Inside Sleeve
Guess what, music lovers? We got a golden ticket!
Drum roll, please... We've just been accepted into the Sound Incubator at Copenhagen's Music Conservatory! For the next five months, we're diving headfirst into this crazy awesome initiative. It's all about helping us reach more ears, fine-tune our product, and create something that'll make musicians go "Wow, that's exactly what I need!"
And the cherry on top? We get to rub shoulders with the next generation of music talent at the conservatory. Talk about harmony! We're over the moon, pinching ourselves, and ready to rock this opportunity like it's our biggest gig yet.
Tuesday Trends
This week, @AbelowRob dropped a stat that had everyone doing a double-take: “Adele’s 10-show run in Munich will earn more money than her lifetime total of streams. → 10 shows in 1 city = $228m → 44 billion streams = $220m.” It’s a jaw-dropper that reminds us all—while streaming can get your music out there, it’s the experiences you create that really bring in the cash.
So, what’s the 2024 version of a killer “experience,” especially when most of us are glued to screens? It’s not just about the live shows anymore. Think virtual hangouts, exclusive online content, personalized shout-outs, or even limited-edition merch drops. These are the moments that transform casual listeners into die-hard fans.
The Toolbox: When We’re Not in the Room…
We’ve been chatting with artists about Sleeve, and one thing’s clear—they’re drowning in admin tasks and could use a little inspiration to kick everything up a notch. So, say hello to our new newsletter section, The Toolbox! We’re kicking things off with a deep dive into branding because, in today’s digital avalanche, your brand isn’t just a logo or a tagline—it’s your reputation, the story people tell about you when you’re not in the room. In short, your brand is your superpower.
I’ve been knee-deep in branding research lately, scribbling down notes and soaking up wisdom from platforms like MasterClass with Kris Jenner and Burstimo, which offers marketing magic to artists for a monthly fee. I’m not here to play favorites, but I did stumble on some gems that are too good not to share. So, I’ve boiled down the essentials of branding into bite-sized steps that I think you’ll find pretty handy.
The Essence of Your Brand
Your brand is like a cocktail: one part music, one part personality, a splash of backstory, and a twist of values. Shake it all up, and voila! You've got something unique in a sea of vanilla. But here's the kicker: your brand is also how you make your fans feel. Think about the brands you're ride-or-die for—what makes them special? How do they tickle your fancy? Use these warm fuzzies to craft a brand that'll have your fans feeling like they just found their long-lost bestie.
Define Your Music and Audience
Genre schmgenre! We're talking laser-focused specificity here. Sure, pick a genre for the folks at the back, but don't stop there. Dive into those juicy sub-genres, descriptive words, and quirky nuances that make your sound uniquely you. This isn't just navel-gazing—it's your ticket to finding those die-hard fans who've been searching high and low for exactly what you're dishing out.
Authenticity in Personality and Values
Your personality is branding gold. In a world drowning in perfectly polished images and curated feeds, authenticity is your secret weapon. Be unapologetically you in your tone and interactions. If sustainability is your jam, let it shine in your messaging. If creativity and pushing boundaries are your thing, weave that into your narrative. Fans crave realness, and they’ll rally around a brand that’s genuinely true to its values.
The Power of Your Story
Your story is the ultimate backstage pass to your brand. Share those embarrassing moments, epic wins, and everything in between that's shaped you as an artist. Let your fans see themselves in your journey—warts and all. And hey, why not test-drive your tale on your friends? Ask them what made them laugh, cry, or cringe. Their feedback is worth its weight in gold records.
Visual Identity: Making Your Brand Tangible
Your visual identity is like your brand's outfit—it's how you strut your stuff in the world. From your Instagram aesthetic to your album art, keep it consistent, clear, and so you it hurts. Be the sore thumb in a sea of sameness. Got a vintage vibe? Rock those retro fonts and sepia tones like it's 1969. Your fans should be able to spot you from a mile away, even in a blizzard of content.
Why It Matters
A killer brand isn't just about looking fly—it's your golden ticket to fan love, engagement that's off the charts, and a bank account that makes your accountant do a happy dance. Plus, it gives you the freedom to make music that's 100% you. And get this: brands with a consistent message can see up to a 23% boost in revenue. That's not chump change, folks—that's "quit your day job" money.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Branding isn’t always a walk in the park. It takes introspection, consistency, and, sometimes, the courage to switch things up. But it’s worth the effort. Start small—focus on one part of your brand, like your story or your visuals, and refine it. Over time, as you get feedback from your audience, you can expand and evolve your brand.
So, if your eyes glazed over and you forgot everything else: your brand is your secret sauce. It's what people remember when you're not in the room, belting out tunes.
Stay tuned,
Anna
