We all know that the music industry is fast becoming an over-saturated market and that talent alone is simply not the only factor when it comes to making it your career.
Aspiring artists face the challenge of standing out in the market and this is where mastering the art of self-branding and promotion is crucial.
We’re here to help. With over 30 years of music education expertise, we have curated some all-important information around creating a strong brand identity and leveraging platforms like Instagram to get noticed.
The Importance of Music Artist Development
Before diving head first into the aesthetics of your branding and promotion, it’s super important to have a clear music artist development plan in place. This process will allow you to outline exactly what you want to put out into the world, such as your morals and what you stand for, as well as allow you to design your music career goals and ambitions.
Regardless of whether you’re a solo artist, vocalist or session musician, having a well-defined development plan provides direction and focus for your career.
We recently spoke with Alex Anderson, Access Creative College Manchester Alumni, he emphasised the significance of artist development in shaping his journey as a musician.
“During my time at ACC, I was encouraged to take a real look at myself as an artist—to consider my brand, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It was a transformative experience that helped me refine my identity and set clear goals for my music career.”
Crafting Your Brand Identity
Branding is essential for music artists, as it helps you differentiate yourself from the competition and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Take the time to define your unique brand identity, considering factors like your musical style, personal values, and storytelling abilities. Your brand should reflect who you are as an artist and resonate with your target audience. This information provides the baseline for the overall look and feel of your brand.
Why Branding Matters for Musicians
Branding is essential for musicians because it helps you establish a strong identity, build credibility, and connect with your audience on an emotional level. A well-defined brand sets you apart from other artists and makes you more memorable to fans and industry professionals alike.
Although we’d never suggest you compare and copy, it’s interesting to look at successful artists who have really strong personal brands.
Musicians like YungBlud, RAYE, and Billie Eilish, demonstrate that a strong brand identity can set you apart in the industry. YungBlud, known for his rebellious spirit and genre-bending music, has cultivated a dedicated fan base by staying true to his authentic self. Similarly, RAYE’s bold fashion choices and empowering lyrics have helped her carve out a niche in the pop music scene. And Billie Eilish’s distinctive sound and visual aesthetic have catapulted her to global superstardom, proving the power of a well-crafted brand.
Leveraging Social Media for Music Promotion
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok play a crucial role in music promotion and artist branding. With its visual appeal and massive user base, Instagram is a powerful tool for reaching new fans and engaging with your audience. Use Instagram to share behind-the-scenes content, showcase your creative process, and connect with fans on a personal level.
TikTok, on the other hand, offers a creative outlet for showcasing your music through short-form videos. Whether it’s creating unique trends to your latest track, sharing covers of other artists in your own unique way, or simply offering other aspiring artists tips on the industry! TikTok allows artists to engage with a diverse audience and gain exposure in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Former ACC Student, Beth McCarthy has utilised social media, Tik Tok in particular to really showcase her brand and in doing so, has engaged over 800K followers! Check out some of her content for inspiration.
The Role of Sponsorship in Music
Sponsorship can be a game-changer for musicians looking to further their reach. Brands are often eager to partner with talented artists who align with their values and target audience. By securing sponsorships, musicians can access resources, funding, and promotional opportunities that help elevate their careers.
A lot of the time, it takes active outreach which can be a daunting process, particularly if you’re brand new to forming those relationships. Places such as Help Musicians or Youth Music can be great tools to seek advice and gain resources into sponsorship for your music.
Getting Noticed in the Music Industry
Getting your music noticed can be challenging but it’s not impossible. Focus on creating high-quality music that resonates with your audience and don’t be afraid to promote yourself relentlessly.
Coupling your talent with authenticity through your branding and content is the best way to put yourself out there. Although it may feel uncomfortable to begin with, everyone has to start somewhere!
Utilise streaming and social platforms to your advantage and actively seek opportunities for live performances, collaborations, and media coverage.
Unlock Your Potential with Artist Development at ACC
At Access Creative College, we understand the importance of music artist development and branding in today’s industry. Our Artist Development (AD4) course is designed to help aspiring musicians unlock their potential, refine their craft, and build a successful career. With industry-expert guidance, professional feedback, and hands-on experience, The AD4 programme prepares you to put yourself out there in the competitive world of music.
Ready to take the next step in your music career? Explore our Artist Development course at Access Creative College, Join our community of passionate musicians and start building your brand as a music artist. Join us in September.