The primary reason for getting into the music business is for the money and the eventual fame that comes with it.
After a few singles, artistes say they do music for the passion. Maybe passion was and is the ignition, but money and fame are the fuel.
That being said, the essence of making music is the direct conversion to money and fame, because it is a job like any other. For this to happen one major ingredient is PROMOTIONS.
There isn't any hard and fast rule to music promotions, matter of facts what works for artiste A might not work for artiste B, but some things are essentials.
My name is KingWale Applause. Having worked with quite a lot of acts in Nigeria and around Africa, with just over 15 years in the business with a privilege of working with Artquake, Ruggedman,Terry G, Olamide, Lil Kesh and more, all from different music eras. maybe i know a thing or two about music promotion i would like to share.
In a lay man's language, promotion is the constant, almost back to back play of a song anywhere, anytime, everywhere, every time.
From experience, people tend to like and sing along a song they hear around them as many times as possible.
The best way to sell your music is unconscious marketing of the song.
Unconscious marketing is getting your song being played everywhere at every time while making it seem like it isn't orchestrated.
By everywhere, I mean marketplaces, boutiques, bars, canteens, every public space possible.
The quality of a song does not in anyway determine the strength, promotions determines the strength and longevity of a song.
The first assignment by any artiste is to identify and understand the audience you are singing for.
Notice that i said sing for and not sing to. Because unlike the church choir, your song is a commodity.
Truth be told, you cannot sing for everyone but you can sing to everyone with the ability to hear.
Olamide, Lil Kesh, Naira Marley chose the streets, Phyno chose his brothers from the east, Mr. Eazi chose the Ghanaians and London babes, Adekunle Gold went for the mature folks.
Choosing the right fan base is important because it gives you a pivot to expand from.
The aim is always to turn your listeners into fans who will eventually become natural PRs which forms a foundation for your career.
The next thing is to create a song that can be played anywhere at every time. Your only mission is to 'blow'. People will find out how talented you are later.
Do a song that will fly on radio, in bars, clubs, salons, spa. In order words, think of your song as a commodity. It must be able to fit into any store. Upside, it doesn't not have to conform to any genre, it just has to be exceptional.
Just do a song that can cut across. Take a cue from Burna Boy and Wizlion.
PR and PR companies make your song available on every available platform, they don't necessarily blow a song. A SONG IS ONLY BLOWN WHEN IT IS ACCEPTED BY THE PEOPLE.
Let's take the platforms one at a time stating its function, strength and importance.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
