How to Promote Your Music in New York

As a new musician on the scene, it can be difficult to build much of a following. This is true anywhere, but even more so in the competitive space that is NYC. Learning how to promote your music in New York is almost as important as the music itself. After all, people need to know you exist before they can come to see you play or buy your music, right?

New York is one of the epicenters of the music industry, which means you’ll need to work that much harder to get your music out there. The space is crowded, full of new artists like yourself, established local and regional acts, and touring superstars that may play three or four nights in town and grab all the headlines.

It’s much easier for smaller, independent artists to get on stage at venues that cater to new sounds and artists just getting their start. Still, you need to get in front of those booking agents and venue managers, so developing a marketing strategy to get your music career off the ground in New York is job number one.

Although many of these steps are designed for artists, having a marketing plan in place for audio engineers and music producers is also key. New York Recording Connection programs are designed to give you foundational skills for a music career but also give you practical experience and opportunities to make key connections in the industry.

You’ll be placed inside a professional studio where you’ll work one-on-one with a mentor, an experienced industry insider. You’ll see how today’s music is made, learn how to run a studio, and work with a variety of artists and genres. It’s like developing your resume, building a portfolio, getting on-the-job training, and auditioning for a job on a daily basis!

How to Promote Your Music in New York

There are many ways to go about promoting yourself on the different music scenes in New York. This is a general look at how to develop your marketing strategy and then put it into practice.

• Press Kit
• Social Media Marketing
• Streaming Platforms
• Legwork
• The Press
• Radio Stations
• Collaborations
• Live Performances

Press Kit

Just as you would put together a resume for a job, creating a solid press kit allows you to put your best foot forward. Your artist bio should be a concise overview of your music career, including your influences, your unique sound, and your goals. Include a variety of high-quality, professional photos of you and your band.

Make sure your press kit includes links to your music on streaming platforms, as well as links to any music videos you have released. If you have any positive press or reviews, be sure to include them in your press kit. This will help to legitimize your music and make it more likely to be picked up by journalists and bloggers.

If you have any notable achievements, such as winning awards or playing at major festivals, be sure to include them in your press kit. As you release new music, add it to your press kit. You should also update your bio and photos whenever you have a significant change in your career. And make sure you include your contact information!

This is very similar to the portfolio you’ll develop as an audio engineer or music producer when you enroll with Recording Connection. We also offer a music business program to give you an in-depth look at how the industry works beyond music and how to position yourself for success.

Social Media Marketing

Once you have your press kit put together, make sure all of that information is spread to your profiles on all of the social media platforms. This is probably the easiest way to keep your fans up to date on what you’re doing as well as give new audiences all the information they need if they want to know more about you.

It’s also a great way for you to develop your “brand,” so make sure you keep it consistent. Although it can take a lot of time to keep Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram all updated, this is a relatively inexpensive way to promote yourself and keep an online presence.

Streaming Platforms

In today’s digital age, streaming platforms are a godsend for musicians and music lovers alike. Whether you’re an up-and-coming artist or a seasoned performer, platforms like Apple Music, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and Spotify for artists give you the global reach you need to get your music out there.

Not only can you release your music to more listeners than ever before, but you can also monetize your songs by streaming them on these platforms. What’s more, you can license your music for use in TV shows, films, and commercials for an even wider exposure and additional income stream. The music business is a business after all.

Legwork

There will be times when your feet are going to have to hit the street. Designing eye-catching flyers and posters and placing them in relevant locations around the city to attract potential fans is a great place to start. To further spread the word about your music, consider recruiting a street team of dedicated fans who can help distribute your promotional materials.

Building an email address list of your fans is also essential to maintain communication and keep them updated about your music releases, shows, and other news. Attending industry events, workshops, and seminars is also a smart way to network with fellow musicians, producers, and music industry professionals.

The Press

If you’re an up-and-coming musician or band, it can be tough to get your name out there and reach a wider audience. But luckily, the internet has opened up a whole world of possibilities for self-promotion. One effective strategy for gaining exposure is to reach out to music bloggers and online magazines that cover your genre.

These platforms already have an engaged audience that is interested in your kind of music, so getting featured there can be a great way to introduce yourself to new fans. Additionally, writing and distributing press releases to local media outlets can help you spread the word about upcoming shows or new releases. This can be a great way to build buzz and attract attention to your music.

Most media outlets are thirsty for information that they can use to fill their pages. If you’re not a flake about getting them the right information, on time and without mistakes, you’ll always have a home in their pages, directories, or websites. Playing your cards right here can make for a beautiful relationship.

Local Radio Stations

Submit your music to local radio stations that focus on independent and emerging artists. Many stations have dedicated segments for showcasing new talent. Find out which radio stations in New York play music that is similar to yours. You can use a website like Radio-Locator to find a list of radio stations in your area and their formats.

When you submit your music to a radio station, make sure you include a professional-looking electronic press kit and high-quality audio files. You should also write a personal letter to the music director explaining why you think your music would be a good fit for their station. Don’t expect to get your music played on the radio overnight. It takes time and effort to build relationships with radio stations and music directors.

Collaborations

Collaborating with other local musicians, producers, or artists can provide you with an outstanding opportunity to get in front of an audience that’s already in place. Cross-promotion can be incredibly powerful, allowing you to tap into each other’s fan bases and expand your reach much further than you could alone.

Not only that, but your collaborators could be able to share their promotional expertise with you, ensuring you avoid any common pitfalls and missteps in the process. By coming together, you can truly maximize your promotional efforts while also building a deeper local network of artists and audiences alike.

With Recording Connection, you’ll be collaborating with your mentor and other industry professionals that come into their studio. Many of our students find work in the very studios they learned in, find work in other studios through good word of mouth, or start their own studios after developing a roster of clients through these collaborations.

Live Performances

When it comes to music, New York City is one of the most vibrant scenes there is. Aspiring musicians flock to the city to be a part of the buzz, and there are plenty of opportunities for you to perform all over town. Performing at smaller venues, open mics, and showcases can be a great way to get your foot in the door and connect with a live audience.

Not only that, but these gigs can also help you gain valuable exposure and make connections in the industry. When you do perform, see if you can get someone to record your set–this kind of content is gold when it comes to music marketing. It can help round out your portfolio and bolster your social media strategy.

Participating in local music festivals, fairs, events, and industry showcases allows you to perform in front of music industry professionals who might offer valuable opportunities. Consider playing charity events, fundraisers, and local gatherings, too. Even busking or street performing in popular areas of the city can attract passersby and help you connect with a diverse audience.

Remember that consistency and creativity are key when it comes to promoting your music. Explore different strategies and adapt to what works best for your style and target audience.