Bob Baker's The Buzz Factor
Music marketing tips and self-promotion ideas for independent songwriters, musicians and bands.
Bob Baker's Indie Music Promotion Blog
News, notes and ideas on music marketing, self-promotion, artist empowerment and more
June 25, 2007
The Hottest Music Trend Right Now
I get asked this question a lot: "What style of music is selling really well now?" or "What genre is creating the biggest buzz?"
And every time I hope and pray the person is asking for the right reason. If an artist wants to know what's hot because they're curious and want to be more aware of the overall musical landscape, fine. That's great.
But more often than not, they ask because they're looking for a quick fix way to tap into a genre that's currently popular. BIG MISTAKE!
Here's the deal: The music you create and promote should be a natural extention of who you are. If you're at the point where you're ready to record new music or put together a live act, you should already have a handle on what makes you tick musically. That's the genre you need to stick with.
Consider the incredible online buzz created by Paul Potts, who recently won Britain's Got Talent, the U.K. version of American Idol. He sings opera. That's right, opera! Watch this video of his audition, and then you tell me he should have asked what genre was most popular or more likely to "sell" on this show.
Nearly 1,700,000 people have watched this one video clip of him. Hundreds of thousands more have watched his other clips, including his winning performance in the finals.
He didn't create this buzz because opera is hot and he's riding a trend. People are drawn to him because of his passion and talent. And because of his appealing story: an average Joe, who's awkward and lacks confidence, wows a nation with the power of his voice.
So, go ahead and look at the pop charts to stay informed. But when it comes to performing your own music, listen to your heart and stick with your core musical strengths.
-Bob
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And every time I hope and pray the person is asking for the right reason. If an artist wants to know what's hot because they're curious and want to be more aware of the overall musical landscape, fine. That's great.
But more often than not, they ask because they're looking for a quick fix way to tap into a genre that's currently popular. BIG MISTAKE!
Here's the deal: The music you create and promote should be a natural extention of who you are. If you're at the point where you're ready to record new music or put together a live act, you should already have a handle on what makes you tick musically. That's the genre you need to stick with.
Consider the incredible online buzz created by Paul Potts, who recently won Britain's Got Talent, the U.K. version of American Idol. He sings opera. That's right, opera! Watch this video of his audition, and then you tell me he should have asked what genre was most popular or more likely to "sell" on this show.
Nearly 1,700,000 people have watched this one video clip of him. Hundreds of thousands more have watched his other clips, including his winning performance in the finals.
He didn't create this buzz because opera is hot and he's riding a trend. People are drawn to him because of his passion and talent. And because of his appealing story: an average Joe, who's awkward and lacks confidence, wows a nation with the power of his voice.
So, go ahead and look at the pop charts to stay informed. But when it comes to performing your own music, listen to your heart and stick with your core musical strengths.
-Bob
Did you enjoy this blog post? Subscribe now and get all of my newest ideas delivered by email or RSS feed. Learn how here.
Check out the revised and updated edition of Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook, with four new chapters on Internet music promotion. Get more details here.
posted by Bob Baker @ 8:56 AM
16 comments
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Bob Baker is an author, indie musician and former music magazine editor dedicated to showing musicians of all kinds how to get exposure, connect with fans, sell more CDs, and increase their incomes.
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Wow! Even over the web the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. This guy is awesome! Thanks for the heads up, and for all ther other good stuff you do for us musicians. uke jackson
Very well said, and what a good example. I'm a Brit but never saw this before. I'm not an opera fan either but this was very moving.
Thanks
Steve K
This is exactly what my band and I were talking about the other day! We were actually wondering if we should follow current trends, but decided not to. Thank you for the reinforcement!
Hello Bob!
This video clip was so moving! I was bawling my eyes out. What an incredibly passionate performance. My outlook on my career as a whole has seen "the light" due to this experience. Like always, I am deeply appreciative for your words of inspiration and expertise.
Thanks,
Ivette Viñas
Miami,FL
Hi Bob. Didn't watch the video and prolly won't however just wanted to make the obvious comment that true a performer should stick with his heart when it comes to the music he is performing however a song writer on the other hand, in order to allow himself/herself the most money making opportunities, must know what's hot and selling and write to that style and of course all the others as well.
Comments?
Benee Wafers
Bob,
Thanks so much for showing this video. I think he's an instant star! :-)
I also agree with what you wrote. It's good to be aware of popular music and trends around you, but you must do the music you have a knack for and are most passionate about. And I think you'll agree that helping independent artists market themselves better with the music they love is what you're about.
Some great advice there Bob.
Thanks Bob!
I read a similar article in Time recently, which stated, despite Simon Cowell's misgivings, that the reason Idols winners won was not because they had the best voices, but because they had the best story to tell.
You rock - as always.
Ciao
Rob Richards, Johannesburg
wow, what an inspiration. I got chills and tears in my eyes. Thanks for sharing this!
xoxoxo
JVB
Otto's Duughter
I hope everyone who wants to be successful listens to your advise. Relates to past lessons of yours on establishing your identity and product branding. Great advise!
Bob,
Your passion towards personal empowerment is so important in this day and age of 'American Idol' wannabes hoping for someone 'out there' to recognize them.
Forget the trends, set 'em yourself!
Will Kriski
Great story of this singer and great post! Thanks Bob.
What a great video. Thanks for sharing that Bob.
Bob you've done so much for me through this video. I now believe more in the originality I am blessed with. But I bow down for Paul. Everything he 's got deserves the GOT.
Thanks!
Chris
Africa
Great posting. It would be great to see success in music solely an extension of one's passion and love for the craft as opposed to the traditional patterns of marketing and image. Luckily, we live in a time where if artists hold true to your statement and advice, they have many additional avenues to achieve success other than being part of 'the hottest music trend right now.'
Very moving and very true! Paul Potts is a prime example of boldly exercising a God given talent with love, compassion, and ziel - we are not only attached to his ability, but to his passion! We should all learn from this. Thank you for this example.
Thanks,
DjG
Urban Gospel Alliance