Industry news & advice blog

In today's oversaturated market, every musician needs to have a sense of what music branding is, especially for independent artists. With more and more artists competing for attention, it's important to know what your unique selling point is and to establish a strong brand identity that revolves around that. So, whether you're a seasoned musician or a complete newbie, here's your guide to building a successful music brand.

6 steps to music branding

Define your identity
Before you decide what your brand will be, you need to understand who you are as an artist. This also includes what you want to project to your target audience. Take some time to reflect on your music style, values, lyrics, image, and your story as a person and artist. You can kickstart your journey by asking yourself the following questions:

* What are the elements that set you apart from similar artists?
* Is there an artist that you look up to? What elements make them appealing to you?
* What story do you want to tell through your music?
* Are there any specific colours that you associate with your music?

By responding to these questions and defining your identity, you'll be better equipped to create a music brand that is authentic to you as an artist.


Develop your visual identity
Taylor Swift, KISS, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Beyonce, Missy Elliott...it's safe to say that all the greats have a unique visual identity that's instantly identifiable.

Your visual identity plays a pivotal role in how your audience sees you, and encompasses everything from your logo to your on-stage outfits. Choose the visual elements that pique your interest, and be consistent across all platforms to create a coherent brand image.


Craft your story
Every musician has a story to tell. Your brand narrative plays an important role in defining your music brand, as it helps your audience connect with you on a deeper level. Depending on the music brand you choose, share your personal stories, experiences and inspirations through your social media content, press releases and music. If you decide that your music brand should be a bit more mysterious, think about ways to still convey your story while maintaining this element of mystique.


Engage with your audience
Building a strong relationship with your audience is crucial to building a loyal audience that will have your back for the years to come. If you're starting out, make sure to talk to your fans after your performance and at the merch table.

Engage with them on social media, respond to comments and create interaction opportunities such as an online fan subscription community. By fostering this sense of community and belonging, you'll attract individuals who are not only passively listening to your music, but also genuinely interested in your brand and what you stand for.


Collaborate with other artists and network
Collaborating with other musicians is key to expanding your reach and exposing your music to new audiences. Look for ways to work with artists you admire on different projects and promote each other's work. Don't be afraid to reach out to people on social media - a DM can go a long way to establishing connections that can take your music career to the next level.


Evolve and adapt
The music industry is constantly evolving and adapting to the times. Therefore, it's really important to keep yourself up-to-date with the latest industry trends and to be willing to adapt your strategy accordingly.

Keep refining your music brand strategy. Reflect on the feedback you receive from your audience and see if you can incorporate it into what you're already doing. Continue experimenting with new music and social media platforms, ideas, content, and promotional avenues.

The music industry can be tough and downright disheartening at times. Therefore, it's essential to keep an open mind and stay flexible while knowing what the essence of your music brand is.

 
This is a guest post from Amplify, an all-in-one platform that helps artists market their music, connect to their superfans, and supercharge their career. Join the 100,000 plus artists already using Amplify to start promoting your music, engaging with your superfans, and earning a sustainable income today.