Record some of your best songs. This is crucial for your success as a musician. You have to have demo songs for people to listen to online, on the radio or to distribute at your concerts. Go to a professional recording studio if you can afford it. A cheaper option is to record on your own using computer software. Whatever method you choose, make sure you produce quality recordings with comparable sound to what you hear on the radio.
Create an online presence. The Internet is the single most powerful way to reach a large audience with your music. Use easy tools like MySpace.com to build a customized Web page where people from all over the world can check out your band or solo work. The Web page should contain a biography, musical style comparisons, upcoming concert dates and information, music samples and contact information. Make sure to upload the best songs you have recorded to your profile page for everyone to hear your top material.
Play live shows regularly. Serious artists aspiring to make it big should play at least two concerts each month to build a fan base and sustain interest in their music. Perform at as many venues as possible around your home town. Once you have established yourself at home, focus on making connections in nearby cities and towns. Contact bands or venues in other cities and go on a mini tour after lining up consecutive shows in nearby areas.
Network and advertise your music at all of your live shows. Bring a mailing list sign-up sheet for people to receive group emails regarding upcoming shows and release dates. Mention your Web page to the audience during your performance. Hand out flyers before and after the show with links to your Web page. Take copies of your demo CD, mixtape, or album to sell at your concerts. Make an effort to mingle in the crowd after shows. You never know who might be in the audience. All these tactics will help you attract more fans to your music.
Send press kits to your local radio stations and record companies that specialize in your genre of music. Press kits should contain a demo CD with three or four of your best tracks, a biography, a photo, a link to your Web page, and any other interesting information about your music that might be appealing to disc jockeys and record executives. This is always a shot in the dark, but you have to take a chance if you want to get radio airplay or attention from a label.