I've learned that writing from your heart is the best. There are so many subjects in life you can start from that people like. Listen to conversations, listen to the news, hear what's going on in your own life. The major artist write about love, hate, love and hate, bad personalities, and the list will go on on and on. (smile)
The golden nugget is learning self-promotion,
especially in a fast evolving trend world to where
anyone now can be seen and heard.
This is because of computer technology and the
Internet, and now we are just purely saturated
with everyone promoting themselves.
The key is learning more about what your fans
or desired fan base is all about. So find people
that you have common interests with. The
best way is to connect with them online and
build relationships with them.
Then make yourself stand apart from all the
others in some way. What do you do different
than the other artists? What kind of experience
do you give your fans, or can you give them?
Really try to focus on a group of people that
have specific common values. In marketing
we would call this developing a niche market.
And the same principles can be applied to
promoting yourself and your music.
If you can leave them with a strong emotion
in some way, then they are apt to remember
you and want to stay in contact.
I'm sure that there is a fan base out there for you.
Regarding all areas of what I do as a performing Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist...
all tied to Time Management
Taking the Time to write/compose
Taking the Time to practice guitar
Taking the Time (managing it better) to learn to navigate today's rapidly evolving music business.
As a one man operation, it is never easy. Add to it a life long lack of discipline and an uncanny ability to get sidetracked...well...The D word seems to be my Achilles Heel. Even getting to a residency gig and performing on time, which is the EASIEST part of my job, is a challenge at times. Hoo Boy...db
David Hooper will give you a lot of advice. Try getting his material that he gives free and sell. One thing he says is asking people to sign at your shows. Get a model to give the list to the audience. He mention give a few free items. You should always mention your cds at some point during the show. I've tried all the things and they do work.
Biggest challenge? Getting heard amongst everyone else out there - getting people to take the time to listen in the first place rather than being dismissed outright. There are so many independent artists trying to market in the same ways - how does one get heard?
I have learn from David many great things about marketing my music. Even though other indie artist may or may not be doing the same I don't concern with that. I just do my best to market me. Try getting information from DiscMakers and David Hooper. This is information I got from DiscMakers Achieving Success With Your Music. From David Hooper music business cd and 14 qualities of successful musicians, songwriters, and music business professionals. Now I know the information works, because I tried it myself. Wish you the best.