I recently had the opportunity to be blessed with a wealth of wisdom from the music industry game changer, Victor Smith. I say 'game changer' because of Smith's powerful presence as a former recording artist, producer, songwriter…(the list goes on!)
Victor is the founder of Sanctified Sound LLC. Here, he humbly focuses on empowering recording artists in music and ministry. On the first podcast interview with host and founder of Irregular Raps, Andrew Stridiron (also known as Stridd), Victor drops nothing but explosive excellence on the topic of branding.
WHAT IS BRANDING?
A picture perfect dictionary definition will explain that branding is a marketing tool that allows visionaries to express themselves creatively to a niche audience. Interestingly enough, branding is so much more than a hot Instagram reel or a fresh logo.
With the help of Victor's insightful breakdown of the word, I was able to take away 3 key qualities of branding:
1.) Trust
A brand cannot rise to the mountaintops without firm footing on a base of faith. Those looking up to you need to believe in you.
2.) Consistency
A brand selling fried pork chops Monday, vegan soy burgers Wednesday, and birthday cake milkshakes Friday will not look quirky...but confused! In the same way, those watching your moves will crave to see consistent, reliable steps across your pavement.
3.) Authenticity
Simply put, two words: be yourself. Forever and always.
What's even more amazing, is that I've learned how these 3 qualities need each other to grow.
Trust is built with consistency. It's impossible to be consistent when you aren't authentic to your purpose. And without authenticity, your audience will never trust you.
The Importance of Your Message
When I envision the word message, communicating an idea (verbally or nonverbally) pops into my head. And while that's not a totally bogus definition, its only 50% true. In music branding, message digs a bit deeper.
It's not about how many layers of Gucci you can put on or how many tiresome catchphrases you can scream into the distance before a song (DJ Khaled I'm looking at you.) The message is you.
"You are the product. You are the brand. Everything that's around you is an extension of who you are."- Victor Smith"
Messages are the overlying themes summarizing the core of who we are as individuals. Only you can present your true message just like only I can ever live mine. Defining your message can mold the entire foundation for your brand.
How do you find your message?
Simple.
Take the time to find out who you are.
Well, maybe not 'simple,' but definitely a journey worth traveling. Each and every one of us has a story to tell in life. Whether you hide your God given testimony into the shadows or glitter it proudly under the sun, is up to you.
In fact, your message is what actually touches people. The music may sweeten the honey, but who you are and what you stand for is what will make people stick.
This is why it's extremely important for Christian artists to present the right message!!!
Once we give our lives over to Christ, we no longer belong to ourselves. An entire transformation through the Holy Spirit needs to occur to have us grow in the Lord.
Through a renewal of spirit, Christian artists should no longer be just spitting bars on a lit up stage full of smoke and fans. Christian artists should be eager to represent God and embody the message of the Good News.
Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Branding in Action
To wrap things up on this inspiring topic of branding, let's jump into a dope example of design branding from Christian rapper: Brodiedavinci! He captures absolute creativity with his album Harmony. Brodiedavinci's branding strategy goes above and beyond, as he introduced 1 new graphic a day before the release of his album. Brodiedavinci easily represents the 3 qualities of branding with a devoted community, consistent style, and genuine message.
Know your purpose, spread a good message, claim victory.
Thank you again Victor for scattering gems of knowledge for all of us music lovers out here! Subscribe to the official Irregular Raps YouTube for even more dope interviews with Christian artists.