Tuesday, October 31st🎃 2023.
Hey, it’s TJ Miller, “You want some game?” Let's #tipundathehat!
For the best indie music from indie artists, click, and follow Indie Artist Of The Week Unda The Hat on Spotify, and check out the latest TikTok page from Mr. TJ Miller.
Music & Seasonal Moments - Let’s Geaux -
Yes, it’s that time of year when you will hear your unequal fair share of Christmas music. Depending on which genre you listen to you will probably hear Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood, Nat King Cole, Charles Brown, or Donnie Hathaway; and more than likely you’ll hear all of the above. One thing of note here, Holiday music is a genre in itself, so know that going in. Also, Holiday music is important because it helps to create a festive atmosphere and can bring people together. It can also be a way to celebrate traditions and memories. But we know that about the genre. Here’s what’s important, you should definitely make holiday music! Holiday music connects you to your fans, followers, and family. So for the list of artists I named earlier, for those that are still with us, if they never write another song, their Christmas songs will be feeding them and their family for generations to come. So it’s good to write good new catchy hooky Holiday songs that will outlast you.
Holiday music can be a good way for you to stretch your catalog, earn mailbox money, strengthen your brand, and gain relevance. If you aren’t writing your own original Holiday music, it’s okay. The genre is considered classic, so the copyrights for composition rights are often lapsed, owned by the public, or never existed. I would suggest you put your own branded spin on it. I love Celo Green’s version of Mary Did You Know. And all the greats did Christmas songs, be like the greats, do a Christmas album, or at the very least a Christmas song. Because it’s Christmas time, Christmas music will dominate this conversation, but the reality is there are a lot of opportunities to make Holiday music all year long. Currently, Christmas, Easter, and maybe Valentine have a lock on the holiday song market; with Easter being pretty much all gospel and classical. I think everybody who calls themselves a songwriter should write some sort of Holiday song. Now I know nobody is out there looking to pen a President’s Day song, but a modern-day Thanksgiving song would be dope.
And listen, when you are writing producing, and releasing Holiday songs, start early. If it’s a Christmas song, start the process in the Summer somewhere around July or August. If you got that love ballad that’s just right for Valentine now is your time. Or maybe you are the one to write that hot Fourth of July song, better heat the grill up in January. In other words, start by working backward. Find out from your distributor how long it takes to get your release ready and out there. CDbaby has a really good schedule that gives you all of your dates. Then add time on for marketing, because the difference here is once the Holiday is over so is the song, until next year, so get cracking ya dig.
Here are some tips for making great holiday music:
- Write songs that are catchy and easy to sing along to.
- Be you. If you are a nontraditional type of person, don’t disappoint your fans, do something way out there like make a Christmas song about Fish & Grits.
- If you go the traditional route please put your own unique spin on it.
- Record your songs in a high-quality studio.
- Promote your songs through social media and other channels.
Now unless you have deep pockets, a bigger distribution source, or a Sugar Daddy/Mama, try and keep your production budget low, especially if you are doing covers. If you feel like you’ve made that one special brand-new Christmas song that’s going to make a difference in the world, then, by all means, go for it, just be smart.
I would highly suggest that you write a new Holiday song that speaks to you, your fan base, and your generation. Holiday songs are usually fun, so go ahead and take a stab at it. Chances are people will love it.
This week's #IAOTW - Independent Artists Of The Week is - Mr. TJ Miller (that’s me!)
Originally from Monroe Louisiana, the Grambling Grad also attended Tennessee State and Full Sail Universities. He has worked for major labels and major music distribution companies for 20+ years and started Unda The Hat Media, a marketing and ad agency, to help independent musicians thrive and be successful.
Click on the name link, scroll down to the picture, and then click, and support.
For more information on this or to hire Unda The Hat as your brand or label consultant send a message via undathehat.com. See you next week!!
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