HOW TO BECOME A RECORDING ARTIST 101

BY VICTOR MANUEL CERVANTES

 
 

i get a lot of people in my dms asking "how did you get blogs to write about you?" or "how did you get your music in this playlist?" -- the short answer: i DON’T KNOW.

 

I'LL BE PROVIDING SOME POINTERS, TIPS N TRICKS, GUIDES, WHATEVER YOU WANNA CALL IT, THAT HELPED ME GET TO WHERE I'M AT RIGHT NOW. I PRESENT TO YOU:

 

HOW TO BECOME A RECORDING ARTIST:

a short guide.

 

  1. DON’T START WITH MONEY ON YOUR MIND.

  2. there is no "easy" way to rack up listeners on soundcloud or blow up overnight.

  3. it takes time.

  4. don't spam your friends/followers with song links.

  5. don't SPAM YOUR MUSIC. let people find it and enjoy it. that's the magic.

  6. let your work breathe, don't drop 5 tracks a month.

  7. BE THE TRUEST VERSION OF YOURSELF.

  8. THERE'S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INFLUENCE AND DUPLICATION.

  9. DON'T DROP OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL TO MAKE MUSIC.

  10. let the blogs find you.

  11. your AESThetic matters. take the time to develop yours.

  12. people will ALWAYS pay attention to your music and CHARACTER.

  13. you have a personality, let it shine online as you market your CONTENT.

  14. your friends are your best promoters.

  15. a&rs don't always care about you.

  16. it is good to talk over the phone.

  17. LAY OUT a pool of options.

  18. when meeting with an a&r, ask what their favorite song of yours is. if they can't MENTION a SINGLE ONE, they don't CARE about you.

  19. stay independent for as long as you can.

  20. interact with your fans. instagram live is a beautiful thing.

  21. keep your ONLINE PRESENCE FUN.

  22. teach yourself how to navigate photoshop or premiere pro.

  23. learn how to produce. it will save you a lot of money in the long run.

  24. play house shows. basement shows. yard shows. diy is not always bad.

  25. songwriting is like a puzzle. lay your thoughts out and piece them together into one, cohesive piece.

  26. it is okay to make bad songs.

  27. make at least five beats a day.

  28. get used to writing emails.

  29. don't bother BIG PUBLISHERS, work on yourself as an artist and they will notice you.

  30. KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE.

  31. collaboration can be helpful WHEN IN A CREATIVE SLUMP.

  32. keep the personal STUFF in your finsta.

  33. don't sign any contracts unless revised by at least five trusted people and by a lawyer.

  34. TALK ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS WITH FRIENDS.

  35. visuals matter.

  36. build a website.

  37. understand what community you fit into as an artist and reach out to those in that community.

  38. support your friends. always.

  39. learn an instrument.

  40. don't forget about your friends when and if you 'make' it. THEY WERE YOUR BIGGEST PROMOTERS. SHOW THEM LOVE!

  41. make merch. deliver on time (a lesson i learned).

  42. don't be an asshole.

  43. be approachable at your shows.

  44. don’t buy plays/listens.

  45. don't buy followers.

  46. never use apps to boost your following.

  47. keep it real.

  48. develop a real, organic fanbase all on your own (seriously).

  49. you won't blow up overnight (perhaps).

  50. management services will reach out to you; ask yourself if you trust them.

  51. you will get easily discouraged at some point.

  52. perform at any local show available and don’t be afraid of the stage.

  53. learn to mix/master on your own.

  54. listen to genres you’d never imagine yourself listening to.

  55. spend time outside.

  56. lyrics can be influenced by other personal stories, they don't always have to be your own.

  57. be careful who you send unreleased music to.

  58. exclusivity can be intimate for supporters.

  59. don't waste your money on reposts.

  60. spend your money on equipment that will make your music better; not things you’ll never use.

  61. appreciate those who write about your music. always thank them.

  62. use link shorteners.