Day 15 – Why Is Social Media Engagement So Important?

Day 15 - As an artist, social media is important because it gives you a gauge of your core following. Take 10% of what your total following is and that will generally give you an idea of the amount of click throughs to your website, iTunes page, merchandise website, etc. The idea is, a "click through" from your social media platforms leads to SALES. Instead of posting what you had for lunch, or the movie you've just watched, which is all good because your social media platforms are sincere, figure out a way to creatively garner support for a project you're releasing. Figure out a way to interact with people, using social media, that will make a difference in your mission to promote your music. Whatever you are tweeting and posting should lead to a follower's interest later down the line to support your music. A few ways to do this is to:

1. Release news updates and fan mailings to communicate to fans.

2. Offer free and exclusive mp3s for subscribers to your mailing list.

3. Hold contests for your fans and give aways and inspiring.

In between doing the three aforementioned things, participate and ENGAGE online to post meaningful interesting and insightful material so your social media platforms won't be all about promoting your music. 

#ADD to your brand!

"Artist Development Dedication" 25 Day Brand Challenge

- Joy A. Young, CEO of J.Couture Productions, L.L.C.

Day 14 - How Do I Start the Digital Conversation About My Music?

Day 14 - Starting the digital conversation is very simple. If you are on top of your game and have done everything I've previously advised, you should create a wikipedia page for those seeking a detailed biography. Also, as an artist, you need to commit to the scene. Find, communicate, collaborate with similar artists. Get out there and let people know where and when you're doing shows and post announcements and pictures from your social media platforms for engagement. In Day 15, we'll talk about why social media engagement is so important!

This is the "Artist Development Dedication" 25 Day Brand Challenge!

#ADD to your brand!

- Joy A. Young, CEO of J.Couture Productions, L.L.C. 

Day 13 - How Can I Measure My Online Presence?

Day 13 - It takes more than uploading music to build an online presence. Search Engine Optimization or SEO is process of affecting the visibility of a website or a web page in a search engine's organic search results. The higher ranked your search results, the more visitors your website will receive from search engine users. SEO targets different kinds of searches: image, local, video, academic, news and industry specific searches. If you have a budget for internet marketing, I would advise investing in a company or a freelancer who specializes in SEO. Reason being is, if someone does not know your direct url's, if they google search you, all your information will pop up and make it easy for them to find and follow you. 

Now that we can find you, let's talk about your social media presence! 1.) Make sure you are tagging your music with all relevant info so it comes up in your search results. 2.) Publish band info and tracks to all sites catering to musicians. 3.) Rotate new tracks in and out of sites to avoid stagnancy. 4.) Help fans find you online by making it easy for them. Do your part!

Also, keep track of what people are saying about you by creating a creative hash tag so you can follow the social conversation. They may not know your social media handles, but they may use your hash tags when posting about your music. Fans love when you retweet them and it's a great way to stay engaged. 

Artist Development Dedication 25 Day Brand Challenge

#ADD to your brand! #JCouturePR

- Joy A. Young, CEO of J.Couture Productions, L.L.C.

Day 12 - As an Artist, Why Do I Need A Social Media Presence?

Day 12 - As an artist, don't underestimate the importance of a social media presence to a digital publicity campaign. Two: reasons: all bloggers check out your social media presence as a filter of whom to and who not to consider for coverage. You need to consistently post and engage with your fans. They will want to share the feature with your following to help build the publication's following as well. Second reason, for a PR campaign to be 100% effective, each feature delivered needs to be properly leveraged through social media to mobilize the existing fan base. Each feature is now content you can use to engage with your fans without saying, "listen to my music." This is a much more subtle form of self-promotion. The six rooms of  your social media house should include Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Pinterest, a blog and a newsletter. In upcoming days I'll discuss how often you should engage with your followers using your different social media platforms.

This is the Artist Development Dedication 25 Day Brand Challenge!

#ADD to your brand! #JCouturePR

- Joy A. Young, CEO of J.Couture Productions, L.L.C.

Day 11 - No Budget: Where Can I Publish Gig Advertisings for FREE?

Day 11 - Let the world know you are alive and kicking as an independent artist! Two really great online platforms to utilize in the states are ReverbNation.com and GigFinder.com. With Gig Finder, you can post and find gigs for musicians, bands, DJs, entertainers, photographers and other types of talent. All for free. Reverb Nation is home to over 3.44 million musicians, venues, labels, and industry professionals. You can personalize your artist page to include music, video, bio's, gig dates and more. Another great platform is Aloud.com. Aloud features gig announcements and you can also sell tickets to your shows. There are multiple platforms you can use. These are just a few really good ones. 

#ADD to your brand! #JCouturePR

- Joy A. Young, CEO of J.Couture Productions, L.L.C.

Day 10 - When Should I Digitally Release My Music?

Day 10 - If you are releasing your music online using one of the online digital distribution platforms like iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon mp3, etc., you should plan ahead and choose a date that gives you three weeks lead time. Select a release date that is three weeks from the time you hit 'distribute' in your TuneCore account. 

Why is this?...

Lead time is the key element in feature consideration. Featured releases are picked with at least three weeks lead time.

#ADD to your brand! #JCouturePR

- Joy A. Young, CEO of J.Couture Productions, L.L.C.

Day 9 - How Do I Know If My Music Is Ready For Release?

Day 9 - Unless you are leaking your music or putting out a mixtape, which doesn't require much strategy, there are branding elements you need to have in place to successfully release a body of work called an EP or an album which will support your digital PR and marketing/promotion campaigns. You must have at least the following: at least 4-6 professionally mixed and mastered songs ready for release, a professionally written compelling bio, professionally shot promotional photos, album and single artwork, and music videos. These are the basics. When you have these locked and loaded, you or your team can plan to release your music. 

This is the 25 Day Artist Development Dedication Brand Challenge! #ADD to your brand!

#JCouturePR

- Joy A. Young, CEO J.Couture Productions, L.L.C. 

Day 8: What Is the Most Important Part About Releasing My Music?

Day 8 - The most important part about releasing your music, is THE MUSIC. If the music isn't ready, there is no need for a PR campaign or a marketing strategy. No matter what the niche is targeted during the campaign, if you do not have the music ready and available to be shared with media (bloggers, podcasters, radio station DJs, etc.) you are wasting everyone's time and money. Have at least an EP (containing at least 4 songs) that is planned for release around 1 to 1.5 months into the PR campaign. Bloggers don't like to mention an upcoming release if there is any more than one month of lead-time between the feature and the release. As long as the music is available a unique story can be told, a digital PR campaign can be done effectively. Your songs MUST be professionally recorded. Live tracks are find, if you are promoting a live release, but the mixes need to be of professional quality. 

As an artist, your brand begins with your music. It's the foundation. 

#ADD to your brand!

Join the social conversation by using hash tags #ADD and #JCouturePR

- Joy A. Young, CEO of J.Couture Productions, L.L.C.

Day 7 - Does My Image Match My Music?

Day 7 - When you are prepping for the release of new music, if you have a strong team, one of the first meetings you'll take is with a stylist or image consultant to determine what "look" you should go for. Your look is your first impression, most times, if someone has never heard your music. It's what we see first. Your image and style should also complement your sound. When your promo photos and videos conflict with your music, you may have a problem on your hands. These two tools should represent your artistic intent without simply illustrating the lyrics. At their worst, music videos can destroy songs that were already growing to love. Make sure your stylist, photographer and director understand the message and the vision behind your artistry.

Also, I'm big on artists looking like artists, which means, if you're an artist you should always stand out from the crowd. I should be able to look at you and say, "He/She's somebody!" Even if I don't know so. There should be something about your style that draws me to you as an artist, whether it's a signature statement piece, or a signature look. 

This is the 25 Day Artist Development Dedication Brand Challenge...

#ADD to your brand!

Join the social conversation by using hash tags #ADDChallenge and #JCouturePR

- Joy A. Young, CEO of J.Couture Productions

Day 6 - I'm An Artist: Why Do I Need A Niche Demographic?

Day 6 - You need a niche demographic so you will not waste your time talking to or promoting your music to an audience of people who have no interest in what you are promoting. You must align yourself in the public and in the digital world to become successful and efficient. You should look to build a distinct brand aimed at a specific demographic and associate your brand with a market. You can start by finding music related groups on social media that relate to your brand and join the conversation. Almost every single artist who has found success online, virally or not, have targeted and conquered a niche demographic. People who are characterized within your niche demographic are more likely to become loyalists of your music. The more specific the niche, the more dedicated those within it will be. If you really want social media networks to become the success drivers of your career, you must target and conquer your niche demographic. If you want to know how to do this, visit www.jcoutureproductions.com and submit for a one on one consultation. 

#ADD to your brand!

Start the social conversation by using hash tags #ADD and #JCouturePR

- Joy A. Young, CEO of J.Couture Productions

Day 5 - I'm An Artist: What Is MY Demographic?

Day 5 - Targeting a demographic isn't as hard as you think. You really just have to be true to who you are and your demographic comes to you. But, there is a strategic way to get this information and you must understand there is a difference between the terms "demographic," "niche market," and "target market." Your demographic are the quantifiable statistics of a given population. For example, a rap artist's demographic could be 60% men, 40% women, aged 18 - 35, 10% Hispanic, 60% African American, and 30% Caucasian. Demographic statistics are commonly used in public opinion poling and marketing. Demographical information is essential to marketing your music. 

Your niche market defines your demographic further. For example, Eminem fans may may purchase albums, versus singles, aged 18 - 29 who live in the United States versus, London. That's way more defined. 

Your target market is a group of individuals who share a common interest directly related to your music. For example, Lil Wayne has found a new group of fans in the skate boarding world. It could be directly related to his music or his Truck Fit clothing line, but he still has a specific target market of skateboarders who purchase his music and pay to see him perform. 

When you define and target your demographic, niche market and target market, you can now develop a marketing and PR strategy that will yield success and generate sales! We'll discuss that tomorrow. If you're wondering, "How in the hell do I get my hands on this information?," then submit for a one on one consultation at www.JCoutureProductions.com.

#ADD to your brand!

Start the social conversation using hash tags #ADD and #JCouturePR

- Joy A. Young, CEO of J.Couture Productions

Day 4 - I'm an Artist: What is MY message?

Day 4 - As an artist, what you rap or sing about should be a direct reflection of who you are, or who and what you present yourself to be to your fans. What is your lyrical content? Does it represent who you are? Does it connect with your brand and imaging? Is it relatable to your targeted demographic? Do you look 15 singing about sex? Do you look 40 rapping about money, cars, clothes and hoes? Your message isn't only found in your words, it's also found in your visuals. Your message can be found in how you perform, the types of venues and events you perform or are seen at. You cannot be a boy band of 25 years olds performing at a teen concert of 13 year old fans and expect someone to take you seriously. You will attract your demographic by whatever message you are putting out with your music and your reputation.  Once you've figured out what your message through music is, we can move on to discuss how to target a "demographic."

This is the Artist Development Dedication 25 Day #ADD Brand Challenge!

Start the social conversations using hash tags #ADD and #JCouturePR

-Joy A. Young, CEO of J.Couture Productions

Visit www.JCoutureProductions.com to submit for a one on one consultation!

Day 3 - No Budget: How do I meet quality producers and writers?

Day 3 - There are really levels to this business and as an artist, meeting talented producers and writers all depends on what level of your career you are on. I find the key to independent artists connecting with the best producers and writers, if you do not have the machine known as the record label funding your recordings, is to get with your performing rights organizations and attend the networking events they coordinate. These events are for artists like you who are trying to connect with other talented artists, producers and writers. If you have a relationship with your P.R.O. representatives and know about these events, nine times out of ten, you are a quality producer and writer. 

It's amazing how many musicians I come across who do not know what a P.R.O. is. This lets me know that they do not have royalty checks coming in and then it further let's me know what level of their career they are on. The most popular performing rights organization in the United States is ASCAP. The second most popular is BMI. The third most popular is SESAC. (FYI, your P.R.O. is responsible for paying out your royalties when you get placements that produce mechanical royalties.) 

#GoogleThem

If you are independent (you are not signed to a major record label, therefore, you do not have an A&R finding producers and writers for you) then I suggest becoming affiliated with SESAC. SESAC has fewer affiliates than ASCAP and BMI. This is because it is required that you go through an assessment process with SESAC. You must submit your work and it will be reviewed for you to become accepted. Also, SESAC pays royalties monthly now which is great for independent artists who may depend on various streams of income. Another reason, I find, is their networking events are the best for connecting artists, producers and writers together. If you are lucky and your rep really believes in your talents, he/she may go above and beyond to personally find you placement opportunities. That's not their job to do, but I've seen it happen time and time again with talented musicians at SESAC. 

We've talked about getting the music right, we've talked about making sure you are mastering your craft, now it's time to get hooked up with the right people. Visit all P.R.O. websites online, do your research and homework on all organizations, figure out which one is the best fit for you, become affiliated, then attend their events and get to networking! 

Start the social conversations using hash tags #ADD and #JCouturePR

-Joy A. Young, CEO of J.Couture Productions

Visit www.JCoutureProductions.com to submit for a one on one consultation!

Day 2 - Really, Do Music Genres Still Matter?

Day 2 - In my previous post, I mentioned, "make sure your genre is the love of your life." I also advised to pay attention to the individuality of the various artists in your genre. As an artist and musician, it is very important to become a master of your craft, study music theory, and to do so you must study the fundamentals and elements of music: rhythm, harmony, melody, structure, form and texture, and the history of music. That's if you're serious about being a professional musician and longevity in the business. Figure out what your sound is and what separates you from the rest.

There are various different types of genres: Alternative Music, Blues, Classical, Country, Dance, Easy Listening, Electronic, European Folk/Pop, Hip Hop/Rap, Indie Pop, Inspirational/Gospel, Asian Pop/J-Pop/K-Pop, Jazz, Latin, New Age, Opera, Pop, R&B/Soul, Reggae, Rock, Singer/Songwriter, World Music/Beats.... And then there are a multitude of sub genres under each one of those. There are also new genres that have emerged over the years like Dub-Step and Electronic Dance Music, also known as EDM. I understand that when you are in the creative process, you are not focusing on "what genre of music does this song fall under," you're just creating what best interests you. By all means continue to do that and not put yourself in any genre box! Genres are for the executives to make sense of what you're creating!

Genres really begin to matter once you become a "recording" artist and you want to be taken seriously by us. Executives, label radio promotion departments, and radio program directors will need to know where to place you at radio on station formats. We need to know whether it's considered "Urban Adult Contemporary," "Smooth Jazz," or "Top 40" also known as "Contemporary Hit Radio," etc. Therefore, know what your base is, whether it's Hip Hop, R&B, Pop, etc, but don't focus so much on placing yourself in one of those boxes. There are a lot of musicians who cross genres for example, Taylor Swift's "Both of Us" featuring B.o.B. Another example is Nelly's "Over and Over" featuring Tim McGraw. Know your base and create what feels good to you. 

Start the social conversation by using hash tag #ADD and #JCouturePR

- Joy A. Young, CEO of J.Couture Productions

Visit www.JCoutureProductions.com to submit for a one on one consultation.

The "Artist Development Dedication" 25 Day Brand Challenge - DAY 1

A LOT of independent artists out there find out the hard way that it takes more than good music these days to get publicity, bookings, a social media following, a core fan base, let alone get signed to an independent with major distribution, or get signed directly to a major. I come across so many talented artists who have the potential to acquire indy or mainstream success, but they are missing one very crucial component, A BRAND. 

I've started this 25 Day #ADD Brand Challenge to give a little insight to independent artists about what it takes to develop an attention worthy brand to grasp the attention of fans and music business executives. I am challenging you all to take it up a notch! #ADD simple stands for "Artist Development Dedication." If you are serious about getting into the industry of music, you must be dedicated; which means, you must look like a professional doing it! Otherwise, we're not paying attention to you. The market is saturated with aspiring musicians. I'm taking a new approach to artist development and teaching you artists out there a little something called "branding." Your success starts with the music, but you will last in this business by developing a brand. Your brand consists of your music, the message of your music, your image, your online visuals, your marketing collaterals, your merchandise... any and everything you put out to the public.

These days, you must come with the total package and that includes what seems like team of individuals who manage your brand, but it could very well be you sitting in your living room or studio with multiple apps and computer software, producing high quality visual presentations. All it takes is a little "know how" and creativity to get noticed. Grab you a couple of college interns, set aside a budget and let's get to work.

If you are an independent artist and you feel what I'm saying, then listen up because for the next 25 days, I'm giving you the juice and guiding you on how to #ADD to your brand.... 

DAY 1 - I'm an artist. How do I get my music "right"? 

As an artist, your music is your legacy. It will be here long after you leave this earth. The first and most important step is getting your music right. You can't be heard without the music. Make sure that your 

the genre of music is the love of your life. Immense yourself in your genre and understand it thoroughly. Study your craft. Learn from the successful greats who came before you, then add your own approach. Pay attention to the individuality of the various artists in your genre. 

If you're not sure if your music is any good, it probably isn't. But, it may not be your fault. It could be an issue of bad vocal production, you may need better writers or the track's production isn't all that great. If you are a singer and you can't quite hit every note the way you should, or if you're pitchy and always out of tune, get a vocal coach. If you are a writer, take your time with the music. Write songs one inspiration at a time. Never rush the songwriting process. Make sure you have catchy hooks and the lyrical content that is not common; something you hear in songs everyday. Invest in a thesaurus or visit Thesaurus.com. You will learn there are a million and one ways to say the same thing. Singers, your lyric and melody should ride the tracks perfectly. If you are a member of SESAC, ASCAP or BMI, invest in the songwriting workshops they offer. You will learn from Grammy award winning producers and writers. If you are an aspiring producer, make sure you are using software to produce professionally mastered music quality. Take a trip to Guitar Center and get schooled about different production equipment and software. Research the producers and studios in your local area and get an apprenticeship under a producer you admire. Also, I encourage everyone to learn a thing or two about engineering. It will help your ear when recording. If you don't know what that means, then you need to take a couple music classes...

At the end of the day, if you hand an executive a demo and it's not properly mixed and you sound horrible, we are going to toss it to the streets and find out what they think about it. It only takes 30 seconds into each song for us to know.

Start the social conversation by using hash tags #ADD and #JCouturePR

- Joy A. Young, CEO of J.Couture Productions

Visit www.JCoutureProductions.com to submit for a one on one consultation.