TREND: PR, Branding & Social Media

INTERN SPOTLIGHT: Ananya Gokhale Ananya has joined TREND as a PR and Social Media intern for the Spring semester. Her skills have been a wonderful contribution and we are grateful to have her as part of the team! What skills have you gained so far from your current internship at TREND? In the time I have been with TREND, I have learned a lot about public relations, including everything from pitching, contact researching, brainstorming content ideas, writing press releases, and more. While I have had some experience in PR within non-entertainment industries, this internship has opened my eyes to the world of music, working with artists as clients, and how it differs from traditional PR. What is your favorite aspect of your internship? There are numerous reasons why I love working at TREND, such as the welcoming environment & culture of co-workers, but my main reason is that I can see how my work has a purpose here. The team encourages us to perform our best and be meticulous with everything we do, because our work is treated with the same importance as any other employee’s. I get to see my writing and ideas being brought to life and actually used for clients. What inspired you to pursue a career in PR/social media/ the music industry? I have always had a deep love for music and am constantly listening to something/discovering new artists, so much so that I even wear my earbuds to bed so I can fall asleep. I grew up with parents who loved music and played it around the house at all times, growing my affinity for it from a young age. Additionally, I grew up as a dancer, programmed to listen for beats and rhythm in all the songs I heard. Because I did my undergraduate degree in marketing and PR, I wanted to find a way to combine the strategic thinking I enjoyed with the creativity of music. #internspotlight #intern #musicindustry #careeradvice #musicindustrycareer #careerdevelopment

Breaking into an English-speaking market as an international artist? Here’s how you can make your mark: ?? Leverage platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Spotify. Learn common English phrases, engage with your followers, and respond to comments. Use trending sounds and hashtags to amplify your reach. ?? Add a touch of English to your songs. Incorporate a few lines in English to resonate with listeners. It creates a connection without compromising your unique sound. ?? Share your story. What inspires your music? Where are you from? Why does your art matter? Let your audience connect with your journey on a personal level. ? Pro Tip: Authenticity wins every time. Want more tips like this? Follow TREND PR for insights and strategies to elevate your music career. #internationalartists #musicindustry #brandmanagement

?? 20 press hits in the first week of release? Yes, we did that. Here’s how: Killer Content: We started with a compelling bio and high-quality photos that outlets want to share. Targeted Outreach: We built a curated list of journalists and outlets who genuinely align with the artist's music.? Personalized Pitches: Every pitch was tailored to each outlet, ensuring that we stood out in their inboxes. Perfect Timing: We reached out before editorial calendars filled up, ensuring our client got the spotlight. Strong Relationships: We built relationships with journalists who trust TREND to deliver stories worth sharing. ?? When you work with a team that knows how to hustle, the results speak for themselves. Ready to get your music the attention it deserves? Drop a comment—let’s make it happen! ???? #MusicMarketing #PRSuccess #IndieArtists #TRENDPR

Every indie artist should be doing these 4 things to stand out and grow their fanbase! ?? 1. Know Your Audience Do your research! Understand who will resonate with your music and tailor your approach to connect with them on a deeper level. 2. Engage with Your Audience Social media is your stage! Actively interact with your followers, start conversations, and use your platform to create meaningful connections. 3. Get Your Press Kit Ready Your press kit is your professional introduction to journalists and industry pros. Keep it strong, polished, and focused on your best work to leave a lasting impression. 4. Strategize Your Releases Don’t just drop music—plan it! Using strategies like the waterfall release can keep your fans hooked and your music marketing on point. Stay consistent, stay authentic, and keep elevating your music career! ???? #IndieArtist #MusicMarketing #MusicTips #BrandStrategy

?? Your Brand and Music Should Align – Here’s How We Make It Seamless Step 1: Build a Fan Avatar We start by creating a detailed profile of your ideal listener. This helps your brand truly connect with your audience. Not sure how to make one? Check out our video on TikTok for a step-by-step guide! Step 2: Do the Research We dive deep into your genre to see what’s working – and where there’s room for something fresh. It’s not just about following trends but finding opportunities to stand out. Think bold visuals, showcasing your unique personality, or engaging fans with interactive stories and behind-the-scenes posts. Step 3: Develop the Strategy With a content calendar, we plan posts that amplify your vibe and keep your brand front and center. From release teasers to fan shout-outs, we make sure every post works together to tell your story. When your brand and music are in sync, fans know exactly what you’re about – before they even press play. ?? ?? What’s the one thing that makes you unforgettable? Drop it in the comments – we’d love to hear! ?? #musicmarketing #musicindustry #brandmanagement

?? Everything we know about 2024’s Spotify Wrapped so far! ?? ?? New features for 2024: Spotify is taking your “listening personality” to the next level! Expect deeper insights into your top genres, favorite artists, and even the specific times you’re most likely to hit play throughout the day. ?? This year’s Wrapped highlights how your music shapes your daily life, mapping your listening patterns in a fresh way. ?? Plus, fan-favorite features like exclusive video messages from artists to their top listeners are expected to make a comeback! ?? When’s it dropping? Sources say you can expect Wrapped to arrive sometime in the next few weeks. ? So, who do YOU think will be your top artist this year? Drop your guesses in the comments—let’s hear them! ?? #SpotifyWrapped #2024Wrapped #MusicLovers #StreamingTrends

This week, our #internhighlight features Yuqi Qin, one of our Brand Management interns. Her hard work has been incredible this fall! What skills have you gained from your current internship at TREND? Through my internship at TREND, I’ve developed skills in social media management and artist brand management, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where I’ve learned to engage with audiences and monitor trends effectively. This role has also strengthened my ability to craft targeted content and stay up-to-date with industry trends. What is your favorite aspect of your internship? My favorite part of this internship is being able to explore Spotify playlists, TikTok trending videos, discover excellent indie artists, and listen to music everyday. This experience has been incredibly engaging, I enjoy the hands-on nature of this role and how closely it connects to real life. What inspired you to pursue a career in the music industry? I’ve been playing the piano since I was three, and music has always been an essential part of my life. While studying music business in college, I realized the music industry offers a relatively relaxed environment where people are unique, open-minded, and welcoming. I enjoy the authentic interactions in this field, and I feel that it’s a perfect match for my personality and values. #musicindustry #internship #brandmanagement

Looking to book gigs as an independent artist? Here are 5 must-know tips to get you started! ?? Network: Build relationships with local venues and fellow artists. Connections can lead to great opportunities! Email & Follow-Up: Reach out to venue bookers with a professional email. Don’t hesitate to follow up if you don’t hear back—persistence pays off! Create a Press Kit: Put together a digital portfolio that includes your bio, high-quality photos, and links to your music. Make it visually appealing and concise. Perform at Local Venues: Start small to build your reputation and connect with your community. Every performance helps you grow! Join Music Communities: Engage with both local and online music groups. Collaboration and support are key! Use Online Platforms: Promote your music on social media and explore booking sites like Sonicbids to find gigs. Stay consistent, keep honing your craft, and those gigs will come! ??? #IndependentArtist #MusicIndustry?

This week, our #internshiphighlight introduces Caitlyn Lynch, one of our PR interns. Her hard work has been invaluable this fall! What skills have you gained from your current internship at TREND? Being an intern at TREND has helped me sharpen my writing skills as well as my ability to be creative in a professional environment. I have been able to create pitches, press releases, and other written pieces and gain valuable skills that will transcend from the internship. Also, researching and learning about effective trends to help our clients engage more with current and new audiences to grow their brands has been enlightening and exciting. What is your favorite aspect of your internship? One of my favorite parts of the internship has been working with the other interns and senior staff. I have enjoyed the team mindset and collaboration within the office. I also love that the internship is hybrid, covering both PR and social media marketing, helping me gain valuable hands-on experience in two areas I am excited about. What inspired you to pursue a career in the music industry? I was looking to gain experience in a field that I felt passionate about, so getting into the music industry had always been a goal of mine and just felt right. I have such a deep love for music, so being able to combine my passions with my career has been very fulfilling and exciting! #internship #publicrelations #musicindustry #brandmanagement

This week's #internshiphighlight will introduce Paria Assemi, one of our PR interns this fall. Paria has been an incredible help these past few months with her incredible work ethic and passion. What skills have you gained from your current internship at TREND? Since joining TREND, I have developed strong writing skills by learning how to structure and craft press releases and articles for clients effectively. Additionally, I have gained valuable experience in conducting research to identify the most suitable media outlets for our clients’ PR needs. I have also learned how to target social media posts to reach the right audiences strategically. What is your favorite aspect of your internship? My favorite part of the internship so far has been working with other talented and driven individuals, the other interns, and the senior staff. By being able to come to the office and gain hands-on experience, I have been able to collaborate with other interns and senior staff to get that full internship experience. Seeing the other interns and I learn/flourish together is extremely rewarding. What inspired you to pursue a career in the music industry? I’ve always been moved by music, more specifically live music events. There’s a certain feeling I get when I’m at a concert that I can’t seem to find anywhere else in life. Given that, I thought why not combine what I love most with a career I can build for myself? I also think throughout recent years, I’ve been especially moved by the artist Del Water Gap, attending his shows helped me realize I wouldn’t want to do anything else but work in the music industry. #internship #musicindustry #publicrelations