Trying to make it in the music industry is something man musicians work at for YEARS. The industry is already so saturated that standing out can be tough. While success is never guaranteed, there are a few ways you could increase your chances of getting heard by the right person. Here are a few tips.
Be Yourself
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is extremely important to stay true to yourself when trying to get discovered. People will be able to tell if you’re not being genuine, and you’ll end up blending in with everyone else if you try to change your music to fit someone else’s sound. This also applies to your physical appearance and stage presence as well. For example, if you feel most comfortable sitting on stage with just a stool and an acoustic guitar, stick to that and make that your signature performing style. Trying to force yourself to be somebody you’re not will only set you back, so recognize what your “thing” is and stick with it.
Build A Local Fanbase
Performing at local venues is essential in the early stages of your music career. Building a local fanbase will help you get your name out there and create hype around your music, which will eventually reach people outside of your area. One way you can do this is by establishing a relationship with venues in your area. Maybe you could work out an agreement with a local bar that allows you to perform there on Monday nights, or you could attend weekly open mic nights and gain a following that way. Establishing yourself in your area can help you build the foundation for a successful career down the road.
Market Yourself
In the early stages of your music career, you’ll most likely have to represent yourself. Most undiscovered musicians can’t afford professional representation, so you’ll have to get creative with this. One of the best ways to market yourself is by constantly playing gigs. Signing up for a talent booking app like Special Guest is a great way to find and book gigs that you can actually get paid for. The Special Guest app allows you to set your own price per hour, so the more shows you play, the more you get paid! Playing as often as possible is not only important for making money, but you’ll become more visible in your local music scene as well.
Be Patient
Nothing is guaranteed in the music industry, so it’s important to remember to be patient when you’re first starting out. Hard work, dedication, and patience are the most valuable qualities you could have when trying to make it as a musician, so just keep getting out there and performing every chance you get- you never know who might be in the audience!
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