Find the balance between musical integrity and commercial appeal in the music industry.

I totally disagree with this statement. Following trends only makes you a puppet. Design your own unique style, make music that invokes emotions, and stop trying to imitate people who you feel have commercial success. There are thousands of musicians, singers, songwriters, publishers, entertainers and more who will never be played on commercial outlets but are making a strong living. The people who are the gatekeepers for commercial music are Bean counters and care about revenue over emotional well-being. Be unique, be one of a kind, be courageous and make music that you feel.

Chasing a trend in hopes of success is an enterprise for failure. Why? Because if it’s already happened it is already old news. Be yourself. Tell your story the way you want to. Be authentic. It’s easy to spot a fake, even with AI, and nobody wants that. Those that chase success always end up searching for their soul later on.

This can also apply to what A&R guys look to sign, and infact you usually get around 30 seconds max these days to hook them in! In my personal experience, through hundreds of A&R meetings pitching material, they don't really care about the technical skills or message, etc. They just care about how it makes them feel. Does it grab their attention, or is it just like everything else they've been sent or played a hundred times over the last month? Be unique, break the rules, & channel 'you.' What you're hearing on radio has already been done, so don't follow.....lead! It's better they love it or hate it than just think it's vanilla and mediocre. So, take some risks and be brave.

Never follow trends. Make the music you want, not what you think others want to hear. And NEVER use Spotify as a measure of what is popular amongst fans of music. Spotify is a measurement of people who listen to music, not buy tickets, merch, buy albums and all the things that make being a musician worthwhile.

To balance musical style and commercial success, identify the elements of your sound that resonate with your audience. Experiment with blending genres while staying true to your vision. Engage with fans for feedback and collaborate with artists who understand your unique style to create appealing music without compromising authenticity.

Last updated on Oct 16, 2024

You're torn between your musical style and commercial success. How do you find the perfect balance?

Balancing your musical integrity with the desire for commercial success is a challenge faced by many artists. You may feel passionate about your unique sound, yet understand that sometimes, to reach a wider audience, you might need to align with more mainstream tastes. The music industry is a complex field where artistry and commerce often collide, leaving you to navigate the fine line between staying true to your vision and making music that sells. Finding that harmony is crucial for your career's longevity and your personal satisfaction as an artist.

1 Understand Trends

To strike a balance, you need to understand current musical trends without letting them dictate your style. This doesn't mean you should abandon your unique sound; rather, see if there's a way to incorporate elements that resonate with today's audience. It's about being adaptable and open to evolution while maintaining your core musical identity. Sometimes, a subtle nod to contemporary trends can make your music more accessible without compromising your artistic integrity.

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Allen Johnston

Digital; Distributor at Music Specialist Distribution
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I totally disagree with this statement. Following trends only makes you a puppet. Design your own unique style, make music that invokes emotions, and stop trying to imitate people who you feel have commercial success. There are thousands of musicians, singers, songwriters, publishers, entertainers and more who will never be played on commercial outlets but are making a strong living. The people who are the gatekeepers for commercial music are Bean counters and care about revenue over emotional well-being. Be unique, be one of a kind, be courageous and make music that you feel.

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Robert L. Smith

Producer/Engineer/Mixer at Defy Recordings
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Chasing a trend in hopes of success is an enterprise for failure. Why? Because if it’s already happened it is already old news. Be yourself. Tell your story the way you want to. Be authentic. It’s easy to spot a fake, even with AI, and nobody wants that. Those that chase success always end up searching for their soul later on.

Like
Matt Meyers

Music Industry & Ai Entrepreneur, helping to make Hits Happen and develop innovative solutions to problems for over 30 years
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This can also apply to what A&R guys look to sign, and infact you usually get around 30 seconds max these days to hook them in! In my personal experience, through hundreds of A&R meetings pitching material, they don't really care about the technical skills or message, etc. They just care about how it makes them feel. Does it grab their attention, or is it just like everything else they've been sent or played a hundred times over the last month? Be unique, break the rules, & channel 'you.' What you're hearing on radio has already been done, so don't follow.....lead! It's better they love it or hate it than just think it's vanilla and mediocre. So, take some risks and be brave.

Like
Kevin Brown

FanCircles SuperFan Platforms - CEO | Music Industry. Generate $100,000 from 1,000 superfans using artist branded superfan apps.
Report contribution
Never follow trends. Make the music you want, not what you think others want to hear. And NEVER use Spotify as a measure of what is popular amongst fans of music. Spotify is a measurement of people who listen to music, not buy tickets, merch, buy albums and all the things that make being a musician worthwhile.

Like
nathan kelly

film & tv music · orchestrator · author · music coordinator · academic
Report contribution
To balance musical style and commercial success, identify the elements of your sound that resonate with your audience. Experiment with blending genres while staying true to your vision. Engage with fans for feedback and collaborate with artists who understand your unique style to create appealing music without compromising authenticity.

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2 Audience Insight

Knowing your audience is key to balancing musical style with commercial viability. Engage with your listeners to learn what they love about your music. Use this feedback to refine your work without losing your distinctive edge. By understanding who your fans are and what they value in your music, you can make informed decisions that satisfy both your creative desires and your audience's expectations.

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Steven Samuel
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To determine your true audience, ask yourself: Is it everyone who follows you or those who genuinely support you? It’s important to separate your general fans from your invested fans. Invested fans are the ones who truly appreciate your art, not just the music that’s currently trending. On average, an invested fan will spend around $300 a year on an artist. Your goal should be to connect with 1,000 invested fans and focus on providing them with your authentic self.

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olivier DELCROIX

Business development and management of innovative projects - Surveillance of flexible risers. Multi-carreerist: Pop music producer/songwriter.
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I see the value in understanding the ‘persona’ of our audience; it can provide useful guidance in our artistic direction. However, I believe there are already many who appreciate your unique musical style. So, continue creating what you love, and don’t feel pressured to conform to the tastes of others.

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3 Creative Collaboration

Collaborating with other artists can expand your creative horizons while also tapping into their fanbase for increased exposure. Look for collaborators who complement your style and challenge you creatively. This can lead to innovative music that stays true to your artistic vision and appeals to a broader market. Collaboration is a gateway to blending styles and reaching new audiences without sacrificing your musical identity.

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olivier DELCROIX

Business development and management of innovative projects - Surveillance of flexible risers. Multi-carreerist: Pop music producer/songwriter.
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I firmly believe in the power of teamwork, regardless of the task, to inspire creative imagination. Since there’s no such thing as good or bad music styles, I think it’s possible to create a bridge between commercial mainstream and more indie genres. Let’s prepare ourselves to step outside our comfort zones and embrace new ideas.

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4 Strategic Release

When releasing new music, timing and strategy are crucial. Consider the market and plan your releases when they're likely to make the biggest impact. This doesn't mean chasing trends, but being smart about when and how you introduce your music to the world. A well-timed release can capture the attention of both your loyal fans and potential new listeners, boosting your chances of commercial success.

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5 Marketing Mix

Effective marketing is essential in highlighting your unique sound while also appealing to the masses. Develop a marketing mix that showcases your music's authenticity and aligns with what's commercially viable. This could include anything from the aesthetics of your album artwork to the platforms you use for promotion. A thoughtful marketing approach can attract a wider audience without diluting your musical style.

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6 Adapt and Evolve

Embrace the idea that adaptation and evolution are part of being a musician. Your style may naturally change as you grow as an artist and as new influences come into play. This evolution can be a way to stay relevant and commercially successful while remaining true to your artistic roots. Remember, it's possible to evolve your music in a way that respects your past while opening doors to the future.

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You're torn between your musical style and commercial success. How do you find the perfect balance?

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1 Understand Trends

2 Audience Insight

3 Creative Collaboration

4 Strategic Release

5 Marketing Mix

6 Adapt and Evolve

Music Industry

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