Rising Stars (Artist Development)

If you're aiming to advance as an artist in the music industry, it's crucial to invest in yourself and conduct thorough research. The landscape has changed significantly due to the rise of AI and music subscriptions, making it challenging to earn money like artists did in the past. Many aspiring musicians mistakenly believe that signing with a label means they have financial freedom, but this isn't the case. Financial investments made by labels often need to be paid back, and artists remain responsible for their own marketing and promotions. Unfortunately, many artists don’t realize this until they see their earnings, often receiving a mere 10% or less of their record’s revenue each quarter. Understanding these dynamics is essential for navigating the modern music industry and achieving longterm success.

Having a budget is essential for any artist aiming to succeed in the competitive music industry. First and foremost, it allows you to invest in high-quality sound production; after all, competing artists may allocate up to tens of thousands for their album production, making sound quality a critical factor. Additionally, a budget helps in strategizing how to distribute your music effectively. While many artists might rush to release a mixtape, there are various platforms to showcase your work, especially if you're not yet getting over a million listens. Finally, marketing and promotion, crucial to gaining visibility, require financial resources. Costs associated with flyers, posters, banners, music downloads, possible physical CDs, and merchandise can add up quickly. Therefore, a well-planned budget not only facilitates production but also plays a vital role in getting your music heard by a wider audience. You must have a budget and be willing to invest in yourself while building your fanbase.

Building a fanbase is a gradual process that requires not just talent, but also significant time, travel, energy, and effort. Simply uploading music to platforms and waiting for a major label executive to discover it is far from effective. The reality is that these industry professionals receive thousands of emails from serious artists every day, making it crucial for musicians to actively engage with their audience and cultivate connections. This often means performing live, networking, and consistently creating quality content that resonates with listeners. By dedicating themselves to this challenging journey, artists can foster genuine relationships with their fans and gradually establish a loyal following. It's a long road, but with persistence and commitment, success is attainable. Once an artist is serious enough they will understand the importance of an EPK (electronic press kit).

In the music industry, an Electronic Press Kit is an essential tool that artists and managers use to promote their work to industry professionals. It’s baffling and frustrating when "serious" artists are unfamiliar with this important concept, especially considering its significance in gaining exposure and opportunities. The EPK typically includes key information such as artist bios, music samples, press coverage, and promotional photos, all designed to give a comprehensive overview of the artist's work and brand. Many artist are not familiar with the term which is why it's crucial to connect with potential partners who knows the ropes and prepare the EPK. Unfortunately, when industry professionals are asked, "What is an EPK?" during a conversation, it often leads to disinterest or disengagement. This reaction underscores the importance of being informed and prepared in an increasingly competitive field, where knowledge of industry standards can make a significant difference in an artist's career trajectory. Preparing the EPK alone takes time and time is money when it comes to business.