Unleash the noize

If you're an artist that is just beginning their journey, you may want to heed some of the lessons below. When you're first getting started there is a lot to set up in terms of branding and online presence. 

I know, you're an artist so you just want to perform and make music. Sadly, we should really go through these (simple) steps to help stand out from the person who converted their college Instagram to their DJ profile ("Look, I have 4,000 fans!") and just started mastering the sync button last week. 

Before we go further let's talk basic assets: if you're lucky enough to book a solid gig that is well-promoted or land your track with a respectable label, they will likely need basic content like headshots, performance photos/video, and a logo. A professional looking website and a profile on all the major sites where people find new music/artists doesn't hurt either. These things either take time or money, so get started on them now before you need them.

We all hate it, but if you have zero presence online you'll struggle to find bookings aside from your good buddies. Of course alternatives like a really amazing text/email/discord network exist, but for most people right now Instagram/Tik Tok seem to be the way.

There's an insane number of resources detailing how to cultivate a social media following by making the algorithms work for you, but the basic rule is to be genuine - "your vibe attracts your tribe." It doesn't matter too much which social media outlet you choose as long as the following is engaged. Hot Tip: paying for followers may help the numbers look good in the short term, but after that bump in following it will kill engagement numbers and the algorithms have always punished that and then future posts will stop reaching your real fans.

Be a force for good. Try to make some friends and, again, be genuine about it. There's already way too many egotistical people in the scene no matter where you are. Sure, look out for your image, but that's all marketing bs and truthfully it doesn't make much of a difference anyway. Check your ego at the door and remember that this is all about connecting with people and having a good time.

Respect the venue staff and equipment, the other artists, the attendees, and, especially, yourself. Don't get bombed before a set and train wreck, unless that's your thing. 

Support your local scene. Pay for tickets (if you can afford it), and just get out there in the middle of the dance floor. The best way to get booked at a night/venue is to actually go there and meet the people putting it on. And for the love of Frankie Knuckles don't ask them for something the first time you meet them (i.e. a booking, guest list spot). It's just weird and off-putting.  

Time to start making those tracks you've been dreaming up in the shower, get to working on tightening up those transitions, and start to evolve your craft as an artist! 

If you've got the goods, send your mixes or mixed and mastered demo tracks to noize@itsjustnoize.com and don't forget to include your EPK.