We were lucky to catch up with Julie Chapman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Julie, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

As a pianist/composer engaged in promoting music in the digital arena, there have been a multitude of tasks to learn, absorb, and execute. All the while, success as a musician hinges on remaining disciplined in the continued mastery of your craft by setting adequate time for rehearsal. This balance of time is key for continued musical growth, performance aptitude, and overall success in the market.

Over the past years, music distribution has dramatically shifted with the transformational success of streaming services. To survive and thrive as an indie artist, it is necessary to gain a basic understanding, at the very least, of how analytics, algorithms, and AI all play a role for the potential for success. There are countless online courses, academies, YouTube vids, blogs, books, etc. that serve as excellent resources for learning. My experience has been that I absorbed a little from each of these resources and are now applying these “tools” to execute my music business plan.

My marketing journey and promotional campaigns have developed and unfolded using these five elements.
1) Research
2) Organization
3) Networking
4) Tenacity
5) Patience

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Playing piano has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I am forever grateful to my parents for providing me with private piano lessons since the age of four. The lessons continued from childhood through college, ultimately graduating with a degree in Music from the University of Illinois. Having studied under the tutelage of the great pianists Ian Hobson and Kenneth Drake, I further developed as a classical pianist. During those years, and unbeknownst to my professors, I discovered an affinity for composing that remains steadfast.

The piano compositions included on my recent album release, Homage to the Northwoods, express my profound reverence for the natural world. It goes without saying that nature invites and entices a plethora of emotions. My response is communicated musically through my piano.

It’s one of my greatest joys to share my music, and to hear others’ kind comments on how they too experience deep emotions upon listening. I only wish that each knew how humbled I am by their words of encouragement. While spending hours upon hours alone with the piano is wonderful, one can understand why my listeners’ response is quite touching and provides important feedback.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

While I’ve been fully focused on the promotion of my latest solo piano album release, Homage to the Northwoods, I’m now turning my attention to synchronization opportunities. I’m looking forward to making available my existing mastered tracks, and to compose new music for specific video/film projects. While I do enjoy performing, it is not my primary goal. To compose for others’ film projects, fulfilling their vision musically, would be the most rewarding.

I’m grateful to have the set-up to compose, record, and mix/master my tracks without leaving home. My “studio,” which includes a Hamburg Steinway Grand-B piano, is equipped with 2-AKG C414, Matched Pair Condenser Mics and 2-AKG C214 Mics. I utilize Logic Pro to record my raw tracks, and then send the tracks over to professionals in Nashville for the final mix and master. With this set-up, I’m able to produce final tracks for use rather quickly.

How did you build your audience on social media?

If I could compose a song and title it “Social Media Mania,” I might be an overnight sensation! On a serious note, a strong presence on the most popular social media platforms is a crucial element to consider when building a business and beyond. Personally, I was not at all engaged in social media before the release of my latest album; the exception being a personal Facebook page where I checked in maybe a few times a year. After much research, it became apparent that to promote new music, one must not simply engage, but be engaged daily. The often-mentioned importance of being consistent with your posts is absolutely true. I’ve experienced a great uptick in interest and audience engagement with my songs due to daily tending to my Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook page.

A few tidbits of advice from my experience:
1) If possibly, utilize the same username for all platforms. In my case I was able to use juliechapmanmusic for all.
2) Assuming your business has a designated website – make certain that your social media icons are prominently placed with active links on your homepage.
3) When possible, include links to your other social media accounts on all your various platforms.
4) Keep your bio and profile pic consistent across all social media platforms.
5) If you are a musician – take FULL advantage of your Spotify for Artists profile. Do the same for all streaming music services: Apple music, Pandora, Tidal, etc.
6) Give serious consideration to implementing ad campaigns available from all platforms. You do not need to spend big dollars for an uptick in audience engagement. The ads will serve you well!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.juliechapmanmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliechapmanmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieChapmanMusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@juliechapmanmusic
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juliechapmanmusic

Image Credits
Kendall Lauren Photography