3 Questions Every Indie Artist Must be Able To Answer

If you are an indie artist, your branding is one of the most important aspects of your career. Believe it or not, it may be just as important as your music.

Yet most artists miss the mark when it comes to consistent branding. They often give out mixed messages. Maybe their music doesn't match their online persona. Maybe they are trying to fit a mold that isn't authentic to them. Regadless of where the confusion comes from, if fans are not sure what to expect from an artist, it makes it hard for fans to be loyal.

Here are three branding questions that every artist needs to 1) be able to answer, and 2) deliver on those answers.

1. When someone leaves your live show and they jump on social media to tell their friends about their expereince, what do you want them to say? You, as the atist, have control over what they post! e.g. If you want them to say 'that was the most fun I've had in a long time', then you need to make sure your show is fun. You also need to end on a fun song because that's the last thing they will remember. But if you want them to say,'He's the best singer I've heard in a long tiime,' then you need to be sure you are showcasing your vocals. If you want them to say it was an exhilerating expereince, then you have to take them on an emotional ride. Use your answer to this question to design your live show to elicit the response you want!
2. When someone hears your music, what do you want them to feel? What so you want them to say about it? Once again, you have control over their responses! It's your job to find or craft, and then record great songs that will leave people feeling like you want them to feel. It's important to leave your ego at the door throughout this process. e.g. If the songs you write will not evoke the emotions you want to evoke, it's much better to find a different song than to record a weak song that might make listeners stop listening.
3. When someone hears your name mentioned, sees your picture or album cover or sees a post that you'll be doing an interview, what is the first thing you want to come to their mind? This, too is completely within your control. And it's the ultimate test of your branding! You must be and stay consitent and on point with everything you do in order to generate the reaction you want. This includes everything you post on social media, the pictures you choose, the look and feel of your website, the colors you choose, your live show, your music, what you say, how you live, what you drive and so much more.

Use your answers to these 3 questions for every public decision you need to make. They are your north star. Be sure that all 3 compliment each other so you paint the exact picture that you want the world to see of you both as an artist and as a person.

Vinny Ribas is an artist manager and consultant, and the founder of Cartne (www.cartne.com ) - often referred to as 'MasterClass' for the music industry.