Essentially title. We’re making (in most cases) airless, synthetic music that is produced inside of a computer and thrown in to a massive digital marketplace. I think most of you know how helpless this can feel. It’s truly a case of shouting in to the void, and after having several projects go virtually unheard I’m getting discouraged by the process.
I’ve tried promoting my music on social media, through Reddit and here on Elektronauts. I released my last EP on a small label, and that barely had any impact either. I make what I think are engaging visuals for my tracks and promote them using every tool available. Nothing.
Is it really just a matter of playing more live shows? Do I need to DJ? Find a better label? Or maybe my music is just unlistenable. I just don’t know what to do anymore.
On a tangentially related note: I’ve noticed that if someone posts a video of them playing saxophone, guitar or (especially) singing then engagement for them goes through the roof. I think part of the issue is that people fundamentally dislike watching dudes click around on little electronic boxes. They want classic jazz and pop tunes. They want to see human beings manipulating physical instruments. I guess that’s understandable.
Maybe I’ll buy an acoustic guitar and make a folk record. I’m going to go take a nap now.
To get any kind of sizable following as a musician takes a massive amount of hard work or massive amount of luck. Usually both. That is the reality. Have a nice nap.
I play a lot of “real” instruments, too. The void is just as big. I used to gig quite a bit, did sessions for tv/movies, released albums, … it is a cold world out there when you’re trying to get noticed.
What do I do today? Post stuff on SoundCloud with no expectations.
Playing at EMOM nights is one route, if your music is suited to playing live.
I read an interview with D.A.V.E the Drummer about 10 years ago, where he said that DJing was a turning point for him for getting his music out.
One of the people I know who’s best at getting his music out, organises lots of events, with a mixture of DJs and live music. I’d guess he makes no . money at all from them, but he has lots of fun, and they get his music out
physical world really is the way. Be a part of a scene or help to make that scene wherever you are.
also probably the most important thing that no one ever talks about in conversations like this, is the cultivation of good taste. If you want your art to rise above and inspire and be noticed, it does not have to be the most skilled, or the best produced, or technically that great at all…it just has to be INTERESTING. Go to pitchfork and check out all the experimental/electronic records that get buzz…they are all interesting in their own right beyond whatever “genre” they exist in.
also, find a small label that actually gets some press for their releases and does physical copies etc. Work on your art until it matches the label’s quality standards. NOT JUST TECHNICALLY! technical is of little importance. I mean in terms of weirdness/originality/freshness. Keep working at your stuff until you feel 200% confident sending it to the label.
Yeah I mean there is no sure fire do this get traction. But yeah finding a good drive to making the best work you can without the need for traction is probably what to do. Then maybe you eventually get it.
I mean that’s part of the issue with the “attention economy”, music is pretty low on the algorithmic scale over “content”, which is much easier to distribute.
I posted a thread or two years ago, and a few things in the “share your music” topics, but generally try not to spam the sub. I’ll try to be way more annoying in the future.
