The contacts listed are sorted into FIVE sections:
1. Publications, Review Websites and Music Blogs that will REVIEW your music
2. Radio Stations, Shows and Podcasts that will PLAY your songs
3. Labels, Vendors, Distributors and Promotional Services that will help you to SELL your CD
4. Websites where you can UPLOAD your band's MP3s or videos
5. Helpful Resources for recording artists
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SECTION ONE: SITES/PUBLICATIONS WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED
Living Blues Magazine
PO Box 1848, 1111 Jackson Ave. W., University, MS 38677
PH: 662-915-5742
Brett Bonner
brett@livingblues.com
www.livingblues.com
A bimonthly magazine for the Blues. Please send 2 copies of your CD. @LivingBlues
Obscure Sound
Mike Mineo
mike@obscuresound.com
www.obscuresound.com
Provides information on relatively unknown bands that I think others will find enjoyable. I do not care if the band is unsigned or signed, just as long as quality is exhibited. For artist submissions, send at least 2 MP3s, a photo, and some background to the e-mail address below. Please excuse the response time; all e-mails are read, but it is impossible to reply to hundreds per day. Still, we listen to all music we receive at some point. A quicker method may be to use the Soundcloud Dropbox link below. If sending via e-mail, please provide a direct MP3 link instead, to something like Bandcamp/Soundcloud/Mediafire. DO NOT send your songs as an attachment! facebook.com/ObscureSound @ObscureSound
Music On The Dot
www.musiconthedot.com
Blog providing readers with latest content in Hip Hop and R&B. facebook.com/MusicOnTheDot @MusicOnTheDot
Making a Scene
5765 Lake Windsor Pkwy. Buford, GA 30518
Richard L'Hommedieu
publisher@makingascene.org
www.makingascene.org
Independent musicians guide to the music business, CD reviews artist interviews, recording techniques, music business articles, interviews with Music Business professionals, show reviews and much more. Genres we feature are Hip Hop/Rap, Dance/Electronic, Soul/R&B/Funk, Acoustic, Folk, Roots, Singer/Songwriter, Country/Bluegrass, Americana/Alt-Country, Blues, World Music, Jamband, Jazz, Latin, Reggae/Ska, Pop, Rock/Indie, Alternative, Industrial/Goth, Prog Rock, Experimental, Cajun/Zydeco, Hard Rock, Metal and Punk.
Inhale the Heavy
www.inhaletheheavy.com
Sometimes fast. Sometimes slow. Always goddamn loud. To basically sum it up, we cover doom and all its sub genres, be it Classic Rock, Space Rock, Stoner, Doom, Drone, Sludge, Experimental, Noise and everything in between. If you take five minutes to read the site, you should get a good idea of what we cover. We don't review singles. We prefer to wait until your entire album is available. The majority of the promos we receive these days are digital downloads. We do ask that you please make sure the tracks are titled, tagged and ordered correctly. We DON'T review STREAMS. We will only write reviews from good quality MP3 downloads or physical promo copies be it CD, vinyl or cassette. If you want to send a physical CD to use, please fill out our ONLINE CONTACT FORM. facebook.com/inhaletheheavy @inhaletheheavy
BMA Magazine
PO Box 713, Civic Square, ACT 2608 Australia
PH: (02) 6257-4456
Andrew Nardi
editorial@bmamag.com
www.bmamag.com
Canberra's No. 1 free entertainment guide. @bmamag
SECTION TWO: RADIO STATIONS, SHOWS AND PROMOTERS
2.1 RADIO - STATIONS AND SHOWS
Mundofonias Radio
C/ Cabo San Vicente, 2, dcha., 9 A, 28924 Alcorcon (Madrid), Spain
Juan Antonio Vázquez & Araceli Tzigane
radio@mundofonias.com
www.mundofonias.com
Weekly show featuring two hours of World music. facebook.com/mundofonias @mundofonias
The Ebb and Flow NWCZ Radio
Rebekah Ann Curtis
NWCZRadio@gmail.com
www.nwczradio.com
Dedicated to creating a space on the internet airwaves for other female artists. In this hour long program, great music from the best around the sound, Oregon, Idaho and reaching into other Northwest regions will be highlighted and discussed. facebook.com/NWCZRadio @nwczradio
FolkCast
16 Hareden Rd. Preston, PR2 6LD UK
folkcast@virginmedia.com
www.folkcast.co.uk
We are a UK-based podcast playing Folk, Folk-Rock, Singer/Songwriter and Roots-based music. Our radio-style shows include exclusive interviews and features. E-mail us with a LINK to your Bandcamp, Reverbnation or Soundcloud page. Make sure to send us info about you/your band! You can also use our Dropbox. DON'T send us links to non-download sites such as YouTube. Send physical submissions to our mailing address. We prefer to feature original music (written and owned by you) or traditional music. No cover versions other than of traditional, non-copyright music, please! @FolkCast
Radio Free America
info@radiofreeamerica.com
www.radiofreeamerica.com
The online platform for college, independent and non-commercial stations. We provide an innovative archiving solution, live streaming, interactive profiles and more - free of charge - to improve the radio experience for all users and broadcasters. Submit your content, reach a new audience and interact directly with hosts and DJs.
Shattered Sounds Radio
PH: 910-853-4196
DJ Koolwhip
shatteredsoundsradio15@gmail.com
www.shatteredsoundsradio.net
Online Metal radio featuring bands from around the world. facebook.com/10thpowerradio @shatteredsounds
Music City Roots, Live From The Factory
PH: 615-669-1627
info@musiccityroots.com
www.musiccityroots.com
A weekly, two-hour radio show that revives the historic legacy of live musical radio production in Nashville. Music City Roots, Live From The Factory showcases Nashville's astonishing music scene, from country and Americana to more progressive interpreters of tradition - a "roots and branches" format that brings together fans of different tastes and generations. Presented live from the stage of the The Factory, this show will showcase purveyors of authenticity across many genres. Music fans worldwide know Nashville as the epicenter of country music, and Music City Roots, Live From The Factory embraces and builds on that foundation. MCR is broadcast to a global audience, not just as the keeper of the traditional flame, but as a trusted tastemaker that looks to the future of music in all its forms and sub-genres: Bluegrass, Folk, Alternative, Western, Rockabilly and crossovers into Rock, Jazz and World music. There has never been a time of greater variety, abundance and quality in Nashville's creative community, and Music City Roots looks to put that talent on a worldwide stage. Please submit via our ONLINE FORM. facebook.com/musiccityroots @MusicCityRoots
Fuego Beats Radio
Fuego
info@fuegobeats.com
www.fuegobeats.com
Broadcasts a distinctive blend of talk radio interviews with a mix of Hip Hop, Pop and R&B music from emerging musicians. Topics range from celebrity gossip to controversial issues relevant to a modern society, as well as pop culture. Submit your music via our ONLINE FORM. Send us an e-mail if you would like to be considered for an interview. @WFBS981
2.2 RADIO PROMOTERS
National Record Promotion
137 N. Larchmont #500, Los Angeles, CA 90004
PH: 323-658-7449
Larry Weir
larry_weir@sbcglobal.net
www.larryweir.com
We promote artists and groups at radio with an emphasis on independent labels and recording artists. Over the last five years NRP has worked with many major acts. NRP will assist you in weekly tracking reports...national chart activity & radio interviews. facebook.com/National.Record.Promotion
CIMG, LLC
119 Bowling Ave. Nashville, TN 37205-2357
Tony Bates
contact@cimgllc.com
www.cimgllc.com
Our Radio Promotion work focuses on relevant radio stations (terrestrial and online), especially college radio stations, in the U.S., Canada and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Our staff works daily to build relationships with radio stations, regional promoters, music/entertainment publications and websites, and media outlets throughout North America as well as in eastern and central Europe. We work mostly with Rock, Pop-Rock, Americana and Alt-Country artists. facebook.com/cimgllc
Howard Rosen Promotion
521 W. Channel Islands Blvd. #15, Port Hueneme, CA 93041
PH: 805-382-2200 FX: 805-201-7816
info@howiewood.com
www.howiewood.com
Since 1985 We have been helping artists reach their goals of obtaining radio airplay, expanding their fan base, and creating awareness throughout the industry. @Howiewoodpromo
SECTION THREE: SERVICES/VENDORS/LABELS THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC
3.1 SERVICES - PROMOTION/PUBLICITY
YEBO Music
info@yebomusic.com
www.yebomusic.com
YEBO - A Zulu word meaning: YES. We strive to find each artists their "Yes" moment. We have created an environment that supports authenticity in their artists' craft while enabling them to be credible, innovative, independent and in control of their career. Yebo music is committed to true artist development whilst providing its artist with best in class service for every aspect of their career. We describe ourselves as a Management company with the power of a Music Label or a Music Label with full capabilities of Management. We recognize the rapidly changing music marketplace and are committed to innovation in every aspect of an artist's life. facebook.com/yebomusicofficial @yebo_music
Red Arrow Management
2345 Sandifer Blvd. Ste. B, Westminster, SC 29693
PH: 864-613-4201
info@redarrowsc.com
www.redarrowstudio.com
We can help navigate through the often confusing and always difficult path through the music business with a focus on helping you reach your goals as an artist. facebook.com/redarrowsc
CIMG, LLC
119 Bowling Ave. Nashville, TN 37205-2357
Tony Bates
contact@cimgllc.com
www.cimgllc.com
We provide Social Media Marketing and Social Commerce Solutions for our clients, in addition to Artist Management and Record Label Services. We work with artists, record labels, agencies, events, and brands of all kinds that want to effectively engage their supporters and fans via social media. Considering the global marketplace and international appeal, we offer our services in several languages as well, when appropriate to meet your goals. We work mostly with Rock, Pop-Rock, Americana and Alt-Country artists. facebook.com/cimgllc
3.2 SERVICES - LABELS, DISTRIBUTORS AND ONLINE VENDORS
Face Music
Dorfstrasse 29/1, CH-8800 Thalwil, Switzerland
face.music@bluewin.ch
www.face-music.ch
Offers an international programme repertory with original World music and its roots from various different cultures. facebook.com/fmsuisse
Red Arrow Records
2345 Sandifer Blvd. Ste. B, Westminster, SC 29693
PH: 864-613-4201
PERSON
info@redarrowsc.com
www.redarrowstudio.com
Gone are the days where major label financial backing is needed to make your music available to the entire world. At Red Arrow Records, we focus on making music ... good music. You will never catch us trying to negotiate for part of your publishing credits. We find creative ways to partner with artists so that you can retain your writing and publishing ownership and both the artist and the label can benefit when a project is successful. facebook.com/redarrowsc
SECTION FOUR: SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3s
OR VIDEOS
Y-FI
info@y-fi.com
www.y-fi.com
Dedicated to Music fans providing quality products - Top 10 at a time. Our stated goal is to support the artist community whilst being agnostic to how the music is delivered or experienced. Y-FI is curated by a passionate team of Music Professionals. We sort through the clutter and provide you with a Top 10 selection each week. facebook.com/yebomusicofficial @yebo_music
JukeBoxAlive
311 Montford Ave. Asheville, NC 28801
PH: 828-232-0016
Will Cumberland cumberland@jukeboxalive.com
jukeboxalive.com
Our Advanced Jukebox Player protects your music from being digitally downloaded, yet allows fans to hear your music online. This creates exciting possibilities for you to present yourself to new audiences without being ripped off.
SECTION FIVE: SOCIAL NETWORKS AND ONLINE COMMUNITIES
sofasession
blog.sofasession.com
It's all about musical creativity! We have created an online music platform, that enables people to jam online in real-time. You now can rehearse with your band or complete strangers, record ideas and contribute to music of others! Join our community to find musicians, exchange musical ideas and to jam online with friends! facebook.com/Sofasession @sofasessioncom
SECTION SIX: HELPFUL TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAND
6.1 RESOURCES - GENERAL
The Yellow Collar Collective
Dan
dan@TurnStyleMusicGroup.com
www.yellowcollarcollective.com
Yellow Collars are the creative people out there. Artists tirelessly pursuing perfection in their craft, whether a dancer, musician, painter, graphic artist, photographer, performance artist, chef ... anyone who doesn't mind being different. They enjoy being outlaws, breaking rules, and thumbing their noses at convention and conformity. They invent new ways to do old things. Creative people are curious, intrigued by what they might create. Curious about the physical world around them, relationships, and the inner world of ideas and emotions. These are the Yellow Collars and collectively, they make the world a more interesting and beautiful place. The Yellow Collar Collective is their union. It's a frame of mind, a scene, and a series of events showcasing NYC's best artists and talents. The Yellow Collar Collective is bringing together the very best creativity NYC has to offer. With huge events, meet-ups, discussion panels, epic parties and more. We're committed to bringing artists and their fans together for unique experiences they'll never forget. Are you in? facebook.com/TurnstyleMusicGroupNYC @TurnStyleMusic
Festival Network Online
PO Box 18839, Asheville, NC 28814
PH: 828-658-2779 FX: 828-645-3374
Julie Cochrane
julie@festivalnet.com
www.festivalnet.com
Lists more than 10,000 events throughout the U.S. and Canada seeking performers, from local & regional to national & international. @_festivalnet
6.2 RESOURCES - EDUCATIONAL
Warrior Path TV
www.WarriorPathTV.com
Helping life passion seekers take the path less traveled in order to achieve big dreams. Vids that are short, fun, inspiring and dream catching. facebook.com/WarriorPathTV
The Corporatethief Beats
Daniel Hartnett
corporatethief@gmail.com
www.thecorporatethiefbeats.com
Hip Hop beats website that also features many great articles on how to use social media to promote your music. @corporatethief
Rock the Stage NYC
Park West Stn. PO Box 20701, New York, NY 10025
Kevin Richards
info@rockthestagenyc.com
www.rockthestagenyc.com
Voice Training for Modern Singers. Today's modern singer deserves more than stale, old exercises or a teacher who sings Jazz or Cabaret. They need fresh, new approaches and someone who understands the demands of Rock, Pop and Metal music ... that's what you get here. No bull - just results. @RocktheStageNYC
CD Baby Podcast
13909 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97230
Kevin Breuner
podcast@cdbabypodcast.com
www.cdbabypodcast.com
Join CD Baby's Kevin and Chris as they discuss current music news, interview artists and industry professionals, offer tips and tricks to help today's independent musician move their career forward and much more! Interviews about how to be a successful musician without compromising your art. It's a perfect time to take advantage of the many opportunities for Do-It-Yourself artists that are springing up everywhere. @cdbaby @kbreuner
6.3 RESOURCES - TOOLS AND APPS
Hypeddit
www.hypeddit.com
Join Hypeddit to create a custom Follow-to-Download page for your music tracks, DJ mixes, remix stems or any other audio. Share your download page with the world through your social networks, blogs, email newsletters, and many more. Every time a listener downloads your music they will automatically Like your track and Follow you on SoundCloud! facebook.com/hypeddit @hypeddit
MyNewsletterBuilder
comments@mynewsletterbuilder.com
www.mynewsletterbuilder.com
A user-friendly, feature-rich, online newsletter management program for novices and professionals alike. facebook.com/MyNewsletterBuilder1
6.4 RESOURCES - AUDIO
Peerless Mastering
1085 Commonwealth Ave. #322, Boston, MA 02215
PH: 617-527-2200
info@peerlessmastering.com
www.peerlessmastering.com
Dedicated to providing the highest quality restoration. We offer the highest quality stereo and 5.1 pre-mastering, CD, CD Enhanced, and DVD-A authoring and full audio restoration. Our staff is exceptional at giving our clients the best quality and service, guiding them through the final phase of their sonic process with ease and expertise. We are uniquely equipped to provide the highest quality mastering available anywhere. We have the expertise, equipment, and skills to achieve the full sound potential of your album. As more and more artists are choosing to record in project and home studios, high-quality professional mastering in an acoustically accurate room has never been more important. Working at Peerless' state-of-the-art studios with our highly trained engineers, you can realize your sonic vision and make your recording sound as full, warm, punchy, and clear as possible. We will guide you through every step of this final phase of your project, and you will be truly amazed when you hear how incredible your music can sound. @PeerlessMaster
6.5 RESOURCES - ORGANIZATIONS
AFM & AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund
4705 Laurel Canyon Blvd. #400, Valley Village, CA 91607
PH: 818-255-7980
access@afmsagaftrafund.org
www.raroyalties.org
Recording Artist Royalties Formed for the purpose of distributing royalties from various foreign territories and royalties established by government statute under U.S. Copyright Law.
SECTION SEVEN: THIS MONTH'S ARTICLE
Twitter VS. Facebook: Which is better for musicians?
by Daniel Hartnett AKA The Corporatethief Beats
© 2017 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission
In this article, I will discuss why you should begin with Twitter over Facebook when you first start out promoting your music online. Just before I begin the lesson, I will just share some interesting facts about Twitter. Since it launched in 2006, Twitter has grown to over 320 Million active users.
Twitter is one of the Internet's go to sites for quick and current information. And has become the death for old forum websites that used to cater to specific niches. This is due to its quickness and ease of use. Also Twitter is perfect and adaptable for mobile devices.
With a quick search of popular music keyword terms like "Hip Hop," "Rap Music," and popular hashtags like #rapmusic, we can now partake in ongoing music-related conversations in real time.
This means that we have a huge target market to sell our music too. There are tons of people looking for new hip hop music on Twitter. It's up to us musicians to create it and sell it to those that want to consume it.
In this article, I will discuss why you should begin with Twitter over Facebook when you first start out promoting your music online. Just before I begin the lesson, I will just share some interesting facts about Twitter. Since it launched in 2006, Twitter has grown to over 320 Million active users.
Twitter is one of the Internet's go to sites for quick and current information. And has become the death for old forum websites that used to cater to specific niches. This is due to its quickness and ease of use. Also Twitter is perfect and adaptable for mobile devices.
With a quick search of popular music keyword terms like "Hip Hop," "Rap Music," and popular hashtags like #rapmusic, we can now partake in ongoing music-related conversations in real time.
This means that we have a huge target market to sell our music too. There are tons of people looking for new hip hop music on Twitter. It's up to us musicians to create it and sell it to those that want to consume it.
It doesn't matter if you're a rap artist that wants to make mixtapes or EPs, or a beat maker that wants to make beats. There is a target market here and they need music.
It's important to note that when we create music for a specific audience, we are creating a solution and serving that audience when we sell that music to them. Just like any other goods or services that are sold online. Sometimes we forget about the value that we create when we make music.
WHY DO I FEEL TWITTER IS EASIER FOR MUSICIANS TO BEGIN WITH OVER FACEBOOK?
The main reason why I feel that Twitter is easier to start with concerns the way in which Twitter is built around engagement. Anyone can partake in live conversations about certain music topics.
From my experience, every day it seems that Facebook is starting to limit your free ability to reach other people — thus, in my opinion, killing the SOCIAL side of this social network.
For the casual user on Facebook, it's fine. You can message you mum, dad, and friends. But for the entrepreneur or musician I feel Facebook tricked us with a 'Free Trial period' and now we have to pay for its services.
There was a time where I could comment and like and share other music pages' posts with my business The Corporate Thief Beats Facebook page, but now Facebook only allows me to like and share photos as my Daniel Hartnett personal page.
This completely limits small-time musicians trying to growth-hack their way to the top on a budget. The only real way to interact with your Facebook fans it to have a following on Facebook in the first place. The only real way to do this by purchasing targeted likes from Facebook.
In this video/blog post, I will discuss why you should begin with Twitter over Facebook when you first start out promoting your music online. Just before I begin the lesson, I will just share some interesting facts about Twitter. Since it launched in 2006, Twitter has grown to over 320 Million active users.
Twitter is one of the Internet's go to sites for quick and current information. And has become the death for old forum websites that used to cater to specific niches. This is due to its quickness and ease of use. Also Twitter is perfect and adaptable for mobile devices.
With a quick search of popular music keyword terms like "Hip Hop," "Rap Music," and popular hashtags like #rapmusic, we can now partake in ongoing music-related conversations in real time.
This means that we have a huge target market to sell our music too. There are tons of people looking for new hip hop music on Twitter. It's up to us musicians to create it and sell it to those that want to consume it.
It doesn't matter if you're a rap artist that wants to make mixtapes or EPs, or a beat maker that wants to make beats. There is a target market here and they need music.
It's important to note that when we create music for a specific audience, we are creating a solution and serving that audience when we sell that music to them. Just like any other goods or services that are sold online. Sometimes we forget about the value that we create when we make music.
WHY DO I FEEL TWITTER IS EASIER FOR MUSICIANS TO BEGIN WITH OVER FACEBOOK?
The main reason why I feel that Twitter is easier to start with concerns the way in which Twitter is built around engagement. Anyone can partake in live conversations about certain music topics.
From my experience, every day it seems that Facebook is starting to limit your free ability to reach other people — thus, in my opinion, killing the SOCIAL side of this social network.
For the casual user on Facebook, it's fine. You can message you mum, dad, and friends. But for the entrepreneur or musician I feel Facebook tricked us with a 'Free Trial period' and now we have to pay for its services.
There was a time where I could comment and like and share other music pages' posts with my business The Corporate Thief Beats Facebook page, but now Facebook only allows me to like and share photos as my Daniel Hartnett personal page.
This completely limits small-time musicians trying to growth-hack their way to the top on a budget. The only real way to interact with your Facebook fans it to have a following on Facebook in the first place. The only real way to do this by purchasing targeted likes from Facebook.
FACEBOOK'S LIMITED REACHED
Even once you have purchased a large following from Facebook using their own internal ad platform, you need to pay again in order to access this following each time you post on your Facebook band page.
Has Facebook Become Too Personal For Music Business?
I feel that Facebook has become too personal for music business use. When I have to reach out to other bloggers or music websites, it seems that most people don't want to be bothered or don't know you and find it kind of rude to be contacted this way. Facebook is a very personal thing for some people.
To me, I feel that it's really only meant for friend and family. If you are not friends with them in the first place, your messages might end up in that OTHER message window in Facebook. (Yeah I know. I forgot about that other message inbox too).
Facebook limits your engagement level with your musician pages so that you will get frustrated and end up boosting that post. And that boost button on Facebook has very poor specific targeting options for you to get a decent return for your hard earned dollars.
COMPARING FACEBOOK TO TWITTER
From using Twitter on a regular basis I find that it's acceptable to Tweet a lot in one day. Compared to Facebook, where people don't want to see any musician posting more than twice a day.
It's much more easy for you to start to build a following or a fan base for FREE on Twitter. And most people use the 'follow for follow' strategy on Twitter.
This is where you follow a bunch of targeted users on Twitter and hope that certain percentage of them follow you back. From my experience, I have found that 20% of the people you follow will follow you back. This doesn't work on Facebook. That's why most people just pay Facebook for likes and followers.
But this is what makes Twitter so easy for the DIY musician. You find hip hop music influencers (@stopthebreaks, @djbooth, @2dopeboyz) and follow their followers.
You could also follow followers of famous rap artists that you create similar music too. Like for example, if you make music similar to J Cole, start following his followers.
On Twitter, it's more acceptable to approach music bloggers and/or join music conversations. People use Twitter for business in a different way compared to that of Facebook. Twitter is there to engage with others that have similar interests with you.
In my experience with Twitter, I have found it to be a much easier tool compared to that of email to connect with more influential blogs, to help build my brand online. I tend to find the Twitter handles {@} of those hip hop bloggers that actually write the content and reach out them. Then I share and promote their content so that I provide value for them in the hope they will provide value for me.
Engage and Connect With People — DON'T SPAM.
There is a fine line between engaging and connecting with people on Twitter. And I feel that too often on Twitter, some misuse this valuable resource with spam. This is where some musicians just bombard tons of people they don't know with unsolicited links to their music.
This is a waste of time as people will just block or report you. This will ruin your brand, make you look desperate, and nobody important will take notice of your music. Please follow the 'influencer growth tactics' that I provided in the video above, or the 'follow for follow' method.
Just before I wrap this social media debate up, It's important to note that there is an array of great social tools for Twitter which will make your life as a music marketer easier. Tools like Hootsuite and Buffer app are amazing content scheduling tools that just take a lot of hassle out music marketing on Twitter.
BUILDING AROUND A TWITTER PERSONA
It's important to note that when you are targeting fans on Twitter, you must create the ideal Twitter follower persona:
- what type of music do they like?
- who are they following online?
- what are they tweeting?
- what age group?
- what hashtags do they use?
- and what common keywords do they use in their biographies?
As a beat maker, my ideal follower is a hip hop artist. From my research I have found that rappers use the words "Booking" and "Features" in their bio's all the time. Other times, they use the hashtag from popular mixtape websites like #Datpiff, #Audiomack and #Livemixtapes.
As an artist it's up to you to carry out the research for the most ideal follower persona. If you create music like Drake, more often than not fans of Drake will have the keyword "Drake Fan" in the description area on their Twitter profile.
Also, active Drake fans will be using current hash tags like #viewsthesixth. Or #ovo. These fans are currently active on Twitter and if you create music like that of Drake, these fans might be the ones to start targeting.
Start using Twitter advanced search feature to help you with your research. This will make your search result much more specific. Make sure to watch the video tutorials in the blog post to see how I use Twitter's advanced search feature.
Once you have identified your perfect followers, start using the 'follow for follow' method. That's where you follow a bunch of targeted followers and a certain percentage will follow you back. As I mentioned above, around 20% will follow you back in my experience.
To make this easier, download a free tool called Twitter Mass Follow for Chrome. This little extension will enable you to follow/unfollow a bunch of target followers much quicker.
In order to build a following on Twitter, start using the resources that you have in the first place. This should include a website, other social profiles, Youtube Channel, an email list, and your blog.
Your blog/website is a great place to start directing your Twitter followers, since their whole attention will be on you — unlike shiny mixtape websites that have so many distractions, likes ads and other popular artists that have purchased all the virtual real estate on that website.
So adding a Twitter follow button on key areas of your blog is an obvious first step, but in my experience, just adding a button isn't enough. This is why I would suggest you should start adding 'pay with a tweet' buttons or a social content locker on your blog. That's where you hide certain content behind a social paywall and your readers need to promote your content in order to access it.
As a beat maker I give away some of my beats or PDFs of resources that will help other artists online. As a rapper, maybe you can give away interviews with your producer, interviews on how you made the song, tips for other rappers and songwriters, discounts on tickets to your shows, and discount codes for merchandise.
To get people to take notice of these incentives or to keep people on your blog a little bit longer, try adding a Twitter chat box under your music player. This way people can leave some feedback about your music as they listen to it. Also it will encourage them to share it their follower. Feedback like this from a Twitter chat box, creates a good positive buzz about your music, so when hip hop bloggers come to check you out, they can see all this social proof online.
TWITTER ADS
Twitter has an ad platform that is pretty good at targeting followers or the followers of others. If you found some influencers online like coast2coastmixtapes, 2dopeboyz, or DJbooth, you can use Twitter ads to target their followers. You don't have to stop there, though. You can go with interest-based ads using specific keywords like hip hop, rap, etc.
The main problem with Twitter ads is that it's very a expensive form of advertising. {Facebook wins this round in my opinion}. But if you are clever, there are a few tricks you can do to keep the cost of Twitter ads low:
Add a Twitter remarketing Pixel to the header of your website. This allows you to re-target any people that have visited your website within a certain period with ads to follow you on Twitter.
Also uploading a CSV file of your email list to Twitter can enable you to target all those people who have subscribed to your website.
Finally to wrap this post up, If you want to learn more, check out my blog where I have other tips on how to promote you music on Twitter. I hope that this post has helped you out. If you want to ask me any question hit me up @corporatethief on Twitter.
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