7 Outlets for Discovering Unsigned Artists in 2021
The internet has many uses, and in the music industry, it can be an endless source for discovering unsigned artists. There is nothing quite like the rush you get from potentially finding the next big artist. The hard part is knowing where to look! Fortunately, we can give you a few hints on where to find the best untapped talent.
Below, check out a few tips for discovering unsigned artists in 2021.
Local Music Scenes
Exposure is vital for any independent musician looking to get signed, and as an agent, you can use this as a method for discovering unsigned artists in 2021. Combing your local music scene should be the first stop on your hunt for the next big talent. Musicians know that the music scene is a competitive market, and they, too, will start by trying to conquer their local scene.
You can discover them through gigs around town, but a more lucrative effort is to ask venue owners, DJs, gig promoters, and independent shop owners about the talent around town. If an artist or band plays many gigs, networks, and has great music, they’re more than happy to tell others about them.
Blogs and Publications
Music blogs often learn about new and up-and-coming artists before labels do, making them a wealth of knowledge and an essential resource for discovering unsigned artists. Many artists reach out to blogs and publications to get their name out there and break into the music industry. Before you start to reach out to outlets, remember that it’s quality, not quantity, that matters most.
First, identify blogs and publications that align with the genre of music you’re looking for. Then, reach out to them and ask if they have come across any unsigned artists who have a great sound. Don’t be afraid to build a relationship with different outlets or subscribe to their newsletters. Not only will you gain insight into music trends, but you can also learn about new acts on a weekly basis.
Here are a few music blogs that are known for having a pulse on new artists:
Submissions
One of the easiest methods for discovering unsigned artists in 2021 is to let them come to you. When artists are looking to get signed, they will take a chance by submitting their music and electronic press kit (EPK) to various labels that they believe fit their sound and their musical goals. A best practice is to have a dedicated page or email address for submissions. If you provide it, they will come!
Music Discovery Platforms
It used to be that the only way to learn about artists was through word of mouth or networking, but thanks to music discovery platforms, discovering unsigned artists is now at your fingertips. Even popular music apps like Apple Music and Spotify have discovery and fresh finds playlists that offer chances to sample new artists and explore new genres. However, one of the best resources to tap into is Soundcloud.
Soundcloud has long been the hub for indie and underground musicians of all genres trying to make it big. Here, they can upload their music, and their growing fan bases can stay in the know. For labels, Soundcloud’s discovery feature is your best friend. As you play and like different tracks, it intelligently starts recommending songs and artists, exposing you to thousands of unknown artists. Best of all, there aren’t many big named artists on the site to influence the algorithm, resulting in a breeding ground for creative energy and the potential to find your label’s next artist.
If you want to diversify your search, here are a few other discovery platforms to check out:
Social Media
Social media is an awesome marketing tool for independent artists to build their brand and their community. It can also be a gold mine for music exploration. To get the most out of social media as a resource for discovering unsigned artists in 2021, we suggest spending some time in the discovery tab or community groups. When building their reputation, artists often comment on group posts and in forums on Facebook and even promote their music.
Instagram’s Reels and discovery page are excellent ways to journey down the rabbit hole and get introduced to genuinely talented artists. Because independent musicians want to go viral, they’re more likely to put their best foot forward and feature their most engaging projects. The video limits also save you time and allow you to sample multiple artists and further investigate the ones you like most.
Streaming Platforms
With the advent of the internet came the ability to gain exposure through sites like YouTube. This has helped many top-bill artists like Justin Bieber, Adele, and The Weeknd get discovered, and it continues to be a label’s best friend for discovering unsigned artists. Because of the global pandemic, independent and well-known artists are turning to streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Vimeo, and even Facebook and Instagram live to reach larger audiences and catch labels’ attention.
Radio
Although this one sounds a little backward, radio is indeed a way you can discover new artists. In fact, unsigned artists dominate the radio waves and generate more income than ever before— just take a look at artists like Chance the Rapper and Megan Thee Stallion. According to a study by MIDIA Research and digital distribution service Amuse, indie artists generated more than $643 million in 2018.
And did you know that some traditional and satellite radio shows have slows dedicated to shining a spotlight on unsigned artists? That is proof enough that radio stations are well worth considering when discovering unsigned artists in 2021. So, tune in, and who knows, your label’s next top artist could be waiting for you to find them.
Mirada Media
There are many ways to discover unsigned artists, and this list is only the beginning! Another thing to keep in mind when appealing to independent artists is how you will protect their music from being stolen or used without their permission. And that’s where Mirada Media can help. Our SecureMedia API can protect your music from premature release along with any sensitive documents that you don’t want to fall into unwanted hands, allowing you to breathe easy.
To learn about how SecureMedia works and our other services for independent musicians, contact us today!