Don’t Release Another Record Without These 2

by Cari Cole

Record making is an art and science and great records that breakthrough all have the following two components. They didn’t just magically happen. It was deliberate in the creation process and strategic in nailing the lane + brand, but yet they probably didn’t know they were making a hit record (it’s death to try to – read on to find out more).

Your Message

Almost 100% across the board on all records that break artists through, there is a specific

message that resonates to the general fabric of society at large. As if the writer had their

finger on the pulse of the minds of people everywhere. That said, it can be a deeply felt

personal message to the artist as well, and often when both collide you touch something

great – something bigger than you.

A record that speaks to the people, for the people and of the people. Something people can stand behind. And the message needs to permeate that record as a cohesive brand. What does your record say? Specifically?

It is your mission as an artist, to find that sweet spot, to unearth your muse, your “why” and to put your finger on the pulse of what we as a world are longing to hear. And while that is a tall order, that is a requirement if you want to truly breakthrough. You have to breakthrough with your art in order to breakthrough.

Truth is, no matter how far you’ve gotten as an artist, until you crack the attention of public awareness, you need to be reaching and stretching the boundaries on your art (and even after too – that’s what makes artists stay on top). Don’t settle or think you’ve arrived just because you have a following. Have you made your greatest work to date? You’ll know, because the flood of followers and sales will overwhelm you. Great art still trumps marketing. Great art still matters – even more today. It is what will set you apart in an over-saturated market of artists trying to be heard. Once you have that, we can brand the record.

Your Purpose

Then, before I start writing a record, I ask, “Why am I writing this?” “How can this go out in

the world and actually hit a nerve, find an audience and actually be successful?” I want to

know where I am going and what point I am trying to make, what audience I am trying to get

to solidify the brand before I start writing the record. A record made with this kind of

pre-planning and strategy is more likely to succeed.

For example, when I made my record, Circle of Fire. Yes, it was an artistic apex in my life, a coming together of my spiritual life and music – I had my “why”. But it was also a strategic branding opportunity that I seized. The book (my muse) that my record was inspired by (The Four Agreements) had a 3.5 million reader audience. I saw the potential for the record to succeed. In my work with artists I help you find your audience and your record’s purpose before you start writing (or during the writing or recording process – it’s never too late to tweak this).

And lastly, never try to make a “hit” record. Just try to make the best dang record you can possibly make. Do your best. Your very best. And don’t release it until it reaches that mark. No matter how many times you have to tweak it. One of my artists that followed this process just got a big commercial – it’s no mistake – it deserved to be there. There’s a lot to this, so here are 3 ways to help you with this:

1. I’m giving a course that starts next week that I give only twice a year called Your Exceptional Record. This 3 month course, “live” with me, guides you through the exact science of making an exceptional record – one that will breakthrough. As a result of this work, artists have gained placements, won awards, tripled their fanbase and landed deals (for those that still want that). Here’s the link to find out more info here.

2. Then sign up for my free teleclass that took place on May 6th to get the recording. The 8 Steps to Creating Your Breakthrough Release but you must register to get it.

3. Then finally, head on over to our Facebook page, like us and join in the conversation. Post your music and message there. Whoever has the best branding idea for their record will win something big from us. More details to come – Winners must Like us on Facebook. So head on over and like our FB Page, post your idea and the winner of the prize will be announced on May 13th ($1600 value).