WAYS TO BECOME A MUSIC MARKETING MASTERMIND FOR (PRETTY MUCH) FREE!
"Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things." - Peter Drucker
To succeed, you have to be committed, driven, and focused.
Promoting your music takes your story to the next level and inspires creative freedom. The more promotion that occurs, the larger the audience you find.
Don’t get it twisted. Money is NOT the most important thing we can have as humans. It’s time. What you do with that time, whom you decide to spend it with, and how effectively it aligns with your goals define what you decide to do with your time. No lie, it's WORK. Therefore, it requires the desire to be dedicated and disciplined. Passion will not be enough.
Most of these tasks are going to require heavy discipline in your time management. You can choose to do everything the same way or adapt to another level of yourself. Either way.
GROUPIES IN THE STREET
To start, a good way is to A/B test your audience. Finding your audience is crucial for successfully marketing your brand, and you can promote your brand for the sweet price of free.
One of the industry's greatest secrets is that it is still very much human-based. Even with digital sound transfers, deep fakes, and streaming, making music requires genuine face-to-face interactions. It’s no secret, however, that having a strong foundation or tribe of people supporting you throughout the creative process, from creation to sharing it with others, makes you much stronger. Having a support system like a street team can exponentially spread the word about your music. A street team is essentially a group of fans who spread your sound with others. A close friend, lover, or natural leader is usually in charge. Even major labels have dedicated, passionate, and ecstatic street teams for this exact reason. To make the most of this quality in a person, keep them in the loop. When a show is near, have them hand out CDs, flyers, or assign them to make conversation with people passing by. Offer free gifts, a round of drinks, concert tickets, band tees, free songs, etc. to the street team and the people they interact with to encourage maximum productivity.
SHOW OFF @ A SHOWCASE
It's important to showcase your music to connect with your fans. Speaking directly with performers after their Coachella set or following a local-underground showcase reveals that both artists share a similar mindset. If you enjoy performing your music in front of others and love the energy of the stage and the crowd, participating in a showcase could be a great opportunity.
Many local outdoor activities during the summer provide a platform for artists to perform, and talent agents often scout for new talent in these settings. Additionally, disc jockey groups frequently organize showcases to highlight niche talent in the area. Large festivals and concert promoters are always on the lookout for original opening acts, as it achieves the dual purpose of providing music to an audience and discovering new talent along with the audience.
To enter this world, introduce yourself to promoters of big events and offer your performance as a free opening act. Ideally, show them a reel of past concerts or an Electronic Press Kit (EPK). While doing some free shows can be beneficial, it's important not to make it a routine. The main goal is to market your music so you can make a living from it. Once you've identified your audience or market, you can start getting paid for your performances.
CUE *VIDEO PHONE*
The quality of your recordings is crucial to how your audience perceives you, whether as a serious recording artist or an amateur hobbyist. It's important to aim for high-quality studio results both on and off stage. You should consult your recording engineer about creating broadcast-ready mixes. For live performances, you'll want a high-resolution audio file with some backing vocals and/or ad libs.
Videos are a powerful tool for engaging with your audience and providing a dimensional view into your atmosphere. Recording a studio video is a great way to complement your studio project while giving viewers a glimpse of your creative process. Working with a professional video company can produce broadcast-quality audio-visual results. New or emerging bands may want to include press quotes, live footage, photos, and behind-the-scenes material in their videos, along with contact information (preferably an email and a current website) for industry professionals.
Sharing your video on free hosting sites like YouTube and Facebook is important, but be sure to include local promoters, program directors, and DJs. You want your music in the hands of the "spinners" and networkers, and video makers often sync harmoniously with music makers. Music licensing for film/TV is considered the fastest, most effective way to break into the music industry.
Brit Fox
Owner of Brit Fox Studios
Brit Fox Studios is an original production house recording studio that offers recording services for artists, both remotely and on-site. We aim to deliver high-quality mixing and mastering, offer creative songwriting services, and provide music placements for creators. Our goal is to bring global-level results to local talent.
Maximize Your Music: A 24-Hour Guide for Independent Artists
24 hours. Infinite possibilities. ⏰🎵
Maximize every minute as an independent artist with this simple schedule:
Morning (6 AM - 12 PM):
Creative work (writing, composing)
Practice skills
Engage on social media
Afternoon (12 PM - 6 PM):
Record and produce
Handle business tasks (emails, bookings)
Collaborate and network
Evening (6 PM - 12 AM):
Perform or rehearse
Create content (videos, photos)
Interact with fans and build your community
Night (12 AM - 6 AM):
Rest and recharge (sleep is important)
Seek late-night inspiration
Review and plan for the next day
Remember, balance is essential. Tailor this schedule to your productivity. Aim for progress, not perfection! What’s your key daily task? Share below! 👇 #IndieArtistLife #MusicianTips #TimeManagement#
Unlocking Cleveland's Musical Legacy: Boddie Recording Studio as a Beacon of Freedom and Inclusivity
Discover the historic significance of the Boddie Recording Company, the sole Black-owned recording studio in the city throughout the mid-to-late 20th century. Learn about the pioneering work of Thomas and Louise Boddie and their impact on the local music scene.
It's around 70 degrees outside, not particularly hot, but inside I'm on fire.
In less than 42 seconds I will come face-to-face with a passion project that has been in development for over a year now. Two men are standing on opposite sides of a silver chain-link fence. One man is resting his hand on a tool while using the other hand to pull up his hat and wipe away sweat. But as I prepare to leave in my car, I notice that this house is the only one in the neighborhood with a fence. As the eye moves along the street, the houses blend with the surrounding sidewalk. The front yards stretch towards the uneven pavement, ending all square at the fence boundary. While a few people are outside their houses in the neighborhood, on this street, it's just the three of us. The other man is close enough to grab a tool to help his companion, but they divided by the fence. They are so close together that the only thing keeping their shoes from touching is this fence.
There is no sign on this place. No marker to appreciate its significance. No historical landmark - no pinned location in Google Maps.
The only thing that separates this house from the NEIGHBORS is this fence. A gate.
A mystery that feels so at home - you could easily walk past it without even knowing. You would most definitely drive past it without a second thought, which is why for a brief moment, I did drive by and confirm the address - they knew I knew what this building was. As confirmation of our presence, we shared a secert without saying a word. It's ironic how respect can manifest as silence, and how oral history is passed down loudly but spoken reverently.
I guess comparing it to Motown is uniquely unfair. Unlike Motown, the building I visited did not have a crowd waiting to enter, a museum, an admission fee, a gift shop, nearby parking, or guided tours. While I understand that this location is a work-in-progress, I look forward to the day when Cleveland has its own version of "Motown" or a way to showcase the vocal history of our past. It's important for us to preserve our musical legacy so that future generations can learn not only about our names, but also our unique tones, stories, timbres, falsettos, highs, lows, everyday blues, and nightly howls.
Located at 9410 Pierpoint Ave in Cleveland, Ohio, Boddie Recording Studio is a significant landmark and is often referred to as the golden child of the birthplace of Rock 'N' Roll. Boddie Recording Studio opened on Pierpont Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio in the 1950s and later moved to Union Avenue. By 1984, Thomas and Luiz had recorded around 10,000 hours of performances, released almost 300 albums and 45s, and pressed over a million records. Although they may not have produced a big hit single or launched a nationally famous artist, their hard work and dedication helped to preserve the music of numerous local artists, capturing a fleeting moment in the city's history through the power of music.
Boddie Recording Studio wasn't just a place to lay down tracks; it was a community hub where local talent could flourish. The studio's legacy lives on through its recordings, which continue to be discovered and celebrated by music enthusiasts worldwide.
Want to visit? While the original studios are no longer operational, you can pay homage to this Cleveland music landmark at: [Mt.Pleasant location & Pierpont Ave location]
Key highlights:
aka “Little Nashville”
Recorded national acts include The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Otis Redding, Sonny & Cher, Devo, The Who, and Ike & Tina Turner.
Over 300 albums and 10,000 hours recorded
Custom record pressings for local artists
Unique blend of professional and DIY ethos
It was the sole Black-owned recording studio in the city throughout the mid-to-late 20th century, owned by Thomas and Louise Boddie.
Nestled in Cleveland's Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, with the initial location on Pierpont Ave, Boddie Recording Studio stands as a testament to the city's vibrant musical heritage. Founded by Thomas and Louise Boddie by 1959, this family-run studio became a cornerstone of Cleveland's soul, R&B, and gospel scenes.
For decades, this historic landmark has served as a cornerstone of the city's music scene, shaping the sounds and stories of generations past and present. However, beyond its mere existence as a recording studio, Boddie stands as a testament to the power of music to unite, liberate, and amplify marginalized voices.
A Legacy Unveiled: Boddie Recording Studio's Historic Journey
Founded in the 1950s by Thomas and Louise Boddie, Boddie Recording Studio emerged as a modest yet revolutionary establishment. Located in a nondescript building on the outskirts of Cleveland, it quickly gained renown for its commitment to quality and innovation. Musicians from all walks of life flocked to Boddie, drawn by its state-of-the-art equipment and welcoming atmosphere.
Breaking Boundaries: The Quest for Freedom and Inclusivity
What sets Boddie Recording Studio apart from its counterparts is its unwavering dedication to inclusivity and freedom of expression. In an era marked by racial segregation and inequality, Boddie stood as a beacon of hope for marginalized voices. Black artists, in particular, found sanctuary within its walls, free to create and collaborate without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
Amplifying Marginalized Voices: The Impact of Boddie's Legacy
Throughout its storied history, Boddie Recording Studio has played a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of those often overlooked by mainstream society. From soulful R&B crooners to fiery jazz instrumentalists, Boddie provided a platform for artists to share their stories and connect with audiences on a deeper level. Its recordings served as anthems of resistance, resilience, and hope, transcending barriers of race, class, and creed.
Discovering Undiscovered Treasures: Unveiling Cleveland's Musical Map
As we reflect on Boddie Recording Studio's legacy, it begs the question: what other hidden treasures lie within Cleveland's musical landscape? To answer this question, a new initiative has emerged: the creation of an interactive music map. This map, curated by local historians and music enthusiasts, aims to uncover the forgotten gems of Cleveland's musical past, from legendary recording studios to iconic performance venues.
Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future
In conclusion, Boddie Recording Studio stands as a testament to Cleveland's enduring musical legacy. Its commitment to freedom, inclusivity, and amplification of marginalized voices serves as a guiding light for future generations of musicians and music lovers alike. As we embark on this journey to uncover Cleveland's hidden treasures, let us remember the lessons of Boddie: that music has the power to unite, liberate, and transcend the boundaries that divide us.
more by @xfoxrox