What is my target demographic for my music? (Be specific about who you think resonates the most with your music, and identify 3 core demographic traits (i.e., age group, genre preference, core values, etc.)
1. I think my music resonates most with people in their 20s and 30s who enjoy hip-hop and related genres, appreciate lyricism, and follow Jesus (or are searching for something deeper to life and are curious/skeptical about the Christian faith). They typically value authenticity, truth, thoughtfulness, musicality, depth, and powerful or meaningful lyrics).
What value does your music provide to this demographic? Is it entertainment-focused? Does it spread a message? Does it speak about a challenging topic?
1. All of the above. My music spreads a message about a challenging topic (the self) in an entertaining way. It cleverly challenges social, cultural, and political norms and assumptions about God, life, and self in a way that is both compelling and aesthetically satisfying, while inviting and daring listeners to come and see a Way of life that is fundamentally different--some would even call it "upside down"--but ultimately fulfilling.
2. I make music for millennial and Gen Z hip-hop/trap/pop-rap lovers seeking--whether or not they realize it--a more accurate, relatable, and transparent expression of what it means to live a life committed to the authentic Way of Jesus.
Where can you find your target demographic?
1. Social media (through targeted faith-based music or lifestyle content)
2. In Christian/church communities for younger generations who enjoy hip-hop genres (church/Christian groups and forums, christian events where hip-hop is played, christian music festivals, parties, conferences, etc.)
3. Physical and digital spaces where both Christian and non-Christian fans of positive, conscious, or lyrical hip-hop gather
1. What is your target demographic for your music?
The target demographic for my music will be listeners who enjoy variety. Musical performance inspired by a little bit of every genre. I imagine age groups of between 14 - 40. My target audience enjoys the substance and structure I seamlessly inject into popular, more vibe focused music. My music will appeal to fans of Hip Hop, Pop, Electronic/Dance & Country artists.
2. What value does your music provide to this demographic? Is it entertainment-focused? Does it spread a message? Does it speak about a challenging topic?
The core of the music will always be highly entertaining, and of maximal quality. It will have structure that hooks the listener and takes them for a along an auditory cinematic experience. It ignites the fire of creativity in listeners. My persona will inspire young boys and girls to become independent thinkers and forge their own paths.
3. Where can you find your target demographic?
I reach my target demographic online, by sharing entertaining, inspiring or thought provoking snippets of my works.
I am getting into production, focusing on dance music.
1. Target demographic…who listens, or who pays? Different questions.
Who pays for remixes? Bootlegs can only AFAIK be monetized via a Patreon or similar. DJs are the main target there. For legal/copyrighted? Labels or independent artists, as a means to promote.
At present, as I am growing my skillset, my attention is on small-label remix contests. Nope, they don’t pay much (if any). The goal there is twofold: 1. have challenging projects with specific deadlines so I get them done and out the door and 2. Build a library of past work using recent and emerging artist songs and good quality (um, usually) stems.
The listener demographic depends on the contest selected. I’m hitting different genres to ensure I stretch my own boundaries. Don’t need to be a one-trick pony.
2. Value provided: As my library of work and my skillset grows (along with my range of genres), I will offer means for labels and independent artists to reach outside an established fanbase, perhaps into new genres, plus opportunity to have their songs on dance floors instead of just radio or Spotify.
3. Where: Currently LabelRadar and other one-off contests I run across. When I have more bootleg work done, I can also put together mixes for MixCloud that people can stream to hear my work; MixCloud is not monetized and bootlegs are generally permitted as long as they are part of a mix (not stand-alone songs). When I get to that point, I expect I will need a business page to direct people to if they want to hear more of my work or hire me to work on their projects with them.
1. What is your target demographic for your music?
Be specific about who you think resonates the most with your music, and identify 3 core demographic traits (i.e. age group, genre preference, core values, etc).
a. People who believe that culture originates from the roots, the underground.
b. French speaking people given that I sing in French. I think this can be an advantage since songs in French are poorly promoted by the mainstream music industry.
c. Bright and fun loving people who also appreciate gatherings and parties
2. What value does your music provide to this demographic? Is it entertainment focused? Does it spread a message? Does it speak about a challenging topic?
For some, my songs would symbolize the persistence of French Culture in North-America. I consider song-writing as universal, yet I believe in the importance for people to express themselves in their native language and to develop their own styles, alongside other cultures including Anglo-American music.
In Quebec, during a period in the '70s, a particular style emerged but somehow, it collapsed in the '80s. I believe that my musical style, based on simplicity and effectiveness, could reach the heart of the community, as it did back then.
1. When you listen to my music, it's like you've finally found the radio station you want to listen to all day long. A little bit of every genre for all adult listeners. Well-produced music that is varied and exciting.
2. My music is primarily intended to entertain. Regardless of the genre, it should stimulate, relax, inspire and make you think. If there is a message, the listener will discover it. Love life, even if everything is terrible sometimes. Have fun, because music is the best medicine.
3. I can definitely find my target group on all social media channels. Because almost everyone uses these platforms. Definitely also listeners to radio stations that play a little bit of every genre for all adult listeners and don't have any prescribed playlists. The focus is on well-produced music that is varied and exciting. (Didn't I write that before??) In some countries these stations are called “Radio 1”.
1. My target demographic is CONTENT CREATORS who want high quality, original, professional music for their SHORT FILMS, but who hate browsing "royalty free" music sites. They are people who would love to hire a film composer, but think that Hans Zimmer is too expensive >_< They are people who care deeply about the integrity of their work, & who feel that library music doesn't do their projects justice. They want an original score that moves with their picture & that moves their audience. They are people who want to work with a human that is capable of listening to & understanding their requirements. They are people who can appreciate a good film score.
3 core demographic traits:
=> Independent short film makers
=> Appreciate cinematic music/film scores
=> Are tired of trying to shoe horn a stock piece of music into their projects & want something tailored
2. The main value my music provides is that it is TAILORED to the EMOTION and MESSAGE of their short films. It underscores the narrative of their projects in a powerful but non-intrusive manner (it SERVES RATHER THAN STEALS THE LIMELIGHT). The music is delivered ALREADY SOUNDING PROFESSIONAL – it does not need to be re-recorded, mixed, mastered or fixed by anyone else; it's as EASY TO USE as a stock piece of music, but it FITS THE CURVES & NUANCES OF THE SPECIFIC STORY THEY ARE TELLING.
3. I don't knowwwww >_< But probably... => YouTube, TikTok & Instagram => Independent film festivals & award shows => Film trade shows => Maybe anime or gaming conventions if they make something like a machinima => Royalty-free music websites => Forums, where they can be found asking about the best places to find royalty-free music => AI sites, where they can be found trying to create a custom score using AI
I make primarily cinematic drum and bass with an atmospheric edge, so my demographic is primarily 20 + to late middle aged, like myself. The value I provide is a fusion of nostalgia and a modern edge, and at this point I have forgotten the 3rd question
1. The songs that I have composed are of the Smooth Jazz and Jazz Fusion genre. I’ve done some investigation on the demographics. The research varies but Jazz in the US primarily appeals to adults aged 35 and above with higher levels of education and income. Jazz listeners are middle-aged, predominantly male, and very well educated. On average, only 17% are under age 45, and 80% are white. A significant proportion (42%) is female. 48% of adults are in the highest income groups ($75,000 and over) and 32% of jazz listeners have a household income of $100,000 or more.
2. I would like my music to improve the listener’s mood. My concept is to tell a story that the audience can relate to, create imagery for and follow those images in their mind. Hopefully my music will be able to divert one’s attention away from day to day problems.
3. The target demographic can be found on the majority of online social media and streaming platforms, paid and free. There are also specialty cruises, festivals and club venues that can be attended.
Target audience for my music is people who are in their 30s and 40s, are smart, worried with nervous tension to burn, and love music that's catchy and moves and has a lot of melody. They want to dance sometimes without it being all about reenacting the past. Since aging out of the club scene for the most part, it's hard for them to find and enjoy music that relates to their sensibilities, so they often stick with the stuff they already know, and often delve further backward in time to find music with value. They are more involved with their music than casual fans, and have at this point heard quite a lot of music on their quest for little gems and big emotional breakthroughs. A lot of these people may be musicians or creators themselves and seeking opportunities to show their own stuff or collaborate.
My music can provide a new sonic space for the listener to reside in, honoring both the need to celebrate/release energy AND the need to acknowledge that the world is too complicated, and that we've been through too much, to pretend that everything is still like it was in the "good old days." Nostalgia is ok but I prefer to acknowledge the full picture as I lived it and how I understand it now. If my music doesn't reflect my experiences, I don't see a great reason to make it.
My audience is probably an even split between Instagram and Facebook. Youtube too (I imagine, but I have never been drawn to making videos). They're here because they feel more stagnant than they want and are seeking something new and interesting online to scratch that itch. My audience may sometimes be out at DIY or house shows too. Anyplace people go to hear new music that isn't dominated by young people who may seem rude or like they can't handle their drinking.
1. As somebody who makes Jpop-Ballad-Electro, I'd say my demographic are people who loves jpop and between the age of 18-25. I don't think there's much difference between genders for this specific genre, but if I need to narrow further I'd say that I prioritize men. As for the language, My primary targets are people who speak English, while Japanese is the secondary target.
2) My aim with my music is to entertain while giving a message. Mostly are self reflection and my answers for that. Hopefully, my music can resonate with my listeners and be a motivation, an answer, an explanation, or just a simple entertainment.
3) My target audience are mostly in youtube and (partially) twitter. The Japanese secondary target usually uses NicoNico Douga. Other than this, Japanese cultural events and discord communities are more niche options.
I actually learned something really useful in this article. It makes sense to give an answer to a question people might be asking, instead of shoving something random into people's faces.
TOFU Questions:
1. I'm a musician and artist whose target demographic would be teens and adults who feel like they don't fit in. I write my own songs, which are a mix of pop, rock, experimental, and a little bit of rap. The core values of my music are creativity, passion, weirdness, diversity, love, fear, depression, addiction, etc.
2. The value that my music provides is to be yourself, be unique. My music can be fairly calm or aggressive, depending on if it's talking about something people love, or talking about a struggle. My music speaks about different topics, from love, to exploring different places, to fear and sickness, and death.
3. I can find my target demographic on pretty much any social media platform. For specially young adults and adults, I can them just walking on the streets, in bars, or in concerts. Oh, and colleges and schools too.
I found this article really useful. In the past I've worked in marketing, targeting, demographic analysis etc but always struggled to apply it to myself until reading this. Thank you!
1. Based on research into artists who I've been compared to or reference, my target demographic is primarily college educated, culturally engaged adults aged 40+ who like timeless, well-crafted, sophisticated songs that have lyrical depth centred on personal and universal themes. They generally enjoy a mix of contemporary and classic music styles, with a leaning towards the singer-songwriter tradition.
2. My songs are intended to provide observations and reflections on personal and universal themes in ways that listeners want to engage with. By focusing on meaningful lyrics, musical sophistication and toe-tapping catchiness they aim both to move and to entertain listeners. (I find this the difficult bit to think about objectively without sounding like an ego out of control...)
3. My target demographic can be found in fan clubs and discussion groups for other artists on social media – especially Facebook and YouTube. Also in the audience for blogs and podcasts that analyse singer-songwriter music, lyrical themes, and other matters of cultural significance. They also attend festivals, concerts and other live cultural events that focus on songs and their themes.
Another great article. Keep up the great work. I’m responding to your questionnaire because I’ll jump at any excuse to write something.
1. My target audience is essentially Damien Rice fans. Probably Millennials and older who are drawn to the catharsis of the melancholy. Folk and indie singer/songwriter fans who prioritise the ‘song’ or ‘songwriting’ aspects of music like lyrical, emotional and philosophical depth, rather than aesthetic things like production, composition, mixing/mastering, danceability, etc. They value beauty, artistic and creative expression and a genuine human connection when listening to music.
2. I hope at least to provide some of that melancholy and beauty. It’s not entertainment, per se, but more catharsis. I want to make music that captures the essence of the music I listen to. It’s not ‘fun’ or entertaining, but engaging, emotionally resonant and feels (for lack of a better word) important; like Schindler's List (if that’s not too grandiose). My message is broadly about truth (in the sense that Plato describes in The Republic) and the search for it through art.
3. My audience are the kinds of people who are not obviously active on social media and don’t leave a large footprint in these spaces. They, like me, feel put off by the rat race between competing attention seekers and narcissists on these platforms and the inauthenticity of pop culture. I feel they are out there, the ‘silently observing but never speaking’, counter culture types, but I’m trying to figure out how to reach them without seeming like just another self-serving, ‘look at me’ internet content creator. Honestly because I am, at least in some part.
Christians age 14-35 who like corporate worship music (i.e. Bethel, Hillsong, MosaicMSC, etc.) but want music with lyrics that also allow them to chew on topics of spirituality, pain, praise, and knowing what is really true.
My music provides a safe place for this demographic to think through doubts, ponder something new, and be honest with how they are feeling in that moment - whether that is an overflowing of happiness, sadness, or indifference. And hopefully they think the music is pretty baller too :)
This demographic can be found in Churches, youth groups, universities, and social media.
Thank you so much for this exercise! Literally so helpful. Now I know I shouldn’t waste my time playing in bars lol
1. My target demographic is people much like myself: they fall somewhere in the 35-45 age bracket, and they're into a pretty eclectic spectrum of music that centers around metal-ish prog rock (and I do mean eclectic; I ran an ad campaign that was well-received by people into 80s thrash metal, players in an orchestra, and a whole lot of Bowie fans. Who knew?). They're politically left-of-center like me (or right-of-center, but generally open-minded moderates), they can vibe with both philosophical and romantic musings. Because they prefer marching to the beat of their own drum, they may not necessarily be religious, but they probably have some spirituality or another.
2. My music is meant to make people feel seen, heard, and absolutely not alone, whether they're dealing with heartbreak, trauma, or disillusionment with Western social and economic dynamics (although I do try not to let specific events constrain my lyrics to too specific of a timeframe). It's also meant to challenge one's mindset without being (too) confrontational—at least where applicable, anyway—all through interesting maneuvers of music theory, orchestration, creative synth work, and guitar work that leans more towards the raw and emotional than the blazingly technical. My singing voice is what gets the most compliments, though, so if people like the sound of a classically-trained male bari-tenor with a decent fry scream, there's entertainment value for them in my music.
3. I'm trying to figure where my target demographic might be found; Instagram and Facebook both have their merits, but Facebook tends to skew more towards older folks, and I tend to see more shred-focused rock/metal content getting the engagement on IG—but then I tend to engage more with that stuff, since modern shred interests me. Like any promotional endeavor, though, it takes some testing before you land on the right method.
1. People who feel disoriented and lost in life. People who are struggling to come to terms with all the things life and the world we live in presents us with. This would largely be expected in teenagers and young adults.
2. It's meant to be the intersection between something enjoyable and light (wich art/music surely is), and the heaviness of the topics the music actually talks about/expresses. In that way it provides both a sense of simple compassion, but also holds the power to educate and develop anyone who is in the thick of the matters that get discussed in the music, or bring awareness to the people who haven't found themselves faced with the topics discussed.
3. A: Social media (aspecially given the target age)
B: any place where critical thinking is emphasized. For example all various forms of education facilitys (schools, unis, private facilitys), or even potentially things like public demonstrations if the topic of the demo and circumstances allow for it.
What is my target demographic for my music? (Be specific about who you think resonates the most with your music, and identify 3 core demographic traits (i.e., age group, genre preference, core values, etc.)
1. I think my music resonates most with people in their 20s and 30s who enjoy hip-hop and related genres, appreciate lyricism, and follow Jesus (or are searching for something deeper to life and are curious/skeptical about the Christian faith). They typically value authenticity, truth, thoughtfulness, musicality, depth, and powerful or meaningful lyrics).
What value does your music provide to this demographic? Is it entertainment-focused? Does it spread a message? Does it speak about a challenging topic?
1. All of the above. My music spreads a message about a challenging topic (the self) in an entertaining way. It cleverly challenges social, cultural, and political norms and assumptions about God, life, and self in a way that is both compelling and aesthetically satisfying, while inviting and daring listeners to come and see a Way of life that is fundamentally different--some would even call it "upside down"--but ultimately fulfilling.
2. I make music for millennial and Gen Z hip-hop/trap/pop-rap lovers seeking--whether or not they realize it--a more accurate, relatable, and transparent expression of what it means to live a life committed to the authentic Way of Jesus.
Where can you find your target demographic?
1. Social media (through targeted faith-based music or lifestyle content)
2. In Christian/church communities for younger generations who enjoy hip-hop genres (church/Christian groups and forums, christian events where hip-hop is played, christian music festivals, parties, conferences, etc.)
3. Physical and digital spaces where both Christian and non-Christian fans of positive, conscious, or lyrical hip-hop gather
1. What is your target demographic for your music?
The target demographic for my music will be listeners who enjoy variety. Musical performance inspired by a little bit of every genre. I imagine age groups of between 14 - 40. My target audience enjoys the substance and structure I seamlessly inject into popular, more vibe focused music. My music will appeal to fans of Hip Hop, Pop, Electronic/Dance & Country artists.
2. What value does your music provide to this demographic? Is it entertainment-focused? Does it spread a message? Does it speak about a challenging topic?
The core of the music will always be highly entertaining, and of maximal quality. It will have structure that hooks the listener and takes them for a along an auditory cinematic experience. It ignites the fire of creativity in listeners. My persona will inspire young boys and girls to become independent thinkers and forge their own paths.
3. Where can you find your target demographic?
I reach my target demographic online, by sharing entertaining, inspiring or thought provoking snippets of my works.
I am getting into production, focusing on dance music.
1. Target demographic…who listens, or who pays? Different questions.
Who pays for remixes? Bootlegs can only AFAIK be monetized via a Patreon or similar. DJs are the main target there. For legal/copyrighted? Labels or independent artists, as a means to promote.
At present, as I am growing my skillset, my attention is on small-label remix contests. Nope, they don’t pay much (if any). The goal there is twofold: 1. have challenging projects with specific deadlines so I get them done and out the door and 2. Build a library of past work using recent and emerging artist songs and good quality (um, usually) stems.
The listener demographic depends on the contest selected. I’m hitting different genres to ensure I stretch my own boundaries. Don’t need to be a one-trick pony.
2. Value provided: As my library of work and my skillset grows (along with my range of genres), I will offer means for labels and independent artists to reach outside an established fanbase, perhaps into new genres, plus opportunity to have their songs on dance floors instead of just radio or Spotify.
3. Where: Currently LabelRadar and other one-off contests I run across. When I have more bootleg work done, I can also put together mixes for MixCloud that people can stream to hear my work; MixCloud is not monetized and bootlegs are generally permitted as long as they are part of a mix (not stand-alone songs). When I get to that point, I expect I will need a business page to direct people to if they want to hear more of my work or hire me to work on their projects with them.
1. What is your target demographic for your music?
Be specific about who you think resonates the most with your music, and identify 3 core demographic traits (i.e. age group, genre preference, core values, etc).
a. People who believe that culture originates from the roots, the underground.
b. French speaking people given that I sing in French. I think this can be an advantage since songs in French are poorly promoted by the mainstream music industry.
c. Bright and fun loving people who also appreciate gatherings and parties
2. What value does your music provide to this demographic? Is it entertainment focused? Does it spread a message? Does it speak about a challenging topic?
For some, my songs would symbolize the persistence of French Culture in North-America. I consider song-writing as universal, yet I believe in the importance for people to express themselves in their native language and to develop their own styles, alongside other cultures including Anglo-American music.
In Quebec, during a period in the '70s, a particular style emerged but somehow, it collapsed in the '80s. I believe that my musical style, based on simplicity and effectiveness, could reach the heart of the community, as it did back then.
1. When you listen to my music, it's like you've finally found the radio station you want to listen to all day long. A little bit of every genre for all adult listeners. Well-produced music that is varied and exciting.
2. My music is primarily intended to entertain. Regardless of the genre, it should stimulate, relax, inspire and make you think. If there is a message, the listener will discover it. Love life, even if everything is terrible sometimes. Have fun, because music is the best medicine.
3. I can definitely find my target group on all social media channels. Because almost everyone uses these platforms. Definitely also listeners to radio stations that play a little bit of every genre for all adult listeners and don't have any prescribed playlists. The focus is on well-produced music that is varied and exciting. (Didn't I write that before??) In some countries these stations are called “Radio 1”.
1. My target demographic is CONTENT CREATORS who want high quality, original, professional music for their SHORT FILMS, but who hate browsing "royalty free" music sites. They are people who would love to hire a film composer, but think that Hans Zimmer is too expensive >_< They are people who care deeply about the integrity of their work, & who feel that library music doesn't do their projects justice. They want an original score that moves with their picture & that moves their audience. They are people who want to work with a human that is capable of listening to & understanding their requirements. They are people who can appreciate a good film score.
3 core demographic traits:
=> Independent short film makers
=> Appreciate cinematic music/film scores
=> Are tired of trying to shoe horn a stock piece of music into their projects & want something tailored
2. The main value my music provides is that it is TAILORED to the EMOTION and MESSAGE of their short films. It underscores the narrative of their projects in a powerful but non-intrusive manner (it SERVES RATHER THAN STEALS THE LIMELIGHT). The music is delivered ALREADY SOUNDING PROFESSIONAL – it does not need to be re-recorded, mixed, mastered or fixed by anyone else; it's as EASY TO USE as a stock piece of music, but it FITS THE CURVES & NUANCES OF THE SPECIFIC STORY THEY ARE TELLING.
3. I don't knowwwww >_< But probably... => YouTube, TikTok & Instagram => Independent film festivals & award shows => Film trade shows => Maybe anime or gaming conventions if they make something like a machinima => Royalty-free music websites => Forums, where they can be found asking about the best places to find royalty-free music => AI sites, where they can be found trying to create a custom score using AI
Very interesting post Claire Rebecca! Looking forward to read about the development of your career.
Thank you François!
I make primarily cinematic drum and bass with an atmospheric edge, so my demographic is primarily 20 + to late middle aged, like myself. The value I provide is a fusion of nostalgia and a modern edge, and at this point I have forgotten the 3rd question
1. The songs that I have composed are of the Smooth Jazz and Jazz Fusion genre. I’ve done some investigation on the demographics. The research varies but Jazz in the US primarily appeals to adults aged 35 and above with higher levels of education and income. Jazz listeners are middle-aged, predominantly male, and very well educated. On average, only 17% are under age 45, and 80% are white. A significant proportion (42%) is female. 48% of adults are in the highest income groups ($75,000 and over) and 32% of jazz listeners have a household income of $100,000 or more.
2. I would like my music to improve the listener’s mood. My concept is to tell a story that the audience can relate to, create imagery for and follow those images in their mind. Hopefully my music will be able to divert one’s attention away from day to day problems.
3. The target demographic can be found on the majority of online social media and streaming platforms, paid and free. There are also specialty cruises, festivals and club venues that can be attended.
Target audience for my music is people who are in their 30s and 40s, are smart, worried with nervous tension to burn, and love music that's catchy and moves and has a lot of melody. They want to dance sometimes without it being all about reenacting the past. Since aging out of the club scene for the most part, it's hard for them to find and enjoy music that relates to their sensibilities, so they often stick with the stuff they already know, and often delve further backward in time to find music with value. They are more involved with their music than casual fans, and have at this point heard quite a lot of music on their quest for little gems and big emotional breakthroughs. A lot of these people may be musicians or creators themselves and seeking opportunities to show their own stuff or collaborate.
My music can provide a new sonic space for the listener to reside in, honoring both the need to celebrate/release energy AND the need to acknowledge that the world is too complicated, and that we've been through too much, to pretend that everything is still like it was in the "good old days." Nostalgia is ok but I prefer to acknowledge the full picture as I lived it and how I understand it now. If my music doesn't reflect my experiences, I don't see a great reason to make it.
My audience is probably an even split between Instagram and Facebook. Youtube too (I imagine, but I have never been drawn to making videos). They're here because they feel more stagnant than they want and are seeking something new and interesting online to scratch that itch. My audience may sometimes be out at DIY or house shows too. Anyplace people go to hear new music that isn't dominated by young people who may seem rude or like they can't handle their drinking.
1. As somebody who makes Jpop-Ballad-Electro, I'd say my demographic are people who loves jpop and between the age of 18-25. I don't think there's much difference between genders for this specific genre, but if I need to narrow further I'd say that I prioritize men. As for the language, My primary targets are people who speak English, while Japanese is the secondary target.
2) My aim with my music is to entertain while giving a message. Mostly are self reflection and my answers for that. Hopefully, my music can resonate with my listeners and be a motivation, an answer, an explanation, or just a simple entertainment.
3) My target audience are mostly in youtube and (partially) twitter. The Japanese secondary target usually uses NicoNico Douga. Other than this, Japanese cultural events and discord communities are more niche options.
I actually learned something really useful in this article. It makes sense to give an answer to a question people might be asking, instead of shoving something random into people's faces.
TOFU Questions:
1. I'm a musician and artist whose target demographic would be teens and adults who feel like they don't fit in. I write my own songs, which are a mix of pop, rock, experimental, and a little bit of rap. The core values of my music are creativity, passion, weirdness, diversity, love, fear, depression, addiction, etc.
2. The value that my music provides is to be yourself, be unique. My music can be fairly calm or aggressive, depending on if it's talking about something people love, or talking about a struggle. My music speaks about different topics, from love, to exploring different places, to fear and sickness, and death.
3. I can find my target demographic on pretty much any social media platform. For specially young adults and adults, I can them just walking on the streets, in bars, or in concerts. Oh, and colleges and schools too.
I found this article really useful. In the past I've worked in marketing, targeting, demographic analysis etc but always struggled to apply it to myself until reading this. Thank you!
1. Based on research into artists who I've been compared to or reference, my target demographic is primarily college educated, culturally engaged adults aged 40+ who like timeless, well-crafted, sophisticated songs that have lyrical depth centred on personal and universal themes. They generally enjoy a mix of contemporary and classic music styles, with a leaning towards the singer-songwriter tradition.
2. My songs are intended to provide observations and reflections on personal and universal themes in ways that listeners want to engage with. By focusing on meaningful lyrics, musical sophistication and toe-tapping catchiness they aim both to move and to entertain listeners. (I find this the difficult bit to think about objectively without sounding like an ego out of control...)
3. My target demographic can be found in fan clubs and discussion groups for other artists on social media – especially Facebook and YouTube. Also in the audience for blogs and podcasts that analyse singer-songwriter music, lyrical themes, and other matters of cultural significance. They also attend festivals, concerts and other live cultural events that focus on songs and their themes.
Another great article. Keep up the great work. I’m responding to your questionnaire because I’ll jump at any excuse to write something.
1. My target audience is essentially Damien Rice fans. Probably Millennials and older who are drawn to the catharsis of the melancholy. Folk and indie singer/songwriter fans who prioritise the ‘song’ or ‘songwriting’ aspects of music like lyrical, emotional and philosophical depth, rather than aesthetic things like production, composition, mixing/mastering, danceability, etc. They value beauty, artistic and creative expression and a genuine human connection when listening to music.
2. I hope at least to provide some of that melancholy and beauty. It’s not entertainment, per se, but more catharsis. I want to make music that captures the essence of the music I listen to. It’s not ‘fun’ or entertaining, but engaging, emotionally resonant and feels (for lack of a better word) important; like Schindler's List (if that’s not too grandiose). My message is broadly about truth (in the sense that Plato describes in The Republic) and the search for it through art.
3. My audience are the kinds of people who are not obviously active on social media and don’t leave a large footprint in these spaces. They, like me, feel put off by the rat race between competing attention seekers and narcissists on these platforms and the inauthenticity of pop culture. I feel they are out there, the ‘silently observing but never speaking’, counter culture types, but I’m trying to figure out how to reach them without seeming like just another self-serving, ‘look at me’ internet content creator. Honestly because I am, at least in some part.
Christians age 14-35 who like corporate worship music (i.e. Bethel, Hillsong, MosaicMSC, etc.) but want music with lyrics that also allow them to chew on topics of spirituality, pain, praise, and knowing what is really true.
My music provides a safe place for this demographic to think through doubts, ponder something new, and be honest with how they are feeling in that moment - whether that is an overflowing of happiness, sadness, or indifference. And hopefully they think the music is pretty baller too :)
This demographic can be found in Churches, youth groups, universities, and social media.
Thank you so much for this exercise! Literally so helpful. Now I know I shouldn’t waste my time playing in bars lol
1. My target demographic is people much like myself: they fall somewhere in the 35-45 age bracket, and they're into a pretty eclectic spectrum of music that centers around metal-ish prog rock (and I do mean eclectic; I ran an ad campaign that was well-received by people into 80s thrash metal, players in an orchestra, and a whole lot of Bowie fans. Who knew?). They're politically left-of-center like me (or right-of-center, but generally open-minded moderates), they can vibe with both philosophical and romantic musings. Because they prefer marching to the beat of their own drum, they may not necessarily be religious, but they probably have some spirituality or another.
2. My music is meant to make people feel seen, heard, and absolutely not alone, whether they're dealing with heartbreak, trauma, or disillusionment with Western social and economic dynamics (although I do try not to let specific events constrain my lyrics to too specific of a timeframe). It's also meant to challenge one's mindset without being (too) confrontational—at least where applicable, anyway—all through interesting maneuvers of music theory, orchestration, creative synth work, and guitar work that leans more towards the raw and emotional than the blazingly technical. My singing voice is what gets the most compliments, though, so if people like the sound of a classically-trained male bari-tenor with a decent fry scream, there's entertainment value for them in my music.
3. I'm trying to figure where my target demographic might be found; Instagram and Facebook both have their merits, but Facebook tends to skew more towards older folks, and I tend to see more shred-focused rock/metal content getting the engagement on IG—but then I tend to engage more with that stuff, since modern shred interests me. Like any promotional endeavor, though, it takes some testing before you land on the right method.
1. People who feel disoriented and lost in life. People who are struggling to come to terms with all the things life and the world we live in presents us with. This would largely be expected in teenagers and young adults.
2. It's meant to be the intersection between something enjoyable and light (wich art/music surely is), and the heaviness of the topics the music actually talks about/expresses. In that way it provides both a sense of simple compassion, but also holds the power to educate and develop anyone who is in the thick of the matters that get discussed in the music, or bring awareness to the people who haven't found themselves faced with the topics discussed.
3. A: Social media (aspecially given the target age)
B: any place where critical thinking is emphasized. For example all various forms of education facilitys (schools, unis, private facilitys), or even potentially things like public demonstrations if the topic of the demo and circumstances allow for it.