In our fifth and penultimate event of the series, Chris Cooke led the seminar with a panel of three industry professionals – Daniel Ayim (Founder of AGM Agency), Krish Kudhail (Marketing Manager at Platoon) and Leon Matthews (Video Director / DOP at Krown Media). These talented individuals came to share expert knowledge and experience on building a fanbase and becoming verified. Michael Amarteifio reports…
Chris Cooke began by speaking about the advantages of different social media platforms (mainly TikTok and Instagram). In a time like this, with such platforms available, artists are required to utilise and make the most of what they offer. In doing so, Chris speaks about the importance of fan data. What does fan data mean to you and your music? One way of discovering this is by posting a video to Instagram with ad spend (meaning that it goes on other users feeds). Start to monitor the number of people that are clicking on smart links and ask yourself if you notice a rise in streams etc. Delve into the data!
As the panel came to take their seats, they expanded on the importance of different platforms. With Krish stating that, “TikTok is whatever you make it.” She expressed that artists trying to build a fanbase should take full advantage of what TikTok offers. Daniel also spoke on the importance, saying that he believes all the platforms are beneficial, including Twitter.
Building a fanbase is definitely not an easy thing to do.
How do you create good visuals/ music videos on a low budget? Leon spoke about utilising and taking advantage of your mobile phone. He also mentioned the importance of building connections through collaborations with photographers and videographers.
Great knowledge about playlist pitching was also shared, with Daniel letting us know about the importance of networking, as well as Krish stating that you can go to events where possible editors will attend.
The come up:
Here is a brief rundown of the panelists’ journeys.
Daniel worked at various agencies, including a media agency. His brother founded Mixtape Madness (a music discovery and distribution platform) and Daniel decided to apply his knowledge from his previous experience to help build this platform. He then began working on brand partnerships, servicing acts like Digga D, SL etc. Daniel wanted to start his own agency for the marketing side of the industry, focusing on international markets.
Krish was in university and wanted to pursue a career in music. From looking on social media for music jobs, she managed to start working as a writer for MTV. She told the audience to ‘utilise your platforms’ as she then began writing for GRM Daily. Wanting to move from the journalism side to the marketing side, she started applying for internships which then gave her a job at Warner Music, Parlophone to now working with Platoon.
Leon began a channel called Krown Media on Youtube, looking up to people like Jamal Edwards and his SBTV channel. Around 2018, he reached out to GRM Daily and they helped him further build his portfolio as he then also started working with Mixtape Madness. Leon stated, “Chase the passion and creativity first, and then the money.”
Some important things to take away:
Daniel – “Data is powerful.”
Krish – “Utilise your platforms.”
Leon – “You can create good content from your phone.”
Make sure you come and join us at the next industry takeover on the 28th July.
Tickets are on sale here NOW starting at £5.
Words and photos by Michael Amarteifio
Michael is a music producer and team assistant at UD.
Follow him on Instagram.
