When the subject is independent music, finding inspiration is indeed a huge problem. While keeping a very unique style is extremely important for independent artists, peeking at what the big-time artists are doing can give you some nifty tips and tricks.
But what’s a good way to find inspiration when you still haven’t made it big? Well, for now, if you’re into some Radiohead, diving into the band’s quirky time signatures can be a good idea. Who knows? It might just push you to get a little weird with your own compositions. Listen and experiement.
Now, keep in mind one thing, every big artist once started where you are, exactly where you are right now. They’ve all faced a ton of struggles before hitting the big leagues. Take Lady Gaga, for example. She was hit with rejection after rejection before she made it. Her story can remind you that persistence is your best buddy. That’s one way of finding inspiration.
Remember, live performances are where the magic happens. Watching how superstars work on stage and connect with their audience, this is something very important that you need to learn even if you are still “small.” Think about how Beyoncé owns the stage with her killer confidence or how Ed Sheeran holds a crowd with just his guitar and loop pedal. Steal a few tricks from them and spice up your own shows—just make sure to sprinkle in your own flavor.
Don’t forget about music festivals as well. Festivals and events are a great way to get inspired. You will get to meet a lot of emerging artists and bands, participate in various activities, and experience whatever else there is at the event you decide to attend. Plus, attending an event will definitely give you a boost of that “dude, I gotta make it big” feeling.
Click here and check out upcoming music festivals all over the world.
Study how the pros drop new tracks, engage with fans on social media, and build their brand. If you’re an independent artist, your image is your brand. Taylor Swift, for example, is a master at creating buzz around her releases and keeping her fans hooked. Copy some of their strategies by building a strong online presence, chatting with your audience regularly, and drumming up excitement for your projects. Also, don’t be shy about collaborating. Even if you can’t get Beyoncé on the line, teaming up is always a good idea to spread your name.
While it’s great to learn from the big names, always stay true to your own voice. Use the inspiration as a jumping-off point, not a strict template. Your unique perspective is what makes you stand out in the crowd.
Finding inspiration from the pros is more than just admiring their number of Spotify monthly listeners. It’s about understanding everything that made them get where they are now, from personal problems, to their own inspirations. By doing that, you can grow as an artist and tackle your journey with more confidence and creativity. You can live your dreams too!
