Mahesh

This is exactly why I joined Songstuff as a teenager in 2011. I was advised to do so, interestingly enough, by the founder of CD Baby - Derek Sivers. I've not interacted with him in a while but he still responds to emails from indie musicians is what I've heard. Setting some boundaries within the webspace on what you post where (and why) helps to maximise growth so much more.

This is super helpful @Steve Mueske. Thank you!

So, I'm gearing up for my next EP/album for next year, and diving into this whole target audience research side of things. All these social media platforms that we use to grow our fans intentionally limit reach and force you to use their ad platforms. It helps to know as much as you can about the kind of listeners you may have and may want to have. But it's also a bit of a maze, you know? Wondering if any of you have been through this! How did you figure out who's into your music? Any strategies or tools you found helpful? What's been your experience with doing it DIY? Have you ever worked with a marketing agency for your musical releases? Any insights into the pros and cons? If you haven't delved into any of this yet, what are your thoughts on it?

I've seen certain former members here on Songstuff who post their unfinished works on Twitter and social media and ask other musicians to comment on them there. I found this confusing because maybe sharing a demo or a small snippet makes sense. But the whole song being posted and then looking to build a following there that way doesn't make sense.

I wanna ask because I'm not sure of this myself. If most audio and video platforms online through which audiences consume media, uses upto 16-bit 44.1Khz for relay, would it still make sense to record at higher rates like 24 bit 48Khz and THEN let that high quality audio be rendered down? Or does it make more sense to record at relay quality from the get go?

The internet age definitely has significant influence and impact on the drive and morale of a musician - whether a beginner who has just discovered their passion or a musician who has already been doing it for a while. I feel it also misleads the impressionable musician, whether old or new, about what success is defined as, how to get there and most importantly.. WHY. There is also the matter of rigidity among most of us with how things were in order to ever allow that to meaningfully change and adapt. Post pandemic times have also been so significant in creating mental and psychological barriers.

It is an interesting couple of lines! Allows for a quite a few directions like what John has pointed out here. The devil made me do it infers that you were misguided or tricked into. That allows for another layer of exploration on its own. Definitely colorful wordspace but to be explored further!

Awww thank you Tom! That's very kind of you to say. It's been a roller coaster for sure. But definitely a good one. Glad to have grown along the way

Hello from India! And welcome to our community! I look forward to checking out some of your music!

None taken at all In fact, I agree with you in some sense. And during the pandemic, I started doing something called Tiny Tunes - short songs written, recorded and performed all in one sitting. I did it to soothe my mind during the lockdown situation. But it was interesting to see how my followers quickly caught on to it - more on Social media than on a platform like Youtube. I really need to get it back. Sigh it's been a while

John, I agree with you that a mix of both singles and a larger record is where it is at : 1. The singles allow for easier consumption for the listener especially given our attention retention these days. It allows an easier entry for the art while creating further interest. 2. If that is tied with a solid EP/album plan, you allow the initial interest from the single to compound into a larger theme, story, persona etc. I believe this is what creates a more stronger and loyal fan base, even more so than the "passionate" fans the singles may create. Because more than the song or the piece of art itself, the listener would be more curious and open to what the artist represents oneself as, what they have to say etc.

So.. releasing music can be tricky, especially when you're starting out but also in general. So I was wondering how you go about it - do you put out singles? An album? Or take the middle ground with an EP? Do you think there are any strategic advantages or drawbacks of crafting an EP versus taking other approaches when releasing your music? Obviously, there's compelling cases to be made on all sides. So I thought it would be nice to hear your own experiences or thoughts on factors like budgets, creative flexibility, etc No set answer, just hoping to enable sharing perspectives so we can all make more informed decisions.

I do believe making music videos is necessary within the context of a release campaign with singles in mind. The videos I have worked on for the music I've made before has most certainly helped in drawing more listeners to check out the other music I may have on the music services. For starters, it's the visual element that offers more retention especially in these days of distractions and short form viral media. But it also gives a sense of the artist persona - their vibe, their influences and a larger context of what their music could be or where it could go. But man, is it expensive if you are looking to shoot and produce a music video from scratch! That's what's held me back. Sure there are other routes - stock footage, lyrical videos etc. And they are something I'm planning to explore further this time around while figuring the release schedule and campaign for the next EP.

Welcome to Songstuff! What kind of influences/artists/songwriters would you consider play a role in your lyric writing journey?

Welcome aboard Michael! Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Radiohead - I dig those influences and consider them to have played a role in my music journey as well! Do you have any videos of you playing guitar that you could share? Just getting to know ya!

Same here. I got into The Beatles a lil late in my life but this movie did take me back to the past decade as I watched this movie. Totally for a Beatles fan. I haven't seen the new docu series yet though. Need to sit on it soon. As for the new song, so very beautiful. Such an interesting chord progression!

Hello there, Thanks for joining the boards, checked out a few of your tracks. Interesting sounds! Looking forward to sharing some discussions with you in the future!

I hear you! I find it exactly the same. Activities like that forces me to cut down that thinking and just spend time listening and be good at listening to make decisions. I've been finding the same with video as well these days. Like with color correction or color grading for my upcoming vlogs. It takes a lot of time to do all the tasks all by yourself but it is a good time!

Hello @esbey, Glad to have you onboard. The COVID lockdown was quite the transition from gigs to studio for me as well. So I can understand. Look forward to seeing you around.

.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } I hope you're doing well. Just wanted to take some space here to share the fact that my debut EP titled "Accept" turned 5 this month. It was also the first record released by Songstuff bred record label Red Circle 7 Records. And over the years since its release, I have learnt so much in running a music business or having a musical profession of any form.Although I've communicated with you through the weekly newsletters you get from us, as a community member, I've not been as active in the past few years as I used to be. And that's because life as a touring musician kept me on the road exhausted and sleep deprived. And when I was back home, I was scrambling to get back on the road to keep the bills paid. It was a roller coaster of a ride and a life changing time that's made me the musician I am today. I still do tour once a year but I'm glad now to be able to make a living from my studio as a vocal coach while being able to choose the gigs I want to play. Oh and also, I was busy getting married earlier this year and that kept me busy as well But I'm glad to be settling back in and will be posting a little more often. Feel free to say hi! I put together a video post for my followers through performances of the song "Your Mind" on the road. (Oh how wonderful it was to be foolish and young! ) I thought it was appropriate and special since it was the first single on "Accept". Will be posting more from the "Accept" era on my social media. Will probably post here too maybe on my Songstuff blog. Again, hope to be around here a little more! See you on the boards! .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }

Oh I like this topic because I've discovered or continued to enjoy some incredible musicians this year. 1. Lizzy McAlpine .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } 2. Jacob Collier - Every volume of the Djesse series of records is a beautiful journey on its own. I'm seeing him live in town next month, looking forward to it! .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } 3. Lawrence .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } 4. Tiny Habits - Their ability to achieve perfect and precise unision and then blossoming into beautiful harmonies - it's just captivating to me as a singer and vocal coach. Just beautiful musicality and skill coming together! .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } 5. MARO .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }

I currently use a Shure SM7B in my studio set up. Still a mic that I find very comfortable and happy recording with live or studio. Also, I still use the Sennheiser e835 for my vocals although my sound engineer brings his e935 now instead which I’m happy with.

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Hello Ronja! Nice to have you on our boards! Welcome aboard