How to grow your SoundCloud following
Despite SoundCloud’s recent shortcomings, it ultimately still stands as one of the premier streaming platforms amongst DJ’s and producers. Its simplicity and convenience provide a great platform for start-up artists to begin sharing their music. While platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music are more profitable and (as a general consensus) preferred by consumers, building a following via SoundCloud is essential for all DJ’s and producers alike. SoundCloud does reap many benefits, and using them effectively will amplify your project. In this article, we discuss the quintessential factors in growing your SoundCloud following.
Release quality music
While obvious and often overlooked, this is unequivocally the most important step in growing your fan base. Placing an emphasis on excellent mixing and mastering is a must, as well as, incorporating originality and diversity in your productions. While maintaining “your sound” is important, many artists fall into the trap of typecasting themselves – meaning, they become known for one specific sound. Do your best to give all your tracks a unique flavour, while sharing a common identity. Don’t be a prisoner of your own sound and remember that you grow as quickly as your music does.
Sometimes, this information can be a tad overwhelming. There are many music production resources on the internet, but not all are entirely reliable. YouTube boasts many excellent music production channels such as Zen World, ADSR Music Production and W.A. Production, who all offer quality tutorials for free. However, if you’re looking to spend some money, Master Class offer classes curated by deadmau5 and Armin Van Buuren.
Approach music blogs
So your music is in tip-top shape and ready to be released, but no one’s around to hear it. So how do you get it heard? There are a vast number of available promotional resources available, one being repost channels. Numerous SoundCloud repost channels do offer reposts for a fee, however, prominent channels repost large numbers of tracks each day, making your track more likely to get lost amongst the rest.
A more reliable option is targeting EDM blogs. They release new content at a balanced pace each day, giving each post a chance to reach the readers, making them more likely to be seen – especially by a larger audience. Record labels have connections with many blogs and are always searching for new talent via these blogs, thus, making them more reputable and trustworthy than many SoundCloud repost networks. In a vlog, Dutch DJ duo, Mr. Belt & Wezol, discussed how they were discovered by Oliver Heldens and eventually signed to Spinnin’ Records, thanks to the help of an EDM blog.
While blogs are an effective method of promoting your music, choosing the right blog is not always an easy task. Larger blogs such as edm.com and Dancing Astronaut can receive 300-500 emails per day. As a result, only prominent and well-established artists will capture their attention. Targeting outlets with smaller followings is a more is more effective and gives you a greater chance and getting your music heard. For a list of EDM blogs, see here and find the one that best suits you. Keep in mind, some blogs may charge a fee for their services.
Spread the word
Get involved in discussions with like-minded creators and fans with whom you can share your passion for music. Since listening is a hobby for these people, you won’t have to twist any arms to get them to check out your work, providing you’re willing to do the same in return. Reddit, Facebook groups and Google+ communities are some of the best places to get honest feedback from someone with an experienced ear.
Alternatively, check out other producers’ tracks and leave helpful feedback in the comments. Pointing out a lack of EQ or the need for some extra compression goes a long way as opposed to a simple “nice track”. Going out of your way to share and be kind towards a fellow artist’s music. Doing so will leave an impression on them, thus making them feel more inclined to share your music.