In an industry where thousands of talented artists release music daily, how do you stand out? How do you build a brand that's not just visible but memorable? And how do you do it authentically in a world of curated feeds and algorithmic pressures?

In this episode of Music Explored, we sit down with Desarae Dee to unpack the intersection of artistry, branding, and social media strategy. Whether you're an emerging artist trying to find your voice or an established musician looking to deepen your connection with fans, these insights are gold.

Why Branding Matters More Than Ever

Let's start with a hard truth: your music is only half the equation. The other half? How people perceive you, remember you, and ultimately, choose to support you.

Branding isn't about becoming someone you're not—it's about clarifying who you are so people can connect with the real you. In a digital landscape where attention spans are measured in seconds, your brand is what makes someone stop scrolling and actually listen.

The Three Pillars of Artist Branding

Social Media: Platform Strategy That Actually Works

Let's address the elephant in the room: social media can feel like a full-time job. And if you're trying to be everywhere at once, it pretty much is. The key isn't doing everything—it's doing the right things strategically.

The Content Strategy That Doesn't Burn You Out

Here's the secret many successful artists have figured out: you don't need to create unique content for every platform every day. You need a content multiplication strategy.

Building Community, Not Just Audience

There's a crucial distinction between having an audience and having a community. An audience consumes your content. A community invests in your success.

How to Build Real Community

• Respond to comments and DMs - Even just a like or emoji shows you're paying attention
• Create opportunities for participation - Polls, Q&As, collaborative playlists, fan-submitted content
• Share your process, not just your product - People connect with the journey, not just the destination
• Acknowledge your supporters publicly - Feature fan content, give shoutouts, celebrate milestones together
• Be vulnerable and human - Perfection is intimidating. Authenticity is relatable.

The Metrics That Actually Matter

Follower count is a vanity metric. What actually matters:

Common Mistakes Artists Make (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Treating Social Media Like a Billboard

If every post is "new song out now, go stream it," you're not building relationships—you're shouting into the void. The 80/20 rule applies: 80% value, connection, and entertainment; 20% promotional content.

2. Comparing Your Chapter 1 to Someone Else's Chapter 20

That artist with 100K followers? They probably started years ago with zero. Focus on your own growth trajectory, not someone else's highlight reel.

3. Chasing Every Trend

Not every trend is for you. Participate in trends that align with your brand. Skip the ones that feel forced. Authenticity always wins long-term.

4. Neglecting Your Email List

Social media platforms can change their algorithms overnight. Your email list? That's yours forever. It's the most valuable audience-building tool you have.

5. Posting Without Strategy

Random sporadic posts don't build momentum. Consistent strategic content does. Even posting 3x per week with intention beats daily random posts.

The DNA Project Perspective: What We've Learned

After 1,000+ events and years of working with musicians across genres, we've seen firsthand how artists with strong personal brands create more opportunities, command higher fees, and build sustainable careers.

The artists who succeed aren't always the most technically skilled. They're the ones who know how to connect, who understand their unique value, and who show up consistently with authenticity.

Whether you're building your artist brand or curating entertainment for events, the principles are the same: authenticity, consistency, and genuine connection create magic.

Action Steps You Can Take Today

Resources for Deeper Learning

• Content Creation: Canva for graphics, CapCut for video editing
• Scheduling: Later or Planoly for Instagram, Buffer for multi-platform
• Analytics: Native platform insights plus third-party tools like Iconosquare
• Community Building: Discord or Patreon for super-fan engagement
• Email Marketing: Mailchimp or ConvertKit for building your list

Final Thoughts

Building an authentic artist brand isn't about manipulation or becoming someone you're not. It's about clarifying who you are, sharing that consistently, and building genuine connections with people who resonate with your artistry.

Social media is just a tool—a powerful one, but a tool nonetheless. The real magic happens when you use that tool to amplify your authentic self, share your journey, and create community around your music.

Your voice matters. Your story matters. And in a crowded digital landscape, the artists who succeed are the ones who dare to be genuinely themselves.

Music Explored is a podcast that explores the careers, creative processes, and business strategies of music industry professionals. Each episode offers actionable insights for artists, creators, and anyone interested in the music business.