The music industry is notoriously hard to break into, and unfortunately it comes down to more than just simple talent to ‘make it’ as a musical artist. As you have probably figured out already, promoting your music is a huge but incredibly necessary undertaking when trying to make your music reach successful levels.
But where do you look? Exploring different avenues of promotion, and coming up with a plan that utilises multiple options so maximum success. There are different ways to promote your music especially when you’re looking at different industries, and there’s nothing that music is quite as compatible with as the entertainment industries.
The music industry itself has undergone significant changes in recent years, thanks to the rise of digital platforms and streaming services. As a result, artists are now faced with even more of a variety of new opportunities to promote and distribute their music.
The Gaming Industry
It may come as a surprise to find this first on our list, but one area that has proven to be particularly lucrative for musicians is the gaming industry. With the increasing popularity of video games and esports, there are now more opportunities than ever before to get your music heard by a wider audience.
Video game soundtracks are a great way to promote your music if you have a strong leaning towards film scores or cinematic pieces of music, and many game developers are actively seeking out new artists to feature in their games. Esports tournaments and live gaming events can also be some great opportunities to showcase your music to an already passionate and engaged audience.
Online Casinos
Perhaps the most surprising industry that has emerged as a promising avenue for musicians is the online casino industry. Online casinos have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially with the coronavirus pandemic, as more and more people turn to the internet for their gaming and gambling needs. Online casinos offer a variety of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games, and something a lot of people don’t think about is that many of these games feature soundtracks and background music.
By partnering with an online casino, musicians can gain exposure to a large and diverse audience. Many online casinos are actively seeking out new artists to create original soundtracks for their slot games, and some casinos even host live casino events, for which they will likely secure a set list of artists in advance. In addition to promoting your music, partnering with an online casino can also provide opportunities for greater exposure, revenue-sharing, and brand partnerships.
Streaming Services
Of course, no discussion of the best industries for promoting music would be complete without mentioning streaming services. Streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal have absolutely revolutionised the music industry, offering artists a global platform for distributing and promoting their music, while giving music lovers the ability to listen to almost any song at the click of a button. By uploading your music to a streaming service, you can reach millions of listeners around the world, and potentially even secure a spot on a curated playlist that the services regularly promote.
You might want to bear in mind though, that while streaming services can be a powerful tool for promoting your music, and you should absolutely utilise them as much as you can, they can also be highly competitive. With so many artists vying for attention on these platforms, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. For a successful edge on a streaming platform, you’ll need to focus on building a strong fanbase and promoting your music through social media, live shows, and other channels.
Film and Television
Film and television are also great places for promoting music, particularly if you’re interested in composing music for visual media.
Many TV shows, movies, and commercials feature original music, and there are countless opportunities for musicians to get involved in these projects. Although people generally think of film scores when considering music for this industry, there is huge demand for all different types of music depending on the show in question. By working with a film or television production company, you can gain exposure to a massive audience and potentially even secure opportunities for awards and recognition for your work.
Social Media
Finally, a big one, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for promoting music over the last 10 years. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter offer artists a way to connect with fans and build a loyal following by posting content, music focused or otherwise. By sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process, engaging with fans, and promoting your music through these platforms, you can work towards building a strong and dedicated fanbase.
Of course, it’s important to remember that social media can also be highly competitive, and it can be difficult to break through the noise and stand out from the crowd. To succeed on social media, you’ll need to be consistent, engaging, and creative, and you’ll need to invest time and energy into building a strong personal brand.
There are many different industries that offer opportunities for musicians to promote their music and reach new audiences. Whether you’re interested in composing music for film and television, partnering with an online casino, or building a following on social media, there are countless ways to get your music heard and make a name for yourself.
