How Musicians Go From 0 To 1,000,000 Fans In 2024

Summary

In 2024, the music industry's landscape has shifted, with algorithms playing a pivotal role in fan base building. This script offers musicians a strategic approach to engaging algorithms without compromising authenticity. It emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in music releases, the power of consistent and eventful marketing, and the role of community in growth. The video also discusses the significance of understanding platform-specific algorithms, the value of collaborations, and the impact of social media, particularly TikTok, in driving discovery and fan engagement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Building a fan base in 2024 requires a strategic approach that includes understanding and appealing to algorithms, which are designed to mimic human attention spans.
• 🎶 Musicians should focus on releasing singles every six to eight weeks, with occasional alternative versions or covers, to maintain a consistent presence without overwhelming their audience.
• 📈 The delivery method and release strategy for music are crucial for maximizing reach and engagement, as algorithms reward authentic and emotionally powerful songs.
• 🔗 Collaborations, remixes, features, and split releases are effective marketing tools that can help artists grow their fan base by creating algorithmic connections with similar artists.
• 📲 TikTok has become a leading platform for music discovery, and mastering the creation of engaging short-form content can significantly boost an artist's visibility and fan base.
• 🎥 Investing time in creating high-quality music videos and other visual content for platforms like YouTube can help artists build deeper connections with fans and increase memorability.
• 🤝 Engaging with the local music community and understanding the micro-genre can lead to opportunities for collaboration and support from tastemakers, which can further an artist's career.
• 📈 Spotify remains a critical platform for artists to focus on, as it is a primary source for repeated music listening and offers tools for self-promotion.
• 📊 Consistently uploading content and engaging with fans on platforms like YouTube and Instagram can help improve an artist's algorithmic ranking and increase the chances of discovery.
• 🎵 Authenticity is key in social media engagement; artists should focus on expressing their genuine thoughts, traits, and stories to build a strong connection with their audience.

Q & A

What significant change in building a fan base did the speaker observe in 2023?

The speaker observed that in 2023, the rules of how to build a fan base changed more than in any other year, with a significant shift in strategies that musicians need to be aware of to succeed.

Why is appealing to algorithms important for musicians in 2024 according to the speaker?

Appealing to algorithms is crucial because most music discovery and fan base building happens through platforms' algorithms. By delivering music in a way that algorithms favor, musicians can ensure their music reaches a wider audience without compromising authenticity.

What is the recommended release strategy for singles to maintain engagement with fans?

The recommended strategy is to release a single every six to eight weeks, occasionally accompanied by alternative versions, covers, remixes, or features. This, along with consistent smaller events every week and more significant events every two weeks, helps in keeping the audience engaged.

How does the speaker suggest artists should approach the release of their music in terms of quality and quantity?

The speaker advises artists to focus on quality over quantity, emphasizing the importance of releasing emotionally powerful songs rather than just aiming for a high volume of releases. Artists should release their best material to build a strong fan base.

What role do music videos play in building relationships with fans, as per the speaker?

Music videos play a vital role in building relationships with fans by creating a visual impact that can make a song more memorable. Great music videos can lead to sharing among fans, converting new listeners, and deepening the connection with existing ones.

Why is it beneficial for artists to release singles rather than albums or EPs initially?

Releasing singles initially allows artists to lure in new listeners with a taste of their music, similar to a free sample that encourages people to return for more. Singles serve as an entry point for fans to discover and engage with an artist's music.

How does the speaker view the importance of community and collaboration in growing an artist's fan base?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration, suggesting that artists should regularly work and tag with other artists to create algorithmic connections. This helps in introducing artists to each other's fan bases and growing collectively.

What is the 'earworm era' mentioned by the speaker, and how does it influence music promotion?

The 'earworm era' refers to the current trend where catchy and repetitive songs that get stuck in people's heads are more likely to convert to listens and streams. This era influences music promotion by emphasizing the need to create memorable and impactful songs that resonate with listeners.

How does the speaker suggest artists should approach social media for music promotion?

The speaker suggests that artists should be authentic and consistent on social media, focusing on sharing their personality, interesting thoughts, and behind-the-scenes content. They should also remind their followers about their music by telling stories that involve their songs.

What advice does the speaker give regarding the use of TikTok for music promotion?

The speaker advises artists to study TikTok's trends and nuances, create content that resonates with the platform, and engage with the community through video replies, stitches, and duets. They also suggest focusing on creating a mix of lo-fi, edited, and hi-fi content to appeal to a broader audience.