The Meaning Of Artist Development In 2024

It seems that every day, we’re looking at some new dramatic shift in the way the music industry operates. 

A decade ago, artists didn’t have to focus the majority of their time and resources on building a social media following or getting through to the gatekeepers of major Spotify playlists. Instead, record labels would invest in their development, often over the course of several years, before ever releasing an album, helping them realize their artistic visions while creating a sustainable business model. 

 

With the near-obsolete nature of traditional record deals, the artist development role now falls either on the artists themselves or their management teams, which they often have to hire themselves. 

Of course, if you’re like many artists, taking on the role of a songwriter, producer, arranger, mixing engineer, and more, it can be hard to find time to focus on your art. 

This is why having an artist development team in 2024 is so crucial. After all, building a persona without a high-quality product (your music) to back it up kind of defeats the point. 

Exploring New Development Pathways

120,000 new tracks hit streaming platforms each day, so unless you get lucky or have the right team on your side, getting buried is the likely outcome. 

To set yourself apart from the crowd, you have to hone in on certain elements of your artist persona, including:

Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are great for building a brand and interacting with fans directly. 

Playing Live: Live performances are as vital as ever, especially as a source of revenue. An engaging live show alone can set an artist apart, especially in the local scene. 

• Creating High-Quality Music: Beyond songwriting and production, it’s key to understand current trends and continue innovating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJMl-K7HcZk&list=PLxA687tYuMWgbOZZGuf4YFdQaU5Q6PSk5

Beyoncé is a great example of an artist who’s stayed relevant over the years by toeing the line between her own unique style and industry relevance. While certainly controversial among fans, “Cowboy Carter” is a reflection of country music’s comeback in recent years. 

Adapting to Industry Changes

Artists who find long-term success in 2024 are those who have the capacity to keep up with rapid changes in the industry. This doesn’t mean you should become a “trend chaser,” but investing in a well-rounded artist development team that touches on new styles and technologies can keep you from getting lost in the mix.

 

If success is part of your future goal as an artist, it’s the smartest investment you can make right now.

 

Written By: Tyler Connaghan