Every marathon starts with one step. A cheesy cliché? Probably. But within every cliché is a kernel of truth. And before you become a nationally known recording artist, you need to build the right foundation for your career.
The first step is to build your local fan base. So take action where and when you can. He plays showcases in music clubs. Look out for open mic nights. Plan your own showcase. Offer to play a free concert and a local club and send invites to all your friends. Wherever you perform, get as many people as possible to attend. So post the event on Facebook. Send a tweet.
Look for jobs that promote your music and put you in contact with music industry professionals, such as a studio backup singer. Get an agent and have them send you to auditions to be a commercial jingle singer. These jobs are not only great ways to blend in, but they also pay well.
Hone your songwriting skills. While talented singers and musicians are always highly sought after, those who write their own material are especially appreciated. Being a singer-songwriter doubles your chances of getting a label deal. Many successful artists started by writing songs for other well-known singers.
Promote yourself virally. Create a fun, easy-to-use website, then rent a professional digital recorder and make a high-quality video to upload to your site. Again, use Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites to promote your video.
Once you’ve built up a following, both local and online, it’s time to land a record deal. Start by preparing a promotional package. Take a professional photo of yourself, make copies of any reviews you may have, and write a short but engaging cover letter to introduce yourself.
The most important part of your package is a demo. If you write your own songs, record them. If you cover songs, select the songs that best showcase your voice instead of choosing a song because it’s popular. And never try to sound like anyone else; trust your own style.
When meeting with a tag, keep your appearance in mind. First impressions are important. And most importantly, be positive and professional. Show them that you are artistically and personally ready to be a national recording star!
