New Artist getting ahead of the Competition
For new artists who are ready to build smart, brand strong, and move with purpose.
🔑 PHASE 1: GET ORGANIZED (Week 1–2)
Lay the foundation with the right tools and visuals.
✅ Set Up These Free Accounts (Use the same profile pic everywhere)
TIDAL for Artists
Muso.AI – claim song credits
Genius – upload lyrics
SoundCloud – post early music
BeatStars – if you want to sell/lease music
YouTube – music videos, shorts, behind-the-scenes
🎨 PHASE 2: BRAND LIKE A PRO (Week 2–3)
Start creating consistency in your visual and artist identity.
✅ Free Moves:
Use Canva to make a cover photo, logo, and social banners
Make an EPK (Electronic Press Kit) with your bio, photo, links
Use Google Drive to store:
Your music
Cover art
Press photos
Clean/dirty versions
Bio & contact info
Set up a professional Gmail (example: 28ENTofficial@gmail.com)
📱 PHASE 3: SHOW UP ONLINE (Week 3–6)
Start posting regularly and building fan trust.
✅ Content ideas that cost $0:
Freestyle videos (in the car, studio, room)
“Unreleased snippet” videos – 15–30 sec of a verse or hook
Lyric breakdowns on Reels/TikTok
Behind-the-scenes: studio vibes, hair/makeup, late-night notes
Duets or stitch other artists’ content with reactions or verses
Caption quotes from your own songs — makes you look official
📡 PHASE 4: NETWORK & SUBMIT (Week 6–8)
Get your name in more rooms and playlists.
✅ Free Submissions:
Daily Playlists
Join local Facebook groups or Discords for musicians
DM or comment on IG posts from local artists, engineers, DJs
Tag producers when you use their beats
🚫 PHASE 5: AVOID THESE TRAPS
Stay out of situations that hurt your growth.
❌ Don’t:
Sign with or be managed by another artist who isn’t established
Buy fake followers, streams, or placements
Upload rough drafts with bad sound quality
Change your artist name/branding every month
Overshare drama or “industry complaints” online
Wait for someone to "put you on"
🎯 Final Goals by Day 90 of Project “GETTIN AHEAD”
Task
Goal
🎧 Upload 2+ finished songs
On SoundCloud or DSPs
📸 Post 10+ consistent content pieces
On IG/TikTok/YouTube
📝 Have 1 solid artist bio & press kit
For pitching
🔗 One link-in-bio page
For your music + visuals
📈 Claim all major artist profiles
Spotify, Apple, TIDAL, Genius, Muso.ai
🧠 Know your brand keywords
(e.g., “bossy,” “feminine,” “unfiltered”)
🚫 Things New Artists Should Avoid
These are common traps that can slow you down, cost you time, or ruin your first impression in the industry:
❌ 1. Getting “Managed” by Another Upcoming Artist
If they’re still trying to get on themselves, they’re not ready to manage you. A manager should bring business connections, structure, and strategy — not just opinions.
Red Flag: They say “we’ll figure it out together.” That’s not a manager — that’s a friend with ideas.
❌ 2. Signing Anything Without a Lawyer
Don’t rush into a contract just because it sounds good or comes with "a small fee." Free distribution ≠ a record deal. Always get legal advice.
Free game: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
❌ 3. Paying for Fake Streams, Followers, or Playlist Spots
Buying numbers might look good short-term, but it ruins your algorithm, kills your engagement, and labels can tell instantly.
Focus on organic growth. It lasts longer and builds real fans.
❌ 4. Uploading Unfinished Music
Don’t post half-mixed songs or rushed freestyles with bad audio. Even if the song is fire, bad quality will turn people off.
Record once. Release right.
❌ 5. Rebranding Every Month
Stick to a name, color scheme, and message. Switching things up too often makes it hard for people to remember you or take you seriously.
❌ 6. Oversharing the Wrong Way on Social Media
It’s cool to be personal, but constant negativity, industry rants, or clout-chasing will work against you. Stay authentic, not chaotic.
❌ 7. Waiting for Someone to “Put You On”
No one’s coming to save you. Show people you’re serious before you ask for favors or help. Build first, ask second.
