Tuesday, August 29th, 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, Jonn Hart. Be sure to hit the like button and follow this amazing group of indie artists. They will be big time soon.
Engaging the audience - Let’s go -
One of the most important things about your music career, besides the music, is knowing who and where your audience is. After you’ve created that hit record, you must market and advertise it. To do so there are a few things to think about and your audience is one of the most important. If you are a rock artist and think just because you write a song that a 16-bar rap will fit on, you are still a rock artist and need to connect with a rock audience. You will waste precious time, money, and resources trying to connect this one song to a pure hip-hop audience. Moreover, you miss YOUR target audience.
As I said, engagement starts with the music – an artist's unique expression is the cornerstone of any engagement strategy. This is why so many hit songs have big hooks. It’s to engage the audience, to have them sing along.
If the music isn’t bumping and engaging, no amount of marketing or promotion will make it so. Therefore, I strongly suggest your music be as engaging as the marketing. And stop trying to make a hit, make a difference! Speak from the heart, put people on the dance floor, talk about current conditions, something that sets you apart from the crowd, and try your best to touch your audience in ways that they haven’t been touched in a while.
Many indie artists think fan engagement starts and ends with TikTok, IG, or for you… clears throat….Sr. Artists - Facebook.
Obviously, social media is a crucial part of today’s fan engagement. And if you’re at a major label, the elephant in the room will be TikTok, They think the world revolves around TikTok regardless of your genre.…. but I digress. Make sure you ask yourself where you feel most comfortable and where your audience lives. Furthermore, the last thing you want to do is try and depend only on social media, It is important, it is a great way to connect with fans and build relationships. Consequently, Artists can share their music as well as behind-the-scenes content, and more.
There are more ways than just social media for indie artists to engage with their audience. Here are just a few more #tipsundathehat:
- Contests and giveaways: Contests and giveaways are a fun way to engage with fans and give them something to look forward to. Artists can give away tickets to shows, merchandise, or even unreleased music.
- Q&As: Q&As are a great way to answer fan questions and get to know them better. Artists can do Q&As on social media, in live streams, or even in person at shows.
- Fan clubs: Fan clubs are a great way to give fans exclusive content and perks. Artists can offer discounts on merchandise, early access to tickets, and more to members of their fan club.
- Collaborations: Collaborations with other artists are a great way to reach a new audience and introduce your music to new fans. Artists can collaborate on songs, videos, or even live shows.
- Vlogs and podcasts: Vlogs and podcasts are a great way to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at your life and career. Artists can share their thoughts on music, their creative process, and more.
- Merchandise: Selling merchandise is a great way to make money and connect with fans. Artists can sell t-shirts, hats, stickers, and more.
- Gigs & Tours: Tours are a great way to connect with fans in person and play your music live.
To use the most overused business term out there - at the end of the day, music is an aesthetic that needs to go out and find its audience. You make a hit and can’t find the audience, well, what have you really done?? 🤷🏽♂️
This week's #IAOTW - Independent Artists Of The Week is - Jonn Hart. 
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Jonn Hart is an R&B Artist and Songwriter known for his seductive catchy lyrics. With over 125 Million Combined Streams across all platforms. Click on his name link, scroll down to his picture, and then click and support. You won’t believe how talented this cat 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!!