Welcome to Amplify the Noise’s DIY Guide series.
This is your go-to source for free tips and advice on levelling up as an artist.
Branding is important. Whether you’re a shoe company (Nike) or a tech company (Apple), your branding is about being recognisable. Building your brand as an artist or band is about more than just making music. It’s about creating a cohesive identity that resonates with your audience. A strong brand can help you stand out in a crowded market, attract the right fans, and make a lasting impression.
You probably have an idea on the aesthetics you want to present to the world that’s listening and watching you. Think about Ghost and their religious motifs, The White Stripes with their black, red, and white themes, or Slipknot with their masks, each have their identity, their brand, that have left a visual mark on their fans.
To this day, The White Stripes still stand out to me as the most cohesively branded band I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing. From their onstage presence, to their artwork, their instruments, and even the touring crew in black and white pinstripe clothing, The White Stripes were the best at a cohesive identity.
Is a brand identity needed? Of course not, but it will help you stand out in a sea of look-alikes if you’re aiming to be the next pop princess or metalcore band.
STEP ONE: Create a brand identity (or develop an identity)
- Your brand is the essence of who you are and how you want the world to perceive you.
- Questions you can ask yourself/the band are:
- What are your core values as an artist?
- What emotions or messages do you want to convey through your music and visuals?
- How do you want your audience to describe you?
- Use your answers to establish a cohesive identity that includes your visual aesthetic, tone, and overall vibe. Stay consistent in how you present yourself across all platforms – from website to album art to social media.
- You’re going to grow as an artist so your identity will more than likely grow with you, or should grow with you. But maybe you want to stay as a certain persona your entire career or maybe you have a certain aspect that grows with you. Once you have your identity it’s not set in stone unless you want to set it in stone.
STEP TWO: Logo
- Solo artists are less likely to have a logo, but that doesn’t mean they can’t while bands on the other hand, often have logos. It also doesn’t mean they have to have one. But if you do decide to have a logo, does it match your brand identity?
- A logo is a key element of your brand identity and it’s often the first visual cue your audience associates with you. A good tip is to always keep it simple and uncluttered so it’s easily recognizable. A musical peeve of mine are death metal bands and their band logos that look like the pith of an orange that has been thrown on the floor. They are at least going for the death metal aesthetic even if no one can read their band’s name. Do incorporate elements that reflect your style or genre, like edgy fonts for punk artists or abstract shapes for experimental musicians. You get the picture. A logo can make you memorable, if not unforgettable. I mean, look at The Rolling Stones.
STEP THREE: Build a website
- I think this may be more important than the first two steps. Your website is your digital home base. It’s the one place you control in its entirety and where fans can always find up-to-date information about you. Another musical pet peeve is when an artist uses Linktree for their “website”. I’m not saying one has to have an interactive multi page website, but one single page owned by you with everything a fan needs will suffice. There are so many options out there like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Bandzoogle, and so many more that it’s worth paying the yearly cost of a domain name and using a free version of any of the previously mentioned platforms. I know WordPress.com is free, relatively easy to use, and a domain is $18 USD a year. If you are set on using Linktree, WordPress.com has a theme that looks very similar, but at least you would be able to have a digital home base that is yours.
- Choose a platform that fits your needs, skill level, and budget. Trust me, you won’t regret having your own website. Especially if a social media platform goes bust, bans you, etc. Your fans will have a place to come home to.
- If you are going to have more than one page, may I suggest the following are included:
- Homepage – a visually appealing introduction that grabs the attention immediately or includes your latest release, upcoming tour dates, or a welcome video.
- About – share your story, your mission, and what makes you unique. Include a short bio and links to press coverage if available.
- Music – make it easy for fans to listen to or purchase your music. Include streaming links, videos, and downloadable content if you have any.
- EPK (Electronic Press Kit) – this is your digital resume that provides media, promoters, venues, and potential collaborators with all the information they need about you and your music. This type of page is often left out of the menu or is password protected since it could contain information that may not be ready for the public yet.
- Contact – provide a way for fans, press, and industry professionals to reach you. Include an email address or contact form. I personally suggest a contact form over an email address to help with spammers.
- Events aka Tour Dates – a regularly updated section with dates, venues, and ticket links for your shows. If you’re not playing shows, then this page can be left off until you’re ready.
- Shop – if you’re going to sell merch, integrate a store with clear product images, descriptions, and pricing (include a country currency, example $18 USD, this will let fans know the price is not in their country’s currency). If you’re there yet, this page can also be left off until you’re ready.
STEP FOUR: Consistent messaging
- Your visual and verbal messaging should align to reinforce your identity. Use the same color palette, fonts, and imagery across your website, social media, and promotional materials. Whether it’s playful, rebellious, or heartfelt, develop a distinct tone of voice for your communications. Make sure your messaging reflects your music’s themes and values to create a seamless experience for your audience.
STEP FIVE: Be authentic in your storytelling
- Share your personal story and inspirations to connect with fans on a deeper level. You’re uniquely you, share that and be open about your journey, struggles, and successes to create authenticity in your brand. If you focus on storytelling through your music, visuals, and communication you will build a lasting emotional connection and relationship with your audience.
Building your brand takes time and effort, but it’s an essential part of creating a lasting presence in the music world. By developing a clear brand identity, creating a professional website, and maintaining consistency across platforms, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level and amplify your voice in the industry.
Your brand is a reflection of your artistry, so make it authentically you!
