While formulating your plan for success, make sure that you have all sorts of trackable things that you can market. Major record labels aren't in the business of promoting musicians that don't have these sorts of solid numbers. These include online download numbers, independent record or song sales, online presence on popular industry websites and blogs, YouTube views, tours, etc.

kissmovies io endorsement from established artists is especially important. All these things not only work for you if you want to get signed, but these numbers work well for you as an independent artist, too.

Using Your Resources Strategically

One of the most important things to keep in mind while you're seeking success in music is to make sure you have another source of income to stay fed, have a roof over your head, and keep your bills paid. Having no money at all leads to stress that can interfere with your creativity. Not every artist has a benefactor to cover most or all of their expenses.

You need to learn to manage your resources, no matter how limited they may seem to you right now. In fact, the less you have to work with, the better you will learn to manage and make the best of what you have. It will teach you how to strategize how to turn each small bit into something bigger, a skill that will only work for you more as you gather more resources later on.

Keep Your Creative Drive and Vision

Your individual creativity is the ability that can set you apart as an aspiring unsigned hip hop artist. Find what sets you apart from everyone else and focus on that. There will be many moments where things will look to stall, so you need to keep that drive to prevent doubt from letting you become lazy and/or eventually give up.

Clearly defining your vision as an artist is how to keep that drive going. Overnight success is a myth. Be realistic and understand that trial and error is just a part of the game. By persistently finding what works best for you, you'll eventually find yourself develop into the artist you were always meant to become.

Make the Best Music You Can

Remember that industry success always begins with the music. You have to connect with your audience, or you aren't going to find any success in the music industry. Obviously, song promotion becomes a lot easier when the music is actually good. It's actually most important to study how strangers react to your music. Your friends and family will often say whatever they think will help, not necessarily what actually will. It's not easy, or everyone would be doing it. Attaining success can be such a thankless job, but eventually, you could be one of the lucky few that make it to the top of the hip hop music ladder.

Become a Master of Multitasking

Independent or not, at the end of the day, your success lies with you. Learning how to become a multitasking master or a great delegator of responsibilities is a major component of gaining success. Whether you look to sign or not, be persistent in your networking and find people that understand your brand as an artist. By having people on your team that are all on the same page, you can get a lot done, even with only having a handful of people. Promoting a music artist is hard work, but having your own team do it can make sure your vision and your product's message stays consistent.

Value Independence

While there are the rare few who find quick success by signing with a major label, remaining an unsigned artist and being independent is quite valuable. Nothing against labels, but when you sign with a label, you become immediately subject to their rules and whims. Staying independent as long as you can actually work in your favor. The more established you and your brand are, the more you will have control over long-term.

Develop Your Identity and Your Team

There is no one perfect recipe for success for independent recording artists. But one thing that always works is developing your identity as an artist and building your brand. Bringing together a professional team to build and develop your brand can eventually create music that can sell itself.

Work Hard and Be Humble and Realistic

Every success comes with a little bit of luck, and it's no different for unsigned musicians. Have a strong head on your shoulders and be humble and realistic. Don't give into trends or just mimic everyone else. Most of all, don't get an inflated ego. Work harder with your actions, not just with your words. And, of course, don't be a spammer when pushing your brand and music.

Balance Online Presence with Physical Presence

Having an online presence, both on websites and social media, is important. But nothing beats good old-fashioned networking and performances. Balancing the two successfully is how you create a loyal fan base. You can't just spam the Internet with links and hope people come see and listen to you.

Know the Business

Just because you wrote, performed, and produced a song doesn't mean that anyone owes you anything at all. You need to know how to sell tickets or some other product. Otherwise what venue or sponsors will want to have you? Music promotion as an independent artist can actually be done on a limited budget. But you still need to learn how to invest that money properly to build your music business. If you're not investing in your business, then your music is just a hobby.