Archives for May 2024

As a musician, you know you’re supposed to be on Instagram. Everyone and their grandma is always harping on about how it’s essential for building your brand, connecting with fans, and all that jazz. But let’s be honest – sometimes it feels like you’re just shouting into the void, posting day after day with little to show for it.

Well, I’m here to tell you that Instagram doesn’t have to be a waste of your precious time and energy. With a few quick tips and some strategic thinking, you can start growing your followers and actually seeing some real results from your efforts. So put down that guitar for a minute, grab a notepad, and let’s dive in.

Key Takeaways for Instagram:

• Consistency is key when it comes to posting on Instagram
• Hashtags are your best friend for discoverability
• Engaging with your audience is just as important as posting great content
• Collaborating with other musicians can help you reach new fans
• Analyzing your insights can help you refine your strategy over time

Tip #1: Consistency is King

One of the biggest mistakes I see musicians making on Instagram is posting inconsistently. They’ll go on a posting spree for a week, then disappear for a month, then come back with a random video of their cat. Listen, I get it – life gets busy, and sometimes social media falls by the wayside. But if you want to grow your following on Instagram, consistency is absolutely key.

The algorithm favors accounts that post regularly, and your followers will come to expect a certain cadence of content from you. Aim to post at least once a day, or at the very least, a few times a week. But don’t just post for the sake of posting – make sure you’re sharing high-quality, engaging content that your audience will actually want to see.

Tip #2: Hashtag Like Your Life Depends On It

Hashtags are like the secret sauce of Instagram. They help your content get discovered by users who aren’t already following you, and they can be a great way to connect with other musicians and industry folks in your niche.

But here’s the thing – you can’t just slap a few random hashtags on your post and call it a day. You need to be strategic about which hashtags you’re using, and make sure they’re actually relevant to your content and your audience.

Some tips for using hashtags on Instagram effectively:

• Use a mix of broad and niche hashtags to reach different audiences
• Don’t use the same exact hashtags on every single post
• Create a branded hashtag for your music and encourage your fans to use it
• Search for hashtags used by other musicians in your genre and see what’s working for them

And don’t be afraid to use all 30 hashtags that Instagram allows – studies have shown that posts with 11 or more hashtags tend to get more engagement than those with fewer hashtags.

Tip #3: Engage, Engage, Engage

Here’s a harsh truth – if you’re not engaging with your audience on Instagram, you’re doing it wrong. It’s not enough to just post great content and hope that people will magically start following you. You need to be proactive about building relationships with your fans and other members of your community.

Some ways to engage on Instagram:

• Respond to every single comment on your posts (yes, even the weird ones)
• Ask questions in your captions to encourage conversation
• Run polls and Q&As in your Stories to get feedback from your followers
• Comment on and like posts from other musicians and industry folks in your niche
• Share things that are interesting, duh

The more you engage with your audience, the more invested they’ll become in your brand – and the more likely they’ll be to share your content with their own followers.

Tip #4: Collaborate and Conquer

One of the most powerful ways to grow your following on Instagram is by collaborating with other musicians and influencers in your niche. By partnering with other musicians and influencers, you can tap into new audiences and expose your music to a whole new set of fans.

Some ideas for collaborations:

• Host a joint livestream concert with another musician in your genre
• Create a remix or cover of another artist’s song and share it on your feed
• Participate in a song challenge or trend with other musicians
• Host a giveaway or contest with a group of musicians in your niche

The key is to find collaborators who have a similar audience to yours, but aren’t direct competitors. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box – some of the most successful Instagram collaborations are the ones that are unexpected and creative.

Tip #5: Analyze and Adjust

Finally, if you want to keep growing your following on Instagram, you need to be willing to analyze your results and adjust your strategy over time. The platform offers a ton of great insights into your audience and your content performance, and you’d be crazy not to take advantage of them.

Some metrics to pay attention to:

• Reach and impressions – how many people are seeing your content?
• Engagement rate – what percentage of your followers are liking, commenting, and sharing your posts?
• Follower growth – how quickly are you gaining new followers?
• Best-performing content – which posts get the most engagement and why?
• Audience demographics – who is your typical follower, and how can you cater to them?

By regularly reviewing your Instagram insights and making data-driven decisions about your content and strategy, you can refine your approach over time and start seeing some serious growth.

Instagram FAQs:

1. How often should I be posting on Instagram? Aim for at least once a day, or at the very minimum, a few times a week. Consistency is key, but quality is just as important as quantity.
2. Should I be using Instagram Stories and Reels? Absolutely! Stories and Reels are great ways to showcase your personality, share behind-the-scenes content, and engage with your audience in new ways.
3. How do I get more followers on Instagram? Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content, using relevant hashtags, collaborating with other musicians, and engaging with your audience regularly. Growing your following takes time and effort, but it’s worth it in the long run.

Look, I know navigating the world of Instagram as a musician can be overwhelming. There’s no magic formula that will bring you instant Instagram fame and fortune. But by implementing these five quick tips and staying committed to the grind, you can start seeing some serious growth in your following and engagement.

Remember – Instagram is a marathon, not a sprint. You’re not going to wake up tomorrow with a million followers (unless you’re Beyonce, in which case, why are you reading this?). But by consistently showing up, putting in the work, and focusing on building real relationships with your fans, you can turn Instagram into a powerful tool for your music career.

Just do it.

Source Links:

• https://www.instagram.com/p/CMOyf_ej_ZJ/
• https://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/Home/Advice/Your-Career/Social-Media/10-Social-Media-Tips-for-Musicians
• https://www.musicindustryhowto.com/how-to-promote-your-music-on-instagram-musicians-guide/

Knowing how to advance your shows is one skill that you cannot afford to neglect as an independent musician. And I’m not talking about just showing up and hoping for the best—I’m talking about doing the legwork to make sure everything runs smoothly, from load-in to load-out.

Now, if you’re lucky enough to have a tour manager handling this stuff for you, great. But let’s be real – most indie musicians are wearing all the hats, from booking to promoting to advancing your own damn shows. And if you’ve ever shown up to a gig only to find out there’s no sound system or the venue owner has no idea who you are, you know exactly how frustrating and unprofessional it can make you look.

But fear not. In this post, I’m going to dive into the nitty-gritty of how to advance your shows like a pro, even if you’re flying solo. I’ll cover everything from what information you need to gather to how to communicate with venues and promoters effectively. By the end of this, you’ll be advancing your shows with confidence and avoiding those awkward “oh shit” moments on the road.

And how do I know all this info? I used to be a talent buyer for a club and worked with a lot of musicians who had no idea what they were doing.

Key Takeaways on How to Advance Your Shows:

• Advancing your show is a crucial skill for any serious musician
• It involves gathering information, communicating with venues, and preparing for the gig
• Proper advancing can help you avoid logistical nightmares and make a great impression
• Even if you’re an indie musician, you can learn to advance your shows like a pro
• Effective communication and attention to detail are key

What is Advancing, Anyway?

First things first, let’s define what the hell we’re talking about. Advancing your shows simply means taking the necessary steps to prepare for a gig ahead of time. This includes things like:

• Confirming load-in and soundcheck times with the venue
• Providing technical requirements (like stage plot and input list)
• Arranging accommodations and transportation
• Coordinating with other bands on the bill
• Making sure you have all the necessary gear and merch
• Pre-arranging the guest list
• Finding out what the venue is going to comp for you (Drinks, Dinner, Hookers?)

Basically, advancing is all about dotting your i’s and crossing your t’s so that when you show up to the gig, you can focus on putting on a killer performance instead of scrambling to figure out logistics.

Why is Advancing Your Shows So Important?

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Can’t I just show up and wing it? Why do I need to put in all this extra work?” Le sigh.

First and foremost, it makes you look professional as hell. When you show up to a gig with all your ducks in a row, it sends a message that you take your craft seriously, and you’re not just some fly-by-night operation. Venues and promoters will take notice, and they’ll be more likely to work with you again in the future.

But beyond just making a good impression, advancing can also save your ass from logistical nightmares. Imagine showing up to a gig only to find out the venue doesn’t have the right kind of sound system for your setup, or that there’s no green room for you to store your gear. Or what of you haven’t eaten in 10 hours and show up to find out the only food served at the venue is from a vending machine? Advancing properly, you can identify and solve these issues before they become show-stopping problems.

Plus, let’s be real – touring is hard enough without adding unnecessary stress to the mix. By taking the time to advance your show, you can minimize surprises and focus on what really matters: putting on a kick-ass performance for your fans.

Step-by-Step Guide to Advancing Your Shows

Alright, now that we’ve established why advancing is so important, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to actually do it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to advancing your shows like a pro:

Step 1: Gather Your Information

The first step in advancing is to gather all the necessary information about your gig. This includes:

• Venue name and address
• Load-in and soundcheck times
• Other bands on the bill
• Promoter or venue contact information
• Technical requirements (stage plot, input list, etc.)
• Accommodations, comps, guest list, and transportation details

Make sure you have all this information in one place, whether it’s a spreadsheet, a document, or a good old-fashioned notebook. Trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling to find the venue address five minutes before load-in.

Step 2: Reach Out to the Venue

Once you have all your information gathered, it’s time to reach out to the venue or promoter to start the advancing process. This is typically done via email, but some venues may prefer phone calls or even in-person meetings.

A good talent buyer will exchange a lot of this information with you when booking you, but if for whatever reason you are reaching out cold – like say, if you’re opening for a band that was the one the talent buyer worked with directly, make sure to introduce yourself and your band, and provide all the necessary information about your gig. Be clear and concise in your communication – no one wants to read a novel-length email just to find out what time soundcheck is.

It’s also a good idea to ask if there are any specific requirements or guidelines you need to follow, like noise curfews or load-in restrictions. The more information you can gather upfront, the better prepared you’ll be on show day.

Step 3: Follow Up and Confirm

Sometimes, initial contact with a venue can be 3 or 4 months in advance of the booking, so make sure to follow up and confirm all the details of your gig. They might have gone through 3 talent buyers since you were last in touch with them. Make sure you confirm the following within a week of your booking:

• Confirming load-in and soundcheck times
• Providing any additional technical requirements or stage plots
• Confirming accommodations and transportation details
• Making sure you have all the necessary contact information for day-of communication

Step 4: Prepare for the Gig

Now that you’ve confirmed all the details of your gig, it’s time to prepare for show day. This includes:

• Making sure you have all the necessary gear and merch
• Packing your stage plot and input list
• Confirming transportation and accommodations
• Communicating with your bandmates about call times and logistics

The more prepared you are ahead of time, the smoother your show day will go. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than realizing you forgot your guitar cables or merch box when you’re already at the venue.

Communication is Key

Communication is absolutely key throughout the advancing process. You want to be clear, concise, and professional in all your interactions with venues and promoters.

Some tips for effective communication:

• Use a professional email address (not your old AOL account from high school)
• Keep your emails short and to the point
• Be clear about your needs and requirements upfront
• Respond to emails and phone calls in a timely manner
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions or clarify details

Remember, the goal is to build positive relationships with venues and promoters, not burn bridges with sloppy communication or unrealistic demands.

What if Something Goes Wrong?

Even with the most thorough advancing, sometimes things can still go wrong on show day. Maybe the sound system is on the fritz, or the opening band is running late. In these situations, it’s important to stay calm and communicate effectively with the venue and your bandmates.

Some tips for handling day-of issues:

• Have a backup plan for technical difficulties (like bringing your own mics or amps)
• Communicate clearly with the venue about any issues or delays
• Be flexible and willing to adapt to changing circumstances
• Keep a positive attitude – getting angry or frustrated will only make things worse

Remember, at the end of the day, the show must go on. By staying calm and communicating effectively, you can handle any curveballs that come your way and still put on a killer performance.

Since you’ve made it this far—and I know you’re serious—here’s a bonus tip. People always wonder how to get a booking agent—well, here’s how: Agents ask Talent Bookers who is bringing in crowds and how they are to work with. Fucking over a talent buyer, being a pain in the ass, or just looking like you have no idea what you are doing will be the first thing a talent buyer will gossip about with their counterparts. Ask me how I know.

Advance Your Shows FAQs:

1. What if I’m not sure what information I need to gather for advancing? Start with the basics – venue name and address, load-in and soundcheck times, other bands on the bill, and promoter contact information. From there, you can ask the venue if there are any specific requirements or guidelines you need to follow.
2. How far in advance should I start advancing my shows? Ideally, you should start advancing your shows when you book it or at least a few weeks before the gig.
3. What if the venue or promoter is unresponsive to my emails or calls? If you’re not getting a response after a few attempts, call the venue, and they will answer their phones. If all else fails, you may need to consider finding a different venue or promoter to work with in the future.

Advancing your shows can feel like a lot of extra work on top of everything else you’re already doing as an indie musician. But trust me when I say it’s absolutely essential if you want to take your live performances to the next level.

By gathering the necessary information, communicating effectively with venues and promoters, and preparing thoroughly for each gig, you can avoid logistical nightmares and focus on what really matters – putting on an unforgettable show for your fans.

And here’s the thing – the more you practice advancing your shows, the easier it gets. You’ll develop a system that works for you, build relationships with venues and promoters, and gain a reputation as a professional, reliable musician.

So don’t be afraid to put in the work and advance your shows. Your future self will thank you for it.

Now go forth and conquer those gigs – just don’t forget your damn guitar this time, okay?

Source Links:

• https://www.tunecore.com/blog/2019/08/the-importance-of-advancing-your-shows.html
• https://www.indieonthemove.com/blog/2015/10/how-to-advance-your-show-like-a-pro
• https://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/Home/Advice/Playing-Live/Contracts-Fees/Advancing-Your-Gig

MORE FREE ADVICE

You’ve probably heard all of this before, but have you really listened? If you’re a musician trying to make it in today’s digital age, you can’t afford to sleep on social media. It’s not just about posting a few selfies and calling it a day – it’s about crafting a fascinating online persona that sets you apart from the noise and attracts die-hard fans who will stick with you through thick and thin.

But here’s the thing – developing a consistent and authentic brand across social media platforms is easier said than done. It takes time, effort, and a whole lot of trial and error. That’s where I come in. I’m here to give you some tips and tricks for creating an online presence that’s as unique and captivating as your music. Listen up.

Social Media Key Takeaways:

• Consistency is key when it comes to branding across social media platforms
• Authenticity is essential for building trust and loyalty with your fans
• Visuals are just as important as the written content you share
• Engagement is a two-way street – you need to interact with your followers
• Paid advertising can be a powerful tool for reaching new audiences
• Analytics are your friend – use them to refine your social media strategy

Consistency is King: Developing a Cohesive Brand for Social Media

First and foremost, if you want to create a worthy online persona, you need to be consistent. And I’m not just talking about posting regularly – I’m talking about developing a cohesive brand that’s instantly recognizable across all your social media platforms.

Think about it – when you see a post from your favorite artist on Instagram, you instantly know it’s them, right? That’s because they’ve developed a consistent visual style, tone of voice, and overall vibe that’s uniquely theirs. And that’s exactly what you need to do.

So, how do you do it? Start by defining your brand. What makes you unique as an artist? What values do you stand for? Which aesthetic do you want to convey? Once you have a clear idea of your brand, make sure everything you post aligns with it – from the colors and fonts you use to the language and tone you employ.

The key is to be intentional about every aspect of your online presence and to make sure it all fits together seamlessly. Consistency breeds familiarity, and familiarity breeds trust. And when your fans trust you, they’ll be more likely to stick around for the long haul.

Authenticity is Everything: Keeping It Real

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But what if my authentic self isn’t that interesting? What if I’m just a regular person who happens to make music?” Well, guess what? Dig deeper.

Remember that CBS news guy who used just to throw a dart at a map and would then take a camera crew to that area, find some random person, and then create a news story about their life? NO? Okay, you must be young; it was called Everybody Has A Story. This guy ALWAYS found something interesting about the person he picked. If you don’t know what is interesting about you – there’s some work to be done. How can you convince people to care about you if you don’t know yourself? It’s not likely to happen.

In a world of carefully curated feeds and fake-ass influencers, authenticity is a breath of fresh air. And when it comes to social media, being real is the key to building genuine connections with your fans.

So, what does authenticity look like in practice? It means being honest about your struggles and successes and sharing parts of yourself outside of your music. And please don’t tell me that your only interest is music—how boring.

It means being unafraid to take a stand on issues that matter to you, even if it means ruffling a few feathers. It means owning your quirks and imperfections and letting your fans see the real you – not just the polished, PR-friendly version.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to bare your entire soul on the internet. It’s okay to have boundaries and to keep some aspects of your life private. But just being yourself and showing people who you are can separate you from the pack and make you more memorable. It works – or you wouldn’t be reading this blog post. So meta.

Visuals Matter: Creating Eye-Catching Social Media Content

Visuals are important when it comes to social media.

But it’s not just about making things look pretty – it’s about telling a story and evoking an emotion.

And don’t be afraid to get creative with your formats – social media is a playground for experimentation. From Instagram Reels and TikTok videos to Twitter threads and Facebook Live streams, there are endless ways to engage your audience and keep things fresh.

The key is to always consider how you can use visuals to tell your story and connect with your fans on a deeper level. At the end of the day, that’s what social media is all about—building relationships and creating a community around your music. Musicians who only use their accounts for promotions just turn into white noise.

Engagement is a Two-Way Street: Interacting with Your Fans

Speaking of building relationships, let’s talk about engagement. One of the biggest mistakes I see musicians making on social media is treating it like a one-way street – they post their content, sit back, and wait for the likes and comments to roll in.

But here’s the thing – if you want to create a fascinating online persona, you need to be an active participant in the conversation. That means posting about things OTHER than yourself. You are much more likely to get engagement when you create a dialogue rather than always posting a monologue. People telling you you’re awesome ends the conversation.

So, how do you engage with your fans in a way that feels authentic and meaningful? It all comes down to not being afraid to show them who you really are. What are your interests? What can you talk about passionately? Is it your pet turtle? Great! People won’t refer to you as “that musician”. They’ll refer to you as that musician with a pet turtle he takes on tour – and everyone will know who they’re talking about.

I’m the Americana Publicist obsessed with The Cure. I know this based on the number of people who send me memes about Robert Smith every week 😉

Paid Advertising: Boosting Your Social Media Reach

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But what if I don’t have a huge following? How do I get my content in front of new people?” Well, my friend, that’s where paid advertising comes in.

I know, I know – the idea of spending money on social media advertising can be daunting, especially if you’re an independent artist on a tight budget. But here’s the thing – when done right, paid advertising can be an incredibly powerful tool for boosting your reach and attracting new fans.

The key is to be strategic about your ad spending and to target your ads to the right audience. This means doing your research and getting to know your ideal fan – what are their interests? What other artists do they listen to? What social media platforms do they use most?

Once you have a clear idea of who you’re trying to reach, you can create ads that speak directly to their interests and needs. And thanks to the targeting options available on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, you can get incredibly granular with your targeting – from age and location to interests and behaviors.

Of course, creating effective ads is an art in itself – but there are plenty of resources out there to help you get started. From online courses and tutorials to hiring a professional marketing agency, there are options for every budget and skill level.

The key is to start small, test and refine your approach, and always keep an eye on your analytics to see what’s working and what’s not. With a little bit of experimentation and a lot of persistence, you can use paid advertising to take your social media presence to the next level.

Social Media FAQs:

1. How often should I be posting on social media? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question – it depends on your goals, your audience, and the platforms you’re using. As a general rule of thumb, aim to post at least once a day on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, and a few times a week on platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
2. What kind of content should I be posting? Again, this depends on your brand and your audience – but in general, aim for 80% of your posts to be something that let’s fans see a different side of you – and 20% of the time, you can promote your shit (like new music releases and tour announcements). Think about it – that’s the ratio of TV shows to commercials. We all know that if people could tolerate it, the networks would give us more commercials, but I’m sure studies have been done, and about 20% is the most people will tolerate before they change the channel. Your music promo is the commercials.
3. Should I be using all the social media platforms? Not necessarily – it’s better to focus on a few platforms and do them really well than to spread yourself too thin trying to be everywhere at once. Choose the platforms that make the most sense for your brand and your audience, and focus your efforts there.

Look, I get it – social media can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to juggle it with all the other demands of being a musician. But here’s the thing – if you want to succeed in today’s music industry, you can’t afford to ignore it.

By crafting a consistent and authentic online persona, creating eye-catching visuals, engaging with your fans, and using paid advertising strategically, you can build a loyal fanbase that will support you through thick and thin.

It won’t happen overnight – building a successful social media presence takes time, effort, and a whole lot of trial and error. But if you stay true to yourself, keep putting in the work, and never stop learning and growing, you’ll be well on your way to creating an online presence that’s as fascinating and unique as your music.

So what are you waiting for?

Source Links:

• https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-for-musicians/
• https://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/Home/Advice/Your-Career/Social-Media/10-Social-Media-Tips-for-Musicians
• https://www.mobilebeat.com/social-media-marketing-guide-musicians/

MORE FREE ADVICE