Category: Blog

By Jacob Ezra

Fostering a fanbase and building stronger connections with them over time is an essential part of being an independent artist. If you think about musicians you feel connected to, consider what it is that makes you invested in them. One element would certainly be that you can relate to them on an emotional level- and that their story, messaging, and identity aligns with you and your values. Another could be that they directly connect with their fan-base at a ground level, with things like personalized merch, mailing lists, free offers and contests, and a discord or some kind of “fan club”. These ideas are not just limited to one’s favorite, well-known artists- as they can be utilized by musicians at any level to leverage themselves and their community of listeners.

To foster deeper connections with your fan-base over time, think about how your fans want to feel that you care about them, in a same way you want them to care about you and your work. By no means does one have to inbox each one of their fans every day or anything, but there are numerous ways to make fans feel as if they’re connected to you personally. I would say that there are two sides to doing this: how you present yourself,andwhat you actually do.

In terms of how an artist presents themself to their listeners, if you come with a relatable, authentic story people can relate to, they will be able to see something of themselves in you and connect more deeply [see also our guide on how to use storytelling to promote your music]. This could be a personal story of how you overcame obstacles on your path to being an independent artist, went against the grain and found success, or more. Just a story that shows a human side to you in the communication of something universal that people care about on an emotional level. 

Moreover, as an artist, it is important to show sides of your personality in order to connect with others. Rather than just posting to promote new music and merch, one can talk about their interests and passions, many of which could be shared interests with their listeners. This can present a fuller picture of who you are, and further allow listeners to see something of themselves in you. An example could be something like artists like MF Doom and others, who display an interest and knowledge in comics, cartoons, and film, and these are interests that many people can relate to. In the case of MF Doom, it also deepened his story and lore as an artist.

Now on to the second element I had mentioned, which involves what you do literally in terms of your interactions with your fanbase. Through taking action, one can aim to develop stronger relationships with their listeners and make them feel like their included in a “club” or even “movement” of sorts. A fanbase greatly appreciates when an artist shows they care about them by going the extra mile with certain endeavours or gestures, and they also love to feel as if they’re a part of something, alongside other fans. Keeping those two things in mind, here are some practical ideas for how to make deeper bonds with your fans through action:

-personalized merch or giveaways, where you include something like a hand-written note or letter addressing the fan purchasing your merch, vinyl etc, or anything of the likeness

-create exclusive content: produce exclusive content for fans, such as behind-the-scenes footage, demo recordings, or exclusive merchandise (can be tied into the email newsletter or patreon)

-a mailing list that includes a newsletter free giveaways, contests, and more, directly addressing fans and trying to keep things personal 

-a discord community in which you can keep listeners updated, connect with them personally, and allow them to build community with other fans

-a patreon in which fans can receive special music, offers, content and more- try to make it personalized if possible

-going the extra mile at live shows to meet fans, doing meet and greets, offering fans backstage passes 

-of course, communicating via social media directly with them and showing appreciation and gratitude for their support

These are just some practical ideas of how to connect with your fanbase more deeply and foster relationships with listeners. Remember that these steps need to be taken consistently over a long period of time in order to work. 

Bringing these elements together, while adding your own unique touch and flair, can certainly help create a strong following as listeners feel like they can relate to you, are a part of something, and are connecting with you on a more personal level.

By Jacob Ezra

demahjiae and Ovrkast. have connected for a new song called “TED TALK”. The two Oakland heavy-hitters have been prolific of late- dropping release after release of potent, often abstract-leaning hip-hop cuts. Their latest offering “TED TALK” represents a potent meeting of two minds from Oakland, with a hypnotic, infectious instrumental and memorable, sharp lines that will be sure to have listeners re-winding to catch everything.

On “TED TALK”, organic, mesmerizing horns cascade with punchy, raw percussion mooring a grounded rhythm section. The smooth, smoky instrumentation creates an apt backdrop for the emcees deft flows, as they trade poignant lines with a vital energy that keeps the listener on their toes throughout. Take a listen to “TED TALK” here now:

By Jacob Ezra

Chicago artist Jovi Slusher has shared a new album, titled CHASING HORIZONS. The debut album of the Windy City artist is a vibrant project that exudes an optimistic warmth that is infectious from the get-go. Blending elements of various genres like hip-hop, R&B, gospel and even folk, into a hypnotic blend that is expressive and vital, CHASING HORIZONS is a record packed with creativity and personality.

Leaving few dull moments, CHASING HORIZONS is characterized by soaring choruses, vivid instrumentation, and heartfelt- often introspective, lyrics from Slusher. “GOLDEN HOUR” is an anthemic opener that transports listeners into another realm, while the bright, memorable melodies of “CHILDREN OF THE SUN” continue the feeling of transcendence. “MOUNTAIN TOP”, featuring Akeem, further demonstrates Slusher’s versatility with indie and folk flourishes blending with a hip-hop influenced rhythm section. Closer “HORIZON” is a powerful, layered joint that finishes the project in a soothing, uplifting fashion. Give Slusher’s debut LP CHASING HORIZONS a listen here now.

By Mustafa Abubaker

I grew up in Buckhead, a ritzy part of Atlanta famous for a few things. The Atlanta History Center. The five star hotels. Lenox Mall. Icebox. Just to name a few. My passion for music not only lead me to search for new releases within Atlanta but also outside of it. I prided myself on becoming familiar with the regions surrounding Atlanta. Gwinnett. Cobb. The southside. The westside. Pretty much all of Georgia. Cobb in particular has always been on my radar, given I attended Kennesaw State University.

When I got an email from a Cobb County artist, I was already inclined to support. That’s just how Georgia get down. When I settled in to actually absorb and consume the six tracks making up Tez Pariah‘s new release, I realized I had made the right decision. Four producers in total worked on the music making up the project, and two artists lended their vocals as features, making this six-track project a genuine collaborative effort involving seven people overall including the album artist himself.

Diss Tracks From The Northside 2 is out now. Check out the lead single “Trippin” produced by Saint XO. Stream the project via your preferred DSP here.

By Mustafa Abubaker

Philly breeds some of the realest rappers out. Pain, strife, and struggle are just a few of the underlying motifs uniting these artists from the City of Brotherly Love together. The latest to stake a claim in it is none other than an artist with the same initials as the state itself, Prin$e Alexander.

A powerful record keen on social justice, it’s proven to be a chess move in this rising star’s journey to the top. His most recent music video is close to moving 100,000 views on YouTube in just two months without a major label deal.

Oh yeah, he made the beat too. Crazy! Tap in expeditiously… Free Palestine.

By Mustafa Abubaker

I’mma keep it so real. When I got an e-mail stating 24 year old Brooklyn based singer /songwriter Emma Jayne drew inspiration from the one and only Carole King, I knew right then and there I was going to dig her music without even hearing a second of it. I mean… Carole King. There was a time in my life when all that mattered to me was “Bitter With The Sweet.”

Emma Jayne’s new single “Analysis” gets a lot done in three minutes. It brings you into a world where innocent, childlike bike rides, ice cream cones, and calling your friend’s mom’s house on the home phone to see if she can play are all that matters. I get a vibe of a summer afternoon just before sunset and it’s just rained all day, so the air is fresh and all the lawns in suburbia are all dewy as dew gets.

It’s a feel good pop song pairing modern production with interesting, pointed lyricism. Emma Jayne’s stated that the track is about “honoring your inner child… it’s about thinking you are the only one in the world who isn’t affected by your attachments and your childhood… it’s about being stubborn and not moving on from something even though it’s time”.

By Jacob Ezra

Los Angeles’ rimhan and dask have shared a new single called “neighborhood watch”. With this new single, rimhan and dask present a soulful, refreshing cut with charisma and a certain weightlessness that make for an engaging listen. The warm single captures classic West Coast feels while adding both artists’ unique spin, as rimhan flows sleekly atop dask’s sunny, lo-fi chops with clarity. Bolstered by a bubbling rhythm section and airy vocal samples, “neighborhood watch” is a track that knows what it wants to accomplish. Give it a listen HERE now and support the artists directly via BandCamp.

By Jacob Ezra

Meechy718 has shared a new song called “ON MY SOUL(e)”, produced by INSID3. Meechy718 is a Brooklyn-based rapper who has been making waves in New York’s underground music scene since his debut Soundcloud EP, More Love, Less Hate, in 2018. Blending East Coast roots with West Coast vibes and incorporating elements of Jazz and Drill, Meechy718 has cultivated a unique sound that has garnered attention and praise. His latest song, “ON MY SOUL(e)”, is a potent, soulful offering that demonstrates Meechy’s sleek, focused flows and ear for engaging, character-rich production. With true-to-life lyricism, uplifting, confident vibes, and a sonic warmth and richness that sets it apart, “ON MY SOUL(e)” presents another solid offering from Brooklyn’s Meechy718, as he shows no signs of slowing down after the release of recent singles like “LASER TAG” and “VIBE WITH ME”.

Listen to “ON MY SOUL(e)” here now:

Minneapolis-based artist GR3G has dropped off a new EP called HEAL FOR ME. Originally hailing from Chicago, GR3G’s journey as an artist is deeply intertwined with his roots, social justice advocacy, and a profound passion for storytelling through music. His latest offering, HEAL FOR ME, presents an introspective, soulful journey into the mind of the artist atop a tapestry of warm, thoughtful production.

The EP leads off with “HAVE I GROWN COMPLACENT?”, which sets the stage for HEAL FOR ME and distills its thought-provoking feel and cathartic sound. GR3G shines lyrically as he delves deep on HEAL FOR ME, with songs like “WASTED TALENT, pt. 2” painting vivid pictures atop uplifting, powerful instrumentation.

Radiating with authenticity and soul, GR3G’s latest offering HEAL FOR ME brings a refreshing sense of introspection and realness to the table. Give HEAL FOR ME a listen here now.

Connect with GR3G: Spotify | Instagram