Tuesday, April 18th, 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. This week, Victor VC Caldwell Be sure to hit the like button and follow this amazing group of indie artists. They will be big time soon.
Do you need to live stream???- Let’s go -
So the question came up, does an artist need to live-stream? My sarcastic answer was it sure couldn’t hurt! Meaning that it is a very good idea to live stream if you are an artist. Live streaming is any media (video, audio, or both) that is simultaneously recorded and broadcast live. The difference between “streaming” and “live streaming” is that streaming is only on-demand; it has been recorded previously. Think about watching a video on Netflix or Hulu. With live streaming, an artist can get closer to their audience, do Q&As, and get to know their personal side. And this, believe it or not, will endure a consumer to you so that they not only buy into your music but also start to really believe in you as a person, someone that they would love to see win, and will help you win. The Family band The Curtis Family CNotes goes live every Monday across several different platforms. They started live streaming their rehearsals and it just became a thing. Now people look for it, wait for it, and request their favorite songs. Click here to check out last night’s version, it’s like being in their living room on the floor in some comfy clothes chilling eating popcorn, and singing along with them. This again is how you make advocates and friends out of followers and then turn them into buyers of your music.
Concerts, backstage hangouts, and talking back and forth with your followers are more than just an at-the-gig experience now. You have the opportunity to get to know your fans and followers and allow them to get to know you, and you never have to leave the house. After covid, a lot of fans, especially adult contemporary ones, are not going out as much as they once did. But you still have to capture their attention, keep them engaged, and let them know that going to your website and buying your music and your merch is a good investment. Now of course you would rather gig in front of a live audience, feel the energy of the room, and take your emotional keys from looking at someone in the audience who is really feeling your music at that moment. Live streaming will not replace that, but it’s a close second. And it gives all of the spontaneity of a live gig. This is NOT pre-recorded, that is NOT live streaming, hence the word LIVE. Here’s the caveat though, live streaming gives you a worldwide audience, and possibly the opportunity to be seen by someone who can change your life and who is on the other side of the country. And don’t forget, if you schedule your sessions like The Curtis Family C-Notes, you can better monetize your channels and make money from your live streams from the platforms. Let’s put it like this. Now that the phenomenon of live streaming has risen to such popularity, it’s now big business. Several companies are now offering live stream services. But don’t worry, I’ve got some suggestions for you if you are just starting on your live stream journey.
Yes, covid shook the world, but it created a technology lane for musicians that will never go away. AI, ChatGPT, the metaverse, and all of that will make sure of that. During 2020 our friends over at CDbaby made a list of tools you may already have to start hosting your live stream. Here’s a brief checklist to get you started: Webcam (if you’re using your computer instead of your phone), Microphone, Decent Internet connection, Some extra lighting if needed (or just a window and daylight!), And of course your instrument(s) of choice. The environment from which you’re streaming is also important. A few things to consider. A place and space you can control, microphones pick up just about everything, so make sure to set up in a space where there’s no ambient noise. And that’s about it, see, stuff you probably already have or should have as a DIY musician right? Now, pop those phones and cameras and get to live streaming. We want to see you!!!
This week's #IAOTW - Independent Artists Of The Week is - Victor VC Caldwell. The man behind hundreds of hit records is about to release his second full-length CD called “CAN GOD TRUST YOU?”
The first two singles are on his website and the full-length will be also. VC as we call him has worked with everyone from Joe Sample, to Take 6 to the Clark Sisters to the Winans - WOW! Click on his name link, scroll down to his picture, then click and support. You won’t believe how talented he is.
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!!