ThatRetailChick

A Graphic Look At The Rise Of Digital Music
budget software from mint.com

Has anyone else noticed the hype that goes along with a rapper before he gets signed?  All the internet and local street buzz get built up only to be a let down. The fan is let down because the single or mix tape was better than the album.  The record label is let down, because the money they invested in the project was never recouped.  And me, I am let down, because day after day I see friends & colleagues lose their jobs, and businesses shut down based on the hype that surrounds artist in the music industry. 

You see here is what you do not understand. 

• First, the artist is built up to what looks an undeniable level of musical stardom. 
• Then the labels either start a bidding war, or the artist is shopped around for a record deal without ever proving their selling power. 
• Once the deal is made, the artist is signed, and then comes the release of an album (if the project makes it that far). 
• Label sales reps, which already have their hands full, are pushed to sell the un-sellable genre…rap music.  Some retail/mass merchant accounts now believe it is a waste to time to place orders. 
• Last but not least, orders go out, sales are lower than expected, and returns are made. 

UNDERSTAND ONE THING…THE MUSIC BUSINESS CANNOT SURVIVE ON THE BARTER SYSTEM.

If you never knew, you can say I told you as a former music retailer that the return rates on rap albums are high.  So what happens when the budgets are cut so low that deals can not be made anymore?  What happens when all the hype in hip hop does not equal pop dollars?  Hip Hop seems to be bleeding the budget, and in order for it to stop, the talent must prevail, and the hype…well…you are going to have to believe it’s just that. HYPE

1. Connect With Your Fans  & Give Them a Reason To WANT To Check You Out.

There’s  all this talk about movements, what the hell is a movement if you and your team are the only ones “moving.”  These days it’s about more than music, it’s about your image.  Who are you and why should I listen.  Especially when everybody is doing what you are doing.  Create an image that goes along with your sound and build on that.  Then find websites that draw the people who identify with you and focus on them.  As they say in ATL…GO HARD!

2. And tell me this…what makes you so darn special?   

 There are millions of trap stories, broken home stories, I’m from the hood, we got a group, I been rapping & singing since I was 12, I was in the studio with Pac back in 92…blah blah blah.  WHATEVER!!! 

Check this out —> Remember when I told you about campaigns?  Pick a slogan or theme  and run with it!  Jeezy was the snowman, Kanye was the college drop out,  DJ Scream is Heavy In The Streets, DJ Drama is Gangsta Grillz, DJ Southernbred is Mr. Young & Sexy, T.I. is the King, Rick Ross is the Boss.  You get where I’m going?  That’s how people remember them, that’s what makes them special.  What’s your tag line?  How should they remember you?