0
Mixtape Cover King
In Music

How to Become a XXL Magazine Freshman

The XXL magazine freshmen class of 2014 is made up of 12 freshmen, including 2 RnB artists.  If you don’t know, the XXL magazine freshmen edition is  a list of new and upcoming hip-hop artists that are featured on the XXL Magazine cover in early March and the carefully chosen artists are introduced to the world in the April issue.  This has become a big thing among upcoming musicians because being featured in the magazine as a freshman, even when you don’t appear on the cover, is kind of a big thing that many newcomers in the music industry believe can be the shortcut to stardom and success.

If you are looking to make it to be a freshman in the magazine, or make it to the cover, there are quite a number of things you have to know about the magazine and the XXL freshmen class which I will  go over in the first part of this post.  I will also provide you with 3 essential tips that you will find useful to getting into the magazine.  I hope the points covered in this post will help you realize your dream.

What is the XXL Magazine Freshman honor?

The XXL magazine over the years has created a badge of honor that the hip-hop community has come to recognize as valuable.  The magazine’s motto, “Hip Hop on a Higher Level” tells all you need to know about what their focus is on.  Although XXL is a print magazine, it is still very relevant in this age of social media and iTunes and the honor they accord upcoming musicians every year has kept it relevant and very influential.  This is the reason many artists see making it to the magazine cover as the ultimate milestone on the path to global dominance.  Is it?

The truth is that the XXL Magazine, being a physical magazine, is really trying to stay relevant and compete with the online world and social media platforms for the news reel.  A paper magazine that makes news available at the end of the month is no match for online news platforms that break the news by the second, and they are all free.  Even the XXL Magazine, despite its popularity, reaches the stands several months after publication, which is done several weeks after an event is being reported.  In essence, the XXL magazine is no match for the cyberspace.

This brings us to the next point – relevance.  Is the magazine using the Freshmen honors to keep the magazine relevant or does it use the honors to bring relevance to talented musicians?  There’s debate and controversy surrounding this, but I will leave it to you to decide.  Most people today believe that the magazine searches for the hottest, most promising budding artists, with an established fan base, to get their fans to support the magazine.  This could be true, it could be false.

If you are thinking of making it to the XXL Magazine cover, the criteria the magazine uses to select its freshmen goes beyond talent.  The magazine often chooses upcoming musicians who already have a following on social media, YouTube and other areas of life.  These musicians are required to have established themselves and gotten noticed.  This means that if you want to make it to the XXL Magazine freshman class, you have to work hard to win the hearts of the people and get them to like your music.

How to get to the XXL Magazine’s Freshmen Class

Tip 1: Consistency: Just as with any goal you set, if you want to ever appear in the XXL Magazine Freshman class, you must have a plan and stick to it.  Each freshman who has appeared on the magazine cover has demonstrated consistency in their efforts from the time they release their first mixtapes.  This means that if you want to be recognized, you will need to work at producing the best quality mixtapes, having the best mixtape cover, and  demonstrate a positive outlook by working hard even when times are hard and strive to be unique.

 Tip 2: Create a Buzz: As I mentioned in the post above, the XXL magazine works just like any other component of the music industry – they find you, but only if you make yourself found.  You must learn to promote your music and yourself as an artist first, and invest in getting as many followers on Twitter, the largest fan base on Facebook, the highest number of subscribers on YouTube and get people to share your music than everyone else.  It is going to be hard, but the magazine may just be the FIRST to notice your talent.  In most cases, you will be happy with your success such that when you get noticed it will just be a boost and not a lifeline.

 Tip 3: Timing: Finally, timing is very important.  The list of the year’s annual freshman class is often revealed around March.  Yelawolf made it to the freshman class in 2011 with little effort, but it is clear that it was because he had just been signed by Eminem’s Shady Records back in January.  This is a good example of how making the headlines at the right time could land you in a place on the magazine.

Do you believe you have what it takes to be the XXL Magazine’s next featured freshman?  Do you have the heart to chase this dream?I think you can do start branding yourself and promoting your music.

 

Services: Mixtape Covers

Mixtape Cover King
In Music

Tips for Musicians: How to Copyright Your Music

Learn How to Copyright Your Music.

I should start with a disclaimer that this article talks about the general knowledge information on copywriting music and is not  legal advice.  Whether you are going through or are considering copyrighting your content, it is advisable you talk to a lawyer , or just Google  the specific copyright laws in your state first.

We live in a highly commercialized world today, where sharks and vultures are at every corner waiting.  When you put your efforts into creating something beautiful, you have to protect it by copyrighting it, a process which simply proves when you submitted your original work.  The process of copyrighting your music may seem complicated and unnecessary at first but trust me,  you need to know how it works.

How copyright works

There are people at the copyright office who receive your submission but they don’t listen to it.  In fact, their work is basically to receive your work and file it somewhere, in storage, for when you need to prove it’s your work.  When you copyright your songs, art or music, whatever you call it, you are protecting your creations by putting an immortal stamp and the date of creation is acknowledged by the system.

But you need to know that there are some aspects of your submissions that you cannot be protected, even if copyright is registered to you like a.  These are:

  1. The overall concept or the idea of the song

  2. Chord progressions

  3. Title and short phrases

  4. Mixtape cover, itunes, Or album artwork concept.

Simply put, when you copyright your music you copyright your lyrics and melodies.  When you look at it, these are essentially the only things you can create, right?

Steps in Copyrighting your Music

Step 1: Start by making a good quality copy of your music and store it in a CD, computer hard disk, online (cloud storage), mini-disk, LP, MP3 or whatever form you want.  Just make sure you have an actual copy that you need to create a hard copy of your music.  When your music is recorded, it is ready to be copyrighted.  Let’s get it registered.

Step 2: Before we proceed, I should point out that there are two ways that you can choose to register your music, and both start online at the Government’s Copyright website  www.copyright.gov.  On your browser, go to the website and click on the ‘Register a Copyright’ link.  Registering your content online is simple, but note that it takes time to be processed.

Step 3: There are essentially three forms you will have to complete when copyrighting your music but the ones that matter in this case are the Performing Arts (PA) and the Sound Recording (SR) forms.  Which form you complete just depends on what you are copyrighting.  Here is a brief guide to help you know which form to fill:

Musical composition as well as dramatic works recorded on tapes and disks are essentially the works of performing art and are registered on the Performing Arts form or the short version of the PA form.  You will also fill this form when copyrighting only the underlying works such as soundtracks, dramatic work or musical composition even when you do not provide a disk or tape.

When copyrighting unpublished or published sound recordings for particular recorded performances or for particular sounds, you will need to fill the Sound Recordings (SR) form.  You will also be required to use this form when copyrighting sound recording as well as underlying works such as literary works, dramatic and musical composition in one registration.  However, you will only register them separately  only if you created both works.  You cannot copyright someone else’s work and yours in one registration.  The form SR is also filled when copyrighting a multimedia kit such as one that combines different forms of creative works and content with different authorships including sound recordings, books and audio cassettes.

Step 4: Copyrighting your creative work is not an easy task for you, and neither is it for the folks at the copyright office.  This is the reason copyright registration has a small fee attached to it, whether you are filling the Sound Recording (SR) or the Performance Arts (PA) forms.  The current fee for copyrighting your music, book, periodical, art or any other creative work stands at $35 per single work by a single author.  Instead of paying $35 for each song you are copyrighting, it is wiser to compile an album or a mixtape and register it once to save time, money and effort.

When you create a masterpiece work of art or exert your talent into something real, it is very important to protect it.  The US copyright law states that a creative work becomes copyrighted at the moment of creation, and all the rights for that work immediately belong to the creator or creators.  However, this is not enough to protect your work and registration is still necessary to provide an undeniable level of proof as to the ownership of the content and to benefit from statutory damages in case another entity infringes on the registered copyright.

 

Mixtape Cover King
In Entertainment

Learn How To Get Your Music On The Billboard Charts!

5 Ways to Get on the Billboard Charts

It is every artist’s wish to be a house hold name, and also hit the billboard charts. And that is the reason many upcoming and established artists are getting their hustle back, and tyring to make their own lane and make a breakthrough in the music industry. But peep this, did you really know that you only have to sell approximately 450 albums in one week to make the Billboard HeatSeeker Chart? Moreover, believe it or not, there have been many upcoming and unsigned musicians and rappers hitting the Billboard charts in the last year. There are multiple ways for unsigned artists to sell their music on internet platforms, as well as music retail outlets. However,  there is some other steps that need to be taken to make sure you appear on the Billboard charts. So, what can you do to appear on the charts without much hassle?

Here are some of the untold secrets to easily hit the Billboard charts;

  1. Get a UPC code; it is very crucial to acquire a UPC code,  most CD duplication companies offer to put UPC codes on a CD. In some cases, if you are lucky enough you can get this important service at no cost, however I would just plan on getting my own. I paid $30 for mine but good thing for you is I came across a better provider with lower rates they charge $5 per barcode, you can go here www.speedybarcodes.com

 

  1. Register for SoundScan – how does Billboard come up with all these top album charts you always hear about? Simple, its all because of Nielson SoundScan. Every time a music fan or enthusiast,  goes online to buy a CD,or single the computer system automatically takes record of the CD bought. At the end of every week, the top album sellers are put on Billboard. Unfortunately, this will only happen if your CD has a UPC code in order to qualify for Nielson SoundScan. After you get your UPC code n artist must register his or her CD and UPC code on the SoundScan site.  Your online and retail sales will help make your music appear on the weekly charts. Nonetheless, there are some online and retailers report, which never report or liaise with SoundScan. So you should enquire about this, prior doing anything important.

 

  1. Set up a pre-order : Well, for starters what is a pre-order? This refers to that period of time, where your fans can buy your music before it comes out. Then they will receive the CD during the week of your CD release. This will count to the first weekly sales, hence a great opportunity to optimize on. For instance, if you sell around 250 CDs in an 8-week pre-order duration, and then sell around 300 CDs the week you release your music, your first week sales will amount to 550, which will be sufficient enough to hit the Billboard HeatSeeker Chart (normally 450 albums stands a high chance of hitting top 150 on the chart).

 

On the other hand, if you decide to register your music for digital downloads through Tunecore or any other site; you need to set the release date for a minimum of around 6-weeks in advance,  to ensure your EP/album will be out in time to correspond with your pre-order. If you don’t do this, then your first week total sales will only be from physical cd sales and not digital sales.

 

*** NOTE; again, Make sure you get your pre-order with a company who reports their weekly CD sales with SoundScan. This is very important. If you are startled you can simply call/email the company and enquire ***

 

  1. Bundles ; Since the downloading trend  has taken the world by storm, a lot of people get their music for free online or only buy singles. Bands and Labels are starting to “bundle” up their CDs with merchandise. In this context, you can move a notch higher by bundling your pre-order with an awesome T-shirt (CD/T-shirt), and also give luring offers too. Just give your fans different choices. But an artist should not keep the bundle up during the pre-order duration. Instead, it is advisable to keep the bundles up permanently! You can bundle up your CD with, autograph booklets, posters, T-shirts, stickers and hundreds of other items. Trust me this will definitely raise your sales.

 

In addition, websites that are recognized when it comes to helping unsigned bands set up pre-order bundles are; DistrictLines.com and SmartPunk.com. Moreover, both companies report to SoundScan. Grab the opportunity to give your fans a reason to buy your whole CD and not singles.

 

  1. Promote; well, let be me real with you, the main thing you have to do is keep on pushing; you have to promote your music and don’t stop. Get out of that comfort zone and reach out to, as many music blogs and sites and ask the site and have the site  review your music and see if they will write a review on your CD or just post about your pre-order you’ll be shocked how many people will do it.As an artist you have to take advantage of social media marketing and promotion, for example, you can post it all over your Facebook,Google Plus, Stumbleupon, Linkedin,  and many others. You should also use your mailing list and send out an email blast to all your contacts. Make impressive banners and post it on all the websites that promote your music or have your band profile on it..

Other ways of marketing your music to  increase your sales include; getting front page coverage on sites such as Purevolume, most particularly during the week of your release. By getting this type of exposure an artist can have increased CD sales. On the hand, you can offer these sites exclusive rights to stream a new song for a week in exchange of front-page coverage. This can be a good deal, if you get sites that have great traffic and publicity.

In addition, an artist can as well heighten the first week numbers by getting his or her CD in local Hot Topic spot barber shops, clubs etc during the week of the release, you have to have a plan and take advantage of every outlet you can get your hands on.I know using all of  these tips you will end up on the Billboard charts. Other Important Links: Custom Mixtape Covers

Mixtape Cover King
In Music Marketing

Mixtape Covers Before and After Pics

Mixtape Cover Graphics

By now, I know you know it is no denying that Mixtapes are one of the most viable ways to make it in the music industry. Over years, artists have perfected the art of releasing mixtapes, which has made the game  more competitive. When you continuously  release mixtapes it can increase your fanbase and help your music go viral fast. Unfortunately, many people have failed to master the art of mixtapes, and this where I come in. Actually, allow me to share with you some serious nuggets of wisdom regarding mixtape cover design.

Another thing is, mixtapes have the power to determine one’s success in the music industry. Moreover, it boils down to the mixtape cover design, which normally catches the eye of a fan first. The appearance of a mixtape cover is very important part of your mixtape releases, so make sure you get graphics that represent your project the right way.Picture this, for example, you carelessly produce a mixtape incorporated with a cheap ass unprofessional  cover designs, how will your fans react to it? Of course there gonna see a cheap cover that doesn’t look professional and your fans will think that your not serious about your craft.Like I always look is everything in the music game so you have to make sure you standout.

Don’t cheat yourself treat yourself with a stunning mixtape cover design, trust me its worth it because a bad cover can cost you fans.. For example, using a professional custom mixtape cover designs will make people/fans know that you actually know what you are doing. It will simply separate you from amateurs who hardly know what they really want. Another thing is, it will give more people paying attention to your project whicj in return it will give you  the opportunity to showcase your talent.

Now that you know the importance of a professional mixtape cover design, here is also what you need to know. An artist/rapper needs to work with an equally determined mixtape cover designer, so as to come up with an amazing cover designs.  Mixtape cover king, we create custom themes for every project we create we don’t use premade templates we create artwork that will not only impress your fans, but also increase your chances of being a household name. At Mixtape cover king we have qualified and experienced professionals on board, who perfectly understand how mixtape cover designs are important to an artist.

I’m sorry guys, but your mixtape cover is just as important as the music itself. I know the truth hurts and you may not want to hear this, but it normally boils down to appearance – first impression tells it all. In many situations fans are thinking; if you have no power to catch my attention (eye), how on earth will you catch my ear? In this connection, do not blow up your chances by looking so amateurish and clueless. The secret is to work on your mixtape cover graphics, and one more thing; do not be tempted to design your own cover.

It is always easier to get you started at Mixtape Cover King. Let’s say for instance, if you are interested in the cover designing services, you will simply go to the site or email them at MixtapeCoverKingz@gmail.com  And this will be followed by providing your details relevant photos that you may want to be incorporated on your mixtape cover. Amazingly the graphic designers at Mixtape Cover King will design the cover, from scratch to a mind-boggling piece of art. Actually, this is where the secret lies, because the before and after designs are completely different and beautiful. Hands down  Mixtape Cover King is the best mixtape cover design online. Anyway check out some before and after projects they created for clients..

Musicians and rappers in general, normally spend a lot of resources, recording materials for their mixtape – so don’t throw all these efforts away with rookie mistakes and poor planning. It takes more then just recording songs to make your  mixtape project be successful,there’s the  mixtape cover design, marketing and promotion also. Customer is King, and for this reason you need to appreciate the love you get from the fans by producing mixtapes coupled with professional mixtape cover designs and high quality music.

Mixtape Cover King
In Music Marketing

Performance Royalties:Learn About ASCAP and BMI and Start Making Money

ASCAP and  BMI Explained !

On your way to becoming a professional artists and a phenomenon in the music industry, one of the decisions you will need to make is whether to license your music out to the public through ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) or through BMI (Broadcast Music Incorporated). Simply put, these two societies give out public performance rights to ordinary business people such as club and restaurant owners who play hundreds of music tracks per day and will not need to go to each individual artist to get performance licenses. ASCAP and BMI are just the largest of such societies, with each of them having about a 50,000,000 song catalog.

So, Your Probably Wondering Which One Is Better ASCAP Or BMI?

The fight for the most dominant performing rights organization is something that has been raging for many years now, and still there is no clear answer you can get anywhere. Trying to argue which organization is better can turn into a complicated situation largely because different people have different opinions and experiences with them. To have a concrete answer, the right question should be what makes one better than the other? However, before you can accurately tell the benefits and downsides of each of these performing rights organizations, you have to first understand what they are and what they do.

What do performing rights organizations do?

Often shortened to PRO, a Performing Rights Organization is a legally registered group whose sole priority  is to collect royalties for its members from individuals and businesses seeking licenses to use their copyrighted materials for public performances. After it collects the royalties, PRO then charges a little commission then sends the remaining to the members. PROs collect performance royalties from such establishments as film companies, video game companies, retail stores, businesses such as clubs and restaurants and other event organizers.

To effectively collect such revenues and ensure that they go to the right artists, PROs use cue sheets which are basically papers that outline what was used, by who, for how long, when etc. When elaborating the differences between ASCAP and BMI, it all eventually boils down to who represents its members the best and pays them the most.

What Is ASCAP?

As mentioned before, ASCAP is an abbreviation for American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. ASCAP is a US-based organization with almost half a million members all over the US. It was established way back in 1914 by writers and composers and it is still being operated by its members. As a matter of fact, ASCAP is the only Performance Rights Organization in the US that is run by its members and board members are elected from among them.

Ever since it was formed, ASCAP’s main goal is to ensure that its members are adequately compensated for the use of their work. The group currently represents members all over the US no matter their music experience, genre or age. At the moment, some of its biggest members Rick Ross, 2 Chainz Ne-Yom Bruno Mars and Usher just to name a few.

Benefits of Joining ASCAP

There are numerous benefits to joining a music performance rights organization, but ASCAP prides itself in going the extra mile to offer a lot more than just music royalties. Member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers also get special discounts, gear and medical insurance and all sorts of services and workshops that are aimed at making better and better earning performers. ASCAP members today also enjoy special privileges such as car rentals, vacations, luxury accommodations and support from the organization when in distress.

What fees does ASCAP charge?

There is a one-time fee of $35 you have to pay to become a member of ASCAP. If you feel that this is a steep fee, remember that you are joining an organization that has been in existence for 100 years, and the fee is essentially a little fee to secure your hard work.

ASCAP’s Workshops and Conventions

If you love to associate and mingle with the biggest and most promising stars in the country, then ASCAP presents you with an opportunity to shake hands and network with their members, who will see you as one of their own. During their workshops, ASCAP gets panelists with broad knowledge and deep understanding of the music industry as well as bring you up to speed on the changes in the entertainment industry.

What Is BMI?

BMI (Broadcast Music Incorporated) was started in 1939 as an alternative and competitor to the then existing performing rights organizations. The organization currently has over 600,000 members and it just keeps growing. Just like other performing rights organizations, BMI essentially collects royalties for the use of its members’ work and takes a small percentage before sending the rest to the member or members. Popular names associated with BMI today include Janet Jackson,David Bowie and Kid Rock.

Benefits BMI Extends to its Members

Being a member of Broadcast Music Inc. comes with a ton of benefits including, education,
healthcare and insurance plans and financial assistance. Just like ASCAP, BMI also invests a lot in valuable conventions and workshops aimed at educating its members and arming them with the latest information to be competitive in the musical world. Their conventions and workshops are an ideal place to dress and impress scouts and to connect with established and upcoming musicians.

Fees BMI Charge

Joining BMI as a writer is free, but to join as a publisher it will cost you $150. To determine whether the fee is worth what you will get, it would be best to go to the BMI website and get to learn of all the benefits they extend to its members and find out what opportunities they have to offer to you as a musician.

Royalties: Who Pays More between BMI and ASCAP?

It is difficult to tell out rightly who pays better between the two PROs. Because the royalties come from blanket licensing fees paid to the PROs, there is no set rate for how much you can get. The value varies quarter-by-quarter with so many variables coming to play. However, it is safe to say that based on the experiences of many performers and writers, the pay is pretty much the same and they both send them out at quarterly intervals. BMI is often credited for faster payments by its members, so this could give it an edge over ASCAP for those who value timing.

How to sign up with BMI or ASCAP

Signing up with a Performing Rights Organization is pretty simple these days and it takes just a few minutes for both BMI and ASCAP. Just head on to their websites and get started. However, it may take up to several weeks or a month before you get your packets in the mail. Once you make the registration fee payment, you will instantly be approved as a member.

So, which should you choose? BMI or ASCAP?

You will have to go with your guts on this one if you are not ready to do some more research. It should not be a difficult decision to make if you understand the differences between the two, artists are often advised to make it a personal preference based on what the PRO has to offer. Note that while both BMI and ASCAP are pretty much the same thing, the difference comes in their secondary objectives. It is cheaper to join ASCAP and it offers more workshops and conventions you can attend and BMI, while it more expensive to join, is popular for the support and representation services it offers to its members.

Mixtape Cover Design

 

Mixtape Cover King
In Music Marketing

Free Tool to Promote Your Music on All Your Social Sites at the Same Damn Time

Free Slick Music Promotion Tool

Music marketing is mandatory if you want to make it in the music game nowadays,the sad thing is most artist ignore this when it can have a major impact on your music career.  If you do not heed to this technique, then your music career will be short-lived. Well for starters, music marketing refers to all the processes aimed at promoting and marketing your music, with a sole aim of breaking the musical borders and reaching many people, throughout the world. There are different forms of music marketing, however, today we are going to discuss more about the social media marketing, which seems to have taken the world by a storm. Just as the name sounds, social media marketing mainly revolves around promoting and marketing music or rather songs on social media networks. This process has proven to be effective and reliable, as many artists are benefiting from this impeccable platform. However, there is a more effective way to increase and multiply these efforts, with a simple push of a button..

If you use these tools it can help you better market yourself on different social media networks. I bet you have even heard of various artists in the music industry, who have started embracing these tools, and how much easier it has made their marketing and promotional efforts. Apart from Tweet Adder, which I guess you have come across, there are other two great tools. They are; Buffer and Hootsuite.

Well to the amateurs, it appears like both these tools carry out the same function; however this is not the case! They both aim to make your music marketing on social media a lot simpler, and after utilizing each of them for quite some time, I can assure you that they are effective. However, which one should you be using? Well, this might sound crazy, but you should be using both of them! Actually, these tools will help you post your mixtape design,and tracks on all your social sites at the same damn time! Such a wonderful tool, right?

If you want this whole “magic” to work for you, then you should use Buffer and Hootsuite concurrently, rather than one or the other. I’m sorry to burst your bubble if you thought otherwise. So, it is not so much a case of what is better, Hootsuite or Buffer. Instead its more of a how should you use each one to work together.. Nonetheless, before we go any far, allow me to enlighten you about what these free tools are, and why a musician should be using them.

Hootsuite and Buffer; What They Are and Why an Artist Needs Them

Both Buffer and Hootsuite are internet based social media management tools. Moreover, they are free, and for this reason you do not require to download any software onto your PC, instead a user will simply login, just like you would do in any other website. The main characteristic about these tools, which you need to know, is that they can post updates in advance without necessarily operating it. The underlying thing here is that they have the ability to automatically schedule social updates. In addition, these tools have the ability, to manage all your social media posts in one platform. Both also boast other benefits such as ‘team management’ choices and analytics, where it permits multiple users to operate the same account (doing different activities). Nonetheless, on this guide I will show you how you will use this tool, in terms of updating your social media updates, as well as communicating with your fans. The thing is, while these free tools allow one to automatically update social media posts, unfortunately it might not satisfy you fully, as it lacks few things. Anyway, on the other hand, using both of them jointly will iron out any hitch, and allows you to perform everything very well!

Being in the music industry, I have been using these tools, and I know you will also find them very useful. Below is a look at how I personally utilize each of these tools concurrently. I know some of you think  outside box and will discover other cool ways to use them as well.

Using Hootsuite and Buffer for Musicians

Well, I started using this tool at first, and it is pretty awesome. However, there are both paid and free versions of this software, however most people opt using the free version. The main reason to use Hootsuite over Buffer, while posting updates on social media networks, is because the latter cannot work out appropriately. This software allows one to have a two-way conversation with your esteemed fans or followers.

The underlying point here is that, while Buffer is great for scheduling posts or updates to send out fans, unfortunately it does not allow the user to view their replies. And if a user cannot see their replies, then you cannot have any conversations, develop a relationship, and dedicated fan base.

On the other hand, Hootsuite is relatively a complete tool. While its’ scheduling feature is not very accurate, it is essential for the way it allows its users to communicate with the fans. It has a number of advantages such as; it allows one to view all important conversation from all your social media accounts, on one platform. Meaning you do not have to literally login into each account to keep tabs with what’s happening on social media. Moreover, it has an application where you can interact with your fans, while moving.

Buffer on the hand, will ensure that every post is updated at an appropriate time. This will give you the freedom to scheme or plan ahead, as well as not worry of whether you have anything to post for example say you just dropped a new single and want promote it for 15 days on your Facebook,Twitter, and Google plus. You could go schedule a post on buffer to post your song on all those site every 4hrs now thats automated marketing and it gives you more time ot focus on your music, all the labels use this tactic.Do you really think with their busy schedule they have time to be online all day.

. So personally, both Buffer and Hootsuite serve varying, yet important roles in my social media activities. For instance, Buffer will ensure that your posts are spread out, at excellent time intervals, while Hootsuite will offer easier management of your social media accounts, and in depth metrics. For this reason, I recommend any musician to use these tools simultaneously, as it will allow you to post your music on all your social media accounts at the same damn time.

Before you use this tool make sure you mixtape or single is recorded in high quality and your single or mixtape cover graphics are on point also before you get your music out to the world remember you only got 1 first impression.

Sites Resources:

www.Buffer.com

www.Hootsuite.com

Mixtape Cover King
In Music

How To Increase Your Fanbase With A Mixtape Cover

The current rap scene, and the music industry in general, has transformed completely. You can’t compare it with, back-in-the-days, when a mixtape was a thing for the elite artists or Dj’s. Mixtapes are now part of an artists career. And it has to be apart of your marketing campaign to get your music the maximum amount of exposure..

I don’t know, the reason behind it , but the industry has embraced the culture of releasing mixtapes, on the verge of trying to reach a larger audience and record labels have no control over what an artist puts on his mixtape. I’m quite sure you have noticed how the industry has changed. It is currently characterized by, continuous dropping of mixtapes, which is also coupled by breath-taking promotions, and everything that adds hype to the whole affair.

On the other hand, apart from this, if you really want to be successful in the music game, you must focus on producing quality music. And, make sure when it comes to your branding and marketing that everything from your graphics to events are professional and in return I guarantee you everyone you come across will treat you like a professional. If you think about it, it only makes sense if you have cheap shitty graphics and venues do you think anyone would take you seriously? No

Nevertheless, it is evident that a mixtape carries some amount of importance to an artist’s career. This is because of the following; it has the power to attract new fans and retain the old ones, and it is virtually a portfolio of an artist’s worth. However, it is not just your average, clueless and simple mixtape, instead it must be of high quality, something that can keep the fans wanting more so when you drop your album there anticipating your project.. A mixtape cover has the power to determine the success of your mixtape; it can be used as bait to reel in new potential fans to what to check out your mixtape and it will please your current fans by dropping a quality product so its a win win situation.

Because of this reason, it is very crucial for an artist to focus on the physical appearance of their individual mixtape. Well, you might take this issue very lightly, thinking it’s simply a small part of your project. But wait; just know that the first thing, someone like a fan sees before they hear the music, is the mixtape cover. Ideally, it is very advisable to have a mixtape cover that grabs people attention. By having a stunning mixtape cover, you will be able to increase your popularity, within the music scenes, hence increasing the chance of more fans to come onboard.

By now, I know you are wondering why you need a good mixtape cover, nonetheless, an interesting mixtape cover, has what it takes to move you from nothing to something.You have to look at you mixtape design like your outfit.When you go out you always want to have the best looking clothes on that represent you and your character, its no different with your cover art.You need to have a high quality mixtape cover that is professional and brands you the right way.

Anyway, we must admit that we love conspicuous things, and artists need to make use of this opportunity, to come up with something substantial. For example, I personally love flashy items, and nowadays an artist can design a flashy mixtape cover, coupled with all sorts of relevant graphics. And, all these are carried out,  to entice a fan to like and eventually buy your music or mixtape. Just by having a professional mixtape cover you already will have an advantage over half the knock off artist who don’t like to invest in themselves and don’t really take their brand serious.

Now, that you are aware of the importance of a captivating mixtape cover, I’m gonna tell you how to find a good designer and what to look for. In the graphics game its no different then anything else everybody claims to be the best and then when you see there work is just so so. When it comes to your artwork don’t cheat yourself trying to be cheap or get something free  you need to look for a professional mixtape cover designer, who can make you something you really like. A professional and experienced designer has what it takes to create a beautiful and attractive mixtape cover, which will not only increase your fan base, but also makes you look like a professional in the music game and that matters more then you could imagine. However, owing to the fact that the current market is filled with different types of graphic designers it is quite challenging to find the right mixtape cover designer.

Nonetheless, when hiring a graphic designer for your music mixtape cover, it is very crucial that they comprehend your music and brand, as an artist, which might reduce the chances of differences and confusion, and also increase the chances of having lots of ideas.  Moreover, a good graphic designer can go a notch higher to bring forth their personal and creative ideas, which will represent the artist and the mixtape effectively.

That being said, here are some of the golden tips to factor in, when you want to hire a graphic designer; track record- you can request to have a look at the designer’s previous portfolio, moreover, it is good to check on other aspects like marketing, web design track record

  • Versatility; while choosing a designer, it is good to go for that one who is versatile, and has a wide range of design skills, and creative. Versatility is very important because, you would like the designer to depict your personality, messages, and themes of your music as it is.

  • Professionalism; it pays a lot to be professional, while handling your music career. Well, I know that the music scene can be, somehow, casual and free, however business will always be business. This can be possible by scheduling some definite time with the designer, to enhance communication, elaborating on what you the artist wants completed in the whole process.

  • Custom mixtape covers, coupled with cool graphics, will increase the number of your fans, by attracting them to like your mixtape cover. If you are in need of increasing your fan base in the show business, you will simply look for a custom mixtape cover design, which will lure people to keep an eye on your mixtape. Moreover, you must acknowledge that your mixtape cover acts like your outfit for your music, and it says a lot about your music,

  • In conclusion, we know that the music industry is all about looks; or rather appearance and one will judge your mixtape by a simple first impression. And, if you are really in need of larger fan base, then you have no choice but to ensure your mixtape cover graphics are very professional and jaw breaking! Moreover, with a lot of musicians in the current music market, it is only right if you do everything possible to make your brand stand out.
Mixtape Cover King
In Music

What it takes to get the best mixtape cover design

You are not new to the term mixtape design and you probably already understand that branding yourself as a musician takes a lot more than just pouring your heart out through music – you have to come up with a visual brand that people love even before they listen to your music.  Most upcoming musicians who break into the music scene and make a career out of their talent have discovered that music marketing must be multi-pronged and visual elements design takes center stage.

A mixtape is a lot more than a vessel for your musical voice; it has to represent you as an individual, as an icon and as an entrepreneur.

It is important that you invest your efforts and money in getting the best mixtape cover design that will be an ultimate product of art, and an awesome cover means an awesome quality of music is contained in the disk.  Psychologically, people will relate the type of art on your mixtape cover to the art incorporated in the production of the music, this explains why even successful international musicians with millions of followers, not just fans, still hire the finest artists to create visually stimulating branding images.  Since art boosts beauty, you must find ways to bring out the beauty of your talent in the mixtape cover.  This will be your first line of branding.

Understand what mixtape cover design is

You will never get the best mixtape cover that will take you to the next level unless you know what features the best mixtape cover must have.  Ideally, your mixtape cover must be designed to appeal to potential fans and turn heads, which means it must be uniquely designed and tailored in detail to encourage people to find out what you, the artist, have to offer.  Many studies have shown that many people fall for the tricks their eyes play on them and are more likely to fall in love or in the least make a mental note to find out what message such a mixtape conveys.

You have to do your homework to find the best mixtape cover designer with specific experience in designing mixtape covers if you want to get the finest custom design and unique mixtape cover.  If you believe you have the talent and are ready to start winning hearts and getting fans, you will have to market yourself and to do this right you must brand yourself.  There is no better way to achieve this than getting a professional to brand your mixtape! You have to remember in the music niche everything is based off  appearance so you have to make sure you graphics and music is on point at all times.

Contact Us


Close Bitnami banner
Bitnami