Independent artistry has been making a massive comeback over the past few years, and that’s a trend that is likely to continue into 2023 and beyond.
This is partially because of the way that the COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally shifted the overall attitude toward work, professionalism, and careers.
Not only did working remotely become a major trend amongst professionals that has proven viable, but many decided to leave the 9-5 in order to pursue their own ventures or projects.
Many others have transitioned to full-time freelancing, or other forms of independent work as well.
This is true for the independent musicians, too.
There have been several innovations in the music industry that have allowed for a very robust and healthy population of independent artists and musicians.
From streaming platforms like Soundcloud to social media channels, and even music distribution services, it’s easier than ever to get your music produced and pushed out to the public.
However, because it is so easy to produce and publish music independently, it’s also a very competitive scene. Here are just a few of the things you’ll want to know about music distribution in 2023.
The Popular Streaming Services
First and foremost, if you’re signing up with a music distribution service, it’s likely because you’re ready to take your music career to the next level.
This is going to require building an audience, and getting more exposure to your most popular tracks. This is exactly what a music distribution service can help you do.
Once you get your account set up and upload your tracks or albums, the music distribution service will push your work to all the popular streaming services you’ve selected.
This means Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music will all have access to your tracks on whatever publish date you select.
Making your music available on these popular streaming services is crucial to attracting listeners and growing your fanbase.
Especially considering that Spotify and Apple Music account for nearly 50% of the paid music subscribers around the entire world.
With that in mind, this is very likely where the majority of your fans are listening, which means it’s where your music needs to be, too.
The Importance of Social Media
Social media is also crucial for independent artists of all sorts, including musicians.
This is an easy way for you to connect with and continue building your fanbase, even when you aren’t actively making music or dropping a new track.
And, when you are actively making music or about to drop a new track, you can keep your whole fanbase involved in the process and up to date with the progress right as you go along.
This is an awesome way to boost engagement and create additional interest in you as a brand, performer, artist, and musician.
Not only that, but Instagram and Tik Tok libraries are another place where you can gain active listeners to your music. The more reels that are made with your produced tracks, the more ears will be hearing your sounds.
Building a Following
All in all, this leads up to building a following. This is vital for any influencer, brand, artist, or musician.
Because if you have a following, you can always tap into that pool to generate buzz around your latest projects, ventures, and endeavors.
This is pretty easily demonstrated by Taylor Swift who just recently held all 10 of the top 10 billboard slots after the release of her album, “Midnights.”
The music is of course world-class, but her following preceding that momentous accomplishment was so large it allowed her to push for those spots.
Let Technology do the Heavy Lifting
Getting your music produced and published is one thing, then optimizing it for different streaming platforms and making sure that everything is just right is a whole extra headache.
Instead of losing time to the complications behind releasing your tracks on streaming services, just sign up with a music distribution service.
The team and the technology will take your music and make sure it’s accessible to anyone and everyone across all your selected streaming platforms.
Be Creative With Branding
We are firmly in the era of the independent creator, freelancer, and artist.
In order to stand out amongst the crowd and against the grain, any independent artist right now has to find ways to be unique and creative with their branding.
Bad Bunny is a great example of this, in the way that he’s struck a generational nerve with his androgynous presence, his alternative style, and various media stints like his multiple appearances in WWE.
A few Final Words
2023 is going to be another year in which more and more artists burst onto the scene in a variety of industries.
If you’re an aspiring musician who wants to start building their following, it might be time to look into a music distribution service.