Best 10 Promotion Tips For Trance Producers
Best Trance. Best Tips.
For emerging trance and electronic music producers, producing quality music is only part of what it takes to become successful. It is very important to learn how to promote your work and get it heard by the right people. Whether you enjoy creating songs as a hobby, just for fun, or want to pursue music more seriously, it can be enjoyable and vital to promote your work and yourself. Here are the ten best tips for promoting yourself in the electronic dance industry.
1. Start With The Work – The first step to promoting your work, is to have work worth promoting. While it may sound like a cliche, if you want to take music seriously, it is important to have work that has an appeal and that people would want to listen to. It will also be valuable to have more than one song that you feel represents your skill, talent and ideals as an artists, as a person hearing only one of your songs will say ‘that’s a great song’, but if they hear several examples of your work, they’ll say ‘that’s a great artist’.
2. Free At The Start – As you would expect, people generally won’t pay money for a song or album from an unknown artist. Many don’t pay for professional, fully advertised albums so for the start at least, you need to develop a fanbase by giving away your music for free and putting it on all the popular media sites where people can view and download your work.
3. Get Social – Ask any producer or artist and they will all tell you how important social media and social networking sites are to increasing and maintaining their popularity. You are probably on all the major sites like Youtube, Facebook, Soundcloud and Twitter, but if you’re not on any of these you should sign up now and put your work up as soon as possible. With social media you can get dozens of followers within minutes and within days and weeks you can get thousands of views/plays. The opportunities are endless.
4. Smarten Up Your Social Skills – Having your work on all these sites is a great start to getting your work heard by the public. But with several smart moves you can greatly increase your audience and then watch your popularity rise.
With Youtube, it is vital to have correctly labelled your work and add the correct tags to your videos. You can add Annotations (small customizable links) within your videos to link viewers to your other work and also make it easier to subscribe to your channel. Simply click on your Username, then go into Videos>Edit>Annotations. Also add and subscribe to similar channels who may support and comment on your work. Also having a unique and interesting video instead of a dull picture will increase your chance of getting more views.
With Facebook, you can create a Fanpage for yourself by going to the bottom of a facebook page and clicking on the ‘Create a Page’ link. This allows your friends and fans to ‘like’ your page and your music. If you share it with your friends, you can ask them to share it with their friends and on their page and continue the cycle. You can customize your your fanpage’s landing page to make it more attractive and to make yourself and your work seem more professional.
Create a Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/create.php?ref_type=sitefooter
Also if you show you have an interest in a particular genre of music and add people who are similarly interested in the same genre, often you can apply or be invited into facebook ‘groups’ regarding this area, where people can go and post about their favourite tracks, artists and discuss music in general. These are great places to promote your work as generally everyone will be kind and welcoming and being part of a group offers a bond that will make people want to check out your work.
Similar with twitter, it is important to update consistently with good information, new work and interesting content to keep your viewers, fans and subscribers happy. You should also interlink all your media sites, (i.e. on facebook, link your soundcloud, twitter, website etc) to make it easier for potential fans to get access to all your work.
5. Get Contacts – You may be surprised to know how friendly and helpful many of the local and well known DJs are to upcoming artists. As said, almost every artist/DJ has a facebook or youtube with their contact information, sending a respectful and well informed email or message to these people can open all sorts of doors for you and your work. You can start with lesser known or local DJs and work your way up. Either they can put your songs in one of their sets (helping to increase your popularity), link your media on their own social sites give you constructive feedback on your music and introduce or link you to other DJ’s or artists who can help you in other ways. The trance and electronic music community, is one of the friendliest around, so don’t be afraid to reach out for help or advice.
6. Join Your Fans – Joining up and participating in online communities and forums is a great way to get more fans and a wider audience for your music. Talking to and sharing with other like minded individuals can be a useful, beneficial and fun way to promote your work. People will be a lot more likely to view, share and comment on your work if they ‘know’ you and have spoken to you before. Simply typing in ‘Trance Forums‘ into google, will bring up a whole range of opportunities for promotion and with a little searching you can find the best trance forum/s for you. It should be noted that as well as talking and posting about your own music, it is important to get into the spirit of the community and comment and discuss other people’s work, this will make it much more likely that others will ‘return the favour’ and look at your own.
Examples:
http://www.tranceaddict.com/forum/
http://forum.astateoftrance.com/
7. Get Your Music Heard – While promoting and getting your music heard online is definitely the most effective way to garner popularity and a loyal fanbase, it is also important to get your work heard in other areas. As said in point 5, you can email DJ’s to put your songs in their sets or podcasts. People hearing your work on your own media will assume you are doing it for your own gain (rightfully so) but hearing your work from someone else or an impartial person adds an extra layer of credibility to your music. You could go to local clubs and concerts and try and give a CD of your music to the DJ. Also, many people are looking for good royalty free music, whether to put in their videos, films or to play in public. If you advertise your music as such, you can get more people to listen to your music and add more accolades to your musical resume.
8. Website Opportunities – Setting up your own website is another great way to generate traffic to your music. Try to keep the domain name simple and easy to find, such as (YourArtistName).com or (YourArtistName)music.com. A website adds more professionalism to your image and unlike other media sites, the website is totally, 100% customizable so you can have your music displayed and portrayed in the light you wish it to be seen in. Also, search the web for sites that feature trance or the electronic music genre you’re interested in. You can always contact the admin (Usually through the Contact Us link) and ask if they’d like to look at your work and see if they’d be interested in publishing it on their site. Many site owners are looking for new content to add value to their site, so offering them the option to use your work can be win-win for both parties.
9. Email The Artists – Just like the DJs in the industry, it can be even more beneficial to email the people who are in the position you want to be in, either because they are making great music, because they have a good following or because they are signed to a local or major label. You can find top artists on facebook, soundcloud and youtube. Simply type in ‘trance’ or ‘trance artist’ and change the search options to most viewed/most subscribed/most played etc to get to the top artists. Many of the artists will be happy to reply to a polite, well constructed email and you can get a lot of the information you need, such as how they got discovered or how they became so popular. If they are signed to a label you could ask them if they have any time to check out your work and maybe they could pass it on to some of the label executives.
10. Email The Labels – If you are going to email DJs and Producers for help and information, it makes sense to go the final step and email your work directly to the labels that could professionally promote and release your material. It may seem a bit unusual, however many labels and some of the best trance artists around have email addresses specifically for demos and welcome new artists to show them their work. They are always on the look out for new talent and many labels have people in charge of finding unknown artists, so what easier way for them to find you than sending them your work directly. Send them an email with all the relevant information and you could be well on your way to stardom. Below are just three examples of the best trance labels around wanting to hear your demos, and they’re are hundreds more labels with similar pages.
Examples:
The Biggest Trance Label In The World: http://www.armadamusic.com/contact/
Great Label With Over 40,000 FB Likes: http://www.enhancedmusic.com/contact/
Another Massive Label: http://anjunabeats.com/demoupload/
Top 10 Best Vocal Trance Songs Of 2011
TBT’s Top 10 Best Vocal Trance Songs Of 2011
1 The Wall – Arty (ft. Tania Zygar)
The stand out vocal trance track of the year as far as TBT is concerned. Arty has been one of the best trance producers of 2011, as shown by placing on The Best Trance’s list of the Top Ten Best Trance Producers of 2011. Again he produces a fantastic track which perfectly balances the stellar vocal performance of Tania Zygar (who worked with tyDi on his smash hit ‘Vanilla’) with his trademark progressive style and beautifully composed melodies. ‘The Wall’ released on ‘Digitally Enhanced. Vol.4′ is a must listen for every trance fan.
2 Skies On Fire – First State feat. Sarah Howells
‘Skies on Fire’ is one of the best vocal trance tracks of the year. This hit highlights the new Progressive Style that First State is aiming for, while maintaining his unique, signature melodic influence. Renowned female trance vocalist Sarah Howells delivers her vocals brilliantly over the alternative guitar and catchy melody backing creating a vocal progressive monster of a track that has been played and promoted on all the major trance radio shows.
3 Thing Called Love – Above and Beyond
The iconic Above and Beyond have had another stellar year releasing one of the best trance albums of the year, ‘Group Therapy’ in which they showcased a number of brilliant vocal trance tracks, all of which could have made this list. ‘Sun and Moon‘, ‘With Your Hope’ and ‘Thing Called Love’ are all songs with vocals provided by the wonderful, Richard Bedford. The relationship between Richard and Above and Beyond is something magical, his voice seems to have been made to join their mesmerising melodies.
4 Anywhere But Here – Orjan Nilsen feat. Neev Kennedy
The Best Trance’s #4 trance producer of 2011, Norwegian, Ørjan Nilsen, has been a production machine in 2011, capturing thousands of new fans and creating nonstop dancefloor fillers. With his debut album, ‘In My Opinion’, on the horizon, Mr. Diversity gave himself some new challenges. He invited Neev Kennedy for a musical collab, whose mesmerizing voice already blew us away on Max Graham’s ‘Sun In The Winter’. ‘Anywhere But Here’ is a heartfelt, prog-trance track with a silky smooth touch, Orjan has shown that he is very capable of putting his magic into a brilliantly composed vocal trance track.
5 Hot as Hades – Josh Gabriel presents Winter Kills
Josh Gabriel’s Winter Kills kicks off 2011 with “Hot As Hades”, the third single from their upcoming debut album. Fusing a retronica synth groove with the very talented, Meredith Call’s smoldering vocal performance, “Hot As Hades” evokes the best of the legendary 80s duos with a decidedly 21st century flair. Josh combines driving beats with emotional textures that provides a spellbinding combination for his legions of fans and cements this song firmly in TBT’s top ten vocal trance songs of 2011.
6 Skyfire – Shogun
Alongside ‘We Control the Sunlight’, American born Taiwanese DJ and Producer, Shogun’s ‘Skyfire’ also appeared on ‘A State Of Trance 2011′. As well as being played and praised by the biggest artists in the industry this song has been a massive fan favourite, with many predicting it to be named as the trance song of the year. Melissa Loretta provides the vocals for this truly hypnotizing track. Shogun has been a rising star in the trance community and with tracks like ‘Skyfire’ he is going to continue in this trend and assert his dominance over the world of trance.
7 Lifted – Tritonal feat Cristina Soto (Matzo remix)
American trance duo, Tritonal, consisting of producer/DJ’s Chad Cisneros and Dave Reed have frequently collaborated with singer Cristina Soto who provides the vocals to another genuinely monumental vocal trance song. The build up and vocals are flawless which has been one of the trademarks of Tritonal’s work which is why their debut artist album ‘Piercing the Quiet has achieved such critical acclaim.
8 Show Me The Way – Tiesto Pres. Allure feat Jes – TyDi Remix
Tiesto’s Allure act has been always something of a mystery to many trance fans but now all seems to be becoming revealed with the single ‘Show Me The Way’, which has JES delivering one of her most uplifting performances since ‘As The Rush Comes’. Many argue this could be Tiesto’s swan song for the genre that made him who he is and tyDi adds his unique spin to a great vocal trance track that deserves its place as one of the best trance tracks on 2011.
9 Promises – Andain (Myon and Shane54 summer of love remix)
Followers of The Best Trance will recognise this song as a recent ‘Song Of The Day‘, for the very reason that trance fans around the globe have taken to this brilliant trance track. Appearing on many people’s lists of best trance tracks of the year, this vocal creation has been on a soaring rise, culminating in its topping of beatport’s trance music chart. Myon and Shane 54 have had a great year and with songs like this, that run looks guaranteed to continue.
10 We Control The Sunlight – Aly & Fila
Starting off the top 10 best trance vocal songs of 2011, is the latest single from Aly & Fila, ‘We Control The Sunlight’. With Jwaydan’s special vocals it could easily have been higher, combine that with Aly & Fila’s signature euphoric and uplifting strings and synths and you have a classic track and one of the best trance songs in general in 2011. ‘We control the sunlight’ was on ‘A State of Trance’ Episode 499 and was thought of so highly by Armin it was released in the double cd album ‘A State of Trance 2011′.
Top 10 Best Trance Producers of 2011
1 Ummet Ozcan
Ummet Ozcan, The Turkish born producer has been the most consistent and exciting producer of 2011 so far. His releases and remixes can be found in the highest regions of the beatport charts and have been played and supported by the best trance DJ’s like Armin van Buuren, Tiesto and Markus Schulz. He has been the front man for his label, Spinnin’ Records, releasing such hits as ‘Indigo’ and ‘Transcend’, as well as countless remixes of all the top artists. Owning a unique style blending soft synths and heavy melodies, Ummet’s influence is clear on every track he touches and his universal appeal can only keep growing.
Ummet’s stand out tracks of 2011
Ummet Ozcan – Transcend
Sander van doorn ft Carol Lee – Love is darkness (Ummet Ozcan Remix)
2 Arty
‘Arty’, the stage name of Artem Stolyarov, has become one of the best trance producers in the world, despite this young Russian’s tender years. His name has been all around the trance scene since 2009, performing for massive crowds, appearing on compilation cd’s and the biggest radio shows on the globe. 2010 was a massive year for Arty, releasing 25 tracks and having remixes signed to such labels as Armada, Anjunabeats, Vandit, Flashover Recordings and Black Hole. He has continued this success throughout 2011 and many regard him as one of the top trance producers and DJ’s of this year.
Arty’s stand out tracks of 2011
Arty & Mat Zo – Rebound
Mat Zo – Synapse Dynamics (Arty Remix)
3 Above and Beyond
The British trance trio, Above and Beyond have been one of the most popular trance acts of the past 5 years. Their own label Anjunabeats has been wildly successful, releasing popular track after track and the group also run their own weekly trance radio show, called ‘Trance Around The World’ enjoyed by millions. This year has been a prolific one for the trio, producing such eye catching anthems from their hit album, ‘Group Therapy’ such as ‘Thing called Love’ featuring renowned vocalist Richard Bedford and their cross over smash hit ‘Sun and Moon’ two of the 2011’s hottest trance songs.
Above and Beyond’s stand out tracks of 2011
Above & Beyond – Sun In Your Eyes
Above and Beyond – Sun and Moon
4 Orjan Nilsen
With his debut artist album just around the corner, Orjan has been a production machine releasing a stream of top trance songs, fusing one style into another. ‘La Guitarra’, ‘So Long Radio’ and ‘Go Fast’ all swept the global dancefloors with a unique blend of house, trance and progressive. 2011 has been Orjan’s break out year and his tracks have been a staple in all the top DJ’s sets and shows. The sky is the limit for Orjan’s creativity and potential and with tracks like his latest, ‘Mjuzik’ you can expect him to exceed these expectations. Definitely deserving of being named one of the best trance music producers of 2011.
Orjan’s stand out tracks of 2011
Armin van Buuren vs Ferry Corsten – Minack (Orjan Nilsen Remix)
5 Mat Zo
Mat Zo, is one of the most creative and versatile trance artists of the past few years. Impossible to label and has been described as ‘delivering some of the most forward thinking Anjunabeats releases to date’. Quite a compliment, considering the wealth of talent that the Anjunabeats label has to offer. This 21 year old, British artist combines uptempo house beats with an infectious big room, euphoric melodies that make him liked by all sections of the electronic music world and get heavy play from all the best trance radio shows. Remixes such as ‘Be there 4 you’ – Kyau & Albert and top trance tracks like ‘Superman’ tell you all you need to know about this producer and why he’s spoken of so highly by all the top DJ’s and artists.
Mat Zo’s stand out tracks of 2011
6 Eco
Marcello Pacheco, aka, Eco has developed his own style faster than anyone in the industry. His style is so unique and definitive that it could not be mistaken for anyone else. Growing up in New York, he was brought up with the street hip hop scene and his taste and process has changed over the years, but he still keeps components of the music he grew up with, which creates an individual sound that he has become known and loved for. His debut album ‘M(you)sic’ is set for release in early July and if it’s like anything he has produced before, it will be a must have for any music lover. Eco has also been kind enough to grant an exclusive interview with TheBestTrance, so look out for that in the coming weeks.
Eco’s stand out tracks of 2011
Armin van Buuren – Orbion (Eco Remix)
7 Dennis Sheperd
Dennis has launched himself onto the electronic music scene in the past few years with some quality trance songs and world class remixes. The producer from Essen, Germany established himself in 2007 and has continually been producing radio friendly hits. His signing to Euphonic Records has been the pivotal turning point in his career leading to ‘Best New Artist of 2010’ award and numerous accolades from his fellow producers. Continuing his success into 2011, his remixes are quickly becoming the most exciting thing in trance at this moment.
Dennis Shepherd’s stand out tracks of 2011
Gareth Emery – I Will Be The Same (feat. Emma Hewitt) [Dennis Sheperd Remix]
8 Daniel Kandi
Armin van Buuren probably summed it up as completely and as simply as possible. ‘Daniel Kandi has mastered the sound of trance’. Daniel Kandi has a knack for producing top trance song after top trance song. The Danish trance champion has produced another hit with ‘Just For You’ which showcases a heavenly melody that soars off effortlessly. ‘Just For You’ becomes a perfect mid-set anthem with twinkling pianos adding another layer of quality. Daniel has had a productive and special 2011 and you get the feeling the best is still to come.
Daniel Kandi’s stand out tracks of 2011
Aalto – Resolution (Daniel Kandi’s Solution Mix)
9 Andrew Rayel
Andrew Rayel is becoming one of trance’s best kept secrets that is slowly being let out. With each day and each passing release Andrew is developing his style and his tracks are being promoted by the biggest names in the industry. He knows how to harmoniously unite the beauty and energy of music in all his sets and his productions are constantly surpassing the ones before it. His original tracks and remixes are always pushing the boundaries and we can all look for bright things in the coming months from this genuinely talented artist.
Aether’s stand out tracks of 2011
Justin Dobslaw – Cold Snap (Andrew Rayel Remix)
10 Gareth Emery
This English born producer has a distinctive production style which has been described as a ‘fusion of trance and progressive with psy, tribal and techno flavours. He is known for his diversity in both his production and his DJ’ing. His album ‘Northern Lights’ was a huge success and it is being ‘Re Lit’ in 2011, which promises a lot of exciting additions to the already popular album. Gareth, while having been around for many years, is still one of the most intriguing and exciting trance producers today.
Gareth’s stand out tracks of 2011
