SoundCloud is one of the trendiest places an up-and-coming musician can be right now! It is one of the largest audio streaming platforms on the internet. It has given many artists the push they needed to skyrocket their careers. Artists like Post Malone, XXXTENTACION, Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, Juice WRLD, Lil Pump, and Lil Yachty are some of the names who got noticed by the industry after they got viral on SoundCloud. Billie Eilish is another name whose song went viral on the platform, and her fame skyrocketed after that!
Why SoundCloud matters!
So, SoundCloud is one of those platforms that represent not just artistic vision but freedom. If you are a new aspiring artist, it can be your ideal platform to get some exposure and experiment to see what your audience likes. This is also the place where you can freely be yourself and engage with the listeners more intimately. Even if you are a seasoned musician, SoundCloud can give your music the push it needs to gain fame and recognition.
However, getting noticed on such a big platform is not easy for anyone. There is just so much competition and too many struggling artists. At the same time, it also does not mean that your chance will never come. With hard work and passion, you can also reach the heights. You just need to know the tricks, and creating a compelling bio and a cover art is a very big part of it. Let’s get into it and understand how you can craft these like professionals.
Crafting a compelling artist bio
The hardest part of writing a bio as a musician is not knowing how to start or what you are dealing with. A bio is the first impression of you on your listeners. If they like your song, they would want to know more about you, and when they want to know more about you, they would hit your SoundCloud bio. A bio is a short paragraph about yourself that describes who you are as a person and as a musician. It gives readers a glimpse into your character and connects you more intimately to the listeners.
As mentioned above, not knowing where to start can be a big headache if you are trying to write a bio. Here are some questions that you need to ask yourself to be able to start -
Who inspires you?
What is the type of your music?
How would you introduce yourself? Are you just starting out in music production, or do you see yourself as a composer?
What kind of content are you sharing on SoundCloud? Think of EPs, albums, mixes, or remixes.
When people hit play on your tracks, what should they expect? Is your style verbal, nonverbal, rap, or something unique?
What are you working on right now? Are you recording, producing, or dropping new tracks on SoundCloud?
Which other social media platforms can listeners find you on?
Do you showcase your music on any other streaming or broadcast platforms?
How to write an effective bio for SoundCloud?
Engaging intro - A strong musician bio is your first chance to make an impression on new visitors, so it is worth getting it right. It can turn casual listeners into fans while showing people who you are and what you stand for. Think of it as introducing yourself to someone who has never met you or heard your music. The tone you use matters just as much as the story you tell.
Include background info - Include key background details like your musical history in your bio, but keep it brief and engaging. Avoid long paragraphs that may lose a reader’s attention. Write in third person, as this makes your bio clear, professional, and better for search engine optimization. It also helps media outlets, bloggers, and even venues, since they can easily copy and paste your bio when featuring you. This approach keeps your profile accessible and effective.
Music description - While your fans already know your music, bloggers or journalists may not. So, include a short description of your sound. Even if it is hard to pin down your genre, use familiar words that give people an idea of what to expect. This helps readers connect and want to listen. Also, highlight what you are currently doing with your music. Share the most relevant and recent projects or achievements to keep your bio fresh and engaging.
Achievements and career highlights - This is when you have to think about everything you have achieved so far in your music career. Did you ever play at a music festival or open a successful music band? Or have you ever been nominated for an award? Make a list of every worthy achievement and then pick two or three achievements from the list. Make sure the selected ones are your most impressive achievements, too. Here, you can also include something that you are currently working on, as it will show you as an active artist.
Media quotes - Adding a quote from a reviewer can bring authority to your musician bio. It shows that others are speaking about your music in a professional way. The quote could come from a venue owner, a fellow musician, a review of your album, or coverage in the media. Use it to highlight your latest track or accomplishments. If you do not have one yet, keep it in mind and ask professional contacts for a testimonial later.
Creating an eye-catching cover art -
Having a charismatic cover art for your SoundCloud profile is essential for people to notice you. Just like the artist bio, your cover art on the platform also indicates how seriously your audience should take you. This is also often the first impression the potential fans will have of your music. This makes it crucial for the cover art to stand out.
Understanding the importance of cover art -
The cover art seems to be the visual representation of your music. It generally captures your artistic vision as well as conveys the mood or theme for the music. Here is why you should invest time and effort into making your cover art stand out -
Even if it is music, the first impression through pictures or visuals matters. When you have a well-designed and professional-looking cover picture, it can intrigue the viewers to listen to your music.
Creating unique artwork and following the pattern consistently helps artists build a brand that people instantly recognize.
Many people still might not agree, but social media creates a big impact on how artists become successful these days. So, if you have eye-catching visuals as your covert art on the platform, they are more likely to be shared on different social media platforms, increasing your reach and visibility as a musician.
What are the key elements in the cover art?
There are some important elements that need to be considered when you are selecting the cover art for your SoundCloud profile. Such as -
Imagery -
Always use high-quality graphics, illustrations, or pictures when you are making the cover art for your SoundCloud profile. This represents the essence of your music and shows how professional you are as an artist. If you want to stand out from the crowd, you can also use abstract illustrations or designs to entice listeners.
Color scheme -
Everything that goes into the covert art has to convey the same vibe and mood your music does. So, choose a color palette that goes well with your songs. If your music is energetic, you can use bold and bright colors since they convey liveliness. On the other hand, if your music is on the deeper side of emotions, you can opt for dark or monotone colors.
Typography -
When it comes to font, use clear fonts that are easy to read and align perfectly with your music. You can surely experiment with different sizes or placements to make the title of the art pop more.
When you are creating the cover art for your SoundCloud profile, you are not just going for the aesthetics. You are virtually representing your music, conveying its identity. So make sure every little thing aligns with the vibe your music carries.
If you are unable to craft the bio or take the perfect cover picture, you can take help from professionals. Since these are crucial for your identity as an artist, not just on SoundCloud, but overall on the internet, a professional can help in ways you cannot imagine!
