How to Promote Your Music as an Independent Artist

The dawn of the digital age has had a profound effect on the music industry. Until around 20 years ago, becoming a recording artist meant being spotted by a record label, agent or publisher. However, the Internet has empowered thousands of music lovers to become independent artists, and this particular route to musical acclaim is still on the increase.

Although being an independent artist allows a freedom that often isn't possible with major labels, promoting music becomes the responsibility of the artist - and that presents a major challenge to someone with no marketing experience. Music promotion is a complex issue, and the market for independent artists is growing ever larger. But with a comprehensive marketing strategy - and the help of music promotion companies - independents can spread the reach of their music significantly.

Online Music Distribution

The Internet has revolutionised music in all its forms. Consumers can now download the latest tracks from the second they are released, and from the comfort of their own homes. However, this new age of downloads has also revolutionised the way music is marketed. It represents an incredible opportunity for amateur music makers; it's just a question of putting a cohesive strategy in place.

It is now possible for artists to create their very own music labels - with the help of specialist music distribution services. Music promotion companies will charge by the track or album for the uploading of songs to most of the major online music stores. However, these organisations will often offer a range of extra services in exchange for one-off payments - giving amateur musicians the chance to access professional methods of music promotion.

Artists who choose to make use of music distribution services will be able to make their material available to consumers via a myriad of online music stores. They may also have the chance to create their own label, and their releases could be issued with real bar codes and International Standard Recording Codes (ISRCs). To all intents and purposes, this gives anyone the chance to become a published recording artist - with a catalogue of material in the public domain.

Embracing Social Media

Social media - particularly Twitter, YouTube and Facebook - allow recording artists to interact with music fans directly. Getting involved in discussions, giving opinions on music in general and introducing their own work to music lovers is why social media platforms are so important to independent recording artists. As more followers are acquired, artists can deliver tailored messages, updates and sneak-peeks of new material to the very people who might be interested in buying their music.

Participation in Artists' Forums

All sorts of people get involved with online discussions in forums and on bulletin boards. By playing an active role in these communities, artists can reach out to people with a genuine interest in new, up-and-coming song writers and musicians. Links to music clips, videos and websites can often be posted, and artists can garner feedback from other musicians. Most forums will give artists the opportunity to join discussions based on genre, so it's possible to reach out to a potential fan base.

Blogging

The power of blogging in the 21st century is huge, and every major brand, company or recording artist will operate some form of blog on their own website. For recording artists, blogging is a way to share creative processes, musical influences and upcoming projects. An engaging and entertaining blog will attract a natural following, and that should translate to increased music sales.

Offline Promotion

Ed Sheeran is the ultimate example of a recording artist who rose to international fame through self promotion. Playing over 300 gigs in London pubs and clubs, he made his name in the offline world, and he capitalised on that by using YouTube and various online opportunities to give his music career some momentum.

As well as gigs, the offline world presents a number of opportunities for music promoting, including on local radio stations - which often run competitions for unsigned artists. Selling CDs at gigs and playing their music at every opportunity gives independent artists the chance to grow their following by letting the quality of their music shine through.

The music industry has changed forever. Anyone can now become a published recording artist - the barriers erected by major recording labels are no longer there. Online music distribution and a coherent marketing strategy can empower independent artists to shape their own destiny, free from the shackles of corporate music labels.

Company Profile:

Ditto Music is an online music record label services and digital distribution company servicing over 50,000 artists across the world. Services include chart eligibility, royalty collection and online promotion.