How To Build 1 Million Followers With Your Music (The Cheat Code)

[@DamianKeyes]

Music is hard and it can take its toll on you sometimes… this is a message to remember that you are doing a great job and you’re striving for 1% better every day, that’s all you need to do 🙌

[@skelovade]

helpful message, Im from the 80s and I love producing quality over quantity, and especially give the record experience again like it used to, instead of just producing singles only (which is fine but not my way). I also love when you talk about the music producer figure coz I resonate with that. I dont focus on one instrument or specific separate instruments when making a song, I love to see it from the full orchestra perspective and direct it like a maestro. The joy of fusing all the sounds together into one will always give you that movie feel that today’s songs mostly have not. Great content again, and well done 🫵🏻🏆

[@caseyjones3522]

no one cares dude. the cat is out of the bag. you even did a video on how shit the industry is.

[@pickD4prez]

Not everyone is doing a great job. There was times where I wasn't doing a great job either & if I believed shit like this I would still be lying to myself today. If you want this shit, especially if you're poor &/or an outcast like so many artists are? Man you gotta sacrifice your life for it. Then again, you have to dedicate your life to be anything special, & we're all gonna die anyway so go for it. #RAPMONEYMISSION💰

[@elviolentinoparra]

My man. I love you. No joke. The ammount of valuable information you give us for free is no joke!

[@DamianKeyes]

Ahh thank you so much 😊😊 not gonna stop anytime soon!! What’s your goals for the rest of the year?

[@elviolentinoparra]

@@DamianKeyes Hahaha, I've been busy as hell lately. So, I need to watch your latest videos and figure that out, for starters. I'll get back at you once that's done!

[@AiMusicPuppy]

You, just gave me a great idea... For my channel, something I've been looking for for months. Thank you the amount of information that you hold is insane. Beautiful communication easy to understand.

[@DamianKeyes]

Ahh thank you so appreciated ❤️

[@WestPierRecordingsBrighton]

You are absolute one of the best advice gurus on KZbin. I've recently set up a small mainstream pop label in Brighton (yes that Brighton with all the roasts that you miss :-). The aim is to work closely with artists and not against them, it's all about development (something that has somewhat been reduced over the years) and working together to reach a mutually agreed goal to reach success and career satisfaction with a bit of management thrown in. Thank you Damien for all you are doing and all the help that you give artists. It's a tough industry these days and it needs people like you. Keep on giving. 🙂

[@DamianKeyes]

This is so kind thank you. In days where algorithms seem to run everything, comments like this always make my day. Thank you so much ❤️

[@CrypticWisdom]

Got a lot out of this one. Thank you.

[@chakuseki]

It’s no longer just about the music. Content creation is the future however it offers so many cool opportunities to express yourself. Be creative and have fun with it!

[@jaimekliatchko7337]

Damian coming through and preaching TRUTH! Cheers

[@TheRealSandman]

1 million is built 1 person at a time. I always take the time to try & message everyone that follows me to thank them. I’ve managed to get to know fans more than if I just tried to shove my music down their throat & never build a human connection.

[@lny_music]

For anybody out there making contents, I wish you sucess and you've got this! ❤

[@heartshinemusic]

What I find strange about all these (instruction) videos about building followers and fans is that one major factor is often left out: the quality of your songwriting, arrangements, performance, production and mixing. I imagine this would be a crucial factor in getting followers and building a fan base. (Not even considering the popularity of your genre; small niche vs fairly mainstream.)

[@DamianKeyes]

The music is probably the biggest factor considering it's the heartbeat of the whole thing. However, music is subjective and almost all artists believe in their music. You have a passion for songwriting and creating music but when it comes to release strategy and growth, it's less of a passion and more of a necessity. I feel very comfortable talking about strategies, creative ideas to improve socials, marketing, monetization, community, strategy and even identity, I do think musicians need to find specialists in songwriting, production and arrangement etc to help improve those aspects. It's certainly not something I feel I have enough authority in. I do agree that the music is the most important aspect however I also believe that anyone with a passion for music should be allowed to try and build success whilst enjoying the process. Hope this answers your question, from my perspective 🙂

[@heartshinemusic]

@@DamianKeyes Thanks for your reply Damian!

[@samlovelymusic1]

You always get through to me in a good way man. Awesome information for me personally, and I will take action on everything you said.

[@leahcatherinemusic8704]

This is brilliant Damian. Very helpful. I kind of gave up for awhile and went back to earning a living ha ha. But this speaks to me because I CAN write 100 songs so easily (it's like breathing) but was hating the social media stuff. You've breathed new life into this journey. Thank you.💖

[@avianzoo1710]

I just wanted to say thanks for this video. As an artist who is just beginning to navigate the socials for promotion, I have no idea what kind of content to even generate. This video has given me some starting points to work on and just as importantly, has reeled me in from doing some kind of nonsense just to get noticed, into trying to leverage what I may just be good at. Thanks again.

[@atomomusic]

This is great, thank you for the tips, will implement them!

[@samstoner9610]

Always so pertinent, encouraging and with such wit ! Great Damian and thank you again !

[@travisshaw3866]

Hey, Damian, thanks for the ideas and motivation! I always feel inspired after watching your videos. :)

[@sonicplayground976]

Thanks, man! Your videos help all of us trying to promote our own music😊

[@TheChocDonk2000]

If I see one more video of some dude in a park saying “have you ever loved someone more than they could ever love you, then I wrote this song for you” and the worst music ever happens, I’m blaming you Damo.

[@koenignero]

😂

[@autwar]

Thank you. Your message is amazing

[@alane_j]

Your humor always gets me. 😂 It helps to lower the stress of worrying😊

[@MajorMoment]

making content is JUST LIKE songwriting - it’s ideas, storytelling, production and editing, that’s it. if you claim to be a good songwriter, you have what it takes to be a good content creator too. yeah, you’d have to learn a new skill and improve something as you go, but something’s telling me those complaining here about the hardship of being an artist can’t write a good song to save their life either.

[@mymusicpublisher]

Theirs the Damien we know. Amazing industry insights😄🤙 You nailed it. Hope is not a strategy. Thank you for the inspiration. We need it!

[@Goldicatmusic]

I just realized what all this reminds me of. A few years ago, I was applying to PhD programs, and I got accepted at Oxford. So I went along to the welcome day for the people who were going to be on the program that year. There's maybe 15-20 of us. We sat through a little welcome speech etc…and then there was some “unstructured mingling time”. And they'd written on the blackboard three questions that we might ask one another in this “unstructured mingling time” 😆 they were hilarious… 1. Where did you go to university? 2. What's your proposed PhD title? 3. Have you been on holiday this year? 😆😆😆 I thought it was ludicrous. But the first person I talked to was like, “erm should we answer the questions then?” And started asking them in order 😆😆👀 That’s all to say maybe we've all just forgotten how to mingle because we've been in the depths of our DAWS for God knows how long? Maybe we just need to let people into our worlds a bit? Is that the essence of this? :) (I’m really asking I have no idea I literally have about 3 fans 🤓)

[@traveladventurexplore]

Damian, you unlocked something for me in this video. Thank you!!!🙏

[@DamianKeyes]

Really glad to help!! ❤️

[@MediaByMedia]

Banger video again king

[@willtrittmusic]

Another great video 💜 locking in right when it releases

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks Will, appreciate that brother. Here’s to your success and a big year ahead ⚡️⚡️ what are your goals?

[@willtrittmusic]

@@DamianKeyes my goals for the rest of this year is to hit 10k subscribers. And to get one my songs 50,000 streams. My most popular song right now is same old with 30,000 streams

[@DamianKeyes]

@@willtrittmusicawesome that sounds feasible - let’s make that goal 100k, it’s easier to build once the data starts flowing positively 😊😊

[@willtrittmusic]

@@DamianKeyes okay! That’s a big number I’m gonna try my best to

[@The_trvlr_official]

Musicians have to realize that marketing isn't "dirty business". It's taking care of YOUR BABY. I struggeled with that as well. I'm trying to change the context when creating ads for example. For example I light some incense, turn on cozy ighting and make the task ceremonial rather then just working it off with the eye on the price. I think enjoying the process is the key.

[@Brandon_Renegade]

Dude, I have been in a slight creative rutt lately as far as what to put out for content, and this video has me a little inspired, I have a new single coming out for Chronic Lyme Disease Awareness, But I live in WNC & We're dealing with the aftermath of Helene, so I'm a little lost b/c I don't want to seem insensitive about the hardships people are going through right mow by constantly trying to promote my music. It's weird balance I have to walk right now.

[@johnbeagley1195]

Great advice Damian. Love this

[@maxscialdone4572]

I love your videos. I love your material. It all makes total sense. However…there is just only so much time in the world to do everything.

[@mystikrebel1089]

Damian again giving amazing advice straight to the point. When I make it i will gift him a Lamborghini or maybe a Ferrari or maybe a Porsche ok we will think about it then hehe thanks again !

[@stevemorano9317]

Thanks Damian! That’s very encouraging & appreciated. What’s your idea of making it in today’s music Industry ? How often do you get to play bass guitar or perform with other musicians in any way ? Cheers Steve

[@koenignero]

Audience based A&R is powerful mindset

[@FedericoGompertz]

Interesting video Damian! By implementing this strategy of new music (demo or finished) every week or so, how long should the content video be? Just the best part? the whole song? Have you seen which is better in practice? Thanks!

[@Slownirik_Beats]

Damian🙌🙌

[@lima2937]

Great stuff!!! 👍🤩

[@DamianKeyes]

Thank you! Good luck with everything and I’m always here to help 😊😊

[@pierlo_83]

Top · Clever things

[@connormorrisonmusic]

That piano guy is pretty cool 👌🎹

[@johnnyfilippone]

"Just A Day" - great song!

[@connormorrisonmusic]

@@johnnyfilippone Yoooo!! Thanks for checking that out dude - Glad you liked it 🙂I just was checking out some of the demos you've got on here and super dig Clarendon Street 🎶

[@johnnyfilippone]

@@connormorrisonmusic That's awesome, thank you! Following you on Instagram and checking out your Spotify. Enjoying "Disturb Me" in particular! Cheers 🎹

[@RyanLocke-e7k]

I watch all your videos

[@classicalsquire2016]

Awesome awesomeness

[@DamianKeyes]

Hey! Hope this video helps, always here to make sure you have what you need ⚡️⚡️

[@mrfleamino9350]

thank you

[@NickKizirnis]

🙌

[@michaelmckenziejr9154]

My question I have from the beginning is how do I find my super power when it comes to music? I can play the guitar and I can sing and write songs but I am not a sure what my super power would be.

[@danrich4912]

Hi Damian, I'm trying to visualize what that looks like from a composer / producer's point of view, when selling one self ?

[@glennwlove]

I’m a 72 yo indie pop/rock singer/songwriter will this work for me, as my songs are all about life experiences 😅

[@wesleycav1]

Hard question: As an introvert, how to promote my music without showing my face and/or talking to people?

[@natemusix]

There are so many alternatives if you have money pay people to advertise for you, or just us AI to promote music. What I'm trying to say. Is that don't use being an intovert as an excuse. Tbh I was shy posting my song but I had friends and my parents who had money and very good talking skills. Just use what you've got.. NEVER use being an introvert as an exude.

[@Johariyt]

So is it all about reels and tiktoks then

[@ezekyle3618]

What if, at the start of everything, I leak the song and it gets stolen by some other artist?

[@natemusix]

Don't worry about that. The minute you post your song on the internet you own it, it's automatically copyright protected.

[@jimbauers9368]

I got a headache !!! this " build a million followers" many claim to have the secret, do this, do that, it's just one more hat you have to wear, songwriter,performer.,engineer, Mastering, now get out there and sell yourself. Great video, good information, but I am from the old days, a simpler time when it came to chasing your dream, back in the 80's I got close to being signed to Geffen records, these days, i feel like a small lost soul in a crowd of giants all shouting " hey look at me", listen to me, and i shout in my little mickey mouse voice" hey look over here, yeah down here, listen to me"...Making content, videos, shit i'm a songwriter,i think if i had a personality like David Lee Roth, or this guy in this video, i could pull it off, some of us can write 100 songs, i write a couple every week,but social media crap such a pain

[@MrEdsaunders]

Audio introverts are horrified to show face, you're great DK but drifts from this the main point. Otherwise why not turn 100 songs person directly onto to Nic D and his strategy when you're on about the production logistics etc. Big respect, E

[@theofficialvontae]

It’s stressing me out.. 😢

[@djangomclear_rocks]

Why didn't I just do this ...

[@DamianKeyes]

Because it’s hard haha!

[@mightbefire]

The problem with leaking a song is the video might be a hit and that might be your one chance. You might get a million views on tiktok and never see that success again, which is pretty common. In the meantime, not a single person listened to it on Spotify, because it wasn't released.

[@hrushikeshj8810]

I get what you mean! But would you say that the million views helps you get bigger gigs? Probably that helps you in the long run right?

[@mightbefire]

@@hrushikeshj8810 honestly, at this point, I don't think anything matters besides growing online. more views on social media, more high-quality streams on spotify. If I have a video blows up I want that online growth from it. THEN I get to go play awesome shows.

[@jj07164]

Sir a quick question I you know how to reach 1 mil followers why don't you do it yourself

[@DamianKeyes]

Great question! Music marketing/education is a tough niche to get reach, I have over 200k subs on KZbin which is no mean feat considering the topic of content - I’m not an artist myself, but I have a social media agency that works with artists over at dk-social.com. My background is I co-founded Europe’s largest music university called BIMM, I was a bass player and then that led me to KZbin 😊

[@Goldicatmusic]

I just realized what all this reminds me of. A few years ago, I was applying to PhD programs, and I got accepted at Oxford. So I went along to the welcome day for the people who were going to be on the program that year. There's maybe 15-20 of us. We sat through a little welcome speech etc…and then there was some “unstructured mingling time”. And they'd written on the blackboard three questions that we might ask one another in this “unstructured mingling time” 😆 they were hilarious… 1. Where did you go to university? 2. What's your proposed PhD title? 3. Have you been on holiday this year? 😆😆😆 I thought it was ludicrous. But the first person I talked to was like, “erm should we answer the questions then?” And started asking them in order 😆😆👀 That’s all to say maybe we've all just forgotten how to mingle because we've been in the depths of our DAWS for God knows how long? Maybe we just need to let people into our worlds a bit? Is that the essence of this? :) (I’m really asking I have no idea I literally have about 3 fans 🤓)