Develop your story.
Humans are all inherently musical in some way, we bob along to rhythms before we can walk; it is in our nature. Therefore it's no surprise that there’s a huge talent pool of musicians out there, this means there is a lot of competition. What is the missing secret to ensure you stand out from the crowd and build a career that lasts and grows?
This blog will explain the importance of artists developing their ‘story’. If you develop your story correctly, then essentially you are sharing an important message to the public that you yourself are passionate about! Music is liked or not liked- a story can be owned, engaged with, explored and shared and with so much content out there people will listen and just move on, what is needed is a way of capturing those fans and keeping them connected… The good news is that developing your story isn’t a ‘necessary evil’ into making your way into the music industry.
What will people remember you for?
If you desire to make a career out of music you need to eat, sleep, play and repeat your unique story that will build a fanbase relevant to your own morals and values. The best person to tell your story is you. You’re the person that will ensure people remember your story and your story is what will sell your talent. Taking your music to the next level happens when you realise it is not just about your music. You are offering an identity.
Why develop your story?
It opens doors! Or in the case of Storm 5 artist, Daughter Of Davis, caravan doors… The sister-duo travelled around in a less-than-luxury camper van taking on every gig possible. We helped them do a documentary to tell their story, which captured the romanticism of selling everything to live in an old clapped out van, gigging every night. They ended up with sponsorship from the caravan company Elddis and built up a strong fan base who enjoyed their story and now have toured in around 30 countries. This is a great example of how sharing your unique story can result in more opportunities.
Your story presents you well and allows you to gain a fanbase that relates to you and in regards to this they become your support network. Out there are a variety of different music channels and platforms and if you have a strong story it allows you to gain access to them with ease. For example, Amie Aitken, an artist we worked with through Sound Consultancy sang about her experience of being adopted. This landed her on BBC Radio 2 on Adoption Sunday.
There is a market out there for everyone that will allow artists to tell their story! It makes promotion easier.
What else constitutes as a good ‘story’?
A story can develop throughout an artist’s career, it may have sub stories or it may stay relatively the same. Everyone’s story is unique and there’s no right or wrong. Think about the difference between Sex Pistols and Adele, both have been successful for completely different reasons.
Your story is a message, a motivation, a thread through your lyrics. It can be anything that builds a framework around your music. Some examples might be using your music as a platform to talk about social justice or raise awareness of a cause close to your heart, or simply communicating about your values or emotions. The point is, is that there will always be someone out there ready to listen and relate to your story and this person will become your fan, or even better, a super fan.
How do you communicate your story?
Branding, photos, videos, documentaries, EPK and press releases, mission statements, social media, publicity events, signature fashion statements, interviews, tweets, appearances at demonstrations or lending your songs to branded campaigns… Think outside the (music) box!