BLOG

How to be an independent artist

Being a musician, whether it be as a soloist or as a member of a band, involves creating and playing your own creative music. Some people consider it a casual form of expression while others consider it their dream job.

How, though, do you elevate your music to a professional level in a competitive market like the music one? If you want to increase your chances of success, you will need to build the groundwork independently and be ready for any opportunity that life can give you. Remember, “opportunity doesn’t waste time with whomever is unprepared” Idowu Koyenikan.

Here are some tips for those aspiring musicians who are still unable to rely on record labels and who must manage a variety of tasks independently, ranging from creating the music itself through its distribution.

Practice your music constantly

Never stop creating new music. Your brain is stimulated by new concepts and musical compositions, which in turn encourages the production of more music. Building a library of demos should be one of your top goals so that you are always prepared to show your music to anyone who might be interested in it, whether it be just a few friends or your next employer.

Take your time and don’t rush to conclude, finding the right technique and sounds/words takes time. Do you feel stuck producing a specific track? Put it aside but never delete it. Returning to it later will allow you to view it from different perspectives, which will benefit your future developments.

To prevent ideas from fading away and to have a solid foundation from which to build the next time you work on the same track, record yourself performing your music as many times as you can.

Practice your music constantly

Exercise is crucial. Creating processes to follow in order to succeed is fundamental when training to affinate your techniques, regardless of your existing skill. Play your music continuously and make experiments with it. What you can change? What you can add?

If you are a member of a band, getting together with your bandmates frequently is essential because the more time you spend together, the more you will learn from one another. Each of you has different ways, personalities, and body language, which are important considerations when collaborating on music.

getting together with your bandmates frequently

Get on stage, it’s time to gig and to make connections

It's time to start giving live online and/or offline performances of your music when you feel secure in your creations and you can hear that it has the correct flow. Online spaces like Instagram Live, TikTok Live, Twitch, and others can assist you in reaching a wide audience and are ideal for building a community around your music.

Offline spaces instead, like small pubs, parties or even the streets is where a face to face interaction with your audience happens. The idea could seem intimidating at first, but as you perform your songs in front of audiences more frequently, you get lot more at ease with it.

Do the guys in the video below look familiar to you? They are the Måneskin in one of their first ever concerts among the street of Rome, learning how to manage and stand in front of their audience from the ABC, from the street.

Never stop looking for opportunities and be reminded that every gig matters to build up the necessary experience. Doing so you get ready for a bigger opportunity when it will show up. Always give the best of yourself, you never know who is listening and watching you.

During music events speak to people and be open to conversate and create connections. The more open you are the higher is the chance you will find someone able to help you with collaborations and/or opportunities of any sort.

Don’t forget you are a business

Even if having a strong musical talent is crucial when pursuing a career, it isn't always sufficient. For the project to advance, work must be done in the background. You will need to set aside time for the management responsibilities yourself if you don't already know someone who can handle them for you.

A manager's typical responsibilities include recruiting band members, scheduling performances, scheduling practice sessions, and networking. Juggling all of these obligations while also composing and performing can be challenging.

Wherever you can, try to divide up the work among the band members. When it comes to handling these jobs, cooperation and communication are crucial. Support other people who are taking on responsibilities as much as you can.

Use Socials and make your own website

Nowadays, it seems impossible to avoid socials media, and you should never undervalue their potential to raise your band's reputation. They offer platforms for you to rapidly express yourself to your audience and share your songs.

Ask individuals for their opinions and remember to reply to comments. In Calypsoroom you can do this live meanwhile listening to your music with your closest fans in a video music session. Give your audience something to respond to or engage with. Inclusion increases interest in what you're doing . Engaging content includes images, videos, surveys, and even postings general queries.

Use Socials and make your own website

Avoid the temptation to share the identical message on all of your channels. Adjust your posts instead to the platform you're using. This increases the likelihood that fans will follow you across numerous platforms.

A website could appear unnecessary with the abundance of social media outlets. Having your own landing page, however, will enhance your professional image and provide you complete control over how your content is presented.

Release and share your music

The way we distribute music around the world has been transformed by the internet. Anyone can instantly listen to your music if you upload it to sites like Soundcloud, Bandcamp or Calypsoroom.

However, the ease of access to the internet has also altered how we listen to music. Due to the daily flood of new music on the internet, many of us now use premium streaming services with curated playlists to obtain a concentrated dose of the music we might enjoy.

So, without the assistance of a specialised PR firm, what is the best strategy to increase your exposure among other new music? The greatest place to begin is with a plan. Read some guidelines for creating a press release independently.

Conclusion

There is no specific formula for how to be an independent artist. Strategy may vary from artist to artist. There is no doubt that success in the music business requires drive, perseverance, a thick skin, and the capacity to adapt to its challenges. The secret is to keep going in the face of obstacles and inescapable setbacks. But most importantly, be genuine! Find the distinctive traits that make you unique and go for them!

Once your music is ready, consider the idea to post it on Calypsoroom and listen to it with whomever you want, at the same time, connected by webcam!



back

Written by CalypsoRoom Editorial Team
The CalypsoRoom Editorial Team is a skilled and diverse group of writers, researchers, and industry specialists who have access to Calypso's data and information in order to give you broad knowledge about the music industry as well as helpful advice to help you manage your music and dancing career.

Updated January 2023


How to be an independent artist

#independentmusicartists

#directtofan #marketing

#musiccareer #recommendations







I agree to to the newsletter Privacy Policy
New music experience
Meet new people listening together the same music


Blog Archive


Can you sample any song? How to sample a song legally
How to sample a song legally

#copyright #independentmusicartists

#musiccareer #recommendations



How to Get Your Music Heard: 7 ways to Get Your Music Out There
How to Get Your Music Heard

#independentmusicartists #marketing

#musiccareer #recommendations



Song Ideas: get inspired by these 18 ones
Song Ideas: get inspired by these 18 ones

#musiccareer #recommendations



SEO for musicians: tips and recommendations
SEO for musicians

#independentmusicartists #marketing

#recommendations



Band photoshoot ideas
Band photoshoot ideas

#independentmusicartists #marketing

#musiccareer #recommendations



Tips for musicians: how to promote your social channels
How to promote your social channels

#independentmusicartists #marketing

#musiccareer #recommendations



The State of the Music Industry in the Digital Age
The State of the Music Industry in the Digital Age

#history #market

#streamingmusic #technology



How to find a music manager - Tips and recommendations
How to find a music manager

#independentmusicartists #musiccareer

#recommendations



What does a music manager do?
What does a music manager do?

#independentmusiartists #marketing

#musiccareer #recommendations



Choosing a Record Label Vs Working as an Independent artist
Choosing a Record Label Vs Working as an Independent artist

#independentmusicartists #market

#recordlabels



Why do humans like music?
Why do humans like music?

#powerofmusic #psychology



The Rise of Independent Music Artists
The Rise of Independent Music Artists

#independentmusicartists

#marketanalysis



How to Write a Music Press Release
How to Write a Music Press Release

#independentmusicartists #marketing

#tips



Why is music important so much for society?
Why is music important so much for society?

#community #powerofmusic



9 Easy Steps On How To Become A Music Producer
9 Easy Steps On How To Become A Music Producer

#independentmusicartists #musiccareer

#recommendations



How Music Helps Society
How Music Helps Society

#community #powerofmusic

#socialnetwork



Through Music, you make new friends
Through Music, you make new friends

#newmusicexperience #powerofmusic

#socialnetwork



How to promote your music
How to promote your music

#independentmusicartists #marketing

#recommendations



The Direct-to-Fan Business for Music Artists
The Direct-to-Fan Business for Music Artists

#community #directtofan

#independentmusicartists #marketing

#superfans



Brief History of Pop Music
Brief History of Pop Music

#history #musicgenre

#pop



Security and Privacy Online
Security and Privacy Online

#privacy #recommendations

#security #technology



Connecting Through Webcam
Connecting Through Webcam

#community #recommendations

#webcam



AI Technology and Music Production
AI Technology and Music Production

#independentmusicartists #recommendations

#technology



Next Decade Music Trends - What Does the Future Hold?
Next Decade Music Trends - What Does the Future Hold?

#future #independentmusicartists

#marketanalisys #marketing

#streamingmusic #technology



Gen Z and The Internet
Gen Z and The Internet

#community #genz

#marketanalisys #socialnetwork



Video Chat World: History and Evolution
Video Chat World: History and Evolution

#history #market

#technology #videochat



Power of Music in Connecting People
Power of Music in Connecting People

#community #powerofmusic



Brief History of Hip-Hop Music
Brief History of Hip-Hop Music

#history #musicgenre



How Live Streaming Shapes Gen Z Behaviour
How Live Streaming Shapes Gen Z Behaviour

#future #genz

#marketanalysis #livestreaming

#liveplatforms



Why Music Streaming Platforms are Becoming Popular Among Gen Z
Why Music Streaming Platforms are Becoming Popular Among Gen Z

#community #genz

#marketanalysis #streamingmusic



The evolution of music consumption
The evolution of music consumption

#history



Calypsoroom 101 - A Comprehensive Guide for Music Artists and Music Lovers
Calypsoroom 101 - A Comprehensive Guide for Music Artists and Music Lovers

#community #howcalypsoworks

#superfans #powerofmusic

#newmusicexperience



Musician Guide to Building Community Nurturing Your Super Fans
How Music Helps to Build Communities

#community #marketing

#superfans #recommendations



How Music Helps to Build Communities
How Music Helps to Build Communities

#community #history

#powerofmusic



Meeting Like-Minded People Through Music - The Future of Connecting
Meeting Like-Minded People Through Music - The Future of Connecting

#powerofmusic #newmusicexerience



Origins
 

origin of a new music community where people meet thanks to their common music tastes

#ourstory





© 2024 Calypsoroom, Inc.
Company number: 681223
James's Walk 31, Dublin, Ireland
contact@calypsoroom.com
+353 (89) 435 8928


Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy