Downloading?
I’ve been thinking lately about who actually downloads music from Indie Artists, and who doesn’t. I have a good idea of who does, but want to know more about those who decide to skip the process. Lately there has been a lot of talk about who is getting a good number of downloads and I have come a conclusion as to why some of you are not getting downloads.
There is a big difference between you saying your music is hot, and someone else saying your music is hot. Personally, I am not going to believe you when you say “Man, I got this bangin’ new track that is going to shut the club down! You gotta download it now”…Why? Because that is what you are supposed to do. You are the artist and should have all the confidence in your music. And even though your song may be garbage, you still think it is pretty good.
To get more downloads and a bigger buzz, I think artists need a certain “press release” from different websites. Or at least have someone with some credibility co-sign them. Why? Because this sends a message to the potential listeners that the song has been heard, and that it is not all that bad. (Unless it is a “Hot or Not” feature). You can promote all day on Myspace and Twitter telling people that you have a brand new song and that people should download it, but when a website with some credibility gets behind you, your efforts will go much further.
Hell, even local DJ’s is a good source. I know a few DJ’s and some of them are very picky about the songs they play in the clubs. And sometimes if they do decide to play your track it’s at like 3:47am when nobody could give a damn. Getting a DJ to actually co-sign on a track could have more of an influence on your downloads and buzz then any bulletin on Myspace can give you.
Now how can you get websites and DJ’s to back you? Well, I think it boils down to having good music…plain and simple. Some people could argue that it’s your “hustle, and ambition…your drive, and blah blah blah”. No, it’s your music. People want to hear good music. If you can’t get a Featured spot, maybe it’s because your music isn’t that good. It’s not because blogs are haters. If you are good and can drive traffic to a blog site, the owner will more than likely Feature you. But you have to have the music!!!
Having websites and DJ’s is not the only way to get more downloads are a bigger buzz. These are examples. There are many ways to get more attention your way. All I am saying is that people may not believe that your music is good just because you say so. We need to hear that from someone else; a second opinion. If you can get that, you may just be on your way.
Real Talk