How to Create and Release Music That Lasts (Not Just Trends)

In a world chasing streams, speed, and going viral, it's easy to forget the long game. Most artists drop a track, cross their fingers, and move on.

But if you want a real music career—not just a moment—you need to think differently.

You don't need a hit song.  

You need a *body of work* that builds a fanbase over time.  

Music that gets *better with age*.  

Music that finds the right people—and stays with them.

Here's how to create and release music that *lasts*.

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1. Make Music That Will Still Matter in 5 Years

Before you obsess over mixing, visuals, or TikTok content, ask yourself this:

*Would I still be proud of this five years from now?*

Chasing trends might give you short-term reach. But timeless music hits deeper.  

Write about what's real. Make what feels true. Timelessness is a byproduct of honesty.

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2. Write for One True Fan, Not the Masses

Kevin Kelly's "1,000 True Fans" theory is more relevant than ever.

You don't need everyone to love your music. You need a small group of people to *deeply connect* with it.

Picture one person.  

The one playing your song during a late-night drive. Or after a breakup. Or when they need to remember who they are.

Write for *them*.

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3. Test in Private Before You Drop in Public

Before you release anything, build in the shadows.

Play demos for your close circle. Test different versions. Post raw snippets and see what people react to.  

Sometimes the song you thought was a B-side hits the hardest.

Early feedback doesn't kill creativity—it *shapes* it.

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4. Share the Journey, Not Just the Final Track

Most artists go silent until release day. That's a mistake.

Your music becomes more meaningful when people see the story behind it.  

Let fans in. Share the ugly voice notes. The lyric that took 2 months. The night you almost scrapped it all.

By the time the song drops, they're not just listening—they're *rooting for it*.

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5. Launch in Waves, Not Just One Blast

Don't just drop and disappear. Launch smart:

- Wave 1: Soft Release  

  Share with your email list, community, or top fans first. Build word of mouth.

- Wave 2: Public Push  

  Go wide—use short-form content, playlist pitches, reels, and collaborations.

- Wave 3: Post-Release Momentum  

  Drop a live version, acoustic take, or fan remix. Keep the story alive.

The key? Keep showing up for the song.

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6. Make It Easy to Share

Want your music to travel? Help people share it.

- Create visuals that match the vibe of the track  

- Use standout lyrics as captions or quotes  

- Encourage fans to tag you, use your sound, or post their own stories

People share what reflects how they *feel*. Give them something they want to be part of.

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7. Keep Telling the Story

Most artists stop promoting a week after release. But real fans don't all arrive on day one.

Music has a long shelf life—*if you let it*.

Resurface your song a month later with a new angle. Share a message you've received. Show how it's connecting.  

Build a catalog. Tell stories around each track. Let fans discover you over time.

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The Long Game Is the Only Game That Matters

Music isn't a product. It's a relationship—with your audience, your voice, and your story.

Don't rush to drop songs. Don't obsess over virality.  

Build a body of work. Create moments that mean something.  

Find your 1,000 true fans—and take care of them.

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Have a release coming soon?  

Drop the link or DM me—I'd love to hear it, support it, or help you make the rollout stronger.

When No One Believes in You — Build This Instead

There's a dangerous way I sometimes think.

When things aren't going my way… when people around me go silent, dismissive, or passive…  

It hits hard. I spiral. I start to question the path.  

Maybe you know that feeling too.

But here's the shift I'm learning to make:  

Lack of support isn't proof that you're wrong. It's proof that you're early.

Support doesn't always show up at the start.  

Sometimes, it only shows up after you've already won.  

So what do you do in the meantime?

You build your own system.  

You create internal gravity.  

You make yourself inevitable.

Here's what I'm using right now to turn emotional friction into clarity, momentum, and control—even when no one claps.

1. The 10-Minute Mental Dominance Ritual

Every morning, I run this system. It keeps me grounded and moving forward—no matter what's happening externally.

Recalibration (2 min):  

- What emotion am I feeling right now?  

- Is it useful? Or do I need to redirect it?

Micro-Wins Stack (2 min):  

- What 3 small wins did I have yesterday?  

- Momentum comes from recognizing progress.

Clarity Killshot (3 min):  

- What ONE move today would make this day a win?

Emotional Command Reset (3 min):  

Say it. Mean it. Program it.  

"I create my own fuel. Doubt sharpens me. I control my focus, not the outcome. I am inevitable."

2. The Emotional Recode Stack (Flipping Low States in 3 Minutes)

This is what I use when I feel off, stuck, overwhelmed, or alone:

Step 1: Name the emotion.  

- I feel ___. No judgment. Just observation.

Step 2: Track the thought that created it.  

- What story am I telling myself?

Step 3: Interrogate the thought.  

- Is it true?  

- Could the opposite be true?  

- What's the cost of believing this?

Step 4: Flip the frame.  

- "Feeling stuck = I'm leveling up."  

- "Lack of support = clarity filter. Proof I'm stepping out of the pack."

3. The No-Support Survival Strategy

Let's be real: sometimes it's just you and your ambition.  

So here's how I've made that work for me—not against me.

A. My Own Fanbase:  

I recorded a 30-second voice note hyping my future self like I've already won.  

I play it on loop when I need energy.

B. The 2-Person Tribe:  

One aligned person with vision and drive is worth more than 100 lukewarm "supporters."  

I seek depth, not volume.

C. Weekly Isolation Wins:  

Once a week, I block 1 hour.  

No noise. No validation. Just deep work and one undeniable win.  

Solitude has become my edge—not my weakness.

Final Thought:

Support is nice.  

Belief is better.  

But becoming unshakable without either—that's the superpower.

If you're building something big and feel like no one around you sees it yet…  

You're not broken.  

You're just early.  

And that's exactly where power begins.

Never Forget

 

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🔧 Step-by-Step Fixes When the Beat Feels Too Loud:

#### 1. **Check Your Master Fader & Levels**

- Sometimes your overall mix is just too hot. Pull **everything** down 5–10dB (including the beat) and bring up your vocals to match.

- Keep the **master around -6 dB** before mastering. Loudness can be added later.

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#### 2. **Balance with EQ**

- **Low end (kick/bass)** can overpower vocals. Cut unnecessary low frequencies from your **vocals (HPF at ~80–120Hz)**.

- **Carve space in the beat**: Find where the vocals sit best (usually 1kHz–4kHz) and do **small EQ dips** in the beat around those areas.

- **Boost your vocals subtly** where they shine, and **cut** in the beat at the same spot.

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#### 3. **Use Volume Automation**

- Automate the beat down **slightly during verses** (like -1 to -2 dB), then bring it back up during hooks. This gives the illusion of space without killing energy.

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#### 4. **Compression and Sidechain**

- Try **sidechaining** the beat (or instrumental bus) to duck slightly when the vocal hits. Not EDM-style pumping—just a soft 1–2 dB duck.

- Use a **vocal rider or gentle compression** to make sure your vocal stays forward.

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#### 5. **Reference Other Tracks**

- Pull in a professionally mixed track with a similar vibe. Solo your vocals, then compare to how theirs sit in the mix. Adjust accordingly.

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#### 6. **Use Saturation/Exciters on Vocals**

- Sometimes vocals *feel* buried because they lack presence. Add gentle **saturation** or **harmonic enhancement** to give your vocals that “in your face” pop.

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#### 7. **Check in Mono + Small Speakers**

- Play the mix in mono. If the beat overpowers vocals here, you’ve got frequency masking issues.

- Also check on **phone speakers**, earbuds, or car speakers. If vocals disappear, boost presence (2k–5k) and control lows.

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### 🧠 Real Talk:

If all else fails—**bounce the stems** and bring them into a fresh session. Sometimes, ear fatigue or too many plug-ins cloud your judgment. A reset helps.

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Want me to walk through a specific session setup or troubleshoot a current mix you're on? I got you.

The Power of Purpose: Why Songwriters with a Cause Create Songs That Resonate

There's a quiet truth that echoes through every great song:

"A man with a cause can always be trusted to do the very thing that helps his cause."

This isn't just philosophy—it's a songwriting principle.

Aspiring songwriters often ask how to write lyrics that connect, how to find their "voice," or how to make people feel something. The answer? Start with your why. Not just why you want to make music, but what you're fighting for—what you stand for, what you can't stay silent about.

When you write from a place of purpose, people feel it. Your words stop sounding like lyrics and start sounding like truth. That's the difference between a catchy hook and an anthem that lives in someone's heart.

Why Purpose-Driven Songs Hit Different

Think of the songs that shaped you. Odds are, they weren't just technically good—they meant something. They carried a message that spoke directly to a part of you the artist could never see. That's the magic of writing with a cause: it transcends.

When your cause is real—whether it's love, healing, justice, belonging, freedom—you don't have to fake vulnerability or chase trends. Every line naturally serves the message. Every melody supports the emotion. Every word becomes intentional.

Writing From Your Cause: 3 Questions to Ask

1. What am I really trying to say?

Strip away the metaphors and melodies—what's the core message you want someone to walk away with?

2. Who needs to hear this the most?

Write like you're singing directly to one person who needs your voice today. That intimacy creates connection.

3. Am I willing to stand behind this?

If you wouldn't say it offstage or outside the studio, don't write it. Authenticity isn't just a writing tool—it's the foundation.

Your Cause Doesn't Have to Be Loud

A cause doesn't always mean activism or revolution. Your cause could be making space for quiet emotions. It could be giving words to experiences others can't explain. It could be offering hope when the world feels dark. Whatever it is—when it's true, it's powerful.

Final Thought:

If you ever feel stuck, remember: a man with a cause can always be trusted to do the very thing that helps his cause.

Let your songwriting serve something bigger than the song. That's how you build not just a catalog—but a legacy.

Stay Up

How to Handle Restlessness When Your Energy is Low

We’ve all been there—you’re feeling restless, like you should be doing something, but your energy is drained. It’s a frustrating state to be in because you want progress, but you don’t have the fuel to power through.

Instead of forcing productivity or sinking into mindless scrolling, here’s how to channel that restless energy in a way that’s low-effort but mentally satisfying.

1. Brain Dump for Clarity Your brain might be overloaded with thoughts, tasks, or ideas. Get them out of your head and onto paper (or a notes app). No need to organize—just write everything down. Then, highlight one or two things that actually matter. This helps clear mental clutter without forcing deep focus.

2. Passive Learning – Engage Without Effort When active work feels too heavy, listen to a podcast, watch an interesting video, or skim through a book summary. This way, you’re still absorbing useful information without feeling the weight of intense focus.

3. Small Wins – Micro-Tasks That Feel Good Pick a tiny action that gives you a sense of progress—replying to an email, tidying your desk, organizing files. Something simple that lets your brain register progress without exhaustion.

4. Reset Your Body – Low-Energy, High-Impact A five-minute stretch, deep breathing, or even a hot shower can reset your physical state and help your mental energy catch up. Sometimes, small physical changes shift how you feel mentally.

5. Intentional Entertainment – Stimulating but Relaxing If you’re going to consume content, make it something that sparks ideas or adds value—a documentary, a thought-provoking show, or even engaging in a light conversation. This way, your restlessness is directed towards something engaging rather than draining.

Final Thought Restlessness with low energy doesn’t have to be a lost state. By picking small, intentional actions, you can satisfy the need for movement without overloading yourself. The goal isn’t to push through but to redirect that energy wisely, so you wake up tomorrow feeling clearer and more refreshed.

LinkedIn Post:

Feeling restless but low-energy? Here’s how to handle it productively (without burnout).

We all hit that state where we want to get things done but just don’t have the energy to push hard. Instead of forcing productivity or doom-scrolling, try these low-energy, high-satisfaction moves:

• Brain Dump – Write down what’s on your mind. No structure, just clear the mental fog.
• Passive Learning – Listen to a podcast or skim a book summary. Absorb without effort.
• Micro-Wins – Tiny tasks (replying to a message, quick decluttering) create momentum.
• Body Reset – A five-minute stretch, deep breathing, or even a warm shower can shift your state.
• Intentional Entertainment – Watch or read something that stimulates ideas rather than numbing you.

The key? Redirect that restlessness instead of fighting it. Small actions add up, and tomorrow, you’ll feel clearer and more in control.

What do you do when you feel stuck in this restless-but-tired state? Drop your go-to moves in the comments!

creating on your own terms

In the world of artistry, creativity doesn’t punch a clock. It doesn’t wait for your day to clear up, for your inbox to be empty, or for permission from the world. It arrives when it wants, often unexpectedly, and the challenge isn’t in finding it—it’s in honoring it when it comes.

Seth Godin’s words remind us that while the world thrives on structure, artists thrive on flow. The traditional workday, the to-do lists, and the expectations of others can often stifle creativity rather than nurture it. As an artist, your greatest tool isn’t just your talent—it’s your ability to recognize when inspiration strikes and have the courage to act on it.

This isn’t about abandoning responsibility. It’s about recognizing that creativity operates on a different timeline. If today is a day where ideas are bursting at the seams, let the emails wait. If your body is calling you to move, to surf, to step away from the screen, that physical shift might be the very thing that fuels your next song, painting, or poem. When you listen to your intuition and give space to the moments that move you, your art deepens.

For musicians, this might mean stepping away from the structured studio session and allowing spontaneity to take over. For writers, it’s understanding that the best ideas don’t always come when you’re staring at a blank page but when you’re out living life. For visual artists, it might be embracing the unexpected detours that shift your perspective and inspire new work.

The key takeaway? The calendar belongs to everyone else. Your schedule—your real schedule—is dictated by what helps you create at your highest level. This isn’t an excuse to neglect discipline, but a call to align your discipline with what fuels you most. Honor your inspiration when it arrives, structure your commitments around your creativity rather than against it, and don’t be afraid to build a life where your art takes priority.

Because in the end, no one remembers the errands you ran or the emails you answered on time. But they will remember the work you created when you let yourself fully embrace the moment.

The Four Pillars of Influence: The Ultimate Guide for Musicians & Songwriters

Introduction: Understanding the Game So You Can Win

Sex, money, religion, and politics aren’t just forces you have to navigate—they are tools you can leverage to build influence, grow your audience, and shape your career. The biggest artists in history mastered these pillars, whether intentionally or not.

This guide isn’t about playing defense. It’s about how you, as an artist, can take control and use these forces to your benefit—without being manipulated by them.

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1. Sex: Controlling Your Image & The Power of Attraction

How Artists Have Used It:

- Beyoncé & Rihanna: Built their brands by embracing sex appeal on their own terms—powerful, not objectified.

- Prince & David Bowie: Used androgyny and sexuality to break norms and become icons.

- Billie Eilish: Flipped expectations by wearing baggy clothes to control her image before revealing a different side later.

How YOU Can Leverage Sex in Music:

- Own Your Aesthetic: Your image matters—whether sexy, mysterious, rebellious, or unconventional. Be deliberate about your look and brand.

- Understand the Power of Suggestion: You don’t need to be explicit. Some of the most iconic songs use sensuality subtly (Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On).

- Use Image as a Statement: Whether you embrace sex appeal or reject it, make it a conscious decision—not the industry’s choice.

- Engage Fans With Persona: Fans buy into personalities as much as music. If sex appeal is part of your brand, make it a strength, not a trap.

Power Move:

Flip expectations—If you’re expected to be sexy, go against the grain and make people want more. If you’re seen as conservative, surprise them. This is how artists keep the world watching.

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2. Money: Mastering the Business & Creating Wealth as an Artist

How Artists Have Used It:

- Jay-Z & Rihanna: Billionaires who built wealth beyond music—owning labels, fashion, and liquor brands.

- Nipsey Hussle: Preached ownership and reinvested in his community.

- Russ: Skipped labels, owned his masters, and now pulls in millions independently.

How YOU Can Leverage Money in Music:

- OWN SOMETHING: Your masters, publishing, merch, whatever—own a piece of your art so the industry can’t cut you out.

- Monetize Your Brand: Sell something beyond streams—merch, exclusive content, fan subscriptions.

- License Your Music: Get paid for placements in TV, film, games (sync licensing). Passive income = freedom.

- Build Direct-to-Fan Income: Platforms like Patreon, Bandcamp, and Shopify let you earn without middlemen.

Power Move:

Think like a mogul, not just an artist. If your music is generating attention, how else can you turn that into income? Build assets, not just songs.

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3. Religion: Tapping Into Spiritual & Cultural Power

How Artists Have Used It:

- Kanye West: Used gospel themes to expand his influence with Jesus Is King.

- Bob Marley: Spread Rastafarian beliefs globally through reggae.

- Kendrick Lamar: Weaves deep religious and spiritual themes into his music, adding emotional weight.

How YOU Can Leverage Religion & Spirituality in Music:

- Tap Into Bigger Themes: Even if you’re not religious, themes like faith, struggle, and redemption resonate across cultures.

- Understand Your Audience’s Beliefs: Whether gospel, hip-hop, or rock, faith-based communities are loyal fans if you connect authentically.

- Use Symbolism & Depth: Religious imagery and messages add layers to your music (like Tupac’s constant use of biblical references).

- Inspire & Build Movements: Fans want more than just songs—they want meaning. Artists who tap into spirituality often build cult-like followings.

Power Move:

Be intentional. Whether embracing, questioning, or challenging faith, make sure your message is clear and powerful—those who do this well gain deep, lasting fan loyalty.

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4. Politics: The Ultimate Tool for Influence & Impact

How Artists Have Used It:

- Public Enemy: Used hip-hop to fight racial injustice.

- Beyoncé: Formation became an anthem for Black empowerment.

- Bad Bunny: Uses reggaeton to call out Puerto Rican corruption.

How YOU Can Leverage Politics in Music:

- Speak on Issues That Matter to Your Fans: Find causes that align with your brand and audience—authenticity is key.

- Be Strategic About Controversy: Speaking out can elevate your influence—but know when and how to engage.

- Use Music to Shape Culture: Songs with messages don’t just inform—they move people emotionally.

- Align With Movements: Fans respect artists who take real action—whether it’s charity, protests, or using platforms to amplify voices.

Power Move:

Control the narrative. If your music touches on social or political issues, don’t let media twist your message—define it yourself through interviews, social media, and visuals.

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Conclusion: Mastering the Four Pillars & Owning Your Influence

The best artists don’t just react to sex, money, religion, and politics—they use them to their advantage while staying true to themselves.

- Sex Appeal? Control it on your terms.

- Money? Treat music like a business and build wealth.

- Religion? Tap into deeper themes that create loyal fans.

- Politics? Use your voice wisely and powerfully.

Final Power Move:

Think beyond music. The most influential artists are bigger than their songs—they build brands, movements, and legacies. Which pillar will you master first?

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Bonus Action Plan for Artists

1. Define Your Brand: What image or message do you want people to associate with you?

2. Find Your Unique Angle: How can you stand out using one (or more) of these pillars?

3. Plan for Longevity: What assets or income streams will sustain you long-term?

4. Build a Community: Your fans should connect with your vision, not just your music.

5. Own Your Narrative: Don’t let labels or media define you—control your own story.

This is your blueprint. Now go make your mark.

How to Market an Artist Like a Villain: The Trump Playbook for Fame and Power

Forget playing fair. If you want to dominate the music industry, you need to think like the most ruthless operators in history—mob bosses, political masterminds, and media manipulators. One of the greatest case studies? Donald Trump. Whether you love him or hate him, his ability to control narratives, manipulate emotions, and build an unshakable brand is undeniable. If you’re willing to embrace the dark side of marketing, here’s how you can use Trump’s playbook to make an artist truly untouchable.

1. Media Manipulation: Always Be the Headline

Trump doesn’t wait for the media to cover him—he forces them to. He understands that controversy is currency, and he weaponizes it. Outrage, exaggeration, and spectacle keep him permanently in the spotlight.

How to apply this:

• Say the Unthinkable: Drop statements that are impossible to ignore. Stir the pot and force people to react.
• Manufacture Drama: Stage conflicts with rivals, “leak” salacious details, and create shocking viral moments that get blogs scrambling to cover you.
• Control the Narrative: If someone attacks you, double down. Flip the script so you’re the one setting the terms of the conversation.

2. Brand Like a Dictator: Unforgettable & Unapologetic

Trump’s branding is relentless. His name alone carries weight, and his slogans are drilled into the public consciousness.

How to apply this:

• Make Your Name a Symbol: Your artist’s name should evoke a feeling, a lifestyle, a movement. Get it everywhere—merch, billboards, tattoos on superfans.
• Repeat, Repeat, Repeat: Your slogan, your sound, your aesthetic—burn it into people’s brains until they can’t escape it.
• Force a Reaction: Make sure your brand triggers an emotional response—love or hate, but never indifference.

3. Build a Cult: The Fanbase as an Army

Trump turned his supporters into loyal foot soldiers. They spread his message, fight his battles, and defend him no matter what. That’s the kind of loyalty an artist needs.

How to apply this:

• Give Fans a Mission: Create an “us vs. them” mentality. Make fans feel like part of an exclusive movement that outsiders don’t understand.
• Create a Direct Line: Like Trump bypassed the media with Twitter, you need a way to speak directly to your fans—email lists, private Discord groups, or exclusive social platforms.
• Reward Loyalty, Punish Dissent: Elevate superfans with VIP access and exclusive content. Ignore or ridicule detractors to maintain control over your narrative.

4. Seize Every Crisis: Turn Scandals into Success

Trump doesn’t just survive scandals—he thrives on them. Every attack makes him stronger because he embraces the chaos and flips the script.

How to apply this:

• If You Get Canceled, Profit from It: Getting “canceled” means people are talking about you. Lean into it, rally your core audience, and turn it into an even bigger moment.
• Own Your Flaws: Never apologize. Ever. Make your flaws part of your persona and turn weaknesses into strengths.
• Exploit Controversy: If people are outraged, they’re engaged. Use negative press to fuel streams, ticket sales, and merch drops.

5. Crush Your Enemies: No Mercy

Trump’s rise wasn’t just about building himself up—it was about tearing others down. He branded opponents with damaging nicknames and made them unelectable.

How to apply this:

• Destroy the Competition: If another artist is in your lane, make sure they don’t stay there. Undermine them, challenge them, make them look weak.
• Control the Perception: Spread narratives that put you on top. If someone else is gaining traction, frame them as fake, overrated, or a sellout.
• Never Show Weakness: In music, like politics, dominance matters. Never let fans see doubt, insecurity, or failure—always project power and control.

6. Rewrite the Rules: Play Dirty, Win Big

Trump thrives because he doesn’t follow the traditional rulebook. He bends or breaks every norm to suit his goals. The same applies in music marketing.

How to apply this:

• Fake It Till You Make It: Inflate numbers, buy views, stage viral moments—perception is reality.
• Control the Gatekeepers: Cozy up to influencers, journalists, and power players. Make sure they’re working for you, not against you.
• Create Demand Through Scarcity: Artificially limit access to tickets, drops, or exclusive content to make fans crave it even more.

The Takeaway: Be Feared, Be Worshipped, But Never Be Ignored

The music industry is a battlefield, and the artists who rise to the top are the ones who know how to command attention. Trump’s tactics work because he understands the dark psychology of influence. If you want to make an artist legendary, you don’t just play the game—you rig it.

Are you ready to market an artist like a kingpin? Start crafting your power moves now. Fame isn’t given—it’s taken.

How to Market an Artist Like a Politician: A Winning Strategy for Influence

In today’s music industry, artists need more than just great music to stand out—they need influence. Politicians master influence by building strong narratives, engaging with communities, and strategically mobilizing their supporters. So, what if we applied these same tactics to marketing an artist? Here’s how you can model a winning music marketing strategy based on political campaigns.

1. Build a Strong Narrative (Like a Campaign Message)

Politicians craft clear, memorable slogans that define their mission—think “Yes We Can” or “Make America Great Again.” Similarly, an artist needs a compelling personal narrative that fans can connect with.

How to apply this:

• Define the artist’s core message—what do they stand for?
• Craft a short, powerful tagline that encapsulates their vibe or mission.
• Ensure all branding, visuals, and messaging align with this core identity.

When an artist’s story resonates, fans don’t just listen—they buy in.

2. Community & Grassroots Engagement

Political campaigns thrive on grassroots support—rallies, door-to-door canvassing, and word-of-mouth promotion. Artists can take the same approach by fostering real connections with their audience.

How to apply this:

• Engage directly with fans via social media Q&As, DMs, and live streams.
• Encourage user-generated content—remixes, covers, challenges.
• Create “street teams”—passionate fans who promote music in their cities.
• Host fan meetups to strengthen loyalty and create memorable experiences.

3. Strategic Media & Publicity

Politicians control narratives through media appearances, interviews, and speeches. For artists, securing media coverage is just as crucial.

How to apply this:

• Schedule consistent press interviews, podcast appearances, and blog features.
• Have a strong social media presence with engaging, well-planned content.
• Leverage controversy or bold statements (without being reckless) to spark discussion and engagement.

4. Mobilizing for Releases (Like an Election Day Push)

Election Day is the biggest moment in a political campaign. Likewise, an artist’s release day should feel like a major event.

How to apply this:

• Treat every album/track release like an election event, building anticipation weeks in advance.
• Use pre-saves, digital street teams, and exclusive content to generate buzz.
• Encourage fans to share, stream, and create content around the release.
• Host a “release night” livestream or in-person event to build excitement.

5. Creating a Movement (Not Just Selling Music)

Great politicians don’t just sell policies—they sell movements. The most impactful artists do the same.

How to apply this:

• Identify a bigger mission beyond the music. Examples:
  • Billie Eilish = Anti-industry rebel, voice for youth.
  • Travis Scott = High-energy, rager culture.
  • Beyoncé = Empowerment, excellence, legacy.
• Make fans feel like they’re part of something bigger than just listening to songs.
• Align with cultural moments, social issues, or lifestyle movements that connect with the artist’s audience.

Final Thoughts

Politicians and artists both rely on influence, messaging, and mobilization to build their followings. By applying political strategies to music marketing, artists can create deeper connections, stronger engagement, and long-term success.

Ready to launch a campaign-level strategy for your next release? Start by crafting your message, engaging your audience, and mobilizing your fanbase like a winning candidate.

Ambition Without Structure: A Recipe for Failure?

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how ambition, on its own, isn’t always enough. I’ve seen it firsthand in my journey as a musician and artist—big dreams can easily fall apart without a solid plan to back them up.

This idea reminded me of something Nathan Kontny wrote in his 2018 Medium article, When Ambition Leads to Failure. He points out that ambition, while powerful, can sometimes lead to setbacks if it’s not paired with discipline and strategy. One line that stuck with me was: “Ambition is wonderful, but only when it motivates you to keep going.” That really resonates with my creative process.

March feels like the perfect time to reflect on this—goal-setting, fresh starts, and taking stock of where we’re headed. Whether I’m working toward my next big song or you’re chasing your own ambitions, one thing is clear: ambition needs structure to thrive. A plan doesn’t stifle creativity; it gives it the foundation to grow.

What do you think? Have you ever seen ambition lead to failure because there wasn’t a clear strategy in place? Let’s talk!

5 Brave Women

 Moses owed his life (among other people) to five brave women:

Shiphrah and Puah, the midwives, defied Pharaoh and saved the lives of hundreds of male babies.

Moses’ sister (Miriam) acted cleverly in fetching Moses’ own mother to nurse him when he was discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter in the reeds.

Moses’ mother passed on great faith to her three children (Moses, Aaron and Miriam).

And most surprisingly of all, Pharaoh’s daughter had compassion on Moses and she rescued him and took him in as her own. owed his life (among other people) to five brave women:

Shiphrah and Puah, the midwives, defied Pharaoh and saved the lives of hundreds of male babies.

Moses’ sister (Miriam) acted cleverly in fetching Moses’ own mother to nurse him when he was discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter in the reeds.

Moses’ mother passed on great faith to her three children (Moses, Aaron and Miriam).

And most surprisingly of all, Pharaoh’s daughter had compassion on Moses and she rescued him and took him in as her own.