By ‘Dare Okesanjo
- Think beyond your music:
Ask yourself, ‘what more can I give asides music’? This will enable you to identify your personal traits that you can create experiences with. Remember, you want an image that will not only represent the content of the CD but will also position you as a formidable brand. So instead of being one of those who share out their CDs at Shoprite, subtly offer an experience to those who will listen to music. See Darey. You think he sells only music?
- Don’t disregard communication and Branding/marketing:
How and what you communicate to your audience is very important. Everything about you says something to them: your appearance, carriage, tone of voice, type of music, everything. So you have to pay attention to details.
Also, when pushing your trade, map out a marketing strategy. See Vic O. He’s the go-to-guy for the most despicable of songs. If you make better, more ‘brain-tasking’ music you might want to use a strategy like Darey‘s or Asa‘s. If you’re trying to sell sex and songs, try and take lessons from Seyi Shay and the almighty Tiwa Savage.
- Use a simple but powerful photo for your album art:
An album with faces is more captivating but if you decide otherwise, ensure your design is original and striking enough. Stay away from too many colours and poor quality printing if not your music might not get pass your neighborhood. You can take a cue from Fela Kuti. Or Falz. Or else you could end up with stories that touch.
- Do not use social media handles on your album:
Your CD is not a business card. Albums are meant to be timeless and memorable. Remember Myspace, Hi5 and Keek? You will agree that those platforms are not as cool and ‘happening’ as they were a few years back. Social media networks come and go. Because Instagram is popular today doesn’t make it eternal. Instead, add a website/blog address that contains information about you and your work. If it’s available on a music site like ORIN, you may insert the URL somewhere.
- Have the artwork viewed as a thumbnail:
What will it look like in a smaller size? If it gets you oohs and aahs in a smaller size then you’re a good to go.
In summary? Raise your standards so you can move to the big league.
Good luck with your music.
