I recently discovered a conversation between Chris Do and Dakota Robertson from the Futur, where they discussed simple ways to grow and connect with your audience. Their insights definitely resonated with me, and I feel they're essential for us, as composers and musicians, in crafting our brand!
Validation, education, and entertainment are the three key principles that act as the supporting pillars of content creation!
1. Validate: Recognize and Connect
Take the time to recognize and actively connect with the thoughts, ideas, and work of those around you. This isn't about agreement for agreement's sake; it's about a deeper understanding!
Build Community Through Understanding: Begin by validating the opinions that actually resonate with you, but don't stop there! Go further by acknowledging the hard work and dedication of others. I think most of us genuinely want to connect with a collaborative community that doesn't just work together but celebrates the creativity and unique perspective of fellow musicians!
Reflect on Your Journey: Tell your story to others. Talk about your good and bad times, the problems you've met, and your wins that made you proud. It's more than just sharing; it's about making human connections, showing care, and realizing we each have our own goals, seeking to better ourselves!
2. Educate: Share Your Wisdom
Be a Leader in Knowledge: Embrace modern platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter (X?) as valuable tools for sharing your insights. If you have experience in a specific area, why not share it with your audience?! Maybe you could educate other composers and musicians on composition techniques, DAW workflows, sample library reviews, and beyond. You'll find that your wisdom and experience can actually be a source of inspiration for others!
Creating educational content isn't just about sharing information; it's about fostering growth, self-improvement, and personal success for fellow composers and musicians. By doing this, you're not just instructing; you're creating an environment where individuals can thrive, discover their potential, and follow their passion for music.
3. Entertain: Delight and Inspire
Celebrate Your Creativity: Openly share your compositions, engage your audience with humor, and let your true personality shine. Sure, entertainment might highlight amusement; but it's also about connection; a way to resonate with others. Your creativity can inspire others, spark joy, and nurture a community that appreciates and celebrates music.
Create Content That Captures and Engages: Use social media to your advantage! Make content that entertains but also pushes others to work on their music talents. Create TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts for quick, bite-sized nuggets! Or turn a dull subject into something that captures your audience's attention! If you don't like video or photos, use Twitter, Threads, or even a newsletter to spread interesting and lively thoughts or ideas!
Building a brand as a composer or musician goes beyond self-promotion; it's about forging genuine connections and actually establishing mutual trust! In a competitive job market, your brand sets you apart, reflects your artistic identity, and creates a pathway to engage with an audience that resonates with your work. It's more than marketing; it's an essential aspect of your career's growth and sustainability!