How to break into music is a bit of a million-dollar question, because in truth, there is not one answer, but several. There are as many musical genres as there are artists claiming to be current music.
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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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!
