Creatively Promoting Your Brand as An Artist

Too many people record music and want to be a “star” with out realizing entertaining is not just about the music.   There are far too many bad artists on mainstream radio today than good ones. Many more talented artists have recorded tracks that are not selling, as they should be.  Getting on the mainstream radio is difficult today as it ever has been. 

You do not just wake up one day as a success; you have to earn that through perseverance, trial and error.

When you are a performer you are in the business of entertaining.  That is what you need to realize when marketing yourself.  Whether it is music, performance art or stand up comedy you are there to entertain and this is a business first not a talent competition. 

Even without being on the mainstream radio you can be financially successful in entertainment. When performing live, the name of the game is  “Can I fill the seats in the venue?”  That is what the venue wants and so do you! How many seats you fill will tell the venue to rebook you again or not.  This is marketing 101.

How do you become financially successful and accomplish filling the house?

1-Develop Fan loyalty to your brand

You are a “brand” just like a bar of soap.   You need to sell yourself. Without a doubt you need to network and connect with your fans.   You need fans to want to spend their hard earned cash for your tickets.   If fans do not care, they will not spend.

Today it is up to the artist to interact with their fans regularly on social media such Twitter, Facebook, Google + and others.   Do entertaining tweets and posts.  Share about yourself enough to be interesting to the fans. Occasionally you may need to do a free song give away too. Keep their attention on you.  It is NOT just about a fan loving your comedy act or song.   They have to like you as a person too not just as a performer.   That building of the love will keep fans longer term than if they do not care about you the person.   Appreciate your fans!  This is all part of building your brand and brand loyalty.   You are after all a commodity in the entertainment world.

2- Give a new angle for your next show

Just like in songs you need a hook, you need a hook as a performer too.

Try a song or album release to get them out.   Or, maybe you are going on tour…so kick off the tour at home for your home base of fans. If you have a cause or charity you care about.   Develop that caring in your fans through your media interactions with them. Don’t be afraid to give a portion of what you earn to the cause and encourage them to do the same by them filling the house.   This can help with brand loyalty.  It is good for fans to know that you are a real human being who cares about what is happening in the community and world.

3- Play Less Often

That may sound strange but if you play constantly and always do the exact it show in the same area, fans will become bored.  Your seat numbers will decline over time if you do play too often in the same city.

4- Mix it up

Keep your show interesting! Have other artists perform with you to change up the show.   Try out new material!  The best way to try out a new tune of comedy piece is to perform it in front of your loyal fans.  If they do not like it, you know you are heading in the wrong direction.  Do not make the whole show new, just parts of it.  Make the fans feel special knowing they are the first to hear the material.  Ask the fans once in a while what they want to hear.  Be creative!   Have t-shirts?  Think about giving out a couple once in a while. 

5- Promote!!!

This may see obvious but if fans don’t know about you performing, they will not be showing up.  Ask the venue to list you on their websites and in their promotional materials.   Post a poster on their premises.  As your fame grows, maybe a local radio station can do a give away of some tickets.   Have you connected with the college radio stations?  Online radio stations?   Be creative here, no perfect right or wrong way to promote yourself.    This is where word of mouth from your fans online comes in handy too.   Do event pages on sites like Facebook.   Have friends and fans invite their friends too.

6- Be creative

Remember:  You are selling “you the brand”.   Do not be afraid to sell yourself.   Volunteer to perform at fundraisers.   Have confidence in your abilities in self-promotion as much as your confidence in your art.  Most importantly, show the fans how much you enjoy their company at every show you do.

Meet the artist......Dampte

The ever popular and gifted writer performer Dampte has an ever-increasing repertoire and has been holding it down since before hip-hop started ruling his native Nigeria.

Catch Dampte on streaming including Apple Music, buy his music on iTunes 

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Biography

Dampte is the professional name of African artiste born Oluwaseun Oluyole the eldest son with 4 siblings born to an Evangelist mother and Pastor Father. +Sean Dampte finished his High School Education in Lagos, Nigeria and graduated Bellevue University, Nebraska where he earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Information Systems with an emphasis in Business.
Dampte like a number of other artistes started off in the choir as a child. He discovered and honed his innate talent for rhymes, word play, metaphors and his ability to weave those words into songs. Dampte’s path to recognition did not however follow the conventional. His first real taste of music was at a very tender age listening to the likes of King Sunny Ade (KSA), Ebenezer Obey, and other Nigerian musical heavy weights. Additionally Dampte has been influenced by the likes of other internationally known stars such as Jay Z, R. Kelly, LL Cool J, Jadakiss, Styles P, Warren G, Snoop Dogg, Treach (Naughty by Nature), 2Pac, Biggie Smalls, Wale, K’naan and a host of others. He also claims to take bites off Nigeria’s own NAETO C. Dampte follows his own path musically blending in rap with African undertones making his music uniquely his own.
In 1994 Dampte discovered and fell deeply in love with Hip Hop after listening to a musical compilation of some of the aforementioned artistes’ tracks. In 1999 after a lot of self-penning, Dampte recorded his first solo effort titled “J-E-S-U-S”, where he featured Rocksteady (of the now defunct 2nd Avenue) and Wreck (Now a member of Dem Mama Soldiers). After a long hiatus due to education, Dampte returned to the music scene with his massive hit single “Wine Your Tinkolo” that features Nigerian R&B star YQ. The single that was released in early 2009 and climbed various charts across Nigeria and internationally. He quickly followed up successfully with another massive hit single “Wapa”. Now known for his hit-dropping prowess, Dampte continued his upward push following up with his next hit “Ghetto” for which he filmed a highly regarded video.

The gifted writer and performer Dampte has an ever-increasing repertoire and has been holding it down since before hip-hop started ruling his native Nigerian airwaves. His stage performances have always been off the hook and have successfully been rocking audiences across Nigeria, Ghana, and elsewhere. He is currently living and performing in the UK.
"I used to love to just sit down and write but now, I sit down and spit." Additionally Dampte states, "I've got more anthems than any National…”.
Dampte spits in a track off his debut album “Los Gidi Certified” released March 2011. His debut album has got something in it for everyone. From laid-back tunes to fast paced rhythms, Dampte has managed to compose and successfully record over 14 hits. Watch out for tracks like Times Two, Street Magic, Go Get Her, Ghetto and lots more. His debut album is titled “Los Gidi Certified” and is available on iTunes, Amazon and many other sites.
Rising star Dampte officially unveiled his brand new single "Are You Ready" crafted by multi platinum producer Goldhands. The dance music inspired song is a smash hit in the clubs across Europe, especially in the United Kingdom. "Are You Ready", which features T-Pain’s Nappy Boy artist Tay Dizm, is now available on iTunes and was released via Bugatti Music Group. The single is a huge success with both fans and critics and it is receiving a great amount of attention from notable commercial radio stations around the country. YoRaps, Europe’s #1 urban online magazine, calls Dampte “the next to blow”.
Never content to rest, when he’s not performing Dampte is in his studio working and creating more tracks for his new album which is yet untitled but sure to impress the fans and his critics.

Are You Ready   Available on iTunes  Buy on iTunes

Meet the Artist....Tino Brown

Tino Brown was born with a great talent for music and entertainment. “Tino Brown Transformed” has already received great industry buzz. Available now iTunes and other outlets.

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Biography

Born in Utica, NY, +Tino Brown by the age of 15 had already independently released his first single by himself named “Last Days". The single sold more than 5000 copies locally. In 1999 via the independent record label Down N Dirty, Tino released an album which was successful statewide in his native New York. 

To further pursue his music career, Tino headed south to Atlanta, Georgia in 2000 where he received a recording contract and released his first nationally distributed album “Who is Tino Brown”.  As the reputation of this hot new talent spread, Tino was picked up by world renowned publicist Regina Daniels who has done publicity work for the likes of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and most recently R. Kelly.  Tino went on to record a track with Wingo of Jagged Edge entitled “Call Me Up”, then he teamed up for a  song with rapper Killer Mike entitled “Built Like Us”.  Tino  has also worked with Teddy Riley, Nitti (Nitti Beats), Khujo of the Goodie Mob and many others. He quickly expanded his brand and in 2004 he was invited to perform on Soul Train in front of the legendary Don Cornelius. 

In 2011 Tino diversified his talents and released his first independent movie entitled "By Any Means Necessary"which has sold over 30,000 units worldwide via the internet. 

More recently,  Tino has teamed up with hit producer Martin King of Wreckin Crew Productions and recorded a full new album Tino Brown Transformed. The album, having received great industry buzz, debuted in the top 100 (number 65) on iTunes..  Tino has been compared to the likes of 50 Cent, 2 Pac, Jay Z and many top name entertainers. He brings something new to the game.

Not content to only record and write music, Tino has also produced, written and directed two Indie films By Any Means Necessary and Take It or Leave It.  Be sure to watch out for many more phenomenal projects to come from this very multi talented artist.

Follow Tino Brown:

Official Tino Brown Fan Page

Reverbnation Tino Brown
iTunes
YouTube Tino Brown Official

Sell music on itunes at ReverbNation.com

Meet the Artist: Emskee

I have had the privilege and great pleasure of knowing Emskee (Marc Smith) for several years.  He is a multi talented DJ, musician, radio personality, husband and father.  It's time that more people get to know this very talented man.  He's authentic an original when it comes to spinning and in everything he is and does.

Emskee has been on the  music scene and in the game since he was a kid. Since '91 he has had his hands on records, spinning furiously and spreading his gospel around New York City and the globe including Russia, Mexico, England, Canada, Jamaica and Venezuela. He provokes,  he inspires, raises the dead and never spins the same way twice, which is why when you're on the dance floor exorcising to Emskee you never want the night to end. You won't want to leave even when it's daylight and your stomach is gnawing. You find all the sustenance you need in the music. And the DJ is also the MC. Emskee won't just holla you out of your seat at the party, he's a recording artist, with dozens of acclaimed releases as a solo rapper and as part of the power hip hop/soul group, The Good People, with his partner, The Saint. He also boasts a new collaborative project with Brooklyn producer E The 5th called "The Marc Smith LP", and numerous guest appearances and single releases abroad. 

Buy on iTunes:  The Marc Smith LP --- Emskee & E tha 5th

Buy on iTunes:  The Marc Smith LP --- Emskee & E tha 5th

Emskee currently raises the roof at a monthly all-vinyl party called RECORDNITION, in partnership with Grammy Award winning producer/DJ Easy Mo Bee in New York City. Emskee is the co-creator and host of the cult-followed, deep disco and classic house music event known as the Rare Radio Show on WBAI 99.5fm in New York City. Emskee also held an 11-year residency on the longest running hip hop show in the world (22 years and still broadcasting), the storied J Smooth's Underground Railroad on WBAI. Emskee is also part of the international alliance called the Hoglodytes, with Chubb Nice in England, which feeds the Peace Soup Movement: a drive to fuse music melodies from across the globe with a hip hop base. 

Emskee has always believed in spreading love and respect through music, and sees himself as a curator, an adventure guide, and a shaman. "You don't have to be cool here!" Emskee is known to proclaim on the mic at a party. "And we don't care what kind of car you drive or how much money you make." Emskee just cares about using music to bring people together. He takes his listeners on a journey from which they will emerge changed, yet, closer to their true selves. 

Emskee's varying  and infectious DJ styles are on display:

Mixcloud:    http://www.mixcloud.com/marcsmith184/

Podomatic:  http://djemskee.podomatic.com

Bandcamp:  www.thegoodpeople.bandcamp.com
Twitter:  @djemskee
RECORDnition Party Official on Twitter:  @RecordNition

Artist Branding 101....So You Want to be a Star?

Engage...engage...and did I mention...engage your fans!   They need to know you're real and you value them and their feedback on your music and performances.  The fans are the critics that matter most. You can't take the "ivory tower" approach to growing your career.  No artist succeeds without a good, growing and stable fan base and networking.

So just how do you  become a "star"?

Too many people record music and want to be a “star” with out realizing it is about entertaining people!  It's not just about the music.  Listen to producers who can help you improve your end product but make sure you are ready to stand behind what you record also.  

There are far too many bad artists on mainstream radio today than good ones. Many more talented artists have recorded tracks that are not selling, as they should be.  Getting on the main stream radio is just as difficult today as it ever has been. You can grow a career as an Indie artist and perform frequently.

When performing live, the name of the game is  “Can I fill the seats in the venue?”  That is what the venue wants and so do you! How many seats you fill will tell the venue to rebook you again or not.  This is marketing 101.

How do you become financially successful and accomplish filling the house?

1-Develop Fan loyalty to your brand

You are a “brand” just like a bar of soap.   You need to sell yourself. Without a doubt you need to network and connect with your fans.   You need fans to want to spend their hard earned cash for your tickets.   If fans do not care, they will not spend.

Today it is up to the artist to interact with their fans regularly on social media such Twitter, Facebook, Google + and others.   Do entertaining tweets and posts.  Share about yourself enough to be interesting to the fans. Occasionally you may need to do a free song give away too. Keep their attention on you.  It is NOT just about a fan loving your comedy act or song.   They have to like you as a person too not just as a performer.   That building of the love will keep fans longer term than if they do not care about you the person.   Appreciate your fans!  This is all part of building your brand and brand loyalty.   You are after all a commodity in the entertainment world.

2- How about a new angle for your next show

Just like in songs you need a hook, you need a hook as a performer also.

Try a song or album release to get them out.   Or, maybe you are going on tour…so kick off the tour at home for your home base of fans. If you have a cause or charity you care about.   Develop that caring in your fans through your media interactions with them. Don’t be afraid to give a portion of what you earn to the cause and encourage them to do the same by them filling the house.   This can help with brand loyalty.  It is good for fans to know that you are a real human being who cares about what is happening in the community and world.

3- Play Less Often!

That may sound strange but if you play constantly and always do the exact it show in the same area, fans will become bored.  Your seat numbers will decline over time if you do play too often in the same city.

4- Mix it up!

Keep your show interesting! Have other artists perform with you to change up the show.   Try out new material!  The best way to try out a new tune or comedy piece is to perform it in front of your loyal fans.  If they do not like it, you know you are heading in the wrong direction.  Do not make the whole show new, just parts of it.  Make the fans feel special knowing they are the first to hear the material.  Ask the fans once in a while what they want to hear.  Be creative!   Have t-shirts?  Think about giving out a couple once in a while. 

5- Promote!!!

This may see obvious but if fans don’t know about you performing, they will not be showing up.  Ask the venue to list you on their websites and in their promotional materials.   Post a poster on their premises.  As your fame grows, maybe a local radio station can do a give away of some tickets.   Have you connected with the college radio stations?  Online radio stations?   Be creative here, no perfect right or wrong way to promote yourself.    This is where word of mouth from your fans online comes in handy too.   Do event pages on sites like Facebook.   Have friends and fans invite their friends too.

6- Be creative

Remember:  You are selling “you the brand”.   Do not be afraid to sell yourself.   Volunteer to perform at fundraisers.   Have confidence in your abilities in self-promotion as much as your confidence in your art.  Most importantly, show the fans how much you enjoy their company at every show you do.