For musicians, establishing a strong personal brand is essential for success in the music scene. A good brand helps you stand out from the crowd, win over fans, and move your career forward. Sure, it’s great to focus on perfecting your music, but remember, having a solid personal brand is key in today’s jam-packed music scene.

It’s important to note that you don’t need to be an expert to begin shaping your unique identity as an artist. Just a few small steps can significantly impact your success in the competitive music scene.

With figures like Cristina Hernandez entering the industry, there’s ample inspiration for emerging musicians and DJs.

Cristina, also known as “Cristi Hernz,” is a standout figure in the Miami music scene. Her personal brand, rooted in her love for music and community, sets her apart. Hailing from Miami Beach, Florida, with a rich heritage spanning Cuba and Spain, she has crafted a unique identity that resonates with her audience.

Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident through her brand, having established Selva Beats MIA. This platform not only showcases her talent as a DJ but also serves as a community for local artists. Under her leadership, Selva Beats is recognized in the local music industry for hosting inclusive and vibrant events that showcase Miami’s diverse culture. The community she created is also established under the foundation of family, by providing lifelong relationships and connections between the artists and audience. 

Yet, personal branding transcends mere recognition—it involves sculpting a distinctive identity, building significant connections, and conveying a consistent message that echoes with the audience. 

Taking inspiration from Cristina, let’s explore the key strategies for crafting a compelling personal brand as an independent artist.

Establish your “One-of-a-Kind” Style and Presence

Crafting a strong personal brand begins with pinpointing your distinct characteristics. You need to establish a clear image, style, and the type of music you aim to produce. 

Reflect on what differentiates you from the crowd and how you want to be perceived in the industry. This might involve your particular fashion sense, musical genre, or the unique message you aim to deliver through your music. 

Once you’ve defined these elements, ensure they are a consistent part of your branding strategy. Emphasize and showcase these attributes, as they will be crucial to your professional identity and success. 

Taking Cristina as an example, the “Cristi Hernz” brand is defined by her energetic percussion-driven music, blending the lively Miami vibe with her Cuban-Spanish heritage. Beyond her music, Cristina is dedicated to fostering unity and celebrating diversity through her work. Cristi uses her uniqueness to add to her branding, such as sticking with her favorite colors, neon pink and aqua blue- which she related to the Miami Vice colors when choosing the Selva Beats color scheme, she also added neon green due to her love for the tropical jungle feeling. Everything that she chooses for the brand relates to her experience as to what she wants the audience and artists to relate their experience to when relating to Selva Beats. 

Build a Strong Internet Presence

In today’s world, musicians need to be active online. Social media like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook help you talk to fans, share your music, and tell your personal story. 

Websites like SoundCloud and Spotify are good for getting your music out and connecting with fans. Post regularly and keep your content interesting and true to who you are. 

Keeping the importance of social media, Cristina has developed a strong presence online. She frequently refreshes her personal and company Instagram profiles, sharing exciting updates about her music and upcoming events. Cristina states, “ Some people are shy to post, but she advises that nobody should be shy, because if anyone doesn’t like what you are posting or promoting often, then they are just not the right people to follow or connect with your branding”. 

She is also actively leveraging a following on Soundcloud, making sure that she is present across all platforms, which goes back to making sure DJ’s record their mixes often in order to have content to post on their Soundcloud. Cristina makes sure to constantly record mixes in order to upload them on Soundcloud, because there are so many performances sometimes that people globally can’t be in attendance, but they can follow and enjoy your sounds from your profile by listening to the mix posted. 

Prioritize Excellence in Live Performances

Connect with the audience and deliver top-quality music to make your live shows unforgettable. Develop a signature element for your performances that fans will remember and look forward to, making each concert a unique experience.

Cristina’s live shows exemplify this approach by showcasing lively energy and a unique blend of cultures. Through her interactive style and percussion-heavy music, she creates an immersive experience that captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impression.

Establishing a strong personal brand is vital for musicians in today’s competitive music industry. Taking inspiration from figures like Cristina, emerging musicians can learn valuable lessons in personal branding to build a name for themselves.

Remember, personal branding is about authentically expressing yourself. It’s about forging connections and consistently delivering a message that resonates with your audience. By establishing a unique style, building a strong online presence, and prioritizing excellence in live performances, you can confidently carve out your path to success.

Published By: Aize Perez