You’ve all heard of networking and creating connections with key people in this industry. Also with the likes of LinkedIn and TikTok around it’s never been easier. And we see artists indeed striking conversations with A&Rs and label reps but to no specific avail or long-term result. There are multiple reasons behind it and unfortunately most of the time YOU are the common denominator for the interactions never leading anywhere. Read on to find out the 7 things you do that turn music professionals off and away from working with you.
7. You don’t show consistency.
These A&Rs and label reps are, at the end of the day, people like you, us, and everyone else. They want to feel invested in just like you want real fans who’ll excitedly wait for every single release of yours. So when you ask a question, that’s only the beginning. Ask tens of questions over time and think long-term. Actually think of them as your potential friends and strive for befriending them rather than using them and their connections. Many industry professionals have become music managers and started knocking doors down when they realized that their new friend is seriously talented. Ask SAINt JHN about it.
6. You never do what you say you will.
This one may come in many different forms but you are being watched by way more many people than you think. The thing is that music industry professionals are not vocal about it as they’re very busy at their jobs but they do have many artists under their radar and are on the lookout for who’s more dedicated to making it than everyone else. Of course, talent matters too but originality and commitment even more so. When you announce a music video coming up but then you end up cancelling it altogether, that’s unprofessionalism right there. When you always talk using only the future tense, that’s amateur stuff because pros only talk in the present or past tense. Or worst of all, when you say you’ll send them a link or e-mail then never follow through. That’s the nail in the coffin.
5. You don’t have your sh*t, oops branding! together.
When a blogger goes to visit your Instagram profile for the first time, that same moment your branding has to respond to three vital questions: Who are you? What makes you different from everyone else? And what are you currently working on? If your website, TikTok, IG, YouTube, Facebook can’t immediately answer these 3 questions, no one will waste a single second wanting to know more about you. You’re so far back behind the average indie artist that it’s just a waste of time inquiring more about you.
4. You’re not genuine.
“But how would they judge me for being genuine or not?” might you ask. Very easy. Do you know that ONE friend on social media that always leaves the fire emoji under your photos without actually saying anything? To the point that you’re wondering if they have a bot software targeting certain people and that you’re just caught in the middle? Yeah. That’s mighty ignorant to do. If you have nothing important to share or a sound, data-backed opinion, stay quiet. Your emojis without words are a lack of utter disrespect for that person’s time and effort.
3. Your online presence is personal.
If you’re a musician trying to make it, you can’t afford to be personal about ANYTHING you post online. There’s no room for confusion between who you are as a musician and who you are as a person. The only time you should get personal is when telling the story upon which your brand is built and the lyrics to your songs.
2. You show no progress over a prolonged period of time.
We’ve seen producers, label execs, and managers get interested in an artist only for the artist to never really improve on his own. No one is going to pick up the slack after you. Just like in a real-life relationship, you have to continuously grow individually as a person in order to bring the best of yourself to the table, the same approach is a must in a successful music career. Even the biggest of artists have to put on their big boy pants and step up when the label doesn’t. Some have paid for their music videos out of pocket, others created their own marketing strategies when the label wasn’t interested, others have created alternative stage names to keep putting out music despite their contracts, etc. GROW ON YOUR OWN and you will get everyone you need knocking at your door.
1. Your visuals are seriously behind the industry standards.
You can be the top talented Jazz player in this world but if the visuals are blurry and we can’t even make out your face, we’re sorry to say this but you will be disregarded. Social media has raised the standards incredibly much, and you have to keep up with them. Your visuals have to match your sound. Aesthetics are at the core of our 2021 culture. Some artists make it just because they look so good or convey a specific feeling. Lana Del Rey is one such artist with the grungy looks, vintage vibes, retro production style. Be authentic, be great, be genuine, be courteous, be a multi-faceted artist and strategic networker.
If you read this far, please like and stream the following playlist to support our top 50 favorite independent artists who are putting in arduous work to make their careers happen. Thank you.
Blue Rhymez Entertainment 