10 STEPS TO STAND OUT IN YOUR MUSIC CAREER

A lot of musicians are out there today, some have no direction, some working on others template. How do you stand out with all these competition in the market? Someone once told me, ‘there are enough birds in the sky, yet the sky is big enough for more’ do you want to be like most birds struggling to fly in the sky or like an eagle that hits the highest height? Am tired of seeing artiste without definition, that's why I have decided to share these 10 steps to develop your career in music. Step 1-3 goes hand in hand

Step 1: Define your brand. I always see every artist as a product, that is why I believe we use what is called ‘stage name.’ so seeing your music career as a product, then you have to mark these few words. WORLD CLASS PRODUCT

·          Life span – this is a projected duration of your music career as an artist, don’t ever deceive yourself that you will the number 1 star forever. However these you can’t review by yourself, you will need to contact an A & R (artists and repertoire) to help you determine this (Sign Up for contacts of A & R in Nigeria) they will show you, your peak (beginning stage) matured stage and resting stage. Each stage matters and requires different plans; this will give you a map
·          Product name (stage name) – please be careful when selecting this, because in most cases you use it throughout your life span as an artist except cases like some few peeps like p.diddy, puff daddy etc lol!( when money is too much)
·          Packaging (branding) ever seen a product, and you just want to buy it, just because of the looks? Like the way the wrapper is or the shape of the bottle? Branding is very important, this is what makes you stand out, you don’t want to be mixed up with other artist... hearing statements like he looks like lagbaja(someone) not good, oh yea also you don’t want to look like every normal guy on the street, attach something to your brand for people to know it is you. Example: @femikuti,- he is not just an artist but a musician( to be a musician, you need to know how to play one music instrument) he stands different with his African vibe(originality), check more of  him: femi kuti

@nnekaworld representing naija well by putting us on the map, her style is just simple 
 Beauty, no major make up, hair natural and she get that unique look. Check more of her:  
 Nneka




Note: it is allowed to steal styles from different celebrities you look up to but remember not to be them unless you don’t want to pass beyond what they achieve, so quick advice listen to a lot of your role models, study them and take the best from them, remember there is no more invention, it is innovation lol! Don’t quote me ooooooooo

 

Step 2. Find a Producer. 

UPCOMING PRODUCER and not just any producer - form a true partnership with a producer who can envision how your talents fit into the big picture. Find someone who can listen to you as an artist and can blend with your creativity and not overtake your vision. This will help ensure that your creativity is made bigger, better and brighter than it could ever be on its own. It is sad that upcoming artistes in Nigeria spend a lot on made producers and get nonsense track, do you know why? Taught money solves all!! You need chemistry with your producer and trust me, the made producer is so busy to be doing chemistry building with you unless he sees a unique talent in you and is willing to invest. So save the money, invest it in other things like some of the steps below. If the song has passed some stages, then you can pay for mixing and mastering for a better production.  PS please don’t allow any ‘something on the mix’ nonsense, that’s why you paid, not free, so if anyone wants to advertise then discount or partnership comes in. Don’t dull your value.

Step 3 Start with a song. 

Finding the right songs can either open or close the door for your career. Virtually anyone can be an artist today, given the available technology and resources(so don’t think cause you can sing, you are an artist) so it's critical your songs stand out and present something different from what everyone else is doing. Learn to ask for feedback (song review) and develop yourself from constructive criticism. Have at the back of your mind that negative comment does not mean you can’t make it as a musician, it is for you to get better, always request for a constructive critic’s i.e they should not just tell you, your song is terrible, they need to point out your major errors. You can contact me (admin@cdtalents.com) for your song review, however note that due to my busy schedule, I can only do one review per artist (free) and you give me a space of 10day,If not you have to pay for express review. Please note that every song is a story, there is a saying that music is used to express what cannot be said but has to be talked about. Make sure your song is an expression of your inner most mind, it could be abstract or a true story, be creative, constructive and passionate (e.g Mushin to mo hit by wande Coal, my best album Ever). Remember this is the best time for you to get the best songs from yourself. So don’t say I have too many songs I want to blow, keep recording, that’s your work. MEANWHILE Enjoy omote  by @esepeters and let me know what you feel. I know we have talents. (click on omote oooooo)

Step 4 Interpret yourself vocally. 

Never get lazy with your vocal training. Always push yourself, and do more than what you think you're capable of doing. Be creative, and do something original with your vocal presentation. Realize there is no voice like your voice. Work with what you've got. A lot of our Nigerian artist don’t even understand this, talk less of getting involved, remember what I said, you want to sell beyond borders, and you need to be developed even to your voice. Case study usher had a major fall in sales when he got to puberty stage because his voice started changing, also lil bow wow (bow wow) had a major drop due to the change, so you see the voice is very important, this is what makes you sound different. Don’t think about the stage the music industry is in now and decided I don’t need all this, think about the future, think about this, during the early stage of hip pop in Nigeria, nobody cared about their lyrics, that’s why the likes of them idris(all respect due) could not make up with the change, so don’t die with the season. I once saw seyishay's performance and she was breathing like she was going to pass out(no offense at her), this is definitely due to her vocal strength. It is important.

Step 5 Advertise Yourself.

 Think outside of Facebook, TWITTER (where the weak ones show strength- talkative), YouTube, iTunes and notjustok or aunt lindaikeji(call her aunt lol cos mehn she got the moves on many youths). These are all fantastic and necessary outlets to promote your music, if not the best, but how do you truly promote yourself? Think visually, and specifically concentrate on LOCAL and regional markets. Get broadcasted on LOCAL television (not MTV ooooo, we will get to those ones later) get featured in a local filmmaker's documentary, use college campus networks (very important,), or book a gig at a local event or music festival. Making these small milestones will bring you closer and closer to accomplishing your big picture goals. Also you will use all these as content for your brand and your value will not be on zero level when investors/labels are interested. (DON’T GET ME WRONG, SOCIAL MEDIA IS WHERE YOU HAVE TO BE, YOU WILL READ MORE ON THAT LATER) next step goes hand in hand. Please always record your movement no matter what equipment you have, your camera phone can help
Network, network, network.
Even the most talented musician can’t get very far without knowing the right people. Educate yourself about all facts of the music industry you are in and the one you want to enter, and meet as many people as you can. Go to conferences and meet other artists, and organizations. You are only as powerful as the network of people you know, so make it count. Example for Lagos peeps, industry nite- every Wednesdays, Rodizzo every Saturday 7pm, one mic, open mic. Sign Up for details.

Note: you will notice that have not mentioned, manager, record label, investors and all yet, this is because you have to do your part first, you are the owner of the dream, if you don’t protect your dream, they will steal it and remember it is music business, so you can’t blame them, we all have to make money. So with these five steps, you have content to bargain with, and you will not be looked under, because you both need one another, so don’t let anyone make you feel like you need them more. I remember when I wanted to start my company, I went to meet my uncle to invest (like the usual stories na) but nigga asked me, what do you have? I got nothing but just idea, he dulled me mehn, said I wasn’t serious, unless I want to sell the idea to him.(nigga meant business). So build yourself first. With these guide you can do much more.
Cost: 
Studio time 5k – 10k (remember upcoming)
For A & R, it is a little expensive, so if you can’t afford it, you can still leave it, work on your branding and others but don’t forget to request for such services because you need it
Voice training: Check this link to get basic start, if you got no cash: voice lessons

Step 6. Consider hiring an artist manager.

A good manager can make your career, just as a bad manager can seriously break it, so don't esteem this decision too lightly. Being a successful musician goes way beyond the music itself - you need to book gigs, schedule tours, negotiate deals, sign contracts, find licensing opportunities for your songs, and give interviews. Get to understand this process and know where you stand in your career. Your ideal manager is someone who can seamlessly align your artistic vision with your business operations. REMEMBER IT IS BUSINESS BE READY TO PAY FOR SERVICE NO BE FREE

Step 7. Also consider hiring an agent.

The right time to hire a booking agent is not a matter of "if" but a matter of "when". Judge where you’re in your career. You may not need an agent now, especially if you're just starting out. However, when you do get far enough along in your career, an agent will play the biggest role in organizing your tour and making it successful. LET THE PROFESSIONALS HANDLE IT, we don’t have strong agents here yet, since we like to do I sabi all for naija( I know all)

Step 8. Social networking is big.

In today's music business, the Internet is changing everything. But don't worry, this is good news. That little "Like" button on Facebook and "Share" button on YouTube can connect you to any listener in the world. That's more than any artist has ever been able to do before, so embrace this new age of technology and make it work for your musical career. Twitter hmmmm is very good but it is not a platform to spend a lot time on, if not you will become a noise maker( your value go drop, even if you have a lot of followers, beware of fake and sleeping followers)  mail me info@cdtalents.com if you are interested in an online marketer(will recommend to you)

Step 9. Make your music as accessible as possible.

Integrate your Facebook page, website, iTunes, and all other platforms to create a seamless brand for your music. Listeners don't want to work hard when it comes to new music, so hand it to them. They'll like you for spoiling them and will pass your music around because of it. LDM can handle this alongside your social networking. Also you have to be involved in offline due to people who don’t have access to internet, do local beer joint (a high man loves any song lol!), club djs.

Step 10. Be ready to resolve the tough issues.

When difficulties arise in your career, have people on hand that can help resolve it. The subject of rights and credibility can be one of the trickiest matters in the business - who owns what, and who gets paid? You probably don't have all the answers, and you rightfully don't need to. Consider hiring a lawyer to help you with agreements. Taking the extra step into making things legal may cost you a little money now, but can save you a lot of money later. Got few entertainment lawyers, as well. As advisors, you will get their contacts through a mail due to security reasons. Sign Up for free.

As an independent artist, there are a lot of things to think about to make sure your career shines brightly. Do what you do best and surround yourself with people who can fill in the holes where you may lack. Believe it or not, being a successful musician is a team effort. Accept this, and you will be well on your way to STARDOM!!!

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