Tag: Releasing Music

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Should Coronavirus Delay Your Next Release? [VIDEO]

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Several high-profile artists are delaying their upcoming releases in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic, but should indie artists follow their lead?

We are living in a new normal. How long we live in an industry without live music is anyone’s guess, and nobody knows exactly how to proceed in these uncertain times. Some high-profile talent is choosing to delay their upcoming releases, and others are choosing to forgo announcing their albums until the current wave of COVID-19 is over.

The reasons for these decisions are numerous because, like everything else in music, each career is different. But is delaying an upcoming release the best move for up and coming artists?

The answer isn’t that simple. Releasing music is easier now than ever, but the likelihood of a quick return on investment is low. There are also new hurdles to content creation, such as the inability to make elaborate videos or even schedule photo shoots. However, artists able to adapt to our new reality will find there is a lot of room for new music to break through and connect with a wide audience.

Think about it. When someone discovers a new song or artist during the pandemic, that listener now has something in their life to get them through these uncertain times. When the global economy reopens and live music returns, those artists whose work helped people are going to be the first musicians that listeners want to see.

Artists who wait until the fall are positioning themselves against a significant amount of competition. The demand for consumer attention and money is going to be at an all-time high later this year. Consumers may not have much to spend on much at the moment, but they do have plenty of time to listen and connect to an artist. Those who make the most of that opportunity are going to thrive when the industry reverts back to its (somewhat) normal operations.

In this episode of Music Biz, host James Shotwell explains the arguments for and against releasing music during the current pandemic, as well as how much or little those opinions should matter to independent artists.

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Singles Vs. EPs: What Should You Release?

As the music business continues to evolve, artists must learn to adapt. Finding the right plan for your next release is key, and today, we will help you figure things out.

The way we consume music is changing, so we must rethink how we release it. The days of people turning to albums for entertainment are gone. Today’s music fans expect everything to be available all the time at a moment’s notice. Those searching for new music seek out singles above all else. If they like what they hear, those same listeners will look for the rest of that artist’s catalog in time. That idea applies to new music from established artists as well, but only to an extent.

The first any artist should do is set goals. What do you want to accomplish with your next release? Be specific and reasonable with your answers. A good example of release goals would be gaining 1,000 followers and earning 10,000 streams.

Once your goals are set, release the song you believe is most likely to accomplish that goal and do everything in your power to make that track succeed. Create a music video, promote to your mailing list, create memes, and do anything you can come up with to reach your goals.

At some point between four and eight weeks after the track’s release, take time to review your goals and whether or not you achieved them. If the answer is no, choose another song and release that track. You should repeat the promotional efforts of the first song, as well as any new ideas you may develop.

When you achieve your goals, then you should move forward with plans to package songs together. You can pair your popular single with two to three additional tracks and release that material as an EP. That way, you can continue to capitalize on the momentum of the single while giving your current fans something new to enjoy.

That plan may not necessary for more popular musicians. Artists with sizable followings have to be accessible to new listeners while also keeping their more devoted fans engaged. These artists may see more value in sharing EPs over singles, if only because their audience is hungrier for content than those of musicians just getting their start.

In this episode of Music Biz, host James Shotwell answers one of the most common viewer questions by presenting multiple paths to success. The key to getting ahead is a combination of knowing yourself, your audience, and what you want to accomplish. If you can understand all that, then you are already miles ahead of your competition.

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Releasing Music During Coronavirus: Is It Smart? [VIDEO]

There are a lot of ways musicians can try getting ahead during Coronavirus, but what are the best ways to accomplish that without upsetting the general public?

Most music analysts will tell you that artists have three main revenue streams: Recorded music (and streaming), merchandise, and performances. They will also tell you that performance revenue makes up the most significant part of most artists’ annual income, which is why the current state of things is so scary for so many.

On this episode of Music Biz, host James Shotwell shifts focus from the things we cannot control, to the things we can. Touring is on hold for the foreseeable future, but there are still many ways artists can engage with fans and build their careers. But what is the ‘right’ decision to make when so many are worried about the state of the world?

Recently, one of our followers asked whether or not it would be smart to move forward with plans to release new music during the coronavirus outbreak. It’s understandable to question whether or not your creative expression will be well-received, but we encourage everyone to continue pushing forward. The world needs music now more than ever. Musicians are in a unique position to offer healing and comfort on a global scale that no one else can match.

The proof that we need music is present throughout the history of our species. Before there were cities or roads or even houses, people would gather around fires and make noise together to celebrate existence. That noise, a very primitive version of music, was a symbol of hope and togetherness. It was something people looked forward to every moment of every day. Time has brought many changes, but people everywhere still cling to music for hope. Music brings us together, even in isolation, and provides a soundtrack to get us through our collective pain.

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