Develop to Development Deal

As a beginning artist who has no fan base, it’s difficult to reach a place of success in the music career.  I recently had the opportunities to interview someone who has 10 years experience in the gospel music industry.  Working as a intern in radio promotions, Brandon Egerton received a full time position in the music industry doing A&R for 10 years at EMI.   After his time at EMI, he decided to pursue his own music consulting company and organize workshops and music conference in Nashville. 

With his experience in the industry, he offers great advice for beginning artist.  He explained that development is the key component to market new artist.  It’s impossible to skip the process of artist development.  Some people think that is good enough to be talent and don’t focus on the working smart. 

He encourages new artists to be comfortable in making mistakes and keep themselves occupied with performances and shows. The purpose of shows is to not only gain a fan base but also see how the audience responds and alter the performance accordingly.  Although artist want to maintain the identity of their unique genre and style of music, its also important to produce music that the audience wants to hear.  Make sure that your message is consistent through your music and performance.    

Using other resources is important for a new artist.  Think creatively by networking with people that are talented producers will can pull the best product out of you.  Producers help build confidence in the studio.  Therefore, it’s important to connect with producers and allow them to artistically develop the artist. 

If you’re trying to market an artist that’s in a small city, network and perform at the next closest city and gain exposure there. For example, Smokie Norful is a famous gospel singer that’s from Pine Bluff- Arkansas but his main performance market was in Little Rock-Arkansas.  This gave me a little more exposure.  Artist should keep themselves relevant and involved at different venues, concerts, café, weddings and music festivals.  While performing at these locations, you’re building your name through branding.

The last thing an artist should do create realistic expectations.  Create moments to be interesting to the consumer.  Continue to develop opportunities to gain fan.  Be interesting enough that people are interest in buying and listening to your music.  Sometimes, we produce music that we THINK the audience wants to hear.  If you want a development deal, develop yourself.