Here are some simple tips that will help your career as an upcoming artist.

(1) Build a brand: From the moment you start to record music to sell to an audience, you must know that you have ceased to be just a person.

The audience sees you as a brand & all your work as product. As such, you must consciously build a brand identity & image that fits the brand of music you make & how you want to be perceived as an artiste.

 (2) Create a website: In today’s digital world, your website is an extension of you as an artist & a brand. Regrettably, most artists see it as a frivolity, something to do when you have money.

Your website is also where you’ll sell your market; merchandise, albums, tickets & more, so build one & build it well. To get a website built for you, click here.

 (3) Get interviewed: People connect with the music more when they connect with the artiste. Interviews give a platform to tell your story & endear yourself to fans & anyone who cares enough to listen, watch or read.

 (4) Collabo with other artists: In your early days as an artist, it’s important to jump on as lots of songs as you can. Here’s why; every artist has a fan base that you can borrow from & working with them introduces your sound to a new set of people.

In every other case, bless the song with a hook or a verse & spread your reach.

(5) Do your Research: Behind the glitz & cramped studios, the music biz is a complex structure. As an upcoming artist, you owe it to yourself to study everything.

Realize the fine print & workings of the industry, before you end up signing a contract that will transform you into a glorified houseboy with no control over your career.

(6) Use your Family & Friends: As an upcoming artiste, your family & friends are your first fan base, record label, A&R & managers.

Share your work with your friends too & turn to them for support & advice in times of need.

(7) Get rid of the Opening Act Syndrome: Opening for other artists can be very frustrating especially when you feel you deserve more but as an upcoming artiste, you must be ready to kill your ego before it kills you.

Everyone must start from somewhere, it’s your job to work your way to headline cat.

 (8) Put your music on streaming platforms: One of the biggest misconceptions in Nigerian music is that artists do not make money from streaming. The sycophants who sell this lie will tell you that your best chance is to hope for shows & endorsements.

Put your songs on all streaming platforms you can find. You may not make as much as M.I from the start but that small change can become a river of cash.

(9) Never lose your focus: As you start to become more familiar with the music industry & all its frivolities, it’s easy to get distracted.

Keep our eyes on the goal.

(10)Patience: Following these 9 steps will get you closer to success but none of it will matter if you’re not patient. Growing into a full-blown star can take years, even a decade.

You must be patient enough to remain hungry & consistent despite all the setbacks & challenges that are bound to come your way.

One song will likely not do it, even 2 albums may not. So sit down, work hard & be humble.