The Best Way For Artists To Create The Ultimate Brand Message
By Yvonne Martin
What is the definition of branding and how does one create the ultimate brand message?
Simply put, it is an organized guide to your company's look, feel, or vibe. Be it the more physical assets like colors, shapes, styles, and themes, as well as the non-physical assets such as tone, mission, and vision.
For music branding, the artist has to create a personal brand and then adapt the main branding guidelines to each album or musical asset that is being created.
Through verbal and nonverbal cues, your brand communicates its distinctive value proposition and personality with this family known as brand messaging. The objective is to have these different elements aligned in a logical order, that can convey what you stand for as an artist.
Ultimate Brand Message tips to follow when thinking about what kind of message you want to work with.
Identify properly who you want to talk to in different groups
Have a clear mission statement and vision for your art
Create a visual identity that includes all elements from shape to color to a soundscape
Fine-tune your story and journey as an artist that has led you to this point
The individual color or accessory item is empty when alone, if you are creating a well-differentiated brand in comparison to the market, think of the hows and whys in your message. Fans may be inspired and motivated by your messaging, which will encourage them to engage with posts, listen to more music, and spread the music themselves.
To build your ultimate brand message, ask yourself these key questions:
Why do I make music?
Why do I play this style of music?
How do I feel when I make my music?
What is the feeling when I listen to my music?
How do I want others to feel when they listen to my music?
The story of your brand is ultimately told by the combination of Albums, performances, and designs that you put forward, and how that story is told is controlled by your marketing team and your public relations agency.
What steps should you take to create an ultimate brand message that your target market would love?
Your target audience and distinct musical assets are two things you need to know like the back of your hand. Decide who you are, what you perform, and who you do it for.
Your brand message must respond to these inquiries:
How do you set yourself apart from your rivals?
What sets you apart from the competition?
Which messages make sense to the people you're making this for?
Whom are you trying to reach?
What are they concerned with?
Does your company's messaging have a plot?
What objectives has your brand set out to accomplish?
What values does your brand uphold?
Why should they care about you?
Keep in mind that your brand message responds to the "why". As you answer these questions and start to sketch out your brand identity, keep in mind that these answers will evolve over time but will maintain their core elements.
Core elements for your market-friendly brand message
To align your brand with the fans, create fan personas that reflect their distinct characteristics and objectives. Maintain your attention on the brand positioning that will be catering to these personas.
The persona is there to represent your audience or at least the most common audience member you are catering to. When writing any content, ask yourself, "Is this true to my crowd's values?"
Connect with your audience:
Use your buyer personas and brand messaging document while creating content to make sure you're discussing topics that are pertinent to your audience.
Avoid being flawless:
Neither people nor brands should be perfect. Avoid making excessive promises and conveying your perfection because doing so will come out as dishonest. Albeit the message is perfect the person behind it seldom is.
Spread your message far and wide:
Consider your brand messaging in everything you publish and all of your marketing choices. Your text needs to convey your brand message whether you're writing it for your website, crafting slogans for packaging, or marketing an event.
The MPT Agency's ultimate suggestion for a brand message: "Keep it Simple"
Ensure simplicity. People won't relate to you if your brand's personality or core beliefs are unclear or difficult to understand. The last thing you want to do is to develop a brand message that confuses your audience.
With MPT Agency, your music and your brand message are one and the same. We align both these elements and do not really focus on which one comes first. After all, as a musician you are expressing your story through a song, the brand message is the way that song is put together.
Make sure you check our blog on the EPK, which is one of the key tools that describe your brand to the world. We also regularly post artist tips and insights on our socials. Follow us on Instagram for more music marketing-related updates.
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Posted on September 22, 2022
How To Write The Best Bio For Your Artist Page
By John Reynolds
Effective music PR begins with a good artist bio and a complete guide to bio creation for musicians.
When you sit down to do it, writing your own musician bio seems like the easiest thing in the world. It ought to be simple, right? Who better than you to understand your life, career, and vision?
But let's face it, many of us became musicians because we struggle sometimes to express ourselves and our ideas in conventional ways.
In this article, we will explain what is a musician bio, why are they important, what kinds of bios you should have, and what types of elements you should include in your bio.
Let’s dive right in.
What Is A Musician Bio?
A bio is a narrative of an artist, that describes their life before their music is ever heard. It is a lofty account of the life of an artist and contains a wide range of details that give listeners a sense of what to anticipate as they go.
Your bio should inform the reader about who you are, where you're from, and what motivates you to pursue a career in music.
If you'd like to pursue a profession as a musician, think of your bio as your resume.
The Importance Of A Musician Bio
Although musician bios are undoubtedly secondary to the music itself, they might serve as an effective hook to attract listeners to your sound.
A bio is the ideal door opener for professionals who can help connect the dots when new opportunities for artists to extend their brand, grow their audience, or pitch their influence arise.
Some highly influential contacts and prospects might not have the time to listen to your music until they read your bio and become engrossed in your tale.
When people are hearing your name for the first time, bios may assist lay the groundwork for an emotional connection with them.
Consumers may take in your brand while watching you document your musical journey.
Types Of Bios You Should Have to Create The Best Bio For Your Artist Page
Three alternative versions of your bio are crucial because every platform and audience is different.
Short Bio
Between 1 and 3 sentences.
Use this for your Instagram and Twitter profiles
Medium Bio
Between 250 and 350 words.
Use this for your Facebook, SoundCloud, Spotify, and most other online networks.
Long Bio
Between 500 and 750 words.
Use this for your website and Electronic Press Kit.
Elements You Should Include In Your Bio
Start by writing down a few notes on a piece of paper but make sure to keep your visitors interested and avoid boring them with protracted text paragraphs.
Here are some components you should include in your bio:
Pleasing Introduction
Consider a basic summary you might give to a person who has never met you or heard your music.
Write down your name, your hometown, and your influences. This will assist you in developing one or two sentences for the introduction. It should be interesting and brief.
Background Info
Include any pertinent background information, such as your musical background but keep it simple.
Your Music
Even while the majority of your followers will already be familiar with your music, a blogger or journalist might not be. In the description field, provide a brief overview of your music.
Try to utilize a few well-known words that people can use to identify you even if it's difficult to fit your music into a specific genre. This will encourage someone who reads your biography to check out your music as well.
Current Musical Endeavor
Have you…:
Recently entered the studio?
Introduced a fresh new single?
Written a song together with another musician?
Accomplishments And Career Highlights
Have you…:
Performed at a major event?
Achieved radio success?
Been successful with music streaming services?
Received a nomination for an honor?
Press Quotes
Your artist biography will have more credibility if you include a statement from a journalist who has described your sound or your most recent record. It's a good method to demonstrate that people are speaking well of your music.
Last but not least…
Write In Third Person
Your bio should be written in the third person. This will make it simple to scan and comprehend while also assisting with the search engine optimization of your website.
Additionally, if necessary, it enables media, bloggers, and venues to simply copy and paste your bio.
Looking for a Biography done by the Pros? MPT Agency Will Create a Timeless Series of your exploits as a Musician with the Right Kind of Story Telling Swing.
Words have the ability to influence people. Hence, keep your music bio concise, unique, and original! We always stress this to our clients at the agency. Something believable can be told in a way to inspire awe and wonder without 10 layers of sugar on it. Authentic stories are the best for business, and no matter what you might think of your own journey, trust us, there is an adventure to be told.
MPT Agency can assist you in creating the best bio to influence a fresh fan base. To find out what other services can improve your musical career, make sure you check our blog regularly and follow us on Instagram for more music marketing-related updates.
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Posted on September 20, 2022
The Ultimate Guide For Marketing New Music Part 1: Press Kit
By Shawn Spence
EPK: Electronic Press Kit
The music industry is saturated with artist competition. If you don't go about it the right way, getting the interest of record companies, agencies, promoters, venues, and other media sources may be next to impossible. What you need is an electronic press kit, and this press kit guide to help you get there.
This guide presents expert tips on how to put together a compelling electronic press kit also known as an 'EPK'.
What Is An EPK and Why Follow A Press Kit Guide?
An EPK, or an Electronic Press Kit, serves as a professional music CV. It is your online media and music marketing portfolio, with easy access to your most important data.
An EPK functions as a one-stop shop where potential employers can get all the information they want without having to search or inquire. It should include specialized details and materials for event planners, promoters, journalists, bloggers, and other business professionals—materials that you would not want the general public to view or have access to.
Why Do You Need An EPK?
You'll place yourself in the best possible position to pitch your tracks, gain press attention, secure gigs, and perhaps even draw the attention of a manager or label executive with a solid EPK.
9 Important Things To Include In Your EPK According To The Press Kit Guide
Your artistic identity should be reflected in your music EPK's style and the content you select. Keep in mind that people who visit the page for your press kit are frequently managers, venues, music critics, or promoters.
You'll want to say as much essential information as you can in a clear, coherent manner.
Biography
When composing a musician bio for this part of your press kit, remember your objective. Talk about your music particularly rather than the highlights of your live performances.
The first paragraph should include a quick overview of your professional background.
The second paragraph should focus on any new music. Discuss your style and the sources of inspiration for the piece while including any other information you feel is important. Awards for songwriting, prior success, or a strong Spotify stream count might all be used.
Links To Your Best Music
To enable rapid and simple listening to your music without the need to first download it, it is recommended to include links from streaming services in the form of a music player in today's streaming environment.
Make sure the first few tracks in your music EPK are among your finest when deciding which songs to add.
High-Quality Music Videos
Pick one or two videos that are essential to your new music (the official video for your single, a live version, or a music video containing scenes from the recording of your album) and add them to your page. You don't want to overcrowd the page with videos.
Social Media Links
It's a wise idea to connect to your website and social media accounts since it will provide the media access to more details and give them a sense of your online impact and audience. Your chances of getting a booking might increase if you have a large social media following and active followers.
High-Quality Images
Utilize images from a reputable photoshoot. Consider booking a photoshoot if you haven't already. It will benefit your brand awareness.
Additionally, a few pictures from your gigs would be fantastic. More so if they accurately reflect the "mood" of your music and performing style.
We advise having both horizontal and vertical images. Giving your promoters alternatives will be helpful if they require a picture to suit a particularly specific arrangement on their poster, article, or website.
Include your album cover art and logo as well, if available.
Reviews, Interviews, And Press Features
These are things that you want to highlight to let the people know that your music has already been covered and praised in the media.
Performance Calendar
Make sure you're presenting an updated calendar with essential show details. They'll aid the promotion in understanding your work hours. Booking agents can more easily work with your existing schedule by knowing about upcoming concerts, tours, or performances.
You never know who could attend your upcoming performance and alter your musical career!
Identify your musical high points and make sure they are all included in your electronic press kit. A wonderful technique to give additional context regarding the buzz surrounding you as an artist is to include some of your noteworthy career milestones in music.
Have you ever toured with any well-known artists?
Any live performances at any renowned locations or festivals?
Received any honorable awards?
Have your Spotify streaming stats reached any milestones?
Featured on any significant radio stations?
Contact Info
Allow them a simple way to get in touch with you, such as an email address or a contact form. Provide your own email address if you are self-managed or your team member's job titles and contact details if applicable.
Keep all of your contact details in one place in your EPK, and let visitors know about any special choices available. For instance, tell them who to contact if they want a full copy of your record.
Best Practices While Creating An EPK
Each day, talent buyers and promoters evaluate hundreds of potential acts. Presenting yourself clearly and professionally is crucial. Think about the following best practices while preparing your press kit:
Keep your EPK concise and easy to understand.
Include your most outstanding work and valuable info.
Update your EPK frequently.
Ensure your EPK appropriately portrays your brand.
Make a unique EPK stand out from the crowd.
When attaching files to emails, be cautious to take into account their size.
Avoid sending .zip files and other compressed file attachments with emails.
Bring a printed copy of your EPK to events.
How To Create An EPK?
After gathering all of your resources, you should concentrate on layout and design. The design will play just as much of a role in your EPK's ability to convey a clear and concise narrative regarding who you are as an artist as will each piece of material.
Try to give the website a uniform appearance by using a simple font and leaving adequate space between each piece. Make sure the information and graphics are organized so they are simple to scan.
There are several services available that will host your EPK, but bear in mind that you'll be constrained by the templates they offer. We advise creating an EPK page directly on your website to give you the greatest control over how you come across.
Final Thoughts
Your EPK can indeed be your sole chance to make a good first impression, depending on the circumstances. Because of this, it's worthwhile to invest the time upfront to create something you'll be glad to share that portrays you in the best light possible.
You may make a strong impression as a professional musician who takes pride in work by having an up-to-date, high-quality EPK.
It is worthwhile to invest the time upfront to create something you'll be glad to share that portrays you in the best light possible. MPT Agency will guide you to the creation of your EPK which will make a good first impression in the music industry. To find out what other services can enhance your musical career, make sure you check ourblog regularly and follow us on Instagram for more music marketing-related updates.
