Whether you're completely new to music in a professional sense or you've left a band and you're looking to go it alone, starting a solo career is tough and it presents you with a wide range of challenges. As a solo artist, you are responsible for every aspect of your music, from writing and performing to promotion and management. With hard work and determination, however, you can achieve success as a solo artist. If you're looking to find out more about how you can get this right and how you can begin the process of finding success as a solo artist, consider these things you'll need to think about.
Define Yourself and Your Goals
First of all, you should try to define your goals and define yourself. As a solo artist, your persona and the 'you' that you present to the world matters a lot more than it did when you were in a band if that's something with which you have past experience. If you're looking to find success, you also need to have goals in place. What do you want to be? What are you looking to achieve? Your first task should be to define your style and purpose.
Find Your Sound
One of the most important things you can do as a solo artist is to find your sound. This means developing a unique style that sets you apart from other artists. Experiment with different genres, instruments, and techniques until you find a sound that feels authentic and true to you. Listen to your favorite artists for inspiration, but don't be afraid to take risks and try new things.
Invest in the Equipment You'll Need
You're going to need to make sure that you have all of the equipment you need as a performing solo artist if you're going to go it alone. You won't be reliant on other people anymore, so you'll need to get shopping. You'll definitely need microphones, instruments, and equipment as well as the necessary tools to move that equipment around when you're touring live.
Network and Collaborate
Being a solo artist doesn't mean you have to become an artistic island. Collaboating with other people and other musicians is important, and it is something that many new solo artists forget to take into account. Interacting with like-minded individuals is essential for any musician, but it's especially important for solo artists. Attend industry events, connect with other artists and music professionals on social media, and seek out opportunities to collaborate with other musicians. Collaborating with other artists can help you reach new audiences and gain valuable exposure. Creative processionals can also easily use a collaboration platform and audio/video conferencing in order to work with other musicians and make sure that you're not only pushing yourself but also testing out new ideas with other like-minded people.
Start Performing Live
If you're someone who hasn't got much experience of performing music live, this is something that you're going to have to work on. Live performances are vital for solo artists, as they offer you a way to build name recognition and gradually build your following. Even if it is not possible to tour, online streamed performances can still be an option for you.
Release Music Strategically
When releasing music as a solo artist, it's important to have a strategy in place. This means planning out your releases and creating a timeline that takes into account things like promotion, distribution, and touring. Consider releasing singles or EPs in addition to full-length albums, and make sure to distribute your music to streaming platforms and online music stores.
Build Your Brand
As a solo artist, you are your brand; so working on building an audience and marketing yourself to them is really important. This means developing a strong visual and social media presence that showcases your personality and style. Invest in professional photos and artwork that reflect your image and create a consistent brand across all platforms. Use social media to connect with fans and share updates about your music and performances.
Stay Focused and Motivated
Starting a solo music career can be challenging, but staying focused and motivated is key to success. Set clear goals for yourself and work towards them every day. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your talent and are willing to help you achieve your goals. And most importantly, stay true to yourself and your vision, and never give up on your dreams.
Starting a solo music career on your own is tough, especially if you're used to having the backup of a band; and it takes hard work, dedication, and passion. It's easy to feel suddenly very exposed and be daunted by the prospect of going it alone, but there are so many benefits that come with going solo too. By finding your sound, building your brand, networking and collaborating, releasing music strategically, and staying focused and motivated, you can achieve success as a solo artist. Remember to always stay true to yourself and your vision, and never give up on your dreams.
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