6 Music Industry Hacks for Young Musicians

By  //  May 31, 2023

The music industry can be a tough nut to crack, especially for young musicians trying to make a name for themselves.

However, there are various hacks that can help aspiring artists get ahead and achieve success in the competitive world of music. Here are some tips that young musicians can use to give themselves an edge in the industry.

1. Use Social Media to Your Advantage

Social media is an essential tool for young musicians looking to break into the industry. By creating and maintaining a social media presence, you can connect with fans, promote your music, and build a brand for yourself.

Instagram, in particular, can be useful for musicians. Instagram’s visual focus makes it an ideal platform for sharing photos and videos of your performances, recording sessions, and other music-related activities. It’s also a great way to share teasers and snippets of upcoming releases and to promote shows and other events.

TikTok has quickly become one of the most used social media platforms, especially with a younger audience. By making short, creative videos showcasing your music, you can attract new fans and gain exposure for your brand.

2. Collaborate With Other Artists

Collaborating with other artists can be a great way to expand your network, gain exposure, and learn new skills. By working with other musicians, you can learn from their experiences and gain new insights into the music industry.

One way to collaborate with other artists is to participate in music contests and challenges. These events often bring together musicians from diverse backgrounds and styles, allowing you to learn from and work with a variety of talented artists.

3. Upload Music to Spotify Through a Distributor

Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming platforms in the world, and it can help you reach a large audience and gain exposure for your music. However, in order to upload your music to Spotify, you need to go through a distributor.

A music distributor is a company that helps musicians get their music onto various platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. Some popular music distributors include DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby. The right distributor will walk you through how to upload music to Spotify

When choosing a music distributor, it’s important to consider factors like cost, ease of use, and the platforms they support. Look for reviews and testimonials from other musicians to get a sense of their experiences with different distributors.

4. Invest in Your Gear and Equipment

Investing in high-quality gear and equipment can help you create better music and stand out from the competition. While it can be tempting to cut corners and save money, investing in quality gear can pay off in the long run by helping you create better recordings and performances.

Some important pieces of equipment to consider investing in include a high-quality microphone, a good set of headphones, and a powerful computer with plenty of processing power and storage space. Invest in a reliable audio interface, which can help you connect your gear to your computer and ensure high-quality recordings.

5. Build Relationships With Industry Professionals

Building relationships with industry professionals is a great way to gain exposure, learn about new opportunities, and get advice on how to navigate the music industry. Some important professionals to connect with include music producers, booking agents, and record label executives.

One way to build relationships with industry professionals is to attend industry events like conferences and festivals. These events bring together musicians, producers, and other industry professionals, providing a great opportunity to network and make new connections.

6. Learn About Music Business and Marketing

While focusing on your craft and creating great music is important, it’s also essential to learn about the business side of the industry. Understanding how the music business works and how to market your music effectively can help you build a successful career as a musician.

Some important topics to learn about include music copyright law, music publishing, and music marketing. Many resources are available online, including blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels, to help you learn about these topics and more.

Hack the Industry

Breaking into the music industry can be challenging, but by using these hacks, young musicians can give themselves a better chance at success.

By using social media to promote their music, uploading their music to Spotify through a distributor, investing in high-quality gear and equipment, and learning about the music business and marketing, young musicians can build a solid foundation for a successful career in the music industry.