Hey there, fellow music aficionados! If you’re a fresh face in the music scene, you’ve probably felt the overwhelm of trying to navigate your path to success. We all know that creating killer music is a given, but sometimes it’s hard to figure out what it takes to truly stand out and captivate your audience.
Don’t fret, my friends! The secret lies in setting goals that will propel you forward in this dynamic industry. Whether you’re just starting to strum your first chords or searching for your unique artistic identity, here are four reachable goals that will help you thrive as a new artist:
Goal #1: Groove into Writing Sessions
Make it a priority to schedule regular jam sessions throughout your week. Waiting for inspiration to strike might yield a few gems, but if you want to consistently create music that resonates, you must dedicate time to the craft. Set specific slots in your schedule for writing sessions, rain or shine. By showing up and honing your skills consistently, you’ll unlock your full creative potential.
Goal #2: Amp Up Your Local Show Game
Rocking one major show every three months and promoting it like crazy should be on your hit list. It’s an exhilarating goal that’s totally within reach for aspiring artists. Striking the balance between regular performances and building anticipation among your fanbase is key. So, book gigs in your local scene at regular intervals. These shows will keep your audience engaged and hungry for more, while also giving you the chance to fine-tune your live performance skills.
Goal #3: Pitch Perfect for Local Media
Did you know that local newspapers, blogs, and playlists are constantly on the lookout for fresh sounds to feature? Your next release could be their next big discovery! Make it a goal to pitch your music to local media outlets. Landing coverage in your own backyard not only helps you expand your fanbase, but it also opens doors to industry opportunities within your local scene. Craft a thoughtful pitch, and soon enough, you’ll find your music in the spotlight it deserves.
Goal #4: Level Up with Substantial Releases
The nature of this goal may vary depending on where you’re at in your musical journey. If you’ve got a couple of demos under your belt, strive to transform them into polished singles that truly shine. If you’ve only released a handful of standalone tracks, consider taking the leap and working towards an EP or even a full-length album. While some artists soar to stardom with a single hit, it’s important to acknowledge that most newbies benefit from releasing more substantial bodies of work. EPs and albums give you the chance to make a lasting impact and showcase your versatility as an artist.
By embracing these goals, you’ll not only propel your career forward but also cultivate a rich and rewarding musical journey. So let’s turn up the volume, pursue our dreams, and create mesmerizing music that resonates with the world! Together, we’ll make waves in the industry and leave an indelible mark on the hearts of listeners everywhere. Get ready to unleash your passion and talent, because the stage is set for your incredible musical journey!
Curiosity is a songwriter’s best friend, serving as a catalyst for musical exploration and innovation. It’s the driving force behind the question, “What’s possible in music?” In the realm of songwriting, imagination takes the lead, and curiosity acts as the bridge that leads to uncharted territories. If curiosity doesn’t come naturally to you, fear not. Here are three effective ways to cultivate and embrace curiosity in your songwriting practice.
Investigate Your Ideas
Embracing curiosity doesn’t mean overthinking your songs or doubting your artistic abilities. Instead, it directs your energy toward creativity and provides you with the tools to expand your ideas. Begin by asking questions such as, “What would my idea sound like with different chords?” or “How would this demo transform with live drums instead of an electronic beat?” Investigating your ideas propels the initial spark of creativity into the realm of finished songs. While there are instances when music flows effortlessly, this is not typically the case for most songwriters. By questioning the potential of your music and what lies within the realm of possibility, you can transform vague concepts and inspiration into fully realized compositions.
Examine the Work of Others and Apply It to Your Music
As a songwriter, your love for music likely knows no bounds. When reflecting on the music you cherish, close listening becomes an invaluable tool for harnessing your curiosity. Start by immersing yourself in your favorite music and delving into what specifically resonates with you. Dive deep into the intricacies – it could be the way your favorite singer constructs vocal melodies or the unique techniques employed by a producer. This approach is not about appropriating other artists’ ideas; rather, it teaches you to listen with purpose and identify the elements that move you in music. Armed with these insights, you’ll possess the building blocks necessary to infuse a similar energy into your own songs.
Shake Up Your Routine
If you find yourself in a creative rut or feeling uninspired, consider altering your approach to music. If you typically gravitate towards writing in a major key, venture into the world of minor keys or modes. Experiment with writing a song by starting with the ending section and working your way backward. This approach sparks curiosity by removing you from the familiar, prompting you to ask questions that you might not have otherwise considered within your usual songwriting process. It’s essential to recognize that you may not always love the results when employing this method. However, the primary goal is not necessarily to create new music but rather to inspire a curious and inquisitive mindset.
Endless Avenues to Cultivate Curiosity
There are countless avenues to nurture your musical curiosity, whether it involves exploring new and unconventional music genres or picking up a new instrument. The path you take to foster this curiosity is less important than ensuring it remains a constant companion throughout your artistic journey. Embracing a curious musical mindset will lead you to unexplored horizons and inspire your songwriting in ways you never imagined. So, keep that flame of curiosity alive, for it will undoubtedly guide you to musical brilliance.
As a musician with an undying love for creating melodies, you might feel like your heart and soul belong solely to the music. This passion is indeed a prerequisite for anyone who wishes to make a mark in the relentless and cutthroat music industry. However, to truly make music your career or to find your audience, you need more than just passion. Success requires the formulation of goals – both immediate and long-term – that are as diverse and detailed as the notes on a sheet of music.
Transform your nebulous dreams into concrete plans and targets
The depth and detail of your goals can be the difference between an unfulfilled dream and a successful music career. Goals give your abstract aspirations structure and clarity, morphing them into tangible strategies, benchmarks, and achievements. Being passionate about music is crucial to excel as a songwriter or performer. But merely wishing to “make it” in music is akin to an undefined chord – it lacks clarity and direction. What does success in music mean to you? Is it being able to sustain solely on your music earnings? Getting signed to a particular label? Or perhaps touring a few months each year while headlining at your favorite local venue? Every artist is unique, each having their own personal interpretation of success in music. Therefore, the initial step in setting goals for your music career is to define what success means to you.
Once you have a clear vision of your ultimate goal, the next step is to establish short-term objectives and plans aligned with your larger music career aspirations. This could range from setting a deadline for composing an album to planning tours to specific locations with the aim of catching the eye of labels and industry bigwigs. If you’re a budding artist, your objectives might revolve around securing gigs in your local scene or releasing your debut track. Remember, crafting detailed goals involves strategic planning and logistical work, which might feel alien to you if you’re accustomed to spending your days immersed in melodies and chord progressions. However, dedicating time to this task can yield significant, career-altering results. Dream big, but also set small, achievable objectives that can be accomplished on a weekly or monthly basis. Fulfilling these smaller goals creates a momentum that can propel your career forward.
In the vast expanse of the music industry, opportunities are aplenty. Whether it’s your local venue scouting for an opening act for a major headliner or a music supervisor seeking the perfect song for a TV show scene, opportunities are out there. However, they won’t simply land at your feet. Musicians who combine business acumen with motivation often seize these opportunities first, even if their musical talent doesn’t quite match yours. Artists who balance their passion for music with smart, detailed career goals are typically the ones stirring up excitement in their local scenes and gaining access to opportunities not available to every band.
Many of us are passionate about music, drawn to it like a magnet. The connection between ourselves and our music feels like coming home, a unique expression of creativity that resonates deep within. Musicians and industry professionals alike understand this profound connection. However, the demands of daily life, particularly a full-time job, often force us to relegate our musical passions to the background. It can feel like a chore rather than the source of joy it once was. Balancing a career and music can be exhausting, but it’s not an insurmountable challenge. In this article, we’ll explore three strategies to help you harmonize your music career with your day job, reigniting the flame of your passion.
Crafting a Creative Schedule
Scheduling creativity may seem less romantic than waiting for inspiration to strike, but it’s a necessary discipline when you have a demanding day job. Start by identifying the pockets of time available in your daily routine. Whether you work a nine-to-five or follow a different schedule, pinpoint when you can dedicate yourself to your music. Is it in the early morning hours before work, or perhaps in the evening after you return home? Creating a consistent schedule helps transform your music into a daily habit.
While it may require some adjustments to your routine and possibly seeking support from your partner, remember that this is your time for you and your passion. Building a creative schedule is the first step toward finding the balance you seek.
Embracing Intentionality
Allocating time for your music is one thing, but being intentional about how you use that time is crucial. Consider what tasks will have the most significant impact on your musical journey within your available time frame. If you have just 30 minutes, use it for creating social media content. With four hours at your disposal, focus on substantial goals like booking a tour or recording music.
Intentionality is key to preventing your music time from feeling like mere busyness. By knowing precisely what you want to achieve and understanding how it aligns with your goals, you’ll stay motivated and efficient. Whether you have 45 minutes or a few hours, being intentional ensures that you stay on track and avoid distractions, maximizing your productivity.
Discovering the In-Between Moments
The most productive individuals often thrive in the in-between moments that others overlook. These hidden pockets of time can be treasure troves for your music career. Whether it’s your lunch break, the hours before or after work spent at a nearby coffee shop, or the brief intervals between meetings, these moments are opportunities waiting to be seized.
Recognize that you can achieve as much in one hour as in four if you use your time wisely. During your lunch break, you can work on your music, making the most of every free minute. By consciously redirecting your attention from time-wasting activities to your music career, you’ll start to uncover more and more opportunities. Prioritization and intentional actions will gradually make it easier to integrate your music into your daily life.
Conclusion: Balancing your music career with a day job is entirely achievable with the right strategies. Crafting a creative schedule, embracing intentionality, and making the most of in-between moments will help you reignite your musical passion and make significant progress. Remember, it’s not about finding more time; it’s about using the time you have effectively. By implementing these approaches, you’ll harmonize your music and career, ensuring that your creative flame continues to burn bright.
In the grand symphony of a burgeoning artist’s journey, every note played resonates with the promise of growth. From those humble beginnings on open mic stages in the cozy corners of local coffee shops to the exhilarating moments of sharing the limelight with established bands, each performance is a brushstroke on the canvas of experience. Yet, as the aspiring artist evolves, a profound truth begins to emerge – the allure of every stage may not always serve their soaring ambitions.
The Quest for Equilibrium in Local Stardom
In the labyrinthine maze of a local music scene, emerging artists must walk a tightrope to harness the full potential of their craft. An abundance of shows beckons, each one whispering the seductive promise of exposure. But here’s the paradox: could this abundance, this eager acceptance of every offered stage, unwittingly diminish the luster of one’s musical essence? In the economic theater of performance, the local audience may not flock with enthusiasm if you grace their town too often. Conversely, should you appear only once in a blue moon, the fleeting attention spans of the local music aficionados may abandon you entirely. In the realm of the local, momentum is the elixir, and it requires a delicate balance.
A Symphony of Selectivity
The maestro’s secret, then, lies in discernment. Seek the choicest opportunities and allow them to define your narrative. Embrace a singular local performance every few moons, sculpting a reputation as the paragon of local talent, a dependable virtuoso whom venues can trust to draw crowds and deliver spellbinding performances. Avoid the extremes of excess or scarcity; rather, craft your path with purpose. It is these quality local showcases that form the bedrock upon which your career shall ascend, awakening the intrigue of listeners, music impresarios, and record labels alike.
In the digital age, the virtual realm grants equal footing for musicians’ voices to resound across the world. Nevertheless, the resonance of your hometown stage serves as a potent launchpad, especially in a world where instant stardom is a rarity. The financial and emotional sustenance emanating from your local scene can distinguish between a fleeting moment and an enduring odyssey.
In the quest for quality, patience is the virtuoso’s virtue. Wait for the opportune moments to beckon, and in your selectivity, you shall find strength. Remember this above all: the audience will perceive your work as invaluable only if you, in your heart, believe it to be so. Fear not to seek out the pinnacle of performances, for in this pursuit, you shall ascend with confidence as your guiding star.
Many songwriters often find themselves trapped in a cycle of overthinking when it comes to their music. It’s a natural response since songs are deeply personal creations, and the fear of criticism can be daunting. The pursuit of perfection can consume us, potentially overshadowing our creativity. However, it’s essential to remember that “perfect” is a constantly shifting goal. When we prioritize perfection over progress, we risk suppressing our unique talents as music-makers. In this article, we will explore four telltale signs of overthinking in songwriting and provide actionable strategies to break free from this creative rut.
1. You’ve lost connection to what you first liked about your song
One common symptom of overthinking is losing the initial spark that drew you to your song. We’ve all experienced the magic of creating something special—whether it’s a lyric, a chord progression, or a beat. Yet, as we continuously refine and polish our work, that initial enchantment can fade. The problem arises when we attempt to recapture that magic by endlessly tweaking and adding more elements, ultimately muddling the arrangement and mix.
To reignite your connection with your song’s essence, consider the following strategies:
Set Production Deadlines: Establishing deadlines can create a sense of urgency, accelerating the time between creation and release, and boosting your confidence.
Trust Your Initial Inspiration: Acknowledge that you may have lost perspective and trust that your audience will feel the same energy or emotion you felt during the song’s inception.
Seek Feedback: Collaborate with others or seek input from fans to gain fresh perspectives. They may confirm your doubts or affirm the song’s greatness.
The key to believing in that initial spark:
Overthinking can rob the joy from the creative process. Avoid the temptation to over-tweak a good idea. Your song might already be complete. If you doubt your own judgment, someone else might see the value in what you’ve created.
2. You haven’t broken your project into tasks
Overthinking can sometimes stem from inadequate project management. Goals like “Finish the song” or “Record the album” can feel overwhelming, causing your mind to jump ahead rather than focusing on the immediate next steps.
To combat this, try the following:
Break Down the Project: Divide your larger project into manageable tasks, such as “complete verse lyrics,” “finalize the track listing,” or “decide on a synth sound.”
Use Project Management Tools: Leverage tools like Trello or Asana to organize your tasks.
Set Deadlines: Assign deadlines to tasks to maintain your focus and prevent distractions from more enticing endeavors.
The key to pushing through project overwhelm:
Instead of looking at the entire mountain, concentrate on taking one step at a time.
3. Strong, simple ideas tend to lose out to more complex ones
In popular music, listeners often respond positively to strong, simple ideas that evoke emotions. Musicians occasionally overcomplicate their compositions due to insecurity, a desire to show off, or an excessive focus on theory and gear rather than connecting with their audience.
If you find yourself overcomplicating your music, consider these strategies:
Rediscover the Magic: Identify what was magical in your original demo or voice memo and strip your song back to its core.
Simplify and Reevaluate: Mute everything except the vocal and chord instrument to assess if the song still works. If not, consider rewriting it.
External Input: Ask someone unfamiliar with the song to listen section by section and try singing it back to you. If they struggle, your song’s parts may need simplification.
Eno’s Oblique Strategies: Use Brian Eno’s creative prompts to prevent your ego from overpowering your creativity.
The key to keeping your music simple:
Often, our best ideas emerge early in the creative process. Resist the urge to overcomplicate; sometimes, the initial attempt is the gold standard.
4. You second-guess every step of the songwriting process
While high standards and ambition are admirable, waiting for perfection can hinder progress. If doubt creeps into every decision, it may be time to seek outside perspective.
To boost your creative confidence:
Collaborate: Find a collaborator who complements your strengths and weaknesses or adds their own musical talents.
Seek Feedback: Share your music on platforms like BandLab and SoundCloud to gather constructive feedback.
Professional Help: Consider enlisting the expertise of a mixing engineer, producer, or session musician.
The key to greater songwriting confidence:
While making music can be a solitary endeavor, it can also benefit from collaboration and external input. Sometimes, relinquishing total creative control can ease your fears.
If you’ve been caught in the web of overthinking your songwriting or production, these strategies can help you regain your creative momentum. Remember, songs can be powerful, memorable, and deeply resonant without needing to be “perfect.” Strive to create music that you enjoy listening to, trust your initial inspiration, and embrace curiosity and openness to overcome doubt and insecurity. Finish what you start, even if you don’t use the song; this practice allows you to hear fully formed versions of your music and refine your creative process.
In the digital age, musicians are spoilt for choice when it comes to connecting with their audience. Amid the clutter of communication tools, one medium stands out for its immense potential – live streaming. Over the years, live streaming has evolved into an influential medium that allows artists to reach fans globally, supplementing or even replacing traditional in-person events.
Numerous platforms offer live streaming services, including TikTok, Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, YouNow, StageIt, and Volume. Some, like Restream, even allow simultaneous broadcasts on multiple platforms.
With such a wealth of opportunities to directly engage viewers and build a dedicated fanbase, where should you start? Here’s a quick guide to navigating the world of live streaming:
Understanding the platforms: Each platform offers unique benefits and features. It’s crucial to consider where your audience is likely to already be. Take note of alternative platforms like StageIt, which lets you sell tickets to your shows, or Volume.com, offering artists 95% of collected tips, Fan Subscriptions, and Ticketed livestreams, among other perks.
Beyond livestream concerts: Live streaming isn’t restricted to concerts. You can host Q&A sessions, panels with fellow musicians, behind-the-scenes streams, virtual songwriting sessions, or even virtual meet-and-greets!
Monetizing your livestreams: Yes, you can make money off your livestreams! This can be achieved through virtual tip jars, selling tickets or exclusive VIP bundles, merchandising (including exclusive LiveStream-only merchandise), and eventually sponsorship and/or ads. Platforms like Twitch and Facebook even have built-in digital currencies for tipping.
Experiment with formats: Live streaming allows you to tailor your content to suit your brand and the current stage of your career. Feel free to mix and match, swap one format for another, and see what resonates with your audience.
Vary your settings: Just because it’s virtual doesn’t mean you’re confined to your living room. Keep your audience engaged by alternating your performance location – whether that’s rotating between band members’ houses, hosting an acoustic set in a park, or renting a small studio for a special performance.
Engage with your fans: A live stream isn’t the same as an in-person event, so it’s crucial to make an extra effort to interact with your fans. Respond to comments during and after the live stream, thank your fans for their participation, share replays for those who missed out, and tease future livestream content to keep them coming back.
Embrace experimentation: The world of live streaming is ever-evolving. What works today might not work in a few months. Stay adaptable and open to experimenting with different formats and offerings.
In conclusion, live streaming provides independent artists with a unique opportunity to connect and engage with fans in unprecedented ways. By choosing the right platform, creating consistent, exciting content, and actively engaging with your audience, you can harness the power of live streaming to grow your career and cultivate a loyal fanbase.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s quite common to find yourself feeling disheartened or dissatisfied with the trajectory of your current career. This is especially true when you’re comparing it to something as personal as music. Pouring your heart and soul into your work can sometimes feel like it’s not yielding the desired outcomes. The more time you’ve spent in your industry, the more likely you are to encounter a creative roadblock. The daily grind becomes mundane, and doubts about your career start to creep in.
While there’s no universal remedy for this situation, here are a few ideas to consider in order to rekindle the passion you once had. Take a look at these five possibilities and see which one resonates with your current situation. Remember, tough times pass. They always do.
Evaluate Your True Desires:
Sometimes, we lose our sense of accomplishment and enthusiasm at work when we’re not entirely clear about what we want to achieve. Another common scenario is that our goals are evolving, but we haven’t yet recognized this shift or taken the necessary steps to align with these new aspirations.
Take a moment to reflect on what you genuinely want from your career. Don’t be afraid to be specific and aim high. Instead of a vague goal like “I want to pursue music full-time,” dig deeper and define precisely what that means for you. Then, step back and establish a few smaller, achievable goals that you can work towards in the coming months. By realigning yourself with your aspirations, you’ll likely see more meaningful progress in your profession.
Chart Your Path:
While envisioning the future of your career, it’s easy to identify “full-time music” as your ultimate objective and leave it at that. While that’s a great goal, reaching it will require time and the completion of numerous smaller tasks. This is where your one-month, three-month, and six-month goals come into play. They serve as stepping stones towards your larger purpose.
For instance, as a starting point, your one-month goal might be to connect with five local bands. Building on that, your three-month goal could be to secure a local gig with a relatively well-known band in your area. This approach allows you to gain traction, expand your fanbase, and accumulate valuable live-show experience.
Your six-month goal could involve booking a weekend or week-long tour within your region. By this point, you’ve likely established a local following, acquired substantial live performance experience, and arranged a small tour within a few hours of your hometown. All of these achievements bring you closer to your ultimate goal of pursuing music full-time by enhancing your connections and fanbase. Moreover, they are tangible achievements that you can celebrate as you track your progress.
Shake Up Your Routine
Sometimes, we fall into the trap of a monotonous routine that not only feels a tad dull but also zaps our creativity and motivation. Have you ever wondered why your best ideas seem to pop up in the shower, right before bedtime, or during vacations? It’s because those moments offer relaxation and freedom from the never-ending to-do list, allowing your mind to wander and stumble upon fresh inspiration and ideas.
Even small changes like working from a bustling coffee shop instead of your usual home office, reorganizing your workspace, or doing something entirely out of the ordinary on weekends can be sufficient to break the funk and rekindle your creative spark.
Admittedly, it can be a bit challenging initially, but experimenting with changes in your routine from time to time can be quite invigorating. We adapt swiftly to new environments and situations, and that’s where the fun lies—it keeps your creativity flowing.
Inject Freshness into Your Music
Just as trying new things in life keeps you active and motivated, the same principle applies to your music. It could entail making actual changes to your music if it feels stale or disconnected, but it can also involve altering the elements surrounding your music. Picture your music career as a sandbox—you’re not obliged to build the same thing repeatedly. It’s perfectly acceptable to play around and have fun with it. Don’t be afraid to experiment and take risks.
Embrace Change
Change is a constant in both the music industry and our lives, so adaptability is the name of the game. The ability to pivot and recognize when something isn’t working is crucial.
Your goals may have evolved over the past few years, and that’s entirely normal. Sometimes, as personal life goals shift, your musical aspirations must adapt in tandem. For instance, if your dream was to tour full-time a decade ago, but now you have a family and don’t wish to be away from them, it means you need to adjust your music career goals accordingly. It doesn’t mean you can’t pursue music full-time; it just means you need to find a way to make it work within your new schedule.
Parting Thoughts
Change can be intimidating, but don’t spiral into self-doubt just because circumstances are different now. Consider this an opportunity to reevaluate your desires and approach them with a fresh perspective and innovative ideas. It might just be the catalyst you’ve been searching for!
For aspiring musicians, the quest to find new fans can often seem like an uphill battle. While the desire to create music that resonates with an ideal audience is paramount, missing the mark can be disheartening. Fortunately, there exist numerous creative methods to broaden your reach and connect with potential fans waiting to discover your latest song. Here are five inventive ways to capture their attention:
Cultivate a Community Around Your Brand
In today’s music industry, exceptional musical talent alone isn’t sufficient; it must be complemented by an authentic music brand that encapsulates your sound and identity. To achieve this, it’s crucial to clarify your musical essence. Do your songs delve into the experiences of coming-of-age and navigating young adulthood? Are they upbeat party anthems or thought-provoking reflections on significant social issues? Identify the core essence of your music and construct your brand around it to create communities that both existing fans and prospective ones can rally behind. Consider running a Discord server or engaging in conversations on platforms like subreddits and Facebook groups to connect with your target audience.
Launch a Press Campaign
Press coverage is one of the fastest ways to gain the trust of new fans. Whether you choose to employ a PR agency or handle your own public relations, generating some media buzz is an effective means of spreading your brand’s message. It exposes you to an entirely new audience, allows you to convey your personality and beliefs, and facilitates quicker connections with people, increasing the likelihood that they will also connect with your music.
Collaborate with Influencers
Influencer marketing is a rapid route to attracting fresh fans. To accomplish this, seek out micro-influencers (those with under 10k-15k followers) whose content aligns with your brand or song’s message. Propose video ideas that harmonize with your music, and they will feature your music in their content. This approach opens up opportunities to build new relationships and introduce your music to a fresh set of fans. Create a list of 10-20 influencers whose values align with your music and reach out to them. Micro-influencers are often open to such partnerships, and it can significantly boost your music’s visibility.
Embrace Your Local Scene
Don’t underestimate the power of establishing a robust connection with your local community. While dreams of breaking into larger cities may be enticing, cultivating a strong following within your current community is invaluable. It not only equips you with valuable insights for future expansion but also forges essential relationships that can propel you to the next level. Consider the regular shows you perform; the loyal fans you encounter weekly have the potential to introduce your music to friends, share it online, or provide networking opportunities. As they get to know you beyond your artistry, their desire to see you succeed naturally grows.
Host Engaging Contests
Organizing contests presents a fun way to engage with your existing fans while expanding your reach to new ones. Prizes can range from free merchandise and concert tickets to enticing rewards unrelated to your music. Utilize online tools designed for running social media contests that encourage additional entries through sharing and tagging. This social approach can exponentially amplify the reach of your music.
These are just five strategies to connect with new fans, and there are countless more based on your musical objectives. Start with these approaches and remain open to creative ideas that might arise. If a concept ignites your passion, seize the opportunity and embrace your creativity!
Angela Tyler, the founder of MP Co. (formerly Muddy Paw PR), has achieved placements in prestigious outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, American Songwriter, and Lead Singer Syndrome. Her passions include desserts, her rescue dog Sawyer, and innovative ideas.
For many music creators tuning in, it’s likely that you’ve unveiled a piece of your melody to the world at one juncture or another. Tales of artists hitting the jackpot on their first attempt, capturing a colossal audience, are commonplace; however, this narrative may not resonate with the story of your introductory single, EP, or album – a reality for the predominant majority of music creators. Irrespective of your sentiments towards your last musical venture, there lies an infinite potential to refine your craft. Acknowledging and assimilating learnings from prior imperfections can significantly elevate your ensuing compositions.
The Art of Critical Listening
Reflect on your previous release. Bypass generic labels such as “excellent” or “average” and delve into the intricacies. The proficiency in critically evaluating your creation is instrumental in enhancing future works, sidestepping past pitfalls while harnessing its virtues. While the essence of what we pen down is beyond our control, the methodology is not. A comprehensive analysis of former works, pinpointing elements of dissatisfaction – be it trite lyrics, monotonous melodies, or subpar production – paves the way for amelioration. Equally paramount is the recognition and preservation of your musical strengths, a fundamental aspect of evolving as a songwriter.
A Mirror to the Self: Would You Be Your Own Audience?
Recognizing the frailties in one’s music is no facile task, with the potential to trigger extreme introspection: “This composition is dismal, perhaps I should abandon my musical pursuits.” Reality dictates that sharing your musical expressions subjects you to external critique. A candid, constructive self-evaluation not only fortifies you against external criticism but also augments the quality of subsequent releases.
One of the potent, albeit challenging, queries to pose is, “Would this composition resonate with me had I not been its creator?” The response might be disconcerting, yet the mere act of contemplation and sincere acknowledgment fosters transformation into the composer you aspire to become. If bygone music doesn’t harmonize with your present taste, it isn’t a signal to abandon ship, but rather an invitation to explore the depths of your creativity and craft something superior.
Patience, as we know, is a virtue. For some artisans, reaching their zenith of creativity is a journey spanning years. A fervent desire for instant success, especially after initial releases, might signify a lack of endurance essential for sustained musical accomplishments. As composers, perseverance and a conscious effort to remember and learn from past compositions can be the catalyst for success in the musical landscape.
Hey there, fellow music aficionados! If you’re a fresh face in the music scene, you’ve probably felt the overwhelm of trying to navigate your path to success. We all know that creating killer music is a given, but sometimes it’s hard to figure out what it takes to truly stand out and captivate your audience.
