced.

Looking to play live? ⬇️

3. Participate in music competitions and festival auditions

Getting noticed by festival bookers can also be achieved by participating in music competitions and festival auditions. These platforms offer invaluable exposure and the chance to showcase your talent to industry professionals. In the UK, competitions like the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition and the Unsigned Music Awards are renowned for launching careers and are accessible to independent artists. Events like Open Mic UK also provide a platform for emerging talents to gain significant exposure. Auditions for festivals such as The Great Escape’s First Fifty showcase and the Tramlines Festival’s Apply to Play program offer artists a direct route to some of the country’s most prestigious stages. For what these applications usually ask for, such as an EPK and proof of live experience, see this guide to music festival applications.

In the US, events like NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest and the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) are highly respected and open to independent musicians. Auditions for South by Southwest (SXSW) and the American Idol auditions also present excellent opportunities for artists to break into the festival circuit. Participating in these competitions and auditions not only boosts your visibility but also demonstrates your commitment and readiness to perform at a high level.

| Also read: How to write a good tech rider for live shows

4. Organize your own music festival

Wouldn’t it be a bit crazy to make your own place in a festival, by setting it up yourself? Well not so much, Macki Music Festival for example, is organized by the artist collectives Cracki Records and La Mamie’s. They invite artists who make them vibrate and take the opportunity to make the public discover their music. The idea is not easy to put in place, but who said that it was easy to break into music?

Set up a partnership; bring your friends who are passionate about music with you, and let’s go for an extraordinary adventure. Talk about creating a network of professionals in the music industry; with a festival, you will meet tons of them. It’s also an opportunity to meet artists who are open to conversations (or not) and create a connection that can lead to a collaboration. In short, the repercussions can be quite enormous. 

The other side of the coin is that it is very time consuming and expensive. You can’t start organizing a festival without having a good start and a good knowledge of the territory you are trying to work in. Mobilizing an audience, even when you have the right program, is not always easy. You have to develop strong communication skills, become very serious about the administrative part, surround yourself with a bunch of solid people on their supports, we grant you that it is not an easy task. But creating your own place rather than waiting for someone to integrate you into their vision is a great way to climb up and promote your music. 

In short, playing in festivals to gain visibility is a must for an emerging musician. Only it’s not easy, it’s true. We know, you don’t lack determination, so draw on it and keep your confidence.

– Translated by Betty Gonzalez Gray –

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📆 Best Music Contests to Apply Now

Check this guide regularly to make sure you don’t miss out on any opportunities to promote yourself!

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Get in touch with music industry pros on Groover now!

L’article How to get into the programming of music festivals? est apparu en premier sur Groover Blog.

All musicians who embark on this journey must therefore be aware that to make their first album or their musical project, you will have to stand out among the millions of titles available online. To lighten the load and quickly become like Kraftwerk or Gotan Project, and to interest influential labels, it will be necessary to understand how your target audience behaves, how they discover music. 

1. How to break into electronic music for free thanks to a strong online presence

All famous DJs started like you, from scratch. So start by telling yourself already that nothing is impossible. Take Laurent Garnier for example. When he started out, his strength was being proactive and effective in quickly building up his network (Check out Off the Record, the documentary about his life). 

What’s the best way to build a network these days? A strong online presence. This is where the newest top songs are found even before they hit the clubs. From the latest album by a Norwegian electronic band to that of an electronic hybrid pop-folk singer, the internet is where you’ll find it all.  

• Social media

It’s hard to talk about online music promotion without talking about social media. You already know this, but here are some tips. Don’t try to be everywhere. Record companies will spot you more easily if you do things right on one network than wrong on many.

To be the next big thing, try to identify the music influencers who focus on electronic music and try to contact them. Do it with respect for the person you have in front of you: don’t harass. 

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Do you want to promote your music? 👇

Groover allows you to contact the top media outlets and music industry pros, with a 7-day response guarantee.

• SoundCloud

A composer‘s first instinct is to share their sounds. Regardless of the style of music, before spending money to stream music, they will test themselves via SoundCloud. It is a great platform for ambient, deep house, experimental music and all other types of electronic music, since you can post entire mixes there.

Listeners of these genres of music are very present on SoundCloud; it is almost more important to be there than on traditional streaming platforms. 

• YouTube

Just like SoundCloud, YouTube is very popular with electronic producers. There are many good music channels bringing together hits of the genre, for example Houseum, a French channel bringing together the best of House today. Whether you make house or other productions, the offering available on YouTube is extremely eclectic, and why not, you can even broadcast your albums in full. 

Techno producers are less present on streaming platforms. That’s why you have to be there. Not only because you will be able to stand out more easily among the available titles, and perhaps reach influential playlists, but also because it pays! It’s a shame to miss it. 

It is true that listeners who listen to house and other forms of electronic music are not as present on streaming platforms as those of other musical styles. But it’s worth it anyway, you have to go find your future fans wherever they hide. 

Not everyone knows, but it is quite possible to distribute remixes on these platforms. All digital distributors offer the possibility. 

| See also: How to Make Your Music Known on Youtube?

2. How to break into electronic music with online promo

As a musician, your talent lies in composing the perfect beat, but you maybe aren’t necessarily a born expert at online promo. Don’t panic, we’re here for you. Now that you are online, you need to find contacts, people or entities that will signal boost your music.

Today, the online space is ripe for opportunities for new music to succeed. From a niche music podcast to the largest web media outlet, there is a huge offering of sources of information. Each of these sources most likely reaches your future fans, so identify which ones and you will have found the perfect links. 

• Web radios

FM radio isn’t really there for emerging artists, however, you may be able to find a web radio station that suits you. Whether you make minimal techno, chill, or groove like disco music, all types of music have their web radio.  

• Live streams

Live streams are the logical evolution of web radio. Take Hotel Radio Paris for example, who has made a name for themselves by streaming the best live, both in podcast and video. 

Showing the artist who produced the currently-playing track is a way to engage the listener, so when you make your first stream, highlight your artistic direction! It’s a good opportunity to gain visibility. 

• Media

Electronic is often underground music, it’s true. But there are still media that relay this kind of music. In France, for example, the Dure Vie or PépitesTroniques media highlight emerging musicians. For more outlets, our list of music review sites to submit to includes a section dedicated to electronic and dance music. 

This kind of article is the ideal time to refer readers to a streaming platform, so never forget to fill in your links. 

3. Getting closer to local players

To understand how to break into electronic music, you need to know that your closest allies are those making music around you. Find ways to connect with them, and see how you can move the culture forward together. Note that you don’t have to be in a major city for this, electronic music is everywhere.

• Collectives

Electronic music, more than any other genre of music, is about collectives. A DJ is rarely known alone, but often surrounded by other DJs who are equally motivated. So you do house music? Find those around you who could be interested in setting up a collective and get started. 

You can also try to contact existing collectives to make your music known—it’s not impossible, but more complicated, as these are often long-time friends, so you’ll have to expand your circle of friends to hope to join one. 

• Local associations

At the local level, there’s nothing better than associations to succeed in making yourself known. There are a ton these days. So if you have the musical content you need to keep up with a show, set up or join an association. 

• Clubs

It’s impossible to talk about techno music without talking about clubs. Livestream DJ sets are cool, but there’s more out there than just music on the Internet. All artists necessarily go through the club, and they come back to it. 

For your music to land in the ears of a program designer, it is true that it will have to slap, but that shouldn’t be an issue for you. Plus, artistic directors are always looking for up-and-comers to play before or after big headliners. 

4. How to break into electronic music with placements

Electronic sounds have their place online and in the club, but also on all other types of media. To promote your music and generate additional income, you can try to get placements. Of all styles of music, electronic is one of the most popular. Take the recent example of GENER8ION, which is a joint project between none other than DJ Surkin and director Romain Gavras. The two collaborators understood well the symbiosis of music and images, and placed their music in the film Athena, by Gavras. To understand how to break into electronic music, you have to imagine that every possibility of listening to your music is a good possibility. There is no wrong way to listen to music, so placements can be highly beneficial

5. How to break into electronic music with a good entourage

• Find or set up an electronic label

Finding a label when you are a musician just starting out can be difficult. Via Groover for example, you can contact them to get feedback on your music, and who knows, maybe join one. 

Setting up a project and becoming the next Cracki Records is within reach. On the other hand, you have to do paperwork, and for more than just an afternoon. The result is that you will be totally in control of your music and your image, in short, your place on the electronic scene, is what make it for yourself. 

| Discover the list of music labels present on Groover and looking for new artists to sign

• Find a manager

An artist is only a human after all, so they can’t always handle all the ins and outs alone. Finding a manager is essential. A manager will manage the paperwork, negotiations with the label that will recruit you, your communication, your bookings, etc. In short, find yourself a right hand, and listen to them when they give you advice.

| Discover the list of managers present on Groover and looking for new artists to support

• Find a publisher

We talked about it in the previous point, placements are an incredible vector of both income and exposure. We listen to music when we see ads, fashion shows, films, series… in short, for your work to do more than stagnate on a streaming service, you need the right publisher. 

6. Getting into electronic by doing concerts

Giving concerts is essential when you’re an artist. DJs are no exception. A good mix will make the world dance and win you fans. Take out your turntables, whether you mix on vinyl or a USB stick. The electronic scene is full of free concerts and other musical events. Of all musical genres, electronic makes it the easiest to put together a musical event. You have nothing but your music to bring, no need to charter a semi-trailer and rent 10 hotel rooms for your whole group. 

An electronic dance party only needs a good sound system and you. All the clubs mentioned above already have the equipment, so you just have to be spotted to join their musical programming. To contact them, it’s the same as with the media, prepare a press kit, follow up sparingly, and be patient.

That’s how to break into electronic music, or at least the essentials to make it happen. Also take into account that everyone advances at their own pace. Do not waste time comparing yourself to others; do what you can and never force it, your mental health is at stake.

– Translated by Kole Wright –

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Do you need a response on your music? Get in touch with music pros on Groover today!

L’article How to Break Into Electronic Music est apparu en premier sur Groover Blog.

1. Free music promotion through image 

What music genres do you make? Electronic? Folk? Pop? Rap? Each of these has conventions that you can take ownership of. As an artist, you can use it to help the audience identify you. This involves the covers of your albums, for example. But also your style. Listening to music and watching what other artists do can help you understand your uniqueness and assert your identity. Record labels and major record companies like Universal are also looking at this. Does the artist convey something through their image? Yes? Then the creative ability of the musician is promising. 

Be remarkable. Your favorite trinkets represent you, wear them. Become identifiable in a few elements. The audience will remember you more easily. And labels too. Think of your favorite musicians, they all have recognizable elements. The Stones, for example, wear scarves and tight jeans. Promoting your music sometimes involves creating a character that reflects your personality. It doesn’t have to be expensive to set up.

2. Free music promotion through social media 

Finding music is not complicated as a listener. Through any online music service like Apple music, Spotify premium or Deezer premium. So to stand out among millions of titles, you need polished communication for social networks. No matter what genre you’re in, classical music, soul, hip-hop, or dance, you have to be there. The advantage is that it’s free. 

Who listens to music and becomes a fan of an artist without checking out their Instagram? It’s quite rare nowadays, it’s become a reflex. We listen to unlimited music and when it makes us move, and we want to see what the artist looks like. A label will scrutinize the online presence of an artist it seeks to sign. Do the same. 

Your music isn’t on the radio? No problem, you can reach a lot of people with social networks. You have to produce content, remaining yourself. There is no music player, but you can link music to listen to on any streaming service. Beautiful sound and music discoveries happen on social media! The large majority of artists who put music on the internet have understood this, as has the audience. These are the current practices, and they must be embraced in order to move forward.  To illustrate this point, visualize: you’re listening to music, then a title comes on that you do not know. Which of the best sites do you choose to learn more about the artist who could become one of your favorites? Instagram of course. You type the name in the search bar, wanting to learn more. You check out their upcoming musical events, whether there are any hits you haven’t heard, and what they say. So don’t hesitate to do the same for yourself. There’s no charge here, all you need is a phone and an internet connection. Search your souvenir archive and publish anything that fits your image. 

3. Get on playlists to promote your music for free

Incorporating your music into a highly followed playlist is ideal for boosting your streams. You can contact playlist curators in your genre; bass music, pop rock, funk or punk. There has got to be a playlist for you.

On this point, even if you manage to find the email or profile of playlist curators, paid services can give you a big boost; Groover, for example, allows you to guarantee a listen and a response in less than 7 days, and it’s friendly to small budgets.

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Do you want to be sure that your music will be listened to by playlist curators? 👇

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All the melodies of the moment have their place on a playlist. To find them, do in-depth research even on Soundcloud or YouTube, where people listen for free. On any streaming platform, don’t aim for big playlists, which are too hard to contact. But check the small and medium ones. Find out who curates them and send them your press kit by email or on Groover. Don’t forget that it is one of the main vectors on the platforms, any good music library that respects itself has one. 

On the other hand, beware of scams: some cost money and don’t guarantee any return on investment. When it comes to streaming music, you can buy likes and views. So be careful, the numbers you see are not always correct. 

Speaking of playlists, know that when a user shazams one of your sounds, it gets added to a personal playlist. That allows users to listen and discover later. And the more your sounds are added to a playlist, the more likely they are to “please” the platform’s algorithm. All composers with an Apple Music for Artists account have access to it.

4. Bonus tips

On a music listening site, you are not seen playing. Clearly, doing a concert helps to create a persona and engage the audience. It’s free, and at best you make money. Listening to live music is so much better for engaging with an artist. So go to concert halls and festivals, and find a date!

Get on the radio. We’re not talking about the most popular radio stations (although…) because they’re generally too difficult to reach. But find the contacts of the multitude of web radio stations available – which often exist as music apps – and send your music. Target the radio stations that match your identity; once again, there is something for everyone. Among your available titles, choose the ones to send. The newest are the most interesting!

Create royalty-free music. It’s a bit of a technical trick, but it can make you known to people who will take you further. Royalty-free music can be used on podcasts, for example, as a way to get in touch with creators who will help you back by doing your promotion. Streamers on Twitch often need free music too. Negotiate a play on their show, or at least a mention during the show, it’s all beneficial for you. To do this, create music under a creative commons license, and put it on the platforms provided for the purpose, or contact the creators directly. Jamendo is one of these platforms, and our interview with its team explains how Jamendo’s Creative Commons licenses work.

– Translated by Kole Wright –

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Do you need a response on your music? Get in touch with music pros on Groover today!

L’article Free Music Promotion: 3 Tips for Limited Budgets est apparu en premier sur Groover Blog.

Your musical project has as much of a chance to obtain fame as the greatest composers. Whether you make pop, rap or some other third thing, the artist in you has the same potential as Beyoncé. Your destiny hangs on only a few threads, including musical promotion as well as production, live performances, and everything that we will see in this article.  There is no magic recipe, or if there is, we don’t know it. The best advice we can give you to make sure you have a prestigious destiny is to remember three values: work, diligence, and passion. We believe in you. You could be the next king of hip-hop, the next Lil Nas X or Hozier. 

1. How to break into music quickly

Artists who think they can make a quick breakthrough are mistaken. Well, that may not be 100% true, but at least it’s very rare, and even counterproductive to aim for. Explanation: 

On streaming platforms, we can see total unknowns reaching the top 50. It’s not impossible to break through quickly, but is it sustainable in the long run? Rare are those who will go beyond the stage of one hit wonder. Wouldn’t you be disappointed to break through on just one track while you make a varied and meaningful music?

Look at Soprano for example, how long and how many albums did it take him to reach the rank he holds today? Everyone dreams that their musical experiments will reach as many people as possible as quickly as possible, and will land in all playlists nationally and around the world. Do you still listen to the hit of the year from 7 years ago, or the different releases that followed from the artist? Apart from nostalgia and curiosity, there is little chance.  So aim for sustainability. Breaking in fast can backfire.

2. How old should you be to break into music?

It is certain that a musician who is between 15 and 30 years old is statistically more likely to break through. But in reality, a listener, a streaming service, a media outlet, doesn’t care about age. There is no rule, and those who emphasize age use it as an excuse. You have to work, stay authentic and ABOVE ALL make good music. 

No matter the genre—electronic, folk, etc. Listening to music doesn’t involve asking for the artist’s ID. Whether you make classical music, eastern music, or any other musical genre, focus on the ideas rather than parasitic concerns.

If you are really afraid that your age does not match the statistics, don’t comment on it, create an ageless character. It’s all in the artistic direction, you can use it to create mystery. And why not, become anonymous as much as possible. Basically, if you consider it a problem, there are possibilities to get around it. 

3. Produce quality music

For the virtuosity of your various musical works to shine, there’s no need for great vocal coaches, music schools, or renowned artistic directors. What you need is sound, well produced and recognizable. 

All great performers have one thing in common, and that is producing quality music. Even if it’s not to your taste, you can’t deny it. So don’t skimp on practice, start looking for the perfect sound. 

• Stay authentic

When a songwriter releases quality musical content, they are not asked for an academic approach based on the music schools they have attended. No. People want it to remain authentic. Remain itself. 

When your music is finally laid out on sheet music, what matters in the end is whether it sounds like you. Period. You need music that expresses what you feel, not just that’s created to please an audience. 
When the composer and arranger refines their work, they must be proud of it. Otherwise, it’s not worth creating.

• Not following trends

The musicians who follow trends are the ones who break through quickly. We talked about them above; they are also those who do not last. Being in tune with the times is certainly better. But rather than following a trend, create it. We need to bring value to the game. Do what you want, add vocals, a chorus, put a guitarist on rap, a piano on techno.  Come with a trio, or even a foursome on stage to support your tracks. In short, be innovative. 

Your original productions may not break through as quickly as if they were calibrated for TikTok, but at least they will have an impact in the long run. And then, the virtuoso that you are will be recognized at its true value.

4. Perform live

Even if you only make obscure instrumental from behind the curtain, your music has its place on stage. From classical music concerts to numerous pop, rap and electronic concerts, there is one and the same ambition: to take spectators on a musical journey whose sounds will remain engraved in their minds for a long time. So, we can’t say it enough: go live!

• Find concert dates

A conductor who doesn’t do public performances is not really a conductor, is it? Well, it’s the same for a composer of new music. Know that there is an audience for everything, whether you play the flute or sing lyrical songs, you can find your audience. To do this: go to concert halls, find the musical event that suits you best, and offer your music!

• Playing in festivals

Playing in festivals is a must when it comes to musical events. Why? Because the participants are very open to discovery. Not all concerts given at festivals are necessarily known to all spectators and yet, they aren’t empty. We come for the opening concert with the star of the moment, and we leave having discovered a new artist. Find a current music festival near you (or not) and try your luck. Some festivals are more open than others, including festivals that have launchpads, but we’ll talk about that a little later. 

• Go to open mics

During the music festival or other times, there is sometimes the opportunity to participate in open mics. Go ahead, this is the best place to prove yourself onstage, and test your music repertoire. 

• Break into music with musical launchpads

The best musical performances at festivals are not always where we think they are. The pros understand this well—they frequently attend concerts at the launchpads. As audiences dance to contestants’ often incredible concerts, great opportunities can be found. 

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Want to promote your music?

Groover allows you to contact the top media outlets and music industry pros, with a 7-day response guarantee 👇

5. Break into music with online promotion

When you are at the top of the poster and your manager is working with industry pros, you will finally be at peace. In the meantime, you can no longer settle for the help of your musician friends, you have to go further. Contact the radio stations and labels whose music program suits you and present your musical creation to them.

How to succeed in doing this alone? Obviously, there is no magical secret to online promotion.  

• Social media

Start by making your music known on social networks to gain visibility. This is step one. What started as simple sound recordings one day have become full works in their own right, and for that you have worked very, very hard. So make your work visible! It must be seen and heard. Young musicians who understand this understand one of the basic principles of online promotion. 

• Streaming platforms

To one day hope to interest record companies and compete with the millions of songs and albums available on streaming platforms, try to stand out. A vocal element, a rhythm, or anther musical element to catch the eye of music industry pros and get you spotted for your talents as a singer, lyricist, composer, etc.

• How to break into music with SEO

Promoting your music also requires being well referenced on Google or on streaming platforms. Unfortunately, your pretty melodies are no longer enough to get you noticed here. Create a press kit so that all of your communications are unified. Plan to insert keywords that your target audience could be looking for. 

6. Doing your own press relations

Your latest magnum opus is not going to land on the radio by itself. A radio, a label, or any other organization that can give you attention is beset with requests, so if you’re not going to look for them yourself, they’re not going to look for you. 

• Contact music professionals

Show your music on the Internet, and consider making some exclusive, such as in your press kit. A kind of augmented business card.

• Obtain media contacts

We discover music through the media outlets that talk about it. It’s a fact. We all have our favorites. So, find the ones your targets consume, contact, them and keep your fingers crossed. OTHERWISE… (heavy-handed enough for you?) You can go through Groover of course.

– Translated by Kole Wright –

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Do you need advice? Come and tell us about your project! The Groover Club coaches you to help you break through with your music 🌟

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Do you need a response on your music? Get in touch with music pros on Groover today!

L’article How to Break Into Music est apparu en premier sur Groover Blog.

1. What is a record company?

A record company is part of the music industry. Its main activities are the production and promotion of albums for the artists it represents. It is involved from composition to the recording, mixing and mastering of the songs, as well as the physical manufacturing of the records and their distribution. A record company can also take care of the promotion of the artists it represents by organizing concerts and managing press relations.

Major record companies are often called the big players of the music industry. They may have subsidiaries specializing in specific musical genres, and often have music labels that have their own identity and their own catalogue of artists. Music labels are divisions of a record company that have their own artistic direction and their own catalogue of artists. Keeping up?

Finally, it is important to note that record companies are often the negotiators between artists and streaming platforms or music broadcasters. Record companies are therefore key players in the music industry and play an important role in the production, promotion, and distribution of music.

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2. Who are the record companies?

The major record companies are Warner, Sony, and Universal Music. To answer this question, let’s discuss the different roles within a record company: artistic directors, producers and employees dedicated to promotion, press relations, contracts and finance. Each of these roles is essential in the production and promotion of artists’ musical projects.

Artistic directors play a key role within a record company. They are responsible for the artistic direction of the record company and work with artists to develop their brands and musical styles. They can also play a role in finding new talent for the record company. Artistic directors can also be involved in contractual negotiations with artists and streaming platforms in the music sector.

The record producer is a little more complicated—there are two definitions. Or at least, two different levels of involvement in the project. They may simply fund the project and recoup a percentage of your earnings. But they can also get directly involved, oversee the production of musical projects, and work with artists and sound engineers to create the best possible result. They can be involved in the selection of tracks for an album, give feedback on the recording and production of tracks, and play an important role in the promotion and distribution of musical projects. It’s going back to the original meaning of producing, which is “making”.

Finally, a record company has employees dedicated to promotion, press relations management, contract management, and financial management. These employees play an important role in the success of musical projects and the promotion of artists to new listeners and a wider audience.

The employees of a record company work together, hand in hand, to produce and promote the musical project of the artists it represents, in order to achieve the commercial objectives set upstream.

3. What are record companies for?

First off, they’ll give you a budget. After all, producing a record is not free. It takes a certain budget to pay for the recording studio, the sound engineers, the promotion (such as making an album cover or even a music video), etc. From the recordings to the final product, a ton of people are going to be working on the project, and they’re not going to wait for you to start getting paid, they’re not going to make any bets on your music. The record companies are there to cover these costs, to put in place the necessary pay structure to ensure that everything takes place within the framework of the law.

From studios, to music streaming, to creating albums, you have to involve competent people in the creative process. Do you have the contacts? Record companies like Sony, Warner, or Universal, definitely do. There are a lot of people in the music industry, and meeting the right ones takes time. So while you’re focused on your art, your record company will take care of generating this network for you. Convenient.

It will lend you strong credibility to different players in the music industry. Think for example of all those times when you dreamed of getting into your favorite playlists, and never received an answer. That will not happen again. Same for distributing a song online alone. You have to understand how digital distributors work, and the result can be out of your control. When you sign with a record company, you won’t have to deal with it anymore.

Plus, there’s the not insignificant “bonus” of artistic support. Artistic support in music is a process of helping musicians develop their creativity, technique and professionalism. This can include training, composition workshops, and guidance on career opportunities and strategies. Artistic support can be given by experienced music coaches, record producers, talent managers, or even artists themselves. It’s important for musicians to choose an artistic support that suits their needs and style to maximize their potential and achieve their professional goals, so it’s ideal when your record company takes care of it for you.

4. Record company vs. music label: what’s the difference?

A music label and a record company are two terms that can be used to describe the same structure. However, there are subtle differences between the two terms.

Large record companies, also known as the three major record companies, are generally considered companies that focus on the production and distribution of records. They purchase artists’ recording rights, produce and distribute their records, and manage the financial and commercial aspects of their careers.

Music labels, on the other hand, are generally seen as companies that focus on promoting and developing artists. They usually have recording contracts with artists and they support them by helping them to develop their careers by accompanying them for concerts and media relations and by helping them to develop their artistic image. Music labels may also have distribution agreements with record companies to distribute the records of the artists they represent.

There are also independent labels that are often small companies that combine the functions of production, distribution, promotion, and artistic management. An independent label does everything, it just has a smaller reach than a wholesale record company. If you’d rather run one yourself, here’s how to set up your own label as an independent artist.

5. Who should listen to your music at a record company?

We’ll answer this question, but before we find the right person, it’s good to find the right record company too! It’s true that a record company is capable of encompassing a large number of genres: pop-rock, blues, soul, folk, electro, punk, hip-hop, rap, etc. In fact, what you need to find is the subdivisions of the record company a.k.a. the labels. Check which ones will match you best to narrow your search field.

Let’s take an example. Are you a rapper? Why not try Def Jam, and therefore by extension Universal. Stalk LinkedIn, and look for the people who work there. We’ll let you see for yourself, but there’s a guy on there who says he’s the A&R director. And there you have a contact. Try a nice little DM sending a demo, and who knows? You may be next to join Kendji Girac, Louane, The Doug or Mimaa.

PNL, Elvis, and Niro: what do they have in common? At one point, they were at the same stage as you. At one point, they had to find the right person in the right place. So don’t get discouraged, you’ll find them.

6. Which artists to record companies deal with?

Signing with a record company is often a key goal for emerging artists. However, it can be difficult for a performer and composer of new music to be spotted, especially at the beginning. New artists, singers, and composers may find it difficult to attract the attention of record companies. So in the meantime, they can start building a fan base by being active on social networks, making initial music videos, and broadcasting their music online. They can also be spotted by managers to help them develop their career as an artist. As an artist develops their notoriety and fanbase, they will naturally begin to receive offers of contracts. Artists with a large audience will be able to negotiate more advantageous contracts, of course. Business is business.

7. What are the different contracts offered by record companies?

The record companies are obviously there to take your musical works as far as possible, but there are different ways to do it, and therefore different contracts:

• License Agreement
• Distribution Agreement
• Artist contract
• Publishing contract 

8. Advances with record companies

When an artist signs with a record company, they usually have a contract that determines how the royalties will be distributed between them and the label. They will receive an advance on the royalties to help finance the production of a new album.

Before becoming the next Elvis, you’ve got to actually produce an album. The advance serves that purpose. In the event that you have signed an artist contract, it’s around 12% paid to you directly. When you are in a license agreement, it is 30%, both to pay you and to finance part of the project. Finally, in a distribution agreement, it’s 70%, but serves to finance EVERYTHING, so be careful not to empty out every shop on the Champs Elysées.

Conclusion

Record companies play a crucial role in the music industry by helping artists produce, promote, and distribute their music. They have evolved over the years to adapt to technological changes and market trends, from selling physical records to selling music online. However, they have also faced challenges such as piracy and increased competition from streaming music. Despite these challenges, record companies continue to be an important driver for the music industry and will continue to play a key role in discovering and promoting musical talent around the world.

Artists, regardless of their ambitions, have every interest in watching what record companies do, whether to be inspired by them, or to integrate them. And keep in mind that an independent structure will sometimes be a better ally than a large record company to support you in the development of your musical project.

– Translated by Kole Wright –

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To maximize your chances of one day joining a record company, ask for feedback on your music ⬇️

L’article The Complete Guide to Record Companies est apparu en premier sur Groover Blog.

We will talk about social media, advertising, platforms of all types, enough to transform the artist in you into a communication pro. Note that the following tips apply to all musical genres: electro, folk, pop, rap, hip-hop, etc.

To succeed in helping your future fans listen to the music you’ve made, you can use these top 6 websites to break into music. Spoiler: we will talk about both website creation and streaming platforms.

1. Groover, music professionals finally within your reach

It would have been strange not to start with Groover an article about sites to make your music known—this is the very reason why the platform exists, to help independent artists to promote their music.

You can show your musical content directly to those who can help you gain fame: radio DJs, playlist curators, media outlets, labels, publishers, and more!

The platform offers you the guarantee that your music will be listened to and that you will receive a reply (or a share!) in less than 7 days! Promoting your music is finally becoming accessible to independent artists.

2. Soundcloud, to target talent scouts

Let’s start with the German music streaming platform. It’s foundational for making your music known without spending money on distribution. One might think of Bandcamp too, but Soundcloud is still the cradle of many iconic musicians, especially in rap, such as XxxTentacion, Trippie Red, Lil Uzi Vert and so on.

Of all streaming platforms, this is probably the most accessible. If you find success there, the word of mouth will be huge. But to stand out from the millions of tracks, you will have to work on your image and a solid musical project, even if in general you use Soundcloud to test your sound experiments and less for successful albums.

3. Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music – streaming platforms

To increase your visibility, you can use a paid web agency, or do the job yourself. The first step? Stream your music. On Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music and all the others. This can be considered the step after Soundcloud. 

But how to do it? To be visible on a streaming service, you need to have a distributor, often managed by a label. Don’t have one and don’t have the resources to create one? No problem, you can go through a digital distributor like Distrokid or Tunecore. For a very small fee, you fill in your cover, some metadata such as the genres of music you identify with, an Mp3 file, and go. 

So yes, it does cost money, but it’s essential for gaining notoriety. Making it on Soundcloud is still less common than on streaming platforms. The opportunity to land in a big playlist makes it worth it by itself. 

4. Your own website

What if the best site to make your music known is the one you create? One huge benefit is that it allows you to control your natural referencing on search engines. 

Plus these days, no advanced technical knowledge is needed.  There are easy-to-use customizable solutions, such as Bandzoogle, KOMI, Weebly, Jimdo, or Wordpress, which is very intuitive. You need a domain name, a host and your storefront is online! It allows you to create SEO content, texts with keywords that define you, and when you’re done, you can end up on the first page of Google. 

Does creating a site seem out of reach? Don’t worry, you don’t need to code with the platforms we recommended above. Just use the free templates at your disposal, choose the most beautiful, and your website will have nothing to envy on those created by pros.

The article creation tool is often just a few clicks away, so there’s no excuse not to create content. The more you have, the more likely you are to be able to rank your site high in Google. Once you have a good SEO, try e-commerce! The term is scary, but selling a little merch to finance your project is usually a good plan. 

Don’t hesitate to check Google Analytics to see if your site works well, to understand where people come from, what interests them on the site, and to continue to gain visibility. And for those with a budget, you can use Adwords to create paid ads and redirect your future fans to your site.

5. TikTok, Instagram, Facebook – social networks

Admittedly, telling you to be present on social media sounds simple. We’re not going to stop at telling you to open a Facebook page and post regularly. No, we’ll go further. Be present, be diligent in your publication pace, but above all, personalize your interactions. Your music promotion has to be intentional. This is a cornerstone of your digital communication. 

Choose the networks to be active on. Are they being used by those you are targeting? Only pull the right levers, or risk wasting time. Online, you can catch almost anyone if you understand your target audience. If you’re successful, you will see your visibility increase drastically.

You don’t need a master’s in communications to be an effective community manager, you just have to be authentic in your interactions with the public. Artists who understand this understand the essentials.

On the networks you can: redirect people to your site, share your playlists , your clips, a link to the streaming platform you want to promote. The advantage to a personal site is being able to post without limits, a very low cost, and you can have a more freeform creative approach. It’s as simple as finding the right hashtag. But it’s not magic either, don’t get me wrong. Not every track you share will become a hit, but it’s worth a try!

– Translated by Kole Wright –

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Get in touch with music pros on Groover today!

L’article The Best Websites to Make Your Music Known est apparu en premier sur Groover Blog.

Reciting your songs and lyrics will not be enough, you’ve got to sell it. This is nothing you don’t already know. Still, it’s easier said than done. A live show has to be prepared for—your vibe alone, as charismatic as it is, will not be enough to win over the crowd. You’re going to have to convince your audience, play with them, not at them. So, use this article as a checklist to make the best stage performance possible. It covers everything that we consider essential.

1. The tech rider

No matter how you get a gig, whether you found it or it found you, one of the questions that will come up right away in your exchanges with the venue will be that of the tech rider. No matter the size of the venue or how often they hold concerts, you should be as accurate and fast as possible. 

This technical data sheet must include absolutely all your technical specifications. The number of musicians, where they are on stage (make a plan), as well as the number of microphones needed, the patch list (lists of amplified elements). Also inform them of the presence of the sound and light engineers if you have any in your entourage. If necessary, the venue team will provide you with their own. 

Beyond the technical aspect of the show itself, think of all the extras, such as your needs in terms of meals and drinks. But be careful not to be a diva of course, no need to ask for special drinks imported from the Japan or green M&Ms only (and yes, there have been such requests). Mention your possible intolerances, everything the prod team needs to know to welcome you as well as possible. Also talk about your means of transport (car, train, etc.) and how you need to be accommodated.

Do you need more details to make a good tech rider? 👈

2. Communication around the concert

Playing in front of an empty room happens to everyone, but it’s never pleasant. Play the communication game. To do this, synchronize with the concert organizer on the subject. They will ask you to provide your press kit with good quality photos, a bio, links to your music, and everything else! This allows you to have control over what is said about you, so you remain in control of your music promotion.

Then, relay the visuals that will be sent to you, and talk about your show online. During the day, take videos as much as you can, film backstage, setup, and meeting with your audience after the concert. You might decide not to use them, but just in case, these can make very good materials to tease the next concert or even why not, integrate them into a music video that to boost your music promotion.

Afterwards, talk about the show on your networks, post photos and videos taken during the event, and take the opportunity to thank the people involved in the project, as well as those who came to see you. A successful concert will make you more visible, so do not neglect this aspect.

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3. A good stage performance needs a well-thought-out setlist

Before a live performance, you will obviously have to think about the flow of the concert. We were talking about the information to provide to the venue where you’re performing. Well, also consider providing them with your set list. This is important especially in the event that the venue’s sound and light engineers are running your show, so they can prepare for it beforehand. 

How to manage this list when you are a musician just starting out? When you’re famous, the set list is usually built according to the popularity of the artist’s titles. Try to think the same way with the music you have in your repertoire. Highlight your favorite pieces. Start with an energetic title for example, warm up the audience with rhythms that make you want to dance. Continue with calmer, more introspective tracks, to lower the tension and create a form of expectation around the arrival of a more rhythmic title.  

Remember that to have a successful stage performance, you have to be both hot and cold. Create tension and then free your audience from it. That’s the roller coaster. 

4. Stage performance = audience interaction!

The development of your career obviously involves the artistic aspect, but there is also everything that surrounds your character. The audience must love the music, but also the person who created it. This is how you become a fan. Interactions allow you to partly build this character. Your goal is to create a persona. 

There are two types of interactions: one-way and two-way. The latter will make it possible to engage the audience and therefore to better capture their attention. Have them play little games, tell them how to react, guide them. The former is there to give details about your artistic approach as well as thanks and introductions to the team. 

These two types are very complementary, but obviously there is no obligation. It is your personality that takes precedence, if you’re not comfortable with interaction, don’t force yourself; it’s counterproductive and the audience will realize it. A few words at the beginning and at the end may suffice, as long as you can feel sincere.

5. Onstage blocking/choreography

You probably know the drill here—you have to fill the stage. To excite a crowd, there’s nothing better than communicating verbally as well as physically. A live show is an opportunity to communicate with your audience, to enter into a symbiotic relationship with them. So, you have to try to reach each of the spectators individually. Look at your crowd, open up to them, they will open up to you. 

Not all musicians are made to gesticulate in all directions and jump into the crowd. Fortunately, this is not necessarily the right way to go. As with the verbal interactions in the previous point, spice up your performance as best you can with movements on the stage, but never feel compelled to do so. 

Whether or not you’re in tune with the concept, try to plan your movements during the live rehearsals. It will allow you to be more comfortable on stage, and maybe even to plan some form of choreography, alone or with those who will share the stage with you.

6. End your stage performance in style

The last impression you leave is very important. It will engrave itself in the memory of the audience, and make them want to talk about the concert with their friends: “Seriously, onstage, so-and-so was incredible, you have to listen and go see.” That’s the kind of reaction you’re going to want to get. Yes, a concert is above all a way to promote your music.  Playing your flagship title, for example, can be a good way to highlight it. Have the audience repeat the chorus, and leave with panache. That’s the final touch. If you decide not to, design your last song this way anyway. Put it center stage. 

7. Selling merch

Always with the aim of making your music known, you may have developed a range of merchandising to reflect your musical project. After the concert is the ideal time to sell it. At a time when artists’ incomes are becoming leaner, this is an opportunity to build a budget to support your approach.

But the advantage is not only financial. Run your booth yourself and take the opportunity to connect with those who come to see you. Discuss, ask your audience what they liked about the concert. This is a great way to get feedback from the audience on the spot. This can help you identify things to correct for your next concert!

– Translated by Kole Wright –

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Get in touch with music pros on Groover today!

L’article Your Checklist for a Successful Concert est apparu en premier sur Groover Blog.

The best piece of communication advice is: plan. Then, test your plan to draw conclusions. Getting started in music and getting your name out there means managing a digital project, for which you will have to create content using various communication tools. The time has come for you to specialize in digital communication. Do it for the sake of your music! Here are the 10 commandments for an effective digital music promotion, take note!

1. Be active on social media

As an artist, promoting your music involves posting content on social media. Everyone knows regularity is key. If you only use social media when you have albums to present, you may not get the best returns. That’s why you need a communication plan. 

Any expert in community management will confirm that to retain eyeballs (and ears, in our case), you must show a certain regularity. Otherwise, people will go elsewhere and the algorithms of various networks will not favor your content. So, establish a digital strategy, not only for a specific event, but throughout your music career. Set up a clear editorial line, and you’ll gain notoriety and eventually attract fans and pros of the music industry.

2. Constantly test new music promotion strategies

Keep in mind that almost everyone listens to music, and that musical genres are becoming more and more mixed. So think broadly in your communication, be inventive, open doors and break down barriers.

If you are agile and aware of the news, why not catch some of the millions of users connected to social networks by setting up communication plan in line with the news? This is called newsjacking.
Covers also have an indisputable power to attract new followers.

Social media is not always kind to artists. Do you want to increase your notoriety? To promote your music, it is sometimes worth it to invest a little in ads. Yes, it costs money, but it’s well invested – your money could bring you new fans and listeners.

3. Don’t waste time by not getting to know your tools

To succeed in helping new people discover and listen to your music, it’s better to avoid spreading yourself too thin, being moderately good at a multitude of communication media. Take the time to master one communication channel before moving on to another. This basically means: do not launch a newsletter at the same time as an Instagram account, at the same time as a TikTok account, if you have never used any of them before. Tell yourself: “My music has to break through among millions of tracks. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” To develop your reputation as an artist, there is nothing like a good in-house marketing strategy. Be your own project manager 💪 A musician has a brand image to uphold, so find the channel that suits you best. Then you will naturally see the difference on streaming platforms.

4. Always be yourself

Musicians who pretend to be someone else are often filtered out by the audience. Internet music fans are ruthless, and audiences will never fail to point out a lack of honesty. 

Listen to yourself and try to develop your awareness based on who you are, not what you think is best for getting there quickly. Your online reputation is important. You wouldn’t tarnish it by creating musical content that isn’t you, so you shouldn’t be fake with your digital content either.

5. Get to know your audience

Try things that suit your style, offer a communication style that’s easy to maintain, and create your own editorial line.

First, note the different audience habits in the musical genres you make. If you make electro, folk, pop, rap, or hip-hop, your content production will not be the same depending on the style. You need to understand the audience before you start. The #1 tip in marketing and communication is that you need to know your target audience in order to be able to offer relevant content.

6. Create unique content related to your music

Developing a strategy is good. However, being too strongly inspired by things that already work for others in order to gain visibility may get you accused of copying. The audience won’t be fooled.

A good, self-respecting social media manager will always tell you that you need to create value to capture your audience. You need to be active and bring something new to the table. This is true at the level of the visual identity just as much as everything else: your concepts, your message, and your music, of course.

We talk a lot about social networks, but the same goes for streaming. The more original and relevant you are, the more you will stand out among the millions of titles available.

Finally, think about your descriptions, titles, and any written content, because streaming platforms and YouTube have powerful search engines that can allow people to come across your music through keywords (we call it Search Enging Optimization, or SEO). This is the magic of digital media.

7. Learn how to manage your budget to drive performance

When a composer wants to manage their own communication strategy, it’s often because they don’t have much of a budget.

Sound like you? Don’t have the budget for a service provider or a communications agency? Rest assured, the best music promotion strategies are not necessarily the ones that cost the most.

Maybe you should look into contacting labels. They have the budget and experience to launch more extensive music promotion campaigns, and may agree to lend you a hand by signing your project.

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Are you looking for a label? ⬇️

8. Create engagement

In each of your posts, you need to inspire people to take action by prompting a like or comment. Your digital communication and other actions you take around your music must be calculated to allow you to achieve your objectives: radio, being featured on a streaming service, events, etc.

The most creative artists will find the exercise enjoyable, but even if you don’t, take a step back and act as if you were a digital marketing agency. Record companies love artists who know how to manage their interactions with the public. 

9. Contact radio stations, playlists and music professionals

A good digital marketing strategy needs a global and effective communication strategy, and part of that is delegation. If you manage to get others to help with your content, this will allow you to go further. Contact radio stations, playlists, media, and digital influencers. Today, tools like Groover make getting in touch with professionals in the music industry super easy, so no more excuses!

Be careful of consistency from an editorial point of view—don’t just collaborate for views! Especially if you pay for it, the return on investment may not be great. As you’ll see, the most relevant partners will have a direct impact on your performance on streaming platforms. 

10. Personalize your interactions

Interactions with your audience should be personalized. Good targeting goes a long way to making sure your message is heard. You need to implement interactive, creative, and personalized communication to build audience loyalty. This can be super simple. For example, you can make it a habit to respond to people live, in comments, or in DMs.

You can do this on any social network. The idea is to create a persona via a digital environment. Engagement is clearly linked to the environment you foster. Eventually, having a committed community will allow you to set up an e-commerce site to sell merch to finance your artistic project.  

You don’t need to do motion design, hire a designer, or even do high-flying graphic design. Be yourself and respond to your future fans with sincerity. 

– Translated by Kole Wright –

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Do you need a response on your music? Get in touch with music pros on Groover today!

L’article The 10 Commandments of Digital Music Promotion for Artists est apparu en premier sur Groover Blog.