Marketing your music online

Internet and The Music Industry

The music business used to be a lot more simple and straight forward prior to the invent of the internet. Then, as the use of the world wide web started taking over the world, the music industry too went through a major shift in the way it operated. The old business models started falling apart, and companies like Napster forced change in this industry in a big way.

There used to be a time a couple of decades ago, when an artist would get signed by a major record label based on their talent and potential, record songs in the studio, and the wait to see the reaction of the people. In the current day and age, musicians have to do a ton of work prior to even being considered by record labels.

Musicians now have to be internet savvy, create social media profiles, be active on social media, push their music and videos through the internet even before being considered by record labels.

Additionally, websites like youtube have made it possible for anyone to upload their videos online, and so thousands of amateur artists are uploading their videos and music online every year, if not every month. As a result, the supply of musicians and music is at an all time high...creating a surge in competition for new musicians.

Then there are sites like iTunes that have made it possible for anyone to upload their music and sell it online. This has given c good chance to new and upcoming artists (especially ones with talent) to make an income and gain an audience even before they get discovered by major record labels.

These are just some of the changes that have taken place in the music industry, and new business models like selling ringtones of popular songs are emerging every day.

What Makes An Artist A Good Prospect For The Big Leagues?

Most people enter the music industry with the hopes of getting signed by the big labels, and making millions of dollars....living the life of a rock star. Soon, reality hits when they try to get signed by these labels and realize the intense competiton that is out there. That being a musician requires qualities beyond singing, playing instruments and composing music.

There are certain qualities that make record labels look at you, and think that you might have what it takes to become the next big thing...to be the next major popular musical artist. What are these qualities, you ask. Well here they are:

1) You have been successful on your own. This is evidence that what you do works. That your music already resonates with a specific audience, and that those people like you. In order to do this, look for places in your city and state that encourage original artists to perform there, and then convince them to give you a chance to play your music there. Be persistent, as there may be many ‘no’s’ down this road, but keep at it. Once you get a chance to play at some of those venues, and you start filling those clubs, you will start to build up a nice sized following.

2) Show proof that people like your music. How can you do this? Well, for starters, if you have already sold thousands of CDs of downloads, that is something you should start incorporating in your conversations to get booked for gigs and also for speaking with record labels. This is a lot more powerful than asking people to listen to your music and give you a chance. This way, you will be telling them that you are already someone who makes good music and is appreciated by the people.