5 Things Every Emerging Artist Must Know

Written By: Kierstyn Pryor

In a world where music is the forefront of entertainment and constantly shifting, it is important that emerging artists keep up with the ever-changing industry. As a rising artist there is nothing more important than finding new ways to captivate  your audience and listeners. However, this can be challenging with the current demand of new sounds and a world of social standards.  It is imperative that new and upcoming artists stay in the loop about business, new trends, and endless new counts of creativity. One way to do so is research but another way is to take heed of every opportunity to learn. If you are an emerging artist here is how you keep your sound and creativity in demand. Here are five transformative things every emerging artist must know to keep their sound and brand relevant!

Business

An artist's job is to stand on what exactly? That's right, BUSINESS! As artists, it's easy to sing, rap, write, and create because it is natural to you. You create day in and day out without thinking twice about whether or not it feels good to you. Through endless creativity , your willingness to protect yourself and learn about the business aspect of your craft, for some, can become lackluster. However, you shouldn't let it. Business is just as important as the creative process. As artists it can be easy to become silenced by the executives, business owners, and leaders around you that keep you in the limelight. One way to hold on to your creativity, your voice, and hone in on knowledge is to learn as much about business as possible. It is extremely necessary to build upon your knowledge and become acclimated with the idea of entertainment law, copyright, publishing, split sheets, Performing Rights Organizations, distribution streaming companies, settlements and any form of promotion deals. These are all things that will be beneficial to learn about in the long run. Stand on creativity and business!

Versatility

As you grow as an artist and you begin to take the world by storm, you will constantly have to work hard to keep your core audience and acquire new successes and listeners along the way. One way to continue to appeal to current listeners and newer ones, is by displaying your versatility. In an attempt to remain authentic this can be a challenge but there are a few ways to do so. These ways include observing other creatives, staying on top of ongoing trends, developing a secure action plan, finding new and authentic ways to elevate your band, and trying new things. Never be afraid to find new ways to expand your creative eye and sound. What are some ways that you can expand on and emphasize who you are as an artist? How can you be unique and stand out?

Authenticity

While versatility is important, it is vital to remember that versatility and authenticity can indeed coexist. Authenticity can be very difficult to hang on to in the entertainment industry. Surrounded by so many other creatives and trendsetters, it can be a struggle to remain authentic to your sound. You may find yourself feeling less relevant as numerous artists compete for relevance in a world of social media trends. Many creatives get caught up in pleasing others rather than remembering what made them realize they were made for the industry in the first place, which was being themselves. However, it is important to remember your goals, inspiration, and the legacy you'd like to leave behind as an artist. What message has always been your dream to sell through your music? As you continue to rise and emerge into the realm of extreme artistry, one thing that will grow you into an unforgettable creative is your ability to remain true to who you are. 

Music

As cliche as it may sound this is the number one tool to staying steadfast in your field as a creative. While there are billions of people creating constantly and working to be artists, not many are actually sure what their craft entails. It can be easy to get lost in the consistency of releasing music, live shows, audience engagements, and interviews. As a result, many  artists begin to neglect the importance of reinventing their sound and taking time to be inspired. Drawing from their experiences and their imagination is important to continue to be a force within the industry. Continue to pour into yourself as a musician, continue to learn more about music, and continue to explore the depth of your artistr..

Everything

I am sure that you have  heard many times that you don't know everything or that there is no one on this earth that knows everything, which is absolutely true. However, it never hurts to attempt to be as efficient in multiple areas and skills as you can.  While it is important to have a team, as emerging artists it can be hard to find those who truly value your creativity, therefore it may be hard to obtain a team early on. This is why it is beyond important to know how to hold yourself accountable and learn as many positions as you can whether it be graphic design, sound engineering, and even communication. Your listeners fall in love with who you are as a person aside from your music, and in order to be a better person you must learn and develop. Developing takes trial, error, and getting out of one's comfort zone. It is okay to know it all every once in a while.

That being said, being an emerging artist is far from simple. You have to fight for your authenticity, creativity, and even your voice. In order to continue to emerge into artistry and show your creativity as an artist, you must take these necessary steps to continue to grow and be a successful musician in this industry. Here's to growth and here's to you as an emerging artist, musician, creative, and individual!