CREATING YOUR THREE-PHASE MUSIC PLAN
It’s no secret that I think the biggest mistake artists make is doing things in the wrong order. Simultaneously, artists also like to rush! As soon as you begin looking at all the things you need to do to build your music business besides making music, it can be overwhelming. Instead of looking at this as a big TO-DO list and prioritizing only the tasks you love (like actually recording your songs or performing them), I’ve organized everything into a 3-phase plan. Following this plan is not only more realistic than what the majority of artists want to do but also ensures you will do it all in the right order.
The 3 phases are: Planning, Producing and Promoting
The timeframe is flexible, going both ways. If it says “3 to 4 months” but it actually takes you 5 to 6, then that’s ok. Better to do things right and in the right order than rushed and out of order.
Phase 1 - Development and Preparation (3 to 4 months)
Planning
In this phase, you will most likely need to work with coaches and mentors. Embrace this phase. You’ll be stretched, pushed, emotionally knocked around a bit but this is where the growth happens. And until you have been through this development, you won’t be ready for what is to come.
Because releasing your music is not the final destination.
Don't assume that just because your songs are written that you are ready to hit the studio because there is so much more to this process. If you don’t believe me then perhaps you have never spent thousands of dollars on your album project, released your single or album only to receive comments from the pros like “work with a vocal coach, work with a songwriting coach, your songs aren't strong enough, your hooks aren’t strong enough…etc.” It hurts big time. For me, I couldn’t help but ask, “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”
Have you worked with a coach or producer to develope your sound, style and artistry?
Are you vocally ready? Have you worked with a coach or with your producer to fine tune every phrase, word, syllable? If not and this seems like too much, the truth is that the artists finding success are the ones who are doing this.
Are your songs ready? Have you received feedback from professionals (not your mom unless she’s a professional) and critiqued every nook and cranny of the song? Chords, lyrics, melodic lines, overall story telling?
Have you created your weekly schedule? How many hours a day are you investing in this process? Make a daily and weekly schedule that includes time for practice, time for writing, time for exploring your artistry, time for learning about the music industry
Have you created a financial budget? Realistically assess how much of your regular income you need to save before committing to a project (album, EP, single, music video, etc.) so that you can fund the project AND promote it. Determine if crowdfunding will be a necessity and set goals for that as well.
Phase 2 - Creative (3 to 6 months)
Producing
Music
Search for producer(s) and/or co-writers Not sure how to find the right producer? Read this blog about finding the right producer for me
Select producer(s)
Select songs(s) in collaboration with producer(s)
Fine tune songs and write more if needed
Begin Process of creating music
Branding and Marketing
Create a vision board or binder by using this free Branding Workbook
Fine tune brand identity
Plan Release Event (hold off actually scheduling the event until album/EP is complete but set a target date)
Social Media strategy including content calendar
Photo shoots
Graphics
Create your Fan Profile
Content to build brand awareness
Networking and connecting with fans, potential fans and fellow artists
Phase 3 - Share, Connect, Perform, Prep for cycle to start again (3 to 6 months)
Promoting
Submit to Distributor with at least a month to 6 weeks before release date Can’t choose a distributor? Read this blog for the best comparison of all the players and pick the best for you
Submit to playlists and blogs I can help you with this!
Networking - active in online groups especially where your future fans hang out (and networking does not mean copy/paste a message to everyone asking them to please check out your new single! It means getting to know them as individuals)
Continue building brand awareness
Press releases written and distributed to local press and relevant blogs
Brand partnership deals
Release Event
Fan connection
Performances/Concerts/Touring
What’s next?
This is a cycle that you should repeat again and again. Each time you go through this cycle, you will continue to build momentum. The worst thing you can do is go through this cycle once and throw your hands up and give up. That is not how the music business works. It takes time and consistency to build your music business. Keep at it guys!
