What makes a successful EP Release?
- Pete Stannard
- Jan 4, 2023
- 9 min read
A successful release for a metal band involves these twelve main factors:
Make sure the music is good.
Go for a cohesive theme.
Make it look professional.
Marketing and promotion.
Connecting with fans.
Get the word out.
Play live shows.
Collaborate with other artists.
Release exclusive content.
Engage with your audience.
Embrace the power of streaming.
Have a long-term plan.
Make sure the music is good:
No-brainer, but it's fundamental in metal, where fans can be particularly discerning and demanding. To make sure your EP stands out in the crowded metal scene, put in the time and effort to create well-crafted songs. Pay attention to songwriting and production, and make sure the songs showcase your unique style and talent. And if you're feeling particularly ambitious, try to write a song that's both super heavy and catchy – it's the holy grail of metal songwriting.
Go for a cohesive theme:
A cohesive theme can help give your metal EP a sense of purpose and make it stand out in a crowded genre. Here are a few ideas:
Apocalypse: If you're into darker, heavier sounds, consider going for a post-apocalyptic theme for your EP. You could write songs about the end of the world, survival in a harsh wasteland, or even the rise of machines. Make sure to have a backup generator ready in case of a real-life apocalypse.
Politics: Metal has always been known for its outsider status and willingness to tackle controversial subjects. If you're passionate about social or political issues, consider writing songs that address these topics. Be prepared for potentially heated discussions with your fans – metalheads can be a passionate bunch.
Fantasy: If you're more into epic, fantastical themes, consider writing a metal EP inspired by your favourite fantasy novels or films. You could write songs about dragons, swords, and sorcery; or even create your original mythology.
Choosing a cohesive theme for your EP can help give your music direction and make it stand out in a crowded genre. Make sure to have fun with it, and don't take yourself too seriously (unless you're playing a black metal EP – all bets are off). Good luck!
Make it look professional:
As a metal artist, it's imperative to make sure your EP looks as intimidating and metal as possible. Invest in high-quality artwork that captures the darkness and ferocity of your music. But be careful – while skulls and demons might seem an obvious choice, they can also come off as cliche. Consider hiring a talented artist who can create something truly unique and badass.
In terms of packaging, it's essential to go for something sturdy and visually striking. No one wants their EP to arrive in the mail looking like it's been through a metal grinder (unless that's the theme of your EP, in which case, go for it). And if you're releasing a physical EP, don't skimp on the materials – use the heaviest paper and thickest cardboard you can find. You want your EP to look like it could withstand a nuclear blast (or at least a mosh pit).
Don't forget about the tracklist! A well-designed tracklist can help set the tone for your EP and give listeners a clear idea of what to expect. Make sure to use font sizes and styles that are easy to read – no one wants to strain their eyes trying to decipher tiny, squiggly letters (unless it's part of the aesthetic, in which case, do your thing).
The key to making your EP look professional is to strike a balance between visual impact and practicality. You want something that looks tough and metal but is easy to read and handle. And above all, have fun with it! After all, what's more metal than having a good time?
Marketing and promotion:
There are many ways to promote an EP release, and the best approach will depend on the band's resources, audience, and goals. Some possible tactics include:
Social media marketing: Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to share news about the EP release, stream the songs, and engage with fans.
Email campaigns: Use email marketing tools to send newsletters and updates to fans about the EP release and upcoming shows.
Streaming playlist placements: Reach out to streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music to try and get the EP added to relevant playlists.
Traditional media outreach: Consider reaching out to traditional media outlets like radio stations and music magazines to try and get coverage of the EP release.
Connecting with fans:
Building a community around the EP release can help drive success and build a fan base. Some ways to connect with fans include:
Fan club newsletters: Create a newsletter or email list to keep fans updated on the band's activities and news.
Exclusive content: Offer exclusive content to fans, such as early access to tickets, behind-the-scenes footage, or special discounts.
Social media engagement: Engage with fans on social media by responding to comments, sharing content, and running contests or giveaways.
Meet and greets: Consider offering meet and greet opportunities at live shows, which can be a great way to connect with fans and build a sense of community.
By focusing on effective marketing and promotion and connecting with fans, bands can build buzz and momentum leading up to the release and establish a strong foundation for their music career.
Get the word out:
As a metal artist, getting the word out about your EP release can be especially important – after all, you want all the headbangers out there to know about your epic new tracks. Here are a few tips for promoting your EP in the metal scene:
Hit up metal blogs and websites: Tons of metal-specific blogs and websites can help spread the word about your EP release. Consider reaching out to these sites and see if they'd be interested in featuring your music. Just be warned: they might ask you to prove your metal credentials by completing a series of metal-themed challenges (e.g., chugging a gallon of milk while headbanging to Metallica, kidding!).
Join metal-specific social media groups: These can be great places to connect with other metalheads and promote your music. Follow the group rules and avoid spamming – no one likes a metal-themed spam bot.
Play some metal festivals: Metal festivals can be great places to showcase your music and connect with fans. Reach out to organisers, and see if they'd be interested in booking you for a slot. Be prepared for some fierce competition – there are a lot of metal bands out there, and only so many festival slots to go around.
Get creative: While it's fundamental to hit the usual promotion channels (e.g., social media, blogs, festivals), don't be afraid to think outside the box and come up with unique ways to get the word out about your EP. Maybe you could create a metal-themed escape room; or record a metal cover of a nursery rhyme. The sky's the limit – as long as its metal, it's fair game.
Play live shows:
Live shows are essential to promoting your EP and building a loyal fanbase. Here are a few tips for putting on a killer metal show:
Practice, practice, practice: Nothing ruins a metal show faster than sloppy playing or off-key vocals. Make sure to put in the time and effort to get your performance tight and polished.
Put on a visual show: Metal fans expect a high-energy, visually stimulating live show. Consider incorporating pyrotechnics, stage props, and other eye-catching elements to make you stand out. Make sure to follow all safety guidelines and get proper permits if necessary.
Engage with the audience: A metal show isn't just about the music – it's also about creating a shared experience with the audience. Encourage crowd participation, interact with the audience between songs, and make it a memorable night.
Don't take yourself too seriously: Metal can often be associated with a tough, serious image, but that doesn't mean you can't have a sense of humour. Don't be afraid to poke fun at yourself and the genre. Levity can go a long way in making your show more fun and memorable.
I hope these tips help. Just remember to have fun and stay true to your artistic vision. Don't be afraid to headbang your heart out.
Collaborate with other artists:
Collaborating with other musicians can be a great way to bring new energy and ideas to your music. Whether it's a full-blown collaboration on a new song, or just a guest appearance on someone else's track, working with other artists can help you step outside your comfort zone and create something unique.
Here are a few tips for collaborating with other artists:
Reach out to artists you admire: Don't be afraid to reach out to your favourite bands and see if they'd be interested in collaborating. You never know; they might say yes! Just make sure to be respectful and professional in your approach.
Look for opportunities at local shows: Live shows are a great place to network and meet other metal musicians. So next time you're at a gig, introduce yourself and see if there are any opportunities. Make sure to bring plenty of earplugs – your hearing will thank you.
Consider a "metal supergroup": If you're feeling ambitious, consider forming a "metal supergroup" with other musicians from different bands. Combine your collective talents and create something truly epic (and maybe even a little ridiculous). Make sure to come up with an appropriate name for the group – "Hammer of the Gods" or "Eternal Flames of Inferno" are options - sorry.
I hope these tips help you find opportunities to collaborate with other artists. Remember to have fun, be open to new ideas, and experiment and try new things. And above all, keep it heavy!
Release exclusive content:
As a metal artist, you probably have some die-hard fans who would love exclusive content. So why not give them what they want? Consider offering bonus tracks, behind-the-scenes videos, or even personalised merchandise. And if you want to go all out, you could even release some exclusive metal-themed products, like a black t-shirt with your EP cover art printed in glowing neon green ink (face it, metalheads love neon green - who would do such a thing!). Make sure to keep the exclusivity factor high – no one wants to feel left out.
Engage with your audience:
As a metal artist, you might think that the best way to engage with your audience is by headbanging harder than anyone else; or maybe even setting your guitar on fire (not recommended, by the way). While those things can certainly be part of the experience, it's also great to interact with your listeners; in other ways.
One way to do this is through social media. Whether responding to comments and messages on Instagram or Twitter, or sharing behind-the-scenes photos and videos on TikTok, social media can be a great way to connect with your fans and give them a glimpse into your life as an artist.
Another way to engage with your audience is through email newsletters. These can be a more personal and direct way to stay in touch with your fans, and you can use them to share updates about your music, upcoming shows, and other news. Make sure not to spam your subscribers – no one likes a cluttered inbox.
Finally, don't forget the power of face-to-face interactions at live shows. Whether meeting fans after the show, signing autographs, or just hanging out and chatting, these interactions can be a great way to connect with your audience and create a sense of community. Make sure to bring some hand sanitiser – you never know who's been moshing in the pit.
In conclusion, engaging with your audience is essential to the success of an EP release, and there are many ways to do it beyond just playing a killer show. Don't be afraid to reach out and interact with your fans – they'll appreciate the personal touch, and you might even make some new friends in the process.
Embrace the power of streaming:
In the metal world, it's easy to get caught up in the romance of physical releases – Vinyl, CD, and Cassette. But in today's digital age, streaming is a crucial way for listeners to discover and consume music. So, don't be afraid to get your EP on as many streaming platforms as possible. And if you're feeling ambitious, try to get your EP on a streaming service that your grandma doesn't know how to use (bonus points if it's something obscure like Tidal).
Of course, that's not to say that physical releases aren't crucial. Many metal fans still appreciate the tangible aspect of owning a physical release, and there's something special about holding an album in your hands. So, consider releasing your EP in both physical and digital formats. That way, you can please both the streaming crowd and the die-hard vinyl collectors.
Consider partnering with a streaming service to create exclusive content or playlists. It is a great way to reach new audiences and build buzz for your EP release. Wear your heaviest metal t-shirt to the meeting – you never know, it might impress the streaming executives (or make them a little scared).
Have a long-term plan:
A successful EP release is a great accomplishment, but it's integral to have a long-term plan for your music career. Things like booking more shows, writing new music, or even working on a full-length album. As a metal artist, you might consider booking a tour of dingy dive bars and underground clubs; or working on a concept album about the apocalypse (because what says "metal" more than the end of the world?).
Think about your brand and identity as an artist. Are you the kind of metal artist who prefers to stick to traditional heavy metal tropes (leather, long hair, screaming vocals), or are you more experimental and open to incorporating elements from other genres? Whichever direction you choose, it's crucial to stay true to your artistic vision and not be afraid to take risks.
And don't forget to have fun! While it's essential to be professional and take your music career seriously, it's also important to enjoy the ride. So go ahead and headbang to your heart's content, and remember to thank your fans and support crew – they're the ones who will help turn your successful EP release into a long and fulfilling career in metal.
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