The Journey To Breaking An Artist

There's something you need to know if you want to break as an artist.
It's not always the journey which you expect. Often artists believe that breaking means getting streams which end up having people follow you on Instagram and generating views on KZbin. The truth is, it just doesn't work like that.
In this video I outline exactly how it happens in each area and how they're interlinked.
Full diagram:
imgur.com/a/qNVSetr
---------------------- THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW -----------------
💻 WHO ARE WE?
We're a music marketing agency, working to ensure artists across the globe can promote their music effectively, securing fans, streams and followers. Learn how to grow your fanbase with modern marketing techniques used daily for artists at all levels in their career. Whether you're just about to release your debut song or you're a charting major label artist, our tips ensure every artist can get their music the exposure it deserves.
📲 FOLLOW US:
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Twitter: @BurstimoMusic
Facebook: @Burstimo
📚 OUR BLOG:
burstimo.com/unsigned-advice/
🎙️ OUR PODCAST:
open.spotify.com/show/2myDi0W...

[@Burstimo]

For artists looking to break quicker, Burstimo's Membership gives you access to Spotify playlist curators, A&Rs, Major industry opportunities, advanced tutorials for breaking an artist, contact databases and more: www.members.burstimo.co/membership

[@davidbeltranmx]

Would you advice your service for Latin Urban Artist?

[@YngHstlr]

5 years of no sleep and over 100 songs released, I have finally hit 10M+ streams organically (no paid advertising, no funding/label, no team) and made music my full time job. Whew, taking the long & slow route is a grind but feels so fkn rewarding. Excited to see the growth coming this year. Great video man 🤍

[@helenaveiga46]

I am proud of u man

[@empowermph]

..but you didnt link to your music? where's the proof? what's your schedule? strategy? you just bragged and dipped out lol

[@Yofish77]

@@empowermph click his profile and he has 2.4 million views accumulated here alone, I think that’s fair proof

[@ghettostarr249]

I'm interested to collab with different artists if you down dm me

[@UCCAWiditha]

That's amazing, we're proud of your hard work!

[@Cody_Rea]

Music first. It’s still all about the music. If you’re putting the necessary energy into making the music actually GREAT’, your image, your network, your visuals, your whole bubble will slowly but steadily expand. A music career is years of the first 75%, and then the last quarter can take 1 week or literally be overnight. And remember the pursuit of the contribution to the human body of music should be the goal; the craft itself. If that’s the goal, it will infect everyone you come across and you will be undeniable. Then you’re a time bomb.

[@k.p.bolden7329]

What do you consider great music? Because I love and create Free Jazz, Metal and Soul/R&B. I can tell you right now which genre people consider great and that depends on taste. R&B/Soul is most favored, Metal is 2nd and Free jazz is 3rd. Having Great music is very subjective because it all boils down to taste.

[@tommy2170]

it's not all about the music and it never has been. focus on everything else too. Obviously the music should be great, and you should still try to make great music you enjoy, but its not the only thing you need. telling yourself that success is inevitable because you make good music is simply delusional.

[@ibrahimabarry4937]

@@tommy2170 agreed. Why would artist go through the hassle of having a distinct aesthetic/look if it didn’t matter

[@SeanHassard]

I like this fucking guy ☝🏼

[@4everyonebutyou]

Been thinking about this for years just focus on the craft , better songs ,better mixes overall. I look back on the shit I used to make and compare it with now it’s like I flipped a switch but always know there’s room for improvement

[@3xAudio]

Motivation and consistency are the hardest parts. Gotta make sure you stay loving what you do

[@buddahwarlord109]

yep most definitely and a whole lot of money

[@thesuncollective1475]

So important..you..don't try to hard it could put you off

[@3xAudio]

@@thesuncollective1475 yep exactly. at least have a stable / flexible job maybe related to the music industry in some way to stay involved

[@spiritwritermusic4971]

Consistency on KZbin is a must. The most successful KZbinrs have scheduled content that drops the same day and time every week.

[@Longoflongoreal]

I would say mental health bec that’s the motor of any action

[@Dtachedkid]

Please bring that 1 hour video. I’ll watch it faithfully

[@ColdShoulderBand]

Same! I second this!

[@jay-leeofficialcctv]

yeah me to im here for that type of content

[@tollz7194]

Same my band just released our first song and it’s doing okay but nobody is really listening to it so I really hope they release that 1 hour video cuz I’ll sit down and watch the whole thing.

[@empowermph]

ditto

[@dustinmccrindle343]

@@tollz7194 send a Spotify link, I'll give you guys a listen. 😉😁

[@Prophet-hv6ut]

The first music marketing video where i didn't feel like I have to worry about IG or TikTok 🙏😭👏

[@ScottCruz]

Seriously!

[@gidd]

except you do....

[@ScottCruz]

@@gidd I think you missed his point.

[@empowermph]

..buuut....you do tho'

[@seddymusiclol]

hope whoever is watching this video gets a chance to get heard. keep it up guys you got this

[@espiica]

[@FractionalBruce]

The majority of echo going in to your mic will be coming from directly behind you. Popping something like a rug, a thick wool coat or throw, just behind where your head is will help massively ✌️

[@reelreedymusic3758]

We been grinding for 12 years; between multiple bands. As soon as we gain traction someone in the band quits. So me and my pa decided to go solo. Been a year so far and only have 51 subscribers. So, in reality, we have the patience for slow growth. Most bands take atleast 7 years to break. But no one talks about that. Thanks for making people aware!

[@CreatingShane]

Staying motivated to post new songs and dealing with depression is extremely difficult.

[@alfredyao.1337]

Dealing with depression by posting new songs 🤘 🤙

[@empowermph]

emo debbie downer..smoke bud..clean diet..start recording and releasing..dont bum everyone out, we all going thru it

[@teeaymusik9811]

The best musicians often have depression. Me sadly too and i feel stuck in all this problems and from this basis i have to build up my carrier. Kinda fucked up but there is no other way anyways because music is the only job for me.

[@elecssive9702]

I feel u bro

[@johnpaulyoung1956]

3:28 I’m with you brother.

[@gabrielpenner]

Very excited for the full video. This video, along with the diagram, alone has been MASSIVELY helpful! Thank you guys! as always, Alex, Maddie and the whole team, excellent work.

[@VictoriaWhitlock]

I was wondering where you guys were yesterday. This is the perfect video because I'm an impatient person.

[@Tyliquemusic]

I really needed this. I was really conflicted about where to go next.

[@SaintSamuel]

The diagram was super helpful. Thank for this great video! Really brought me up from some of the small things I've been down about lately. Looking forward to the one hour video!

[@ChrisGeden]

You’d be better off by having a hypercardioid/shotgun mic on a mic stand mounted overhead or use a lav mic rather than spending loads on acoustic panelling. Ideal if you can do both but the issue is the distance of the mic from the source and that it’s probably a camera mic.

[@thego-team5505]

I’ve loved all the videos I’ve seen from you guys. Thanks again

[@calebjamessmith5605]

This video is incredibly useful! Thank you guys so much for all the knowledge I learn every day from you! 🖤 you guys are the best

[@ayasafiya]

Wow really informative and I def needed this type of new perspective rn... I can't wait to watch the long video!

[@saintarj4552]

Man you are dropping gems, had me completely fascinated

[@mediaiweb]

Very true, it's hard to get IG fans to Spotify because Spotify wants to advertise for like 3 mins before they can hear your song which pisses the fans off especially if they are on the free spotify subscription.

[@vrrtvrrt5700]

That’s why your music should be available everywhere

[@mediaiweb]

@@vrrtvrrt5700 i just identify what DSP they use the most for instance, in Nigeria they use audiomack and boom play the most so I put that at the top on my SmartLink since that's my target audience and they do Spotify but in South Africa they do.in the UK and the US, they are beginning to use Deezer more now so I add that to my smart link then I add Spotify and the rest everywhere.

[@MoCityJones]

It’s great that you guys emphasized longevity

[@Tauramehtar]

Great content as always. The beard is looking sweet, my dude.

[@iberian4862]

Ngl, this is probably your most valuable video. Good job!

[@Chronade]

Thank you for making this video. I learnt a lot. I look forward to the detailed one! 🖤

[@DonTunji]

sick video, im trying to become an artist manager and be the best i can be for my artists, these videos really help. Thank you so much. cant wait for the extended version!!

[@shawnperry-qr7qg]

Extremely helpful. I'm a new artist and the chart plus your elaboration provides an effective course of action. Thank you!

[@worguchisom]

This has inspired me. I will have to look at it again and make my blue print of Music promotion plan and diagram from it.Thank you so much Burstimo!

[@soundslikewest]

amazing as always. your stuff has been a super helpful resource in my grind from 0 streams to 700k. cheers

[@kanyekubrick5391]

I’m exited for the follow up video. Thank you

[@jordanbaker1991]

Thank You!!!! Please do more visual boards because us Visual learners need those!

[@naitsavesmusic]

Such an amazing walkthrough, really makes everything clearer for my debut as an artist this year. You know, I was all about "I should post this, and guide my fans to KZbin or Spotify" and that way grow those platforms' fanbase. But it looks it won't work that way lol. Thank you!

[@KeSTineIRL]

Great video looking forward to the longer video 👏🏾👏🏾

[@geraniumdrive]

Its great to see a visual example to help explain how all the platforms work. Im still a bit unsure of how much weight radio holds because a single play on radio usually reaches many people, while one stream is usually going to reach one person. Would really like to hear more of your thoughts on sharing music via word of mouth; networking with the industry face to face and at shows.

[@zionherbert]

This is amazing. Excited for the longer video

[@xsfroger]

Amazing! Can't wait for the long version!

[@AngeeWINGS]

This is the best summary of how breaking in the music industry !!! BRAVO

[@joshuathomas24112k]

Thanks for this ❤️. We missed u guys

[@KeneHimself]

This is very insightful. Can't wait for the longer one.

[@TheSonicUniverse]

Thanks so much for this video. Been doing this for many years. I’m still in the first stage of your chart though. But I love music so much, I’ll be doing it forever no matter which part of the chart I’m currently in. 😆

[@imlskr]

I have not seen a single video from Burstimo that wasn't helpful, you guys rock!!!

[@BenniHunnit]

This video was the perfect Birthday gift, thank you!

[@auditymusic6682]

Great video! Sounding better already with the acoustic panels. Try to put a high pass filter though. Your mic is awesome but it's picking up a lot of frequencies under 120ish hz making it super boomy on my monitors. Keep it up!

[@ScottCruz]

This basically laid out exactly what I was doing wrong. Such a great help!

[@haidarbuldan2514]

That chart is amazing. I wonder how long it took for you to make it. It summarizes so much processes at work. Many different variables that interconnect which lead to different outcomes. Great work and thanks for the amazing content.

[@undeadpresident]

That is a good diagram. Helps make things more clear. Thank you.

[@anamarsproductions360]

hope we get the long video soon!! very excited

[@BackwardsGrass]

Thanks for this! This video was really informative!

[@RajBeats]

Excellent breakdown. Thanks a lot for this man

[@zaagomusic]

Can’t wait for the more in-depth version!

[@folksfromny325]

Thank you because I'm an artist and I'm gaining followers on spotify and monthly listeners but they are not going to my IG or KZbin and now I have a better understanding I have to keep going

[@CyanBlackflower]

You guys are great, and seem to provide accurate and useful info. There is just one point I'm a bit confused about, and that is the use of the term "Stream" as it is used here AND in particular, when talking about KZbin. I get the impression it may be interchanged or confused with "Plays" or "Views". To me the distinction is that Streams are coming in to you either live or in realtime via a pre- made list, while the others are activated when you choose to click on a video you see on the menu, that is NOT "Streaming" at the moment live. I wish this distinction was made more clear apparent - not only here but generally across the board. Definitions are becoming ever more vital, in that we are ALL on the same page when discussing various topics rather than just assuming everyone shares the same definitions.

[@soypablorios]

Excellent guys! Thank you!

[@BobbiHustles]

This video was great! Thank you so much for the info

[@LeonRosenSF]

I think you nailed it. Insta can pop very early but can stagnate. Live shows are basically a joke until you are well known enough to use live shows to meet a new audience. TikTok - its pretty much hype. TikTok doesn't do anything for anybody. 100% luck of the draw.

[@davidbeltranmx]

I make all my music money from live shows/parties it basically funds all my videos and marketing. Don't sleep on live shows starting out.

[@spiritwritermusic4971]

Twitter and Facebook a waste of time? I only recently started tweeting again and I actually like the platform quite a bit. Thank you for this video. I’m looking forward to your longer video!

[@biancabeavis7198]

You guys are so awesome!! Just wanted you to know that.

[@nobodys.shapeshifter]

This is one of the best videos you guys have put out. It really gives a view of the bigger picture. I'm at the 10k mark for streams and I was planning on releasing a music video exclusively on KZbin, and a 1 min "behind the scenes" video cut for IG released the same day. It looks like you are saying this will not be an effective way to grow our KZbin at this stage of growth. Should I just release the music video directly to IG?

[@Burstimo]

Unless your narrative of the BTS is super strong, where people say "wow that story was so good I just have to see how the end product came out like", then you won't get people across to KZbin. I don't discourage BTS content, documenting is great when making it for yourself and to add depth to you as an artist, so I encourage it if anything but it should be for you to look back on and for those to see when you eventually break. I'd upload the music vid to both YT and IG and upload the BTS but with low expectations on reach and conversions.

[@TusharRaj]

I just crossed 200k on Spotify, got on a Editorial Playlist and 100k on my debut single! Thanks for all the advice!

[@tevvmusic]

I loved this video! I would love to see you review how certain artists (Martin Garrix, Kungs, Ariana Grande) broke using this format.

[@Prophet-hv6ut]

This gave me such a breath of relief Alex. I just hit 100k streams last week but it didn't even feel exciting because I know my save rate is abysmally low and I only have 700 followers on IG. I kept waiting for the crossover to happen but it just doesn't. This was definitely a boost of confidence for me

[@moritzvoneschersheim]

What do you count as streams? 100K on spotify over all releases? Or 100K all plattforms combines?

[@Prophet-hv6ut]

@@moritzvoneschersheim 100k on Spotify. I dont have that many streams on Apple Music so I don't usually count them

[@spiritwritermusic4971]

Congratulations on breaking 💯K!!! I’m going to follow you on IG and boost you up to 701 followers 😉

[@spiritwritermusic4971]

OfficialProphet, in your about section in KZbin you don’t list your IG account or any other social media platforms. It may be hard for your fans to find you. I couldn’t find you on IG.

[@spiritwritermusic4971]

After visiting your KZbin about tab, I noticed that I didn’t update my own about tab to include my social media links! 😳🤔😂 So I took my own advice and updated my about information. If you get a chance check out my about tab and see if it inspires you to include any additional details in your about tab. Let me know if you think I should include anything else. Thank you for your comment and it helped me out!

[@ArryJen]

Thank you for this guys❤️❤️

[@Adegail_]

I loved this! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and I agree that IG is the hardest but I’ve definitely seen music growth by using Instagram as a main platform! Looking forward to the longer video!

[@return4570]

Excellent video. I am having to watch this 3-4 times to fully understand the ramifications, but it's REALLY solid info. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm guessing the power of WOM remains the same, but would you say that it's pretty much the same picture in 2024 for the online stuff? With all the algorithm updates, and new features that have been added to the platforms since?

[@luisfarias134]

Subbed! Great topic and content!

[@Yace]

Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@maraya707]

Awesome video! Thank you

[@desubeats]

addictive sound have very good, affordable panels. in the mean time just use a dereverb. the point about using a (hyper)cardiod is also useful, since they tend to pick up less ambient noise (reflections off walls, fan noise, whatever) helpful video

[@colepryor8651]

Definitely in the beginning you gotta work on them all individually it looks like!

[@LX____]

Your video is great. Please don't put so much advertising in the middle in the future, it brings you out full. Rather at the beginning & at the end. Otherwise, everything top and I'm looking forward to the new videos. You have my subscription :)

[@drydessert4198]

There are 2 tutorials how to build cheap acoustic panels on the channel "DIY Perks". Meanwhile, you can use a plugin to remove reverb (like from accusonus).

[@kindifrey6957]

Thank you so much man!

[@marbrolite5814]

this is super good, don't skip

[@chrizeecry]

THANKS FOR THE TIPS AND INSIGHT

[@dancingpineapple2854]

Where were you guys? 😭Can you also do a live Q&A, I have lots of questions and last time none of mine were answered 🥺🙏🏼

[@Burstimo]

We'll do a live Q&A soon! Maybe on KZbin to change things up. UK Lockdown has definitely slowed down our content filming opportunities, but we have lots of big things planned post-lockdown!

[@tommyflynnmusic]

Incredible video thank you so much

[@afrosensei5308]

I'm not sure what's really taking off for me right now. From Spotify to KZbin to IG and Tik Tok, it just seems to be little trickles everywhere.

[@gochurra5702]

Great work !

[@BillyGaze817]

I’m taking notes on this!

[@calebwilloughby9242]

This is very good. Thanks so much.

[@yourboylb]

Great video, the secret tho: money. I generated 250k streams and over 100k on youtube last year, cost me $15,000 in legitimate marketing. Why ppl need labels, or to deal drugs, freaking expensive man.

[@ShotsMerkzAll]

Nah you’re capping, you don’t have many views or streams at all I highly doubt you put 15k in

[@Taine0_]

not possible

[@MajorProductionEntertainment]

I Appreciate The information I Really Found Alot of The Information Useful

[@jay-leeofficialcctv]

respect for doing this shorter videos it was really helpful really looking foward to the hour long video

[@Obee74]

Very helpful video 👍🏾

[@handbookofmagic]

Such a great vid!

[@eddieaugustin3811]

Any idea when that longer video will be dropping?!? ♥️

[@neontown5920]

Love this! Thanks ♥️

[@cyclo-flo5786]

@Burstimo great content. However, I have 2 questions: Firstly, for artists on a limited budget looking to get their first 100,000 streams, do you advise they stick to actively promoting on just one channel, or spread thinly across all social media channels? Also, when you talk about streams, are you using the term in a generic manner as it pertains to each social media platform? Because for example, 100,000 KZbin views don't equal 100,000 streams. Thanks!

[@vell__98]

Can’t wait for the follow up video 🔥

[@GoingMarco]

I find it interesting the emphasis on word of mouth. Just personally I have never fallin in love with an artist/song based on someone elses suggestion unless it was a band that inspired one of my already favorite bands. I would almost argue that a platform like Tik Tok is the new word of mouth, because a song goes viral on there, gets reposted on IG, goes viral on there and next thing you know people are streaming and adding your song to playlist on spotify/tidal/apple.. I've seen a handful of artists literally go from nothing to 100m streams on a song because of Tik Tok..

[@lucasasselmeier7825]

In all businesses: Never assume you consume your product the same way as your target audience. The tastemakers of any genre share music through word of mouth. All those constantly looking for good music in a new genre share with their friends

[@lucasasselmeier7825]

TikTok isn’t a replacement to marketing, it’s an addition. It makes sense to use as many tools that you can optimize. The major platforms are important

[@daannevels18]

Would love to see that one hour video!

amazing video. So relevant

[@Rangnahan48]

I will gladly sit through a 1 hour video 🔥

[@TheBeatBrothersBand]

Great stuff!!

[@FeliMoschos]

Hey!! We are waiting for the long version video!!

[@demisemedia]

My music has doing best on KZbin & word of mouth/cd sales on the streets back in 2014 lol I've only had my music up on Spotify, AppleMusic, iTunes, etc. for a year now and it's on some random playlists but hasn't grown too much yet! Gonna keep putting new music out!!

[@smashville7303]

great video and information, the first 1k subs is so hard to get, I think my personal experience I make instrumental music because I'm not a rapper or singer its hard to get exposure when there is no hooks or vocals on a track, so my question is as an indie artist how can I maximize my exposure as a beat maker besides working with other artist so I can keep all my royalties ?

[@ImDannyKosmo]

Any advice for an artist starting out with strong content and a devoted but small fan base? Where should we focus our energy? lol

[@BoitempleNG]

Yes bro

Thanks for this 🚀

[@snakedrux]

the video I didn't know I needed :D

[@BrysonPrice]

Thank you I enjoyed this and look forward you the future videos , even if they are 45 min long 😂