Identify and tap into groups with which you have a lot in common. For example, if you write and record songs about motorcycle riding, sharing it on motorcycle-related Facebook groups would be completely natural. Getting a gig at a motorcycle rally would take this even further. If you really hit a common interest there’s a god chance it will go viral within the group.- Identify key social influencers who would share your music with their large followings. One example is an indie artist with a large following who you think will like your music (be sure to ask permission to share your song first). Another example of someone with influence is a popular journalist. They might be willing to share a song that refers to something they’ve written about or believe in.
- Cover a popular indie artist’s song and share it with them. Most artists look to cover hit songs but the chances of getting a Beyonce or Taylor Swift to listen to your version and share it are slim. However, indie artists don’t get nearly as many covers of their songs. Covering one of their songs would be a huge compliment to their writing – one that they might gladly share with their fans.
- Write and record a song for a nonprofit or cause. Any cause that people are passionate about can work. Of course, be sure that you believe in the cause and want to support it long term. Followers you gain from doing this will expect you to perform the song every time you perform.
- Write and record a song for a very popular website. One example would be writing a song about your city that you present to your local Chamber of Commerce. Producing a video to go with the song is even better. There’s a good chance they will feature it right on the home page of their website.
- Co-write with artists who have a larger following. This is a back-door approach but can be very effective. The artist may talk about you and point people to you in his blog or even in interviews. He might talk about you from stage whenever he tells the story about the song.
- Get reviews in popular blogs. There are hundreds if not thousands of blogs that review indie music. Submitting your music professionally by following the guidelines set up by each one will go a long way towards getting your music reviewed. You can create a good buzz around your act when your name and music are popping up everywhere. One good source for finding appropriate blogs is the Indie Bible.
