HIGH END TIMES
Posts
Rebooting My Music Career With Content

Rebooting My Music Career With Content

+ Lloyd - Get It Shawty remix below!

Brenmar
July 04, 2024

Because of the content I’ve been creating this year:

Big DJs and show promoters have started following me, and we chat in the DMs regularly.
I’m officially doing a remix for one of those DJs.
I’m giving a panel talk in California in 2 weeks on content and music.
Without releasing any official tracks this year, I'm already fielding gig requests from as far as India and London.
I’m building and engaging with my community (thanks ya’ll!)

I don’t say any of this to brag but to showcase how NONE OF IT would be happening if I wasn’t putting myself out there and making engaging content.

It’s been 6 months since restarting my music career after a 5 year (!) hiatus and I gotta be honest…

The energy is feeling great and content is the main driver.

“But I don’t want to be an influencer Brenmar…”

Ok, I understand where you’re coming from but hear me out.

Done are the days of “influencers” hawking their slim tummy teas.

(Ok, maybe some version of that still exists today but things have evolved A LOT since 2014.)

Let me ask you a question:

If you create your best work ever - a song, painting, or article you're truly proud of - isn't it a disservice to both the art and your potential audience if they never discover it?

By not 'influencing' others to check out your creation, could you actually be doing more harm than good?

“Influence” is not a bad word.

It will take on whatever positive or negative baggage you give it.

If your friend is sick and you know the medicine you have can help them, would you not try and “influence” them into taking it?

If you want your art to:

have the greatest impact
spark the most inspiration
create a deep connection with the most people

Embracing marketing - or 'influencing' - is essential.

There’s no other option.

“Ok, that makes sense…but I don’t wanna be cringe.”

I've been discussing content creation with a lot of artists, DJs, and music producers this year.

And despite the huge potential benefits, many still resist.

And I get it…

I shared a lot of the same beliefs for a long time myself.

Top 3 Content Creation Roadblocks for Creatives - and How I Overcame Them:

1. Perceived Dilution of Craft

Problem: You want to be taken seriously and let the art speak for itself. Creating content feels like it dilutes the purity of your craft.

Solution: Marketing is an art. Maybe not in the traditional sense but in the way that science and math can be art.

I’m not concerned about whatever “cringe” content others are making. My focus is on making high-quality content I believe in.

2. Fear of Criticism

Problem: Fear of being criticized by others, including friends and family.

Solution: Low-key if you don’t get any hate, your message might be too vanilla - which is worse than some hate.

I believe trolls are going to troll. Click on their profile and you’ll usually find that they are private or anonymous.

Friends and family usually mean well, but they can't live your life for you. I've been blessed with supportive folks, but I get that's not everyone's story. Bottom line: it's your life, your call. Do you.

3. It Takes Too Much Time

Problem: Feeling strapped for time and fearing that content creation takes away from your art.

Solution: Creating quality content takes time and effort, but so do most valuable things.

Recognizing content as a valuable form of creativity means dedicating time to it. I set a quota of 3 reels a week. If I don’t hit that, I don’t work on music.

Why?

Because content is what helps my music cut through the noise and build my brand.

Remember, the game has changed and everyone has a chance to play.

Meet people where their attention is already at and “cutting through” gets a little easier.

The best part?

The game is NOT zero-sum and there is enough “attention” for everyone.

Great content that inspires, educates, and entertains will always have a place.

Put people on.

Share your story.

Have fun with it.

Your audience is waiting.

My new Lloyd - Get It Shawty house remix is up for DL below!