Turn it Up to 11: Advanced Marketing for Music Success

Turn it Up to 11: Advanced Marketing for Music Success

May 06, 2024

Okay, Let's tackle this head-on: marketing for music and life ain't some fancy dish you learn to cook once from a recipe book, and then, puff, you're a pro.

Nuh-uh, it doesn't work that way. Since 2003, I've seen the insides of this wild beast we call the music industry shuffled through various roles — be it a radio jockey, sound engineer, or music producer.


I've watched countless talented artists prance onto the stage, their eyes wide with dreams of the spotlight, only to struggle to attract a large audience. And that's when it hit me:

Raw talent isn't enough. It's like a Martini without gin; you need that marketing splash to make it hit the spot.

I decided to put my money where my mouth was, set up my own recording studio, and dive deep into the world of Internet marketing. Direct marketing techniques became my trusty sidekicks, but before we ride off into the sunset, let's talk about...

...That Secret Sauce: Personality

Yup, you heard me right. In your music, in what you do, everything should have that special touch of your persona. You see, we all have stories to tell in our music and in our lives. And it's these stories of ours, draped with our unique character and charm, that make the magic happen.

Did you ever stop to wonder why some tales stick to your mind like glue years and years after you've heard them? That's 'cause these narratives speak to you, uncovering parts of yourself you never knew were there. And in this mad world of music and life, we're all storytellers, one way or another. And the tales we weave, the ones that resonate with our unique personalities, hold a spellbinding power over our listeners.

Storytelling: The Heart And Soul of Music Marketing

Storytelling has a life-altering impact on how we see ourselves and the world around us. You want an example? Take my story, for example. As a kid, I was told I'd never amount to anything. It was a shadow that hung over my life until I discovered the transformative power of music and saw the magic it could bring to life.

The first time a musician approached me and asked me to mix their track, it felt like the ground beneath me shook. That moment challenged my perception of myself. It tore through the canopy of my mother's words and brought forth a new tale—one where I wasn't just worth something; I was valuable. It marked the start of my new journey, a tale spun in the grand tapestry of the music industry.


I'm not saying every story should be about victories or overcoming hardships. The real mojo lies in syncing your narrative with your audience. Step into their shoes for a moment. Think about their hopes, their struggles, their dreams. Our stories should be woven to echo within our listeners, making them feel understood and acknowledged.

It's not just about churning out music...

...it's about crafting stories that hit home on a deep, personal level. Imagine a gardener, a public speaker, or a yogi; each has their own language, their own set of nuances. And it's these minutiae that lend a touch of reality to our stories, that create a deep bond between us and our audience.


Our stories aren't just anecdotes. They form the very essence of our music and brand. It's this narrative thread that binds you to your listeners, even those who've never heard your name. While we musicians thrive on the creation of music, our growth is propelled by our ability to spin tales that mesmerize our audience.

This connection is the lifeblood of our music. It's what gets listeners to hit repeat on your tracks, to yearn for more of your music, and to bat for you within their circles. It's your story, subtly resonating within theirs, painting a picture where they feel validated, where they feel understood.
So how do we pull off this magic act?

How do we master this art of storytelling?

Here's a nugget of wisdom from Earl Nightingale: "Our world tells us about ourselves, reveals who we are, what we've learned, and how much we've served."

To tell a story that truly connects with your listeners, we must focus on three key areas: character, self-image, and music. These three elements are the heart of your story and the magic that will engage your listeners.

Remember, you're not just creating music. You're crafting stories that are an extension of your unique personality. Stories that have the power to change lives. Because, at the end of the day, your story isn't just about you. It's about every single person who listens to your music, who feels a connection to your narrative, and who finds a piece of their own story in yours.

Your story is about making your audience feel seen and heard. It's about inspiring them, about sparking belief in their potential. That is the magic of storytelling, the magic of music.


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