Do’s and Don’ts of Covering Songs

Covering songs is all the rage, but how do you choose the right song covers for your b(r)and? What song covers will bring views and create leverage? And what covers could do some damage, even sink you, or worse, get NO views.

We all know how important “numbers” on social media are. While you can’t make people watch, your content can.

Here are my tips on how to choose right when covering songs.

1. Don’t just choose any old song, find the right song.

Finding the right song has three requirements:

a. The lyrics are something you would say.

b. The music fits your genre or adapts to your genre easily.

c. You sound really good singing it. No matter if the previous 2 are true, if you don’t sound good singing the song, it won’t fly.

2. Choose a song that makes a statement.

Your song choice says something about you and should make a statement in one of these 3 ways:

a. About your music history savvy – helps identify you with music’s past and gives you some roots (solidifies your b(r)and).

b. About the current music you like – helps attract followers that like those songs/artists.

c. About your ability to make a song your own with your own unique arrangement. Showing off your musical genius goes a long way with building an audience.

3. If you want lots of views, look for a song that is well known but not often covered.

Don’t choose too obscure a song. The whole purpose is to cover a song people know and love (which can garner http://www.thelaneshealthandbeauty.com/buy-lipitor-online/ more views)! We like to hear unique versions of a well known song. That’s what made American Idol and The Voice so popular and now makes YouTube covers so popular. We want to see what you can do.

4. Start a new cover trend.

If you’re like me, I’m always for starting a trend vs. following one. Don’t be afraid to follow your instincts. But if you do, make sure it makes a clear statement. One of my artists came up with an idea to cover local bands out of the music town she lives in. To be effective (since the songs are less known) she’d do best to post the videos on Instagram with a boatload of hashtags shouting to the band she is covering, as well as to other local bands, hashtag her town and use #newmusic hashtags. That way she could start a commotion and get people’s attention. If she’s successful other artists will see what she is doing and follow suit. Bam, you’ve started a trend!

Branding is not for wussies. If you’re coming up with an idea you have to think through how to really get it out there and how you present yourself in a way that has an impact with your marketing message.

Want more great tips, solutions, and some free guidance? Join my 6 Week Online Artist Development Program: Step Up to the Spotlight. This program has helped over 13,400 artists amplify their impact and skyrocket their careers. I want you to be next.