Musicians don't usually like to compare themselves to other (more known) artists. They tend to think it's arrogant, do not consider themselves good enough or believe their own music is unique and cannot be compared to anything else. Yet it's very important to fill in the 'Sounds like' on your Gigstarter profile. Naming the known acts your music resembles to improves bookers finding your profile. In this blog Mirjam Sieben from Onlightning gives a step-by-step plan for you to find out what artists you can mention best.
Perhaps you're thinking things like: "My music is completely unique" or "We cannot be labelled!''. First of all, it is doubtful whether there really are no influences notable in your music. Secondly, it's simply very important in order for bookers to find you, especially with online marketing and online bookings.
Potentials fans and bookers need to hold on to what they already know a little. Even though you may dislike comparing yourself to other artists, I would still like to ask you to complete the steps in this blog. You will notice the difference throughout the rest of your musical career. A good example is that you can use it in your biography when you're advertising on social media.
Four steps to get to a shortlist of 'Sounds like' names for your Gigstarter profile are:
1) Own sources of inspiration
Write down 4 of your idols, artists / bands that inspired you and / or are notable in your music.
2) Personal messages
Send 5 friends / family members / aquintances / fans from whom you think can fairly judge your music a personal message with a link to 1 or several songs and ask them to name at least 3 artists that pop up when they listen to it. People like to give their opinion and tend to feel important when you ask them something like this. They may say that "you are special, you only sound like yourself'', but don't settle for that. Perhaps they don't have a lot of time, no idea what artists to name, are lazy or want to do you a favor. If they say something of the kind, keep asking or ask if they might need a little more time. If they give answers that you don't really agree with, write them down anyway. There will probably be some truth in it, especially if several people give the same answer.
3) Social media question
Post a message on Facebook (on your artist page or maybe even your personal page) and other social media in which you ask your followers to name artists that they think of whilst listening to your music. Write down all the answers and make a top 10 of the most frequently mentioned artist/band. Tip: create a nice image and enlarge your question on it so it stands out on your timeline.
4) Final List
Make a final list with at least 3 and at most 10 artists in which you combine all the responses. Number 1 will be the artist that has been mentioned the most. Put this in order for your Gigstarter profile.
These were the four steps to reach the most comparable artists to your act. Would you like to know how to build your fanbase consistently? Or how to be more findable so you can become famous in your niche and book more shows as a result? Send an email to the Gigstarter team.
After reading this e-book you will know exactly how:
- The psychology behind the 'fan journey' that fans go through works and how to interact with them properly.
- How to become visible and as a result famous in your niche.
- How to build a community around you music with involved fans.
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