It is the best of times to become an artist…
It is the worst of times to stay an artist.
Music has never been more accessible or easy to create than now. However, it’s incredibly tasking to stand out in a sea of Mp3’s and playlists.
Here’s a list of 5 qualities that define great artists:
1) Songs
Whether they come from a team of writers or the artist, high-quality songs are needed to sustain an artist’s career. Essentially, songs act as the artist’s calling card, giving listeners an insight into their personal narrative. Billy Joel, a six-time GRAMMY winner and acclaimed songwriter, wrote songs that have gone further than his own name (“Piano Man”, “We Didn’t Start the Fire”, just to name a few). These hits have kept Joel in the spotlight and on the stage for decades. Sadly, many great talents go to waste due to the lack of compelling songs in their catalogue
2) Voice
While the powerful voices of artists like Beyoncé make the headlines, it’s the voices with distinct textures and character that are remembered. If an artist relies on busy vocal runs to further their legacy, they’ll simply be known as a one trick pony who lacks vocal dynamic. Brittany Howard, who fronts the GRAMMY-winning quartet Alabama Shakes, has cultivated a dynamic voice that has helped carry the band to stardom. Her powerful moments rouse audiences to cheers while her subtlety is savored like wine, thereby earning the support of stars like Adele and Russell Crowe. Ultimately, an artist needs to sing with the utmost conviction and self-awareness.
3) Fan Inclusion
Stardom definitely gives artists a tall platform, but it can also alienate them from their fans. Thankfully, social media outlets have made this barrier much easier to break for artists. From day one, GRAMMY- winning duo Twenty One Pilots have championed their fans, the “Skeleton Clique”, as honorary band members. With this relationship, the Ohio-based duo creates a culture where their concerts are conversational and their albums are personal journals. No matter how famous an artist is, fans need to know they’re valued for their support.
4) Image/Branding
An artist with an appealing, attention-grabbing image will experience fame for a while. Yet it’s the artist with a malleable image that will stand the test of time. Though he has always been a major pop heartthrob, Nick Jonas had to share the spotlight with his brothers for seven years. However, his collaboration with top Hip-Hop/R&B producers and Island Records helped Jonas stand on his own as a sleek, bold chart-topper. With a finely tuned image, artists not only define trends in music but also in fashion, film and television.
Nick Jonas – “Jealous (Gospel Version)” (Credit: YouTube)
5) Live Show
If an artist can’t bring an album’s energy to a live show, their career will be short-lived. Concerts are not only a consistent income stream but an opportunity for artists to intimately connect with their fans and gain new ones. From house shows to sold-out tours, The Lumineers have gripped their fans with rousing energy and beautiful storytelling. In fact, frontman Wesley Schultz often asks crowds to put their phones away at the show’s start, thereby enhancing the fans’ overall experience. An artist’s live show is crucial to gaining and maintaining a loyal fanbase.
Credit: Billboard
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