It doesn't matter what kind of music you play, if you want to make it big in the music world, you can't just dream about it. You have to get off your bottom, and get out there and do whatever it takes to make it happen. You can visualize whatever you want, but until you do something to make it happen, all it is a wish, not a reality.
The older ways of making it big in the music business have changed more dramatically and faster in the last few years than any previous time in history. With those changes, come plenty of great opportunities. In fact, according to the staff at MusicMarketingCenter.com, there's no 'next big thing' happening, and there's never been a better time to get your start. If you have something new and exciting, the sky's the limit. If your music fits an established genre, then there are already people who are anxious to hear it.
First thing, find what niche your music belongs in. That gives you a starting point of where to look to promote yourself. We'll talk about that and promoting yourself online in future articles. But, for now, let's concentrate on playing live.
If you have figured out your musical style, or one that is similar, start there. Look for local places that are already known for music similar to what you play. Bug them till you get a gig there. Don't worry too much about the money in the beginning... you just need to build a loyal following for now.
Every time you play, bring whatever you need to build your mailing list. This is super important, and will be the topic of a number of posts at the musicmarketingcenter.com. But for now, even if it's a legal pad for people to put their names, snail mail and e-mail addresses on, get that info. This will be your core list of fans, and the ones that are going to tell their friends all about how great you were. You need their info so you can e-mail when you play again, release a CD or have any news you'd like to share.
Along with promoting yourself, your gigs, your cds, etc. with your mailing list, why not make some cash? Get tshirts, posters, or other merchandise created, and offer it to your list at a profit. Music fans love to talk about the new band they've discovered, and tshirts are a great way to help them to talk about you. Think it's going to cost you a lot of money to print tshirts? Wrong.. Check out cafepress.com. They print tshirts and other merchandise on demand and there is no start up cost at all.
Make an announcement at the end of your set to join your mailing list so the audience knows to sign up. Also, put it next to you, because when the set is over you can talk to people and make a connection. Some love to have the recognition of the talented person on the stage talking to them, others do not. These people will just put their information on the page and leave. Remember to thank them. This is not the Punk era and that attitude will only get in your way.
If your music doesn't fit a specific genre, colleges and clubs have always prided themselves on being the first to bring their audiences innovative work.
Even audition nights and open mike nights give you a great chance to play. There are plenty of famous people and bands that started there. Bring in some friends who can be your cheering squad. People are often like monkeys. When they see others enjoying the show, they are more likely to enjoy it themselves. The more excited your friends get, the more excited all the people in the audience that never heard of you will become also.
The main thing to remember is that if you want to make it big in the music business, you need to get heard. And, for most bands and musicians, the best way to be heard is in front of a live audience. No other form of distribution of your music is going to have the impact of a great live show.
The older ways of making it big in the music business have changed more dramatically and faster in the last few years than any previous time in history. With those changes, come plenty of great opportunities. In fact, according to the staff at MusicMarketingCenter.com, there's no 'next big thing' happening, and there's never been a better time to get your start. If you have something new and exciting, the sky's the limit. If your music fits an established genre, then there are already people who are anxious to hear it.
First thing, find what niche your music belongs in. That gives you a starting point of where to look to promote yourself. We'll talk about that and promoting yourself online in future articles. But, for now, let's concentrate on playing live.
If you have figured out your musical style, or one that is similar, start there. Look for local places that are already known for music similar to what you play. Bug them till you get a gig there. Don't worry too much about the money in the beginning... you just need to build a loyal following for now.
Every time you play, bring whatever you need to build your mailing list. This is super important, and will be the topic of a number of posts at the musicmarketingcenter.com. But for now, even if it's a legal pad for people to put their names, snail mail and e-mail addresses on, get that info. This will be your core list of fans, and the ones that are going to tell their friends all about how great you were. You need their info so you can e-mail when you play again, release a CD or have any news you'd like to share.
Along with promoting yourself, your gigs, your cds, etc. with your mailing list, why not make some cash? Get tshirts, posters, or other merchandise created, and offer it to your list at a profit. Music fans love to talk about the new band they've discovered, and tshirts are a great way to help them to talk about you. Think it's going to cost you a lot of money to print tshirts? Wrong.. Check out cafepress.com. They print tshirts and other merchandise on demand and there is no start up cost at all.
Make an announcement at the end of your set to join your mailing list so the audience knows to sign up. Also, put it next to you, because when the set is over you can talk to people and make a connection. Some love to have the recognition of the talented person on the stage talking to them, others do not. These people will just put their information on the page and leave. Remember to thank them. This is not the Punk era and that attitude will only get in your way.
If your music doesn't fit a specific genre, colleges and clubs have always prided themselves on being the first to bring their audiences innovative work.
Even audition nights and open mike nights give you a great chance to play. There are plenty of famous people and bands that started there. Bring in some friends who can be your cheering squad. People are often like monkeys. When they see others enjoying the show, they are more likely to enjoy it themselves. The more excited your friends get, the more excited all the people in the audience that never heard of you will become also.
The main thing to remember is that if you want to make it big in the music business, you need to get heard. And, for most bands and musicians, the best way to be heard is in front of a live audience. No other form of distribution of your music is going to have the impact of a great live show.
About the Author:
Do you want to make your living with your music? Music Marketing Center is the top site for anyone who wants to make their living with music. Promote Your Music with tons of tips, resources and articles you won't find anywhere else at Music Marketing Center dot com.
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