If you want to be an independent artist then look no further, as we’ve put together some of our top tips for making it as one.

1.     Never stop networking

This tip is universally valuable, no matter your career path, but even more so if you’re trying to make it as an independent artist. Try to meet lots of new people and develop and maintain relationships with them. You never know who they might know or what your newly founded connection could lead to. They could come through for you when the going gets tough, they could help propel your career, or they could lead to creative partnerships – the list of possibilities goes on. 

2.     Utilise the internet

Self-promotion for an independent artist has become so much easier with the development of the internet and social media. You have to promote your music, market it, in order to get people to become fans of it. Social channels are excellent tools to promote your music and get people who might not otherwise hear your music to become fans of it. 

Even better, even if you don’t have a great deal of money to begin with the usual social contenders – like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – are all free. Make sure you use these platforms to connect with your fan base by being personable and engaging. 

3.     Perform live

In addition to getting your music out there via the internet, performing live works wonders for an independent artist. Again, it’s key to getting your name out there, enabling people who might not otherwise hear your music to hear it, and it helps with that oh so important networking point we mentioned earlier too. Make sure, though, that you branch out when it comes to playing live, play at schools, fairs, festivals, busk – do what you can to get your music out there, everywhere.

4.     Keep being creative

Now this is an important step and it comes in two parts. First, be creative with yourself. Experiment with different genres and styles of music, different instruments, anything to keep you creatively active. By staying creative you’ll be constantly learning, developing and honing your craft. There is so much to be learned from other styles of music. All genres have something to offer which you can experiment with and incorporate into your sound. And when you’re unique you stand out from the crowd. 

Secondly, be creative with how you get your music out there to people. Social media is constantly developing, and you should be at the forefront of this and other offline methods too, such as getting onto the radio or getting featured in print. 

5.     Take up singing lessons

True, we may be biased in this last point but so many singers make the mistake of thinking that they don’t need singing lessons because they can, well, sing. Singing lessons, though, help you to develop and strengthen your voice, teaching you valuable ways to use your voice effectively. So, taking up singing lessons is imperative for an aspiring independent artist. You, after all, want your vocal instrument to be in tip top condition.

Being an independent artist is no small deed, and while it can be challenging the benefits of being one have never been greater but that is another blog altogether. 

Photo by Jed Villejo on Unsplash