But Everyone Likes Us!

Lately, I’ve been reading quite a few books on indie music marketing, and there is a common theme that I think many Christian artists have neglected. The issue is with “branding” yourself.

You see, the casual music fan likes to have some sort of reference point for what to expect from this “new music” you are offering. The idea is to come up with a brief description of your music, which is also narrow in focus. Simply stating you play “Christian music” or “rock music” includes such a wide spectrum of styles that the term isn’t specific enough to connect with the music fan. The typical fan needs something that gives them a reference point. For example, “Christian 80s Synth Pop Music (but without the big hair)” gives a much more specific word picture. You have a fairly decent idea of what to expect from the description.

It’s a fact that you have a much better chance of being recognized, when in smaller crowds. Thus, the smaller you can identify the specific musical niche or genre, the more likely you will be more successful in that market. Many bands do not want to be “typecast” into a specific style, and purposefully try to appeal to a wide range of fans. Simple consideration concludes this method will be much more difficult to be found by music fans, while also being quite difficult to maintain.

So, make your life a bit easier, and spend some time chipping away at your musical identity, working to find the most specific description you can achieve. With some work, you should be able to get yourself out of the ocean and into a nice sized swimming pool.

On the plus side, you certainly won’t waste as much time and money, when you are dealing with those who are already interested in your style of music, right?

Feel free to post comments, or email me.

Tim Hamm
www.timhamm.com

Welcome

Welcome to my own personal blog page.

Here I will offer tips and insight into independent music, as well as how it applies to Christian musicians. I will also offer insights into various issues related to this topic.

If you have any suggestions for topics, feel free to contact me via my website www.timhamm.com

Thanks,

Tim