Be patient.
“Be patient, both with yourself and with your plans. Some artists find their lane on the first single, for others it may take years, name changes, failed deals—everyone has a different timeline. Take this time to learn and apply yourself. Focus on developing every day, both as an artist and as a human being. Understand your strengths as weaknesses. Be open to feedback and differing opinions, but also understand where it's coming from and the context of the situation. There's a lot of money to grab out there but that doesn't mean go grab it. Believe in your vision, be thankful for every opportunity, and do your best to not be an asshole.”—Chris Cajoleas, Manager, Swmmng
“Be patient, both with yourself and with your plans. Some artists find their lane on the first single, for others it may take years, name changes, failed deals—everyone has a different timeline. Take this time to learn and apply yourself. Focus on developing every day, both as an artist and as a human being. Understand your strengths as weaknesses. Be open to feedback and differing opinions, but also understand where it's coming from and the context of the situation. There's a lot of money to grab out there but that doesn't mean go grab it. Believe in your vision, be thankful for every opportunity, and do your best to not be an asshole.”—Chris Cajoleas, Manager, Swmmng
FOCUS ON DEVELOPING EVERY DAY, BOTH AS AN ARTIST AND AS A HUMAN BEING.—CHRIS CAJOLEAS
Create your brand and commit to it.
With the internet moving so fast and people's attention spans seemingly getting shorter and shorter, it's more important than ever to stand out. The best way to do that is with incredible music, of course, but having a unique and memorable brand helps too. Whether you go the mystery route like The Weeknd or project a bright, welcoming persona like Lil Yachty, branding can be half the battle.
Have a greater goal or purpose, know what that is, and stick with it. This doesn't have to be a philanthropic mission or motivational mantra, but it's necessary as an artist to find your core intentions for creating and to project that tirelessly. Even if it's simply to get girls and make money, own it. A brand isn't a brand unless it's consistent and distinguishable.
Create your brand and commit to it.
With the internet moving so fast and people's attention spans seemingly getting shorter and shorter, it's more important than ever to stand out. The best way to do that is with incredible music, of course, but having a unique and memorable brand helps too. Whether you go the mystery route like The Weeknd or project a bright, welcoming persona like Lil Yachty, branding can be half the battle.
Have a greater goal or purpose, know what that is, and stick with it. This doesn't have to be a philanthropic mission or motivational mantra, but it's necessary as an artist to find your core intentions for creating and to project that tirelessly. Even if it's simply to get girls and make money, own it. A brand isn't a brand unless it's consistent and distinguishable.
Practice performing live.
"It’s never too early to get on a stage and start performing, but it’s important to choose the right stage for the right moment. An artist can rack up a million plays on Soundcloud and, before they even realize what’s happening, they are called to perform in front of a thousand people. It’s a trial by fire, and I’ve seen plenty of acts convicted under the bright lights. So get on stage early, and be ready for the moment.
"There is absolutely no substitute for on-the-job training. You can shoot all day in the gym, but until you step on court for a live game, you won’t know if you have the right conditioning. Find the local open mic in your city, and own it. Look up the contacts for artists you think you’d have synergy with and ask if you can open for their show. If they don’t have any money to pay you, do it anyway. Have a friend film you and then study the tape after.
"It’s never too early to get on a stage and start performing, but it’s important to choose the right stage for the right moment. An artist can rack up a million plays on Soundcloud and, before they even realize what’s happening, they are called to perform in front of a thousand people. It’s a trial by fire, and I’ve seen plenty of acts convicted under the bright lights. So get on stage early, and be ready for the moment.
"There is absolutely no substitute for on-the-job training. You can shoot all day in the gym, but until you step on court for a live game, you won’t know if you have the right conditioning. Find the local open mic in your city, and own it. Look up the contacts for artists you think you’d have synergy with and ask if you can open for their show. If they don’t have any money to pay you, do it anyway. Have a friend film you and then study the tape after.
"When an artist you respect is going out on tour, find out who their booking agent is (search online, and invest in a PollstarPro subscription), and send them your Soundcloud profile, and link to local press or a YouTube clip of you performing. If they don’t respond, follow up in a few weeks and ask if you could be considered for the next one.”—Alex Damashek, Show Producer/Promoter, Move Forward Music
Don't refuse help.
A successful artist is rarely one person—it’s a team that could include engineers, graphic designers, videographers—but chances are you’re not in a position to pay everybody right off the bat. Just as in songwriting, it’s best to use the material around you when it comes to initial artist development—friends, family, and Instagram feeds are a talent pool that’s right in front of you. If a (talented) illustrator friend asks you how the music is going, see how deep their interest really runs.
Think carefully about your visuals.
Your album art will become many people's first impression of you, so don't just throw it together on the day of release. Connect with creatives around you and come up with something unique and that reflects your identity as an artist. Not everyone can get a real, live bear for their album cover like 6lack did, but try and get creative. And if all else fails, go minimal. Simply naming an album after a color has a strong history of success.
A successful artist is rarely one person—it’s a team that could include engineers, graphic designers, videographers—but chances are you’re not in a position to pay everybody right off the bat. Just as in songwriting, it’s best to use the material around you when it comes to initial artist development—friends, family, and Instagram feeds are a talent pool that’s right in front of you. If a (talented) illustrator friend asks you how the music is going, see how deep their interest really runs.
Think carefully about your visuals.
Your album art will become many people's first impression of you, so don't just throw it together on the day of release. Connect with creatives around you and come up with something unique and that reflects your identity as an artist. Not everyone can get a real, live bear for their album cover like 6lack did, but try and get creative. And if all else fails, go minimal. Simply naming an album after a color has a strong history of success.
From press photos and single art to music videos, this same care should be put into all decision-making when it comes to your visual identity as an artist. Too many times, the visuals surrounding music feel like an afterthought. In the age of social media and content overload, that doesn't cut it.
"You're witnessing the artist before you hear their music a lot of the times," says Saint Louis, Brand Strategist for GFCNY who has worked closely with artists like 6LACK, Raury, D.R.A.M., and A.CHAL. "Brand identity, aesthetics, and how the two relate and complement the music are major keys as to why one gets intrigued and continues to tune in. With social media follows and likes being a new form of currency and clout, your first impression is being made prior to the IRL meet. The imagery, colors, tonality, words, effort you're choosing to align your persona with will determine how the world interacts with you and your art from that point moving forward."
"You're witnessing the artist before you hear their music a lot of the times," says Saint Louis, Brand Strategist for GFCNY who has worked closely with artists like 6LACK, Raury, D.R.A.M., and A.CHAL. "Brand identity, aesthetics, and how the two relate and complement the music are major keys as to why one gets intrigued and continues to tune in. With social media follows and likes being a new form of currency and clout, your first impression is being made prior to the IRL meet. The imagery, colors, tonality, words, effort you're choosing to align your persona with will determine how the world interacts with you and your art from that point moving forward."
6lack Bear
Image via 6LACK
Know yourself.
"My advice for new artists is to really assess why you’re making music and make sure it’s coming from a pure place. Being a successful artist is a huge undertaking, not only time-wise and financially, but also emotionally. Motivations such as fame, money, and groupies are only going to take you so far.
"Compete with yourself and no one else, I’ve seen countless artists go crazy by comparing their career trajectory to others. In music pretty much everything is out of your control outside of the product you create and it’s delivery. Your only concern should be making sure your product is strong enough to stand out amongst the rest. Only the people can decide who becomes a star.
(READ 3)
Image via 6LACK
Know yourself.
"My advice for new artists is to really assess why you’re making music and make sure it’s coming from a pure place. Being a successful artist is a huge undertaking, not only time-wise and financially, but also emotionally. Motivations such as fame, money, and groupies are only going to take you so far.
"Compete with yourself and no one else, I’ve seen countless artists go crazy by comparing their career trajectory to others. In music pretty much everything is out of your control outside of the product you create and it’s delivery. Your only concern should be making sure your product is strong enough to stand out amongst the rest. Only the people can decide who becomes a star.
(READ 3)
(COPY FROM)
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