(No, it's not the followers)
When someone in the industry - an A&R, promoter, programmer or label - reviews a music project, is not just about numbers. Yes, the data matters, but what really generates interest and respect is the way you are building your career.
Here are 5 things that make an instant difference, even if you're just starting out.
1. Professional attitude (while still being you)
Few things shine brighter than an artist who knows who he is, is serious about what he does and communicates it with confidence (not arrogance).
This is not about having a manager or a team: it's about presenting yourself with clarity, respect and vision.
🔹 If you respond in time, if you tell your story, if you show commitment: that leaves a mark.
2. Criterion and aesthetic coherence
If your sound, your visuals and your communication breathe the samethat speaks of artistic direction.
You don't need to have the most expensive video clip, but you do need a cover with intention, a well thought out profile and a visual proposal that reinforces your universe.
🔹 Coherence communicates identity. And identity connects.
3. Order and preparation
Have your EPK ready, your music uploaded, your songs recorded, your splits clear. Know who's producing you, who you're collaborating with, what's coming next.
It screams: "this person is ready to climb"..
🔹 Creative chaos is valid, but professional organisation is what opens doors.
4. A narrative with direction
What do you talk about, what is behind your songs, how do they relate to each other?
Good storytelling is not about having a perfect story. It is knowing how to where you are going and why you do what you do.
🔹 When someone can follow your evolution, they stay. And so do the professionals.
5. Consistency (rather than constancy)
It's not about publishing every week. It is about sustaining an energy, a message, a proposal. From don't just show up when you launch somethingbut to keep your project alive between launches.
🔹 Show that your project exists, moves, evolves and does not depend only on hype.
Conclusion
Impressing a professional is not about having thousands of plays. It's about showing that there is a real project behind the artist.
And if you don't have all the resources yet, that's OK. If you have vision, attitude and direction, you are already much closer than many.