Pop and Dance music seem to be the hot genres now a days. It seems hard for a run of the mill soulful singer to make it big if their just equipped with an awesome voice and great lyrics. We have become a more global community due to technology. Social networks and the internet have provided outlets for singers and in many ways has leveled the playing field. However, it has also hurt singers opportunity because labels are less willing to develop artists that don’t have a ridiculous fan base. There is no sure fire way to “make it” but here are a couple ways you could be POPular in the music game.
1. If you are a black artist, bleach your skin white. If you are a white artist, make sure your sound has plenty of SOUL. Let’s be honest, when white artists provide the world with a “black sound” it sells. Let’s see … let me know a couple that fit the mold: Adele, Justin Timberlake, Elvis, Eminem, Pink, Robin Thicke,Amy Winehouse…
Can you name a couple?
2. Learn how to write and produce dance music. Who doesn’t enjoy dancing? It is a language that we all speak. That’s what made Soul Train such a success. You could dance, dance, dance! Usher almost fell into the dance hole, but I think “Climax” has brought him back …some what. Even though Usher’s flirtation with Dance might have cost him some of his R&B following, he gained more of an international following. Seems like a win, win situation. POW!
3. Losing weight works to put you in a different space. When you loss weight and tone your body you can now be marketed in a very diverse way. Jennifer Hudson is a perfect example of how a little pounds missing can transform you into a diva over night. (Not saying she wasn’t a diva before but she is now in a different space and can contend with the best.) Jordin Sparks lost weight and she looks and still sounds fabulous. (Winning!) Now Chaka Khan has reinvented herself by losing a couple unwanted pounds. (Let’s see if it works for the Chaka.)
Men can also benefit from gaining a nice 6 pack. During the “Voodoo” album, D’Angelo was a crowd favorite especially for his steamy “Untitled” aka “How Does It Feel” video. Ladies are still trying to get over that video.
4. Go under the knife. Bigger chest or backside always works wonders. Nicki Minaj is a perfect example because she wouldn’t be such a big deal if she didn’t have such a KILLER body.The world love to see a “perfect body” why not give it to them.
5. Wear crazy, extravagant or provocative clothing. Prince, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga and Madonna all have worn crazy outfits that have made them look bigger than life. Clothes make the artists. You need a great stylist or team of stylist to help you with this extraordinary task.
6. Create your own genre or say your global Dance/Pop. People love to categorize and label. If you give a cool label they will gravitate towards it.
7. Learn how to dance or get great back up dancers. Ask J. Lo if she might have an extra back up dancer around the house for you to borrow.
8. If possible be mysterious. The Gorillaz and The Weeknd have been able to have a level of mystery. (Some people still think The Weeknd is a group.) Make sure you don’t do interviews and stay in the shadows. The only catch is you have to have a co-sign or unique sound that will catch on enough for people to pay attention.
9. Be co-signed by the best. Now a days Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Jay-Z seem to be the co-signing kings. Just alone, Jay-Z has co-signed acts such as Rihanna, Young Jeezy, RIck Ross, Willow Smith and Rita Ora. Lil Wayne has co-signed two of the hottest rappers out, NIcki Minaj and Drake.
What artists has Kanye West co-signed? Can you name a couple?
10. Change your hair color. Rihanna and Chris Brown both have made changes in their sound which were marked by a signature color hair change.
Bonus***
Do not under any circumstance say you are part of the genre labeled Soul or Neo-Soul. They have great artists in these sub-genres, but its almost taboo to be a Soul or Neo-Soul singer.
Are you an aspiring R&B artist looking to make it big in the pop music industry? It can be a daunting task, but with these ten commandments for success, you’ll have all the tools needed to go from being a small-time artist to a household name. From finding your sound and creating a brand identity to networking with the right people and using social media effectively, this article will tell you everything you need to know about becoming a successful pop star. Read on to learn how to turn yourself into a “POPular” artist!
The world of popular music is constantly evolving as artists strive for new heights of innovation. Whether you’re starting out fresh or already established as an up-and-coming R&B artist, there are certain steps that can help propel your journey towards superstardom. With hard work and dedication comes great reward – so don’t give up if things get tough!
These 10 Pop Commandments provide key guidelines on how best to approach the process of transitioning from R&B singer/songwriter to POP sensation. Follow them closely and soon enough, you’ll be headlining concerts around the world! Let’s dive in and discover what it takes to become one of today’s most recognizable stars.
Elements Of A “Popular” Artist
Being a “popular” artist is more than just having hit songs on the radio. It requires an understanding of who you are as an artist, what your fans want from you, and how to effectively market yourself. To become a successful pop star, there are certain elements that must be present in order for an artist to make it big.
The first element is creating a unique style. Whether through songwriting or fashion choices, stand out with something unique about your artistry so people will remember you. Many popular artists have used their personal experiences to create music and visuals that speak both authentically and universally to audiences at large; this makes them relatable to others and shifts their image from simply being another R&B artist into one of being a well-known pop star.
Marketing oneself can also help boost popularity. Utilizing social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok allows artists to connect directly with potential fans around the world while also engaging current ones. This helps build relationships between the artist and their audience which translates into greater success in terms of sales, streaming numbers, ticket purchases etc., if done strategically and consistently. Additionally, working with influential figures such as bloggers or influencers can further increase visibility amongst new listeners as well as existing ones.
Becoming a “popular” artist takes hard work but by following these steps and focusing on building connections with audiences worldwide, any aspiring musician has the opportunity to reach great heights in the industry.
Strategies For Achieving “Popular” Status
Achieving “popular” status requires a strategic approach. First, it is essential to create an engaging online presence by utilizing social media platforms to reach new listeners and engage with existing fans. Additionally, collaborating with influential people in the industry can help boost visibility amongst potential audiences as well as current ones. Lastly, staying consistent with content creation and promotion will ensure that artists are able to maintain their popularity long-term.
When creating content for social media or other outlets, be sure to focus on quality over quantity; post often but make each post count! Focus on visuals that capture attention quickly and accurately reflect the artist’s style and message. Additionally, think about what kind of stories you want to tell your audience through your music videos and photos – they should fit within the overall narrative you are trying to convey as an artist.
It also helps to have a strong team surrounding you when attempting to become popular. Having experienced professionals who understand the industry can provide valuable insight regarding how best to market yourself so that more people know about you – this includes booking shows at venues where there will likely be large numbers of attendees, arranging interviews with press outlets such as magazines or radio stations, etc. All these things add up towards making one a “popular” artist in today’s competitive landscape.
Conclusion
The journey to becoming a “popular” artist is not an easy one, but with the right strategies and determination it can be done. It takes hard work and dedication to become successful in music, regardless of genre. However, following these 10 pop commandments will help any R&B artist reach their goal of achieving “popularity” status. Having a distinctive sound; engaging with fans online; creating content that resonates with listeners; collaborating with other musicians; staying current on trends within the industry; keeping up appearances through fashion & lifestyle choices; taking risks musically; being consistent with releases and performances; having business savvy when managing your career, and lastly understanding your fan base are all key elements for success. With these tools at hand, I am sure you will be well on your way to making yourself heard!
