Not like they hide it from you. Rather, they show, not tell.
Think about your favorite artists. The ones who feel like more than musicians—they feel like storytellers, visionaries, even friends. What makes them stand out? It’s not just their talent or their hits. It’s how they’ve mastered the art of telling their story.
Last time, we talked about why storytelling is essential for building your brand as a musician. We’re taking it further today, showing you what ways you can share your story- like the big guns in the industry do.
Straight to it…
1. Show Through Your Music
Great artists weave their stories directly into their songs. Take Burna Boy’s “Anybody”—he doesn’t just talk about his rise and struggles; he shows it in his unique blend of Afro-fusion and raw lyrics. If you’ve been following his music since around 2012 when he hit the mainstream, you could easily connect beyond the melody.
How about Sauti Sol’s song “Melanin”? It celebrates African beauty and pride without explicitly preaching it, but through vibrant sounds and lyrics that capture the essence of being African.
You can do the same by creating a song inspired by a defining moment in your life. You can use an album to take listeners on a journey- whether it’s your struggles, dreams, or creative evolution.
2. Share Your World on Social Media
Social media is where fans see who you really are. Not just the polished performances, but the messy, relatable moments, too. Artists like Doja Cat effortlessly balance the glamor with quirky, unfiltered posts that make fans feel like they’re part of her life.
Here are some tips to replicate that:
- Post snippets of your creative process- writing lyrics, testing beats, or brainstorming ideas.
- Show the moments that inspire your art: a hike, a night out, a quiet evening with a notebook.
- Share quick anecdotes in captions: “This song was inspired by my first heartbreak. Writing it helped me heal—I hope it helps you too.”
3. Speak Through Visuals
Every great story has visuals to match. This may mean album art, music videos, stage designs, and even your fashion choices.
Look at Yemi Alade. She doesn’t just talk about being proud of her African roots; she shows it. From her vibrant music videos to those bold, colorful outfits—everything she wears and creates tells a story. Those head wraps, those traditional prints? They’re not just fashion statements; they’re a celebration of her culture and identity.
Her visuals aren’t just pretty pictures. They’re a part of who she is, a window into her journey. Whether it’s the storytelling in her music videos or the energy she brings to the stage, Yemi’s visuals make her story unforgettable. And trust me, they stick with you long after the music ends.
As for you, why not experiment with music videos to capture your themes. A simple, DIY video can still pack an emotional punch. Also, you can choose colors, outfits, or props for your shows that reinforce your message.
4. Tell Mini-Stories During Live Performances
Your live shows are more than just music—they’re an experience. You see this with artists like Johnny Drille. When he performs, he often shares the inspiration behind his songs, and it turns his set into something more personal. So you leave the show with a deeper connection to his person- beyond the music.
Next time you perform, try this:
- Share a bit about what inspired a song: “This one’s about that moment when I felt like I was on the verge of giving up.”
- Dedicate a track to someone or something that’s close to your heart.
- Even sharing a funny or unexpected story about how a song came to life can make you feel more real and relatable to the crowd.
5. Maximize Interviews and Collaborations to Reveal Layers
Interviews, podcasts, and collaborations are typically PR. But they also are your chance to subtly share your journey.
So, in your next interview, let your answers naturally reflect your story. Instead of just promoting your latest release, talk about what it means to you. You can also try collaborating with other artists whose values align with yours. A joint project can reveal a new side of your identity.
It’s all about giving fans pieces of your life without over-explaining. With storytelling, you invite your audience to connect the dots- to see themselves in your journey.
So, what’s the first step you’ll take? A candid Instagram post? A new song that reflects your growth? Whatever it is, let it be real, let it be you.
