The year 2022 has arrived and as a musician, it’s crucial to plan your career now so you are ready for changes in the next year. Music trends are always evolving and there are plenty of ways you can prepare yourself for what’s ahead.
Here are 7 simple strategies that will help you make sure your music career thrives in 2022:
1. Make a plan for your music career in 2022
Of all the things you could do, creating a plan should be at the top of your list. Putting together a tentative schedule with goals and deadlines can help keep you accountable while providing you with an overall roadmap that shows the steps needed to attain your long term plans.
2. Know who you are as an artist
By now, most people know what type of music they want to make and how it’s different from the next person making the same sound, but knowing who you are as an artist can be very important. Knowing exactly what makes you different is key so that when you notice a trend emerging in 2022, you can make sure your identity remains intact and that fans know exactly who they’re supporting.
3. Be prepared for the future of social media, streaming, and web3
Platforms such as TikTok and Twitch, introduced years ago, were only the beginning of live streaming and video apps that are often used by artists more and more in 2022. It’s important to engage your social media following now so you’re prepared as these, and new apps, become widely used by everyone who cares about music. While it can seem daunting, you need to stay on top of other emerging technologies such as web3; including the metaverse, blockchain, and NFTs. Pay attention to what others in those areas are doing and see where it can work in your career.
it's just as important to think about how you'll market yourself and your work so you stand out among the millions of other musicians on the internet
4. Stay up-to-date on current trends in music
Staying ahead of the curve is always beneficial for any artist, so it’s crucial to stay up to date with music news in 2022. Whether it’s a new form of rap or a completely different genre that doesn’t yet have a name, being aware of what’s going on will give you an advantage in the next few years when it comes to deciding which kinds of songs you want to create and how they fit in the ever-changing music landscape. Pro Tip: You can tune in to Music Industry City programming and attend events to keep on top of what’s happening in the industry ;)
5. Create a marketing plan that is specific to your needs as an artist
Every artist knows they need to create music, but it’s just as important to think about how you’ll market yourself and your work so you stand out among the millions of other musicians on the internet. There are plenty of platforms for you to promote your music with, so deciding which ones work for you and your art form is crucial to retaining fans.
6. Build relationships with people in the industry
It’s very rare (if not completely unheard of) for an artist to make it without knowing someone already working within the same music scene. Knowing who manages other up-and-coming artists, who the top producers are, and who the big players currently in the industry are will lead to plenty of opportunities as you build your career. Whether it’s meeting people at events or communicating with others on social media, be sure to do your best to build a strong community around you and your work.
7. Collaborate with others
Just because you make all your own songs doesn’t mean someone else shouldn’t hear them! Collaborating with others is a great way to learn different skills, meet new people and create music no one has ever heard before.
There are plenty of other strategies you can use to start planning for the future now, but these simple techniques will help you get it right in 2022 so that you don’t miss out on opportunities down the road.
If you have any questions about how to use these or other techniques, let us know in the comments below.
We’ll happily answer all your questions and help create an amazing marketing strategy for artists who need guidance along their musical journey.
Which of these do you think will work best for your music career? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.