Supporting a Young Artist's Journey: Lessons from My Daughter’s First Release on Spotify

Experiencing the challenges of launching a music career is vastly different when it’s your own child. Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of collaborating with my daughter, Bonita Habils, as she prepared and released her first single, Caught & Released, on Spotify. This journey has been illuminating for both of us, filled with excitement, obstacles, and invaluable insights into the independent artist’s life.

The Excitement of the First Release

Releasing music was the result of long hours of songwriting, production, and refinement for Bonita. The joy of sharing her art with the world was immense, and Caught & Released embodies her distinct voice, resonating with listeners in its initial weeks.

The Reality of Building Momentum

While the excitement was genuine, so was the realization of the effort required to succeed independently. It’s not just about uploading music on Spotify and expecting it to find an audience. For new artists, gaining visibility requires understanding algorithms, engaging followers, and maintaining an active online presence. Despite early success, every release will be an uphill battle to gain traction.

Lessons in Promotion and Feeding the Algorithm

Helping Bonita manage her release highlighted the complexity and data-driven nature of today’s music industry. Every decision, from timing social media posts to crafting captions, is strategic. Consistent engagement with platform algorithms, particularly on Spotify and Instagram, is essential. Here are some things I have learnt:

·?????? Timing and Frequency: Scheduled posts build anticipation and maintain momentum.

·?????? Use Instagram Reels and Stories: ?Visual content like clips of the creative process engages followers and encourages sharing.

·?????? Collaboration: Connecting with independent artists or influencers expands reach and opens doors to new audiences.

·?????? Streaming Playlists ?Reaching out to playlist curators increases streams and attracts new listeners.

Preparing for the Next Steps

Bonita’s first release has been extraordinary, but it’s just the start. Each release poses new challenges, demanding more than just talent. We’re continuously learning about strategy, data analytics, and social engagement as we prepare for her next single in December.

As a parent, I'm proud of Bonita’s resilience in this demanding environment. To everyone who has supported her, thank you! If you want to join her musical journey, follow her on Spotify or Instagram or your preferred music platform; and stay tuned for her next release.

With dedication and the lessons learned, Bonita is steadily making her mark in the music world.