Artist Introduction & Self-Understanding

But wait, before we even talk about introductions, we first need to ask: 

Are you ready? 

Do you even know yourself as an artist? 

Before I start I would like to give you a little Story, my personal experience:

Someone wrote me and this is actually not the first time recieving those messages: 

"Hi Sunny, Am blessed having you around me but am not happy when I tag you on my post on TikTok and you don't reacts to the post. You do it for my other friends in the music industry. I feel like bringing your attention on it because I feel so bad if I tag you on a post and you don't repost...

- This is a balance between kindness with complaint, but its feels off because the person is telling me how I “should” behave.

- Comparing to other Artist and what i repost or not.. i don't know.

👉Oh and for those who don't know me: I have a beautiful platform on Tik Tok and i do promo for them on the platform, because i love supporting Artist. I know what it takes to be in the music industry. The musicfam is coming together and im really thankful for the beautiful support and understanding for what i do. 

But in some cases people might dont understand and like in this case, i see it as a no go. Why:

I am not just supporting anyhow, i support MUSIC, i support the movement and workflow.

What does it mean:

I watch Artist, I listen to the quality, I support messages, i support the energy, i support kindness and respect.

Thats what i also protect on the platform. Any bad language isnt allowed and definitly we say no to disrespect.

The reasons why i don't support can be many an to figure out what it could be, the best way is to ask and not assume. 

What do you think about this message? 

I want to use this example to talk about expectations and support on social media.

I tag so many people on social media myself. And yes ’m always happy if I get a reaction, But if not, I don’t read too much into it, because why should I?

Maybe the person didn’t see it, maybe they were busy, maybe they just didn’t like it. 

In most cases for me, I honestly cant even see all the tags, because there are so many posts daily. It’s not even possible to keep up.

So today, I want to talk exactly about that: the difference between asking for support in a respectful way versus expectations and demanding it. 

If you are someone who also comes around in this way, i would like you to give you an idea how you can maybe reset and dont think to much into it and for you to be able to do this start asking the right questions:

Something like:

"Greetings, i guess you are very busy and i just wanted to know, did you hear my song already or did you see some of my videos on social media? can you just let me know how you feel about it? 

It Sound different right and this gives someone a way to react professional. Because to be honest, i will not start explaining to everyone who i didnt repostet yet, why not. 

Always keep in mind, someones action or reaction might be because of other reasons, not based on some assumptions.

Try to make life easier for you... we dont need extra stress or negative thoughts. Especially in our creative world.

Who are you?

You know, a lot of artists want to jump straight into the spotlight.

They’re like, “Yo, I need a manager, I need a promoter, I need fans right now!”

But wait, hold on! Before you even think about introducing yourself to the world, you gotta take one big step back

and ask: Do you actually know yourself as an artist?

Let me tell you a quick story. I once had a young artist who sent me his demo. His friends told him, “Bro, you sing nice!” And yeah, he really wasn’t bad. But when I asked him, “Okay, who are you as an artist? What’s your style? What makes you different?” … silence. He didn’t know. Because friends will hype you up, but your friends are not the music industry.

👉 That’s why the first question is: Do you really have the talent? 

And talent doesn’t mean you sing in your bathroom and your auntie claps for you.

Talent means: You record yourself, you test it out, you go to an open mic, you put yourself out there

and you see how real people respond.

👉 Now let’s say you do have talent. Here comes the second question: 

Are you mentally prepared for the journey?

Because trust me, this industry is no joke. It takes time, money, and a lot of patience. You’ll hear “no” a hundred times before you hear “yes.” Are you strong enough for that?

👉 Next question: What makes you different? 

Look around, there are thousands of artists dropping songs every single day. If you sound just like everyone else,

why should anyone stop to listen?

👉 And last but not least: Who inspires you, and how can you make it your own? 

Lets say your inspiration is a well known artist. That’s cool! But if you just copy his/her style, people will be like: “Why should I listen to you if someone is already out there i know?”

Instead, take your inspirations energy and mix it with your roots or your own life story. That’s when magic happens.

💡 Sunny’s Tip: Sit down and write 3 words that describe you as an artist. Keep it simple.

For example: energetic / storytelling / real

That’s your foundation. That’s who you are before you introduce yourself to anybody.

Practice: Getting Better

Alright, so let’s say you do have talent.

Nice! But here’s the truth: talent without practice is like having a Ferrari without gas it looks good, but it’s not going anywhere.

I remember one rapper who told me, “Sunny, I don’t need to practice, I’m naturally gifted.”

And guess what? He froze the first time he went live. Why? Because talent without practice is just raw potential, it needs shaping.

👉 So here are the real questions:

• Do you have an instrument? Even a simple keyboard or guitar can take your music to the next level.
• Can you practice with others who actually understand music? Collaboration sharpens your skills.
• Can you freestyle or record demos regularly?

👉 Example 1: If you’re a rapper, go live once a week on any of your social media platforms and give a freestyle.

Even if only two people watch, hey, that’s two people who now know your name or even getting to know you and in the best cae, they love what you do and follow up on your future content. And more importantly, you’re training yourself for the bigger stage.

👉 Example 2: If you’re a singer, link up with a guitarist, record acoustic versions of your songs, and post them on TikTok. People love raw, real vibes. And even if you dont have someone around at the moment, still record a Video just simply singing.

💡 Sunny’s Tip: Don’t just stay locked up in your room, singing to your mirror. Put yourself out there.

The more you practice in public even if it’s a small audience, the faster you grow into the artist you want to be.

I’m Ready for the World

Now you’ve practiced. You’re confident. You’re ready to step outside. But here’s the big question: 

How do you introduce yourself?

Its a very important topic right here and i get to realize that a lot dont even feel like putting the energy or understanding into this. Take some notes of the examples i give you and i think you should look deeper into the elevator pitch. 

I’ll tell you a funny one. I get messages every day like: “Sunny, check my music. Support my song. Share it.” 

And honestly? That’s spam. It doesn’t make me curious, it makes me click delete.

👉 Bad Example: “Hey, check my song. Share my music.”
👉 Good Example: “Hey, I’m [Your Artist Name]. I make (Your Genre: Afro-soul, Pop, RnB..) music. My music is about real struggles, experiences and motivation.”

See the difference?

Which one would you rather respond to?

But the most important and i really want you to understand that part: it’s not just about you. It’s about respect in our dpings. Let me give you an example:
“Hey Sunny, I saw the way you support artists on TikTok and the content you’ve been creating, I really love your work.”
Before the artist is even tell me about their music, This artist actually  checked my work and understands my effort and shows the respect. 

👉 That’s the difference between someone who just wants something and someone who actually builds connections.

💡 Sunny’s Tip: Your introduction isn’t just “Me, me, me.” It’s also, “I see you, I respect you, and here’s how I fit in.” 

Music is a community you don’t win by standing alone, you win by connecting with people and showing love for what they do too.

Elivator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a short, clear introduction of yourself that you can deliver in the time it takes to ride an elevator, usually 30–60 seconds. Imagine you standing with the big boss of a Label or anyone important who can open dorrs in the music industry... The goal is to quickly explain 

Who you are

What you do

and why it matters in a way that grabs attention.

An elevator pitch is not begging for support (“check my song”), it’s about presenting your

identity,

music style

and story in a way that makes people curious.

💡 Why It Matters

• People in the music industry (producers, promoters, fans, journalists) hear hundreds of “check my music” messages every day.
• A good pitch makes you stand out because it shows you respect their time and you know your own value.
• It opens the door for real conversations and collaborations instead of sounding like spam.

🔑 What to Include in Your Elevator Pitch

1. Who you are – “I’m [Your Name].”
2. What you create – your genre or sound.
3. What your music stands for – struggles, motivation, vibes, culture, etc.
4. Your bigger vision – building community, spreading love, bringing something unique.

👉 Example:
"I’m [Artist Name], I make Afro-soul music that blends African rhythms with modern storytelling. My songs are about real struggles and motivation, and my goal is to connect people through music that speaks to their everyday life."

After All: What’s Next?

Okay, so now people know you. You’ve introduced yourself right. 

You’re getting a little attention. But here’s the mistake most new artists make: they stop. 

They think one song is enough (being a bit extreme...)

Let me be real: this industry doesn’t reward “one-hit-and-quit.” 

You need consistency and growth.

👉 Example 1: Don’t just drop one song and disappear for a year. Plan it out. Maybe release one single every three months, with visuals, with a story, with promotion. Let people expect you.

👉 Example 2: Use social media to keep people engaged between songs. Behind-the-scenes clips, freestyle moments, short stories about your lyrics. Keep the connection alive.

Because here’s the thing: music isn’t just about talent, it’s about building trust. When fans know you’ll always show up, they’ll stick with you.

💡 Sunny’s Tip: Remember, you’re not just an artist, you’re also building your career.

Your music is the product out of passion, realness, storytelling and building connections to the listeners who connect with your craft. Stay consistent. Keep learning. Keep growing.

Team Building: Building Your Circle of Support

One of my favorite topics and something I’ve learned working with many companies and artists over the years:

No Team, No Movement.

You can have the best ideas, the most talent, or the strongest vision, but if you don’t have the right people around you, nothing really moves forward. I’ve seen it countless times:

• A solo artist with incredible songs, but no one helping with promotion or logistics, progress is slow, energy drains fast.
• A company with a great product, but internal chaos, decisions get stuck, opportunities pass by.
• People trying to “do it all” alone and burning out before their vision even takes flight.

A team doesn’t just make work easier, it multiplies impact. When each person knows their role, communicates clearly, and contributes their energy and skill, movement happens almost effortlessly.

As an artist, you might think it’s just about the music, but here’s the truth: your team can make or break your career. 

A strong team amplifies your talent, helps you reach the right audience, and protects your brand. 

A weak team? It can slow you down, distract you, or even damage your reputation.

Building a team isn’t just about hiring people who say they can help, it’s about observing, testing, and understanding who is truly aligned with your vision.

• Ask yourself: Do they communicate clearly with each other?
• Do they solve problems without constant supervision?
• Are they respectful of each other’s roles and contributions?

💡 Example: You have a videographer, a social media manager, and a stylist. If they argue constantly or drop tasks without telling anyone, your project will suffer, even if you’re not present. You need a team that can perform efficiently together, independently.

Evaluate Their Work Ethic

Talk is cheap. Some people are full of ideas and energy but don’t actually deliver. You need hard-working, consistentpeople.

• Do they meet deadlines?
• Do they follow through on promises?
• Can they stay calm under pressure?

💡 Example: Your manager says they will schedule your live shows and coordinate with brands. But if you constantly have to chase them or redo their work, it’s a sign they are not reliable. A trustworthy team member takes initiative and follows through without constant supervision.

Test for Trustworthiness

Your career is your business. The people around you may have access to your songs, strategies, contacts, or even finances.

• Can you trust them to protect confidential information?
• Are they honest about challenges or mistakes?
• Do they respect boundaries?

💡 Example: You share a demo with your producer. Do they handle it professionally or do they leak it before release?

Trust is non-negotiable in your team.

Observe Their Motivation

Some people join a team for personal gain, fame, quick money, or networking. Others join because they genuinely believe in your talent and want to see you grow.

• Are they supportive even when no one is watching?
• Do they celebrate progress, not just results?
• Are they patient when growth takes time?

💡 Example: A social media manager who only posts viral trends without understanding your music is doing the work for clout, not for you. A real team member aligns with your vision, even if the immediate rewards are small.

Clear Roles and Communication

Each team member must know their responsibilities and understand your expectations.

• Define roles: Who handles content, promotion, logistics, finances, etc.?
• Set clear communication standards: How often do they report progress?
• Encourage feedback loops: Everyone should feel heard and respected.

💡 Tip: Even if you’re independent, a small team can achieve more than you alone, but only if each person knows their role, communicates openly, and works with integrity.

And never forget how important a timetable is. Understanding who is doing what in which time

Timetable: The Secret Behind Smooth Teamwork

One thing I’ve learned in working with artists, creatives, and companies: knowing each other’s time is everything.

You can have the best team in the world, but if you don’t understand each other’s availability, progress can slow down your progress.

Think about it like this: you have a videographer who needs to edit your music video. If you don’t know their schedule, it’s impossible to realistically plan when the project will be finished.

• Does the videographer have two full days to work on it?
• Or maybe just four hours per day spread over a week?
• Or even once a week for two hours?

Each scenario drastically changes your project timeline. When you know how much time each person can dedicate, you can calculate a realistic deadline, avoid stress, and prevent last-minute chaos.

A timetable isn’t just a calendar, it’s a map for your team’s workflow.

It helps everyone understand:

• How long tasks might take in total.
• When dependencies exist (e.g., editing can only start after filming).
• Where to adjust if someone’s schedule changes.

Without this clarity, even the most talented team can feel stuck. Tasks pile up, communication breaks down, and energy drops. But with a clear timetable, everyone moves together, expectations are set, and the project actually flows.

So next time you start a project, you need to take a moment to ask your team: 

“How much time can you dedicate? 

How often? 

What pace works for you?” 

Knowing this early will save frustration later, and let you move faster, smoother, and smarter.

💡 Think of your team as the engine of your career. Your talent is the fuel, but without a reliable engine, the car won’t move forward. Observe, question, and test your team members early, before you fully rely on them. Trust your instincts: if someone feels “off” or only talks without action, step carefully.

Remember: building a strong, trustworthy, and hardworking team is an ongoing process, just like your music. When done right, it multiplies your impact and lets you focus on what you do best: creating.

☀️ Final Words ☀️

No matter if you’re an artist, a creator, or someone chasing your own dreams, always believe in yourself.

Understand that growth comes from training yourself, both mentally and practically.

The more you invest in your skills, your mindset, and your discipline, the stronger and more confident you’ll become.

Stay consistent, stay curious, and remember: self-confidence is built step by step. Surround yourself with positivity, trust your journey, and never forget to love what you do. When passion meets effort, amazing things happen.

Thats your life 

Thats your movement

Thats your career

Keep Teambuilding in your mind at all times. Even if you didnt have meet your team members yet, just be prepared. 

There is actually a lot more to mention, but for today i stop and im looking forward to hear or read from you and please feel free to leave a comment or contact me if you would like to grab another topic. My list of topics is already long when it comes to the music industry and everything inbetween, i have bunch of storys i can share, but i also would like to hear from you and your experiences or opinons, so we can add them to one of the channels from Podcast to the Blog or even the TikTok Live Shows.

Wishing each of you a beautiful, creative, and inspiring time ahead, keep shining, keep learning, and keep believing in your own vision! 🌟

Much love

Sunny

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