With only two blogs left for this calendar year, the one you’re reading now is the last before Christmas. I know, everyone running around frantically didn’t need that reminder.
But here’s a reminder that the songwriters, the recording artists, out there need. And I want you to do something with this as you’re reading this. Write it down somewhere that you won’t forget. Put it in your phone on your calendar and set a reminder. Ask Alexa or Google to give you a reminder on a certain date at a certain time. Have an accountability partner who checks in with you to make sure you’re doing this. Heck, for that matter, do all of the above!
But, right now the Christmas songs are being played everywhere at a fever pitch. In fact, I challenge you to avoid them because you’ll find it’s quite (quite) tough to do.
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So, make it a point to write and record at least one original Christmas song next year.
Now, keep in mind, you need to get on this early. You want to be in the studio recording the song practically in the summertime so you can ensure that everything will be ready for the track to be released the day after Thanksgiving next year. As you know, a lot goes into releasing one song, so don’t delay.
For that matter, I’d even challenge you to make a music video for the song. Talk about going all out to get some extra mileage! Sure, people will likely only watch it over a six-week period every year, but so what? Like any good music video should, it will bring extra attention to the song, which means more downloads and/or streams. And if you’re desperate to come up with storyboarding the visuals, then just have someone shoot you recording the song at the studio. Hold up the newspaper from that day so people can see you’re going in to record a Christmas song in July. Show a beautiful summer day outside. Wear shorts and a tank top when you’re recording. But regardless of how you do it, just don’t miss the opportunity.
If you don’t think Christmas songs get much mileage, spend some time on social media this week. Look at how many TikTok videos and Instagram Reels and/or Stories are using a Christmas song as the audio track behind the visuals.
Furthermore, I see a lot of artists with a very light live performance schedule in December. If that’s you then you don’t have a lot to post about on social media and/or in the e-newsletter that I hope you’re sending out regularly. With a Christmas song to promote, there will be no shortage of content for you to utilize for these platforms.
Keep in mind that this is also a method of discovery. If someone hears your Christmas song or sees the video for it, that can generate curiosity for them to say, “I like this song. Who is this person? I want to hear what else they’ve done. I like their voice, their style, their vibe.” Boom, now they’re looking you up for the stuff you’re putting out the rest of the year.
Take some time too to educate yourself on the business of Christmas music. It’s a wee bit on the lengthier side, but this is a terrific article from the Los Angeles Times that’s very much worth the read.
In the meantime, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and hope that it’s a joy-filled and memorable holiday for you.
If you have enjoyed reading the weekly blog posts (and/or listening to the podcast) throughout the year and want to send me a little Christmas gift virtually, go to BuyMeACoffee.com/brucew and include a little note with it so I know that you learned about that through this blog.