Don’t Be a Clone: 3 Keys to finding your Style and your Audience

Today I wanted to share a great post from a good friend of mine that is on the inside of the music industry. We have had some amazing talks recently about where the industry is and where it is going. He works mostly in the hip-hop and urban markets, but I truly feel that you can take his words and relate them to your niche. Enjoy.

With major labels scrambling to figure out how to make money off of music there is a disturbing push from the industry to clone artists. They say things like they’re looking for the next Drake, the next Gaga, the next Beiber…but how about the next…You? People seem to forget that before Lady Gaga started putting meat on her face, there was nobody putting meat on their face. Granted, many compare her to a Madonna type of artist but you cannot deny the fact that she put her own flavor on that steak. So don’t feel the pressure to reinvent the music wheel, simply focus on your style and embody what it is to be an independent artist…independence.

Below are 3 keys for independent artists to find their style and audience using a case study approach. In this example we use Fourth Quarter Entertainment artist, LimeLyte.

1. Find Your Wheelhouse.

There’s a show on CNBC called “Titans” that profiles some America’s most successful people in entertainment and beyond. While watching a profile on musical artist, entertainer, and mogul, Merv Griffin, a friend of his said something that really hit home. His friend said, “Merv never did anything he didn’t know about.” It’s a simple statement, and although Merv might be before your time, the truth remains the same…do what you’re best at.

Hip-Hop artist, LimeLyte, had been pushed for years to be a hardcore, street type of hip-hop artist but something didn’t feel right. The truth was, LimeLyte, was a very talented lyricist who did his best when he made songs that people could dance and have fun to yet still had that typical Hip-Hop braggadocio. This was his wheelhouse.

2. Clubs or Stadiums?

At some point one must look at music from a business perspective and ask yourself, “How do I reach the most people with my music?” The answer is, make a song that appeals to the masses. It’s okay to do songs that you like or your friends like but in general the masses like songs that they can dance and party to.

For instance, this LimeLyte song would appeal to more of a niche Southern Hip-Hop crowd, mostly men ages 18-30 rather than the masses.

This song, however, with it’s rock, high energy, party feel would appeal to a wider audience. The kind of audience that says things like, “I listen to everything.” That’s the market you want.

3. Your Friends Lie.

Finally, don’t rely on your friends opinions to tell you how good you are or what your lane should be. Limelyte, didn’t truly grasp his style until he came across the production team at Fourth Quarter Entertainment. Whether it’s online or in person approach a music industry professional and HUMBLY ask them for an honest critique of your music expressing to them that you just want to get better. Remember, no matter what they say be thankful and don’t get offended if they tell you, you still have work to do. Your best music is still ahead of you.

This post was written by Bobby Franchise from Fourth Quarter Entertainment. They help artists get connected with the right people in the industry through seminars, consulting and working one-on-one with artists. Find Bobby on Twitter.

Tags: 4th quarter, bobby franchise, industry, limelyte, Music Marketing, videos