Coldwave Blog - Music Tips For Independent Artists

Blog post originally from the   SymphonicBlog . By Darren Cooper . Artists are driven by the desire to create from what comes deep within . We take dreams and ideas and construct something tangible for others to consume. A lyric. A painting. Each time striving to be better than before. But in doing so we can isolate ourselves, and that’s the last thing need to do. That’s why community is so important. A few weeks ago I had an idea and I wanted to see if it would resonate with anyone else. So after pondering it for a while (and realizing that if I didn’t act fear would win), I decided to take action. I sent a message to a few of my artist friends and asked them one question. I asked if they would you be interested in coming to a monthly artist meeting. The goal would be to come together and talk about wins we have had, ideas we are working on, and how we can help each other grow in our careers. I wasn’t really ready for the response I received . Everyone I aske...

Blog post originally from the   SymphonicBlog . Written by Raquel Dixit . Burning out in the music industry can be avoided by not overworking yourself. Your talents are special, take time to heal and rest. Despite the glitter, fame, and luxurious stereotypes that follow the music industry, it is still work. Just like any job, it can become stressful. While some stress is essential to motivate us to work harder than the competition, sometimes too much of it really catches up to us. Making music, promoting, scheduling new gigs, keeping up with fans… AGHHH! Does the list ever end?! It can all become overbearing if you’re not ready for it. But that’s not why we started this, is it? We didn’t do it for the money, for the fame, for the stress, we did it because it’s our passion. People choose the music industry because it’s something they love and enjoy, it’s supposed to be FUN and filled with PASSION. So if you find yourself rolling your eyes at the mere thought of enj...

Blog post originally from the   SymphonicBlog . By Concert Window . Whether you’re an emerging artist or a seasoned professional, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of online resources out there these days, all claiming to be the best way to either engage with your fan base, reach new audiences, or make money. The virtual concert is a relatively new concept, but one that is growing rapidly and is proving hugely successful on every level. A virtual concert is basically a show you broadcast online, allowing people to tune in from anywhere by mobile device or computer. It’s as easy as opening up your laptop and performing from your own home. Music fans around the globe can tune into the live show, pay for tickets, give tips, buy merch and chat with you, all in real time. Best thing about it is you only need to get dressed from the waist up.. . . . we’re joking…. No really, please cover up! Below is a guide to help you create the best experience for fans and cash ...

Blog post originally from the SymphonicBlog . Guest Post by Camille Evelyn. “As social media marketers, we tend to sweat the details. Am I posting at the most ideal times? Are my posts formatted to perfection? Do my updates have the right tone and brand personality? But while these things are important, there’s one thing that is most critical. And it’s something that is often overlooked by many marketers. That thing is consistency.” – Kelvin Claveria Welp! Mr. Claveria said it quite well! This article has one purpose, and that is to give you ideas on how to keep your social media buzzing and creating consistent content. Here we go! Have a weekly show/release Having a weekly show is one of the most common ways to keep your fanbase entertained on a regular basis. You can do a vlog (video blog) of your activity for the past week, release a cover or freestyle. If doing a cover or freestyle, have a download link in the description of the video. Also, be sure to give the segment a cat...

Blog post originally from the SymphonicBlog . One of the main reasons for creating a great music video is to gain editorial coverage with influential music press. But make sure you don’t forget the creativity press! We’ve created a list of blogs below that feature music videos for the sheer greatness of the video alone. These blogs care about creativity and artfulness and not about genre. Some of them have a huge following, so the chance of picking up more fans is a foregone conclusion. Plus features with these blogs will increase your credibility, giving you more amazing things to talk about on your social channels. 1. Video of the Day “The daily awards site for video content creators” Submit is bottom of the about page Twitter 1.6k Facebook 3.5k 2. Creative Review ‘The best in creativity’ Submit is at the bottom of the contact page Twitter 2,07m Instagram 108k Facebook 142k 3. It’s Nice That “championing the most exciting and engaging work online” Submit...

Blog post originally from the SymphonicBlog . Written by Janette Berrios . Your website is one of the most valuable marketing tools you have as an indie musician today. Even considering all the hype and glorification around social media and crowd funding platforms, the website is still your number one way to get new fans, connect with your fans, and sell your music. Of course, a poorly made website probably won’t get you the results you’re looking for, but with a few basic strategies you can turn your website into an awesome marketing tool. An effective online marketing plan uses your website to create a ladder of interest from casual fan to super fan. With this is mind, your website needs to address different fans’ needs. Someone who has just discovered your music may want to hear your most popular song or read a bio to learn more about you and your music, while a super fan will want exclusive content. 1. Free Content The first step of the process is using social media t...

Blog post originally from the SymphonicBlog . Writen by  Ta'Rikah Jones . Join Shazam’s community of artists on the blue carpet! Getting verified on this platform is simple and can help you to connect with more fans. Shazam is the place where the world discovers music…and often where artists can engage with fans long before other social networks. Join the likes of Armin van Buren, Major Lazer, and more! Here are our tips for getting verified on Shazam: To become a Verified Shazam Artist, click here . If you have a verified Twitter account, you music follow Shazam on the social network to be considered. Once you visit the verification page, Shazam will ask you a few questions. It is helpful that you have your contact details, email address, high-quality photo, and details about your artist page on Twitter, Facebook, or SoundCloud. By becoming a Verified Shazam Artist, you also get access to Shazam Connect. This will help you to understand how your music is perf...

Originally from Beatport's Zendesk . by   Julie (Beatport) - August 17, Thursday, at 14:23 Coldbeat: "...Well, before we get into the post itself I would like to give a few words about this blog post. Since the last Beatport genre changes, is important for us to understand which are the genres currently being accepted on Beatport via distribution. Both, genres and sub-genres, are listed below..." * *As of August 14, 2017 Beatport will be adding three new genres to the store:       Leftfield Bass*  ( incl. sub-genres:  Deep Dubstep; Juke / Footwork; Global Bass )       Garage / Bassline / Grime  ( incl. sub-genres:  Garage; Bassline; Grime )       Trap / Future Bass  ( incl. sub-genres:  Trap; Future Bass; Twerk ) *Please note that Leftfield Bass will be a curated genre only and cannot be delivered as a primary genre via XML.  Also, all sub-genres will be exclusively assigned by our...

Blog post originally taken from   MusicClout . Whether you are recording in a home studio or paying for a state-of-the-art experience, you must prepare. Way too often, artists/bands go into the recording process thinking they know everything. Shutup, sit down and read. It could save you money and time, and be the defining moment in understanding how to pursue your next project. 1. Make SURE you have all the vocals and recording parts practiced and ready to record. Don’t waste any one's valuable time, especially your own! 2. Sleep well, don’t get wasted the night before and make sure to eat a nutritious meal before you embark on the journey of recording. 3. Make an intelligent and informed decision on who will engineer your record. Hear music they have previously worked on and let them hear your demos before starting any project. 4. Bring extra guitar strings, tuners, drum heads, ¼ cables and anything else you may need extra of. 5. Stay hydrated, no cold drinks, dairy...

Blog post originally from the SymphonicBlog . Written by  Joe Pacheco . Most artists often think of Spotify as a place where fans listen to music, but it is more than that these days. Yes, fans rely on streaming services such as Spotify more and more every day but need the same interaction from social media platforms such as Facebook to stay updated and continue being listeners. Here are some reasons why Spotify is important for artists to maintain their fans! Spotify playlists Curated playlists on Spotify are a really big deal in staying relevant and continuing to be discovered. Here are some reasons why playlists are important for musicians to maintain: •    Creating playlists as an artist will show fans what songs and artists you enjoy listening to and be something fans can follow and interact with you through. •    Update your playlists often so you always stay active on follower’s feeds. •    Following and listening to your Discov...

Blog post originally from the SymphonicBlog . Written by   Jorge Brea . In the age of internet 2.0 and social media basically taking over our everyday existence, it’s easy to get distracted. On top of all of the issues facing our every day lives, we have to provide for ourselves, loved ones, etc. thus a day job or something substantial is quite important. How in the heck are you going to find the time to continue expressing yourself through music and also, how will you stay motivated? Well, I’ve truly been there and honestly, get stuck quite a bit. Being a business owner and running Symphonic Distribution brings me great satisfaction but every now and then, I wish I had the time and energy to make music. Before I started in the business, I was a full time musician and now, it’s easy to hear what is out there and think, “I can’t make that type of music at all, I’m just not that good!”. Thinking this can really get you to be unmotivated but I have been trying some things late...

Blog post originally from MusicClout . If new artists are akin to California fires, the intensity is still the same as it was 20 years ago. It's just that more people now have matches. Sadly, they're all choosing to light up in the same spot. Everybody wants a major deal. It makes you wonder how many more crooked deals will be dealt before newcomers finally decide to promote their art independent of the strings of majors. Aligning with a major label offers few benefits beyond the spoils of fame and the facade of a panoramic lifestyle. Let's examine the merits and demerits of being on a major label, shall we? Fame Sure, having the long-reaching tentacles of majors will help deliver your product to the masses and bring you ample exposure. The problem is that new artists often get peanuts on their percentages in exchange for fame. Who wants to be a broke but famous star? Advances It's true that you're likely to get large advances from majors. That said, just ...

Blog post originally from the SymphonicBlog . Managing an online presence doesn’t come easily to everyone. As a DIY musician, though, you don’t have much choice in the matter. Keeping your pages active and updated is hugely important to the maintenance and growth of your fanbase, as well as key in getting press and booking gigs . That said, you don’t have to use every single platform out there. Unless you’re a natural social media expert, consider streamlining your online presence by focusing only on the profiles that matter most. We believe these four are at the top of the totem pole of potential. We’re not saying the ones we’ve left out aren’t useful; they certainly can be. But spreading yourself too thin in your online efforts isn’t hard to do, so zoning in on mastering this lot will likely do you the most good. Here are the top four online profiles every musician must have! 1. Facebook The latest reports continue to show that, in terms of popularity, Facebook remain...