Dealing with Cancelled Gigs: Your Next Steps for Success

We got to talk about a situation that hits us all at some point: getting your gig cancelled. Yeah, you had that slot lined up, told everyone, maybe even copped a new fit, and suddenly, boom – it’s a no-go. It’s like the hip hop gods decided to take a smoke break right when you needed them on stage. But don’t trip, I got some tips and tricks tailored just for you and your crew, be it a squad or a solo hit.

1. Keep Your Cool, Then Cook Up a Plan

First off, don’t lose it. I know it’s BS, but turning a foul vibe into fuel can set off a chain reaction of better things. Keep your emotions in check and then start tostrategize your next move.

Shake Off the Blues

Every artist says they’re all about resilience, and this is your time to prove it. Use that frustration and channel it into:

• A new track

• Writing your next verses

• Exploring new sounds

Remember, your flow is only as good as your dedication – canceled gig or not.

2. Re-Engage Your Fans – They’re the Real MVPs

Your fans were ready to show up and turn up for you. Now it's time to show them love and keep them engaged.

Social Media Checkup

Have a plan todrop some exclusive contenton social media platforms. This could include:

• A behind-the-scenes ticket into your world

• A sneak peek at upcoming tracks

• Live Q&A sessions

Notice how your fan base loves to see the real you. So keep itauthentic and interactive.

Host a Virtual Session

Just because the physical venue shut its doors doesn’t mean the digital doesn’t exist. Go live on Instagram, YouTube, or Twitch. Spellbind your audience with tracks, but also take some time to chat – make it a two-way street. Word of mouth is power, and making lasting connections spreads like fire.

3. Smart Networking Will Open New Doors

That gig might be out the window, but who says you can’t mingle anyway?

Touch Base with Organizers

Reach out to event organizers. Let them know you’restill downfor future opportunities. Maintain that connection because relationships in the music industry are like gold – their stock always grows.

Expand Your Circle

• Being sidelined gives you the chance to discover and interact with:

• Other artists in your scene

• Potential collaboration partners

• DJ’s who are spinning your genre

This downtime can be a perfect one to network and latch on to opportunities that aren’t in the form of the conventional gig.

4. Monetize Your Other Talents

You know what they say: when a rap show door closes, a Soundcloud window opens. 

Look beyond gigs and capitalize on other monetization means.

Sell that Merch

Get creative with your merch strategies. Your iconic designs, whether apparel or digital, can bring in revenue. Consider:

• Setting up an online store

• Exclusively releasing new designs to VIP fans

• Bundling albums with merch for a special price

Let your brand echo beyond your music and get that bread.

Flirt with Licensing and Sync Deals

Step into the world of licensing. Your music can be spun across different media. Placing your unique sound in:

• A commercial

• A video game

• A Netflix series (you never know)

These can all pad your pockets while spreading your influence wide.

5. Renew and Refocus

Finally, use this curveball as an opportunity to renew your goals. Give your craft the attention it deserves and come back stronger.

Review Your Playbook

With the extra time, can you:

• Refine your beats

• Revamp your lyrics

• Decipher what you want to portray in your next project

Use reflection and practice to guarantee that when your time comes, ain’t nobody gonna question your place in the scene.

Essential Data Musicians Need to Excel with Music Streaming

Oh, the glamorous life of a musician in the 21st century—gigs at the hottest clubs, adoring fans, and...data? If you’re thinking, “How did spreadsheets become part of the creative process?” welcome to the brave new world of music streaming. But, like it or not, numbers don’t lie. Here's how musicians, especially those laying down sick hip-hop beats, can conquer the digital realm by wielding the power of data like a true strategist.

Why Hip-Hop Artists Should Care About Streaming Data

Let's face it: streaming platforms are where the magic happens...and where your next hundred hits await discovery. For independent rappers who are already juggling rhyme books, Insta filters, and maybe even a day job or two, do we really need to add yet another layer to the mix?

Well, put down that mic for just a moment and consider this: data doesn’t just show trends—it shows opportunities.

• Fan Demographics: Know your audience, they say. But we're talking specifics here. Age, gender, location—it all matters. When you see those streams lighting up in a city where you've never even performed, maybe it's time to book that plane ticket?

• Song Performance: Not as glamorous as signing autographs but just as necessary. Which tracks are people playing again and again? Which songs barely hold attention longer than it takes to say "auto-tune"? Ignoring this is like ignoring a burning toaster.

Key Metrics You Should Definitely Not Avoid

Being the data nerd might not vibe with your hip-hop persona, but hey, even Tupac knew when to switch up his flow.

Dive into these metrics:

• Stream Counts: The obvious starting point. Mo' streams, mo’ revenue, right? Not exactly. Algorithms are tricky, and understanding this data can help in cracking the code.

• Playlist Additions: Getting your track on a popular playlist is like crashing the VIP room—it’s where the magic happens. The more playlists you’re featured on, the wider your potential audience.

• Listener Location: It’s not just about stacking streams; it’s about understanding whether your sound hits differently in Brooklyn than it does in Berlin.

Revenue... and Other Myths

Whoever uploaded their first track hoping to become an overnight sensation, only to glance at their revenue statement and mutter, “This must be a mistake,” knows the game is... not all GOLD chains and GRAMMYS. Still, understanding royalties can make you financially literate, if not wealthy.

Turning Data into Action

Alright, so you’ve sifted through more digital graphs than you care to admit. What now? The trick is to turn data into actionable strategies. -

• Targeted Marketing: Know where to direct that killer guerrilla marketing campaign.

• Tour Planning: Noticed an inexplicable spike in streams from Milwaukee? A tour there could turn those listeners into lifelong fans.

• Content Creation: Understanding what resonates might help when you’re writing your next big hit.

In the end, hip-hop's always been about the hustle. So why not apply that same spirit of innovation and resilience to streaming strategies, even if it means donning the uncharacteristic hat of a data detective?

Embrace the digits, rip open the rhymes, and reach that digital mixtape tape dream. After all, going platinum’s just one great spreadsheet away.

If You Missed It: Double Duty with Dre Logic: A Night of Hip Hop Brilliance in Lawrence

Some, in Lawrence, Kansas, witnessed an unforgettable night of hip hop excellence on December 10, 2023, as "Double Duty with Dre Logic" took center stage in a dual celebration of inclusivity and unmatched talent.

The Lawrence hip hop scene etched its mark in history with a showcase of diverse talents from across the iconic I-70, making this event a milestone in the annals of the city's cultural legacy.

The flagship monthly extravaganza, "Spotlight LFK," curated by Dre Logic, presented an eclectic lineup that transcended geographical boundaries. Artists from Lawrence, Las Vegas, Chicago and Topeka converged for a musical journey that left an indelible mark on the Lawrence hip hop landscape.

Double Duty with Dre Logic: A Night of Hip Hop Brilliance in Lawrence

The night kicked off with Benny Hunnit and Mistah Wundah from Lawrence, who showcased their homegrown charisma, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere.

Double A, representing Chicago, infused the stage with the dynamic and heavy storytelling flow that forces you to pay attention. Then, he told the DJ to cut the music, and rendered a 4 minute freestyle that took the air out of the room. A simply stunning version of the MC-to-concert-goer chemistry. "Most impactful award goes to" type of performance.

CyN City from Las Vegas brought a unique and high energy sound, combining depth of message and beats in a style that resonated well with the Lawrence audience.

Underrated Society Affiliate: Zay the King from Lawrence, hit the stage, unleashing raw energy and lyrical prowess that had everyone wanting more. He performed a string of personal stories and perspectives, over some of the slappinest beats played all night.

Prooph from Topeka added a rocked out flavor with his distinctive style, and TristanstarR captivated the audience with his unique sound, thought-provoking lyrics and rapping to his music without the undertrack, which is widely considered a brave move in a scene that has fully accepted that artists can forget rhymes, often. You don't really get that type of grace when you don't have the full song playing under your performance. But he delivered on his promise to be a hip hop entity to the core.

Finally as a Special Guest: Silent Ave, representing LFK, transcended sonic boundaries with a vibrant performance of his new hit single, "Cheater", setting the stage for the night's crescendo – the headlining act, Dre Logic. Known as the hardest working man in the biz, Dre Logic's performance epitomized dedication, innovation, and the true spirit of hip hop.

The Replay Lounge on 946 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS

"Double Duty with Dre Logic" wasn't just a concert; it was a celebration that brought together hip hop enthusiasts from all walks of life. The event showcased the collaborative spirit of the hip hop community, highlighting the rich tapestry of talent that extends beyond geographic borders.

As the audience gathered to witness this historic celebration, they continue be part of a movement that defined the future of Lawrence's hip hop scene, and many thanks, for this is not scene if no one sees.

"Double Duty with Dre Logic" was not just a concert; it was a cultural moment, a chapter in the ongoing story of Lawrence's vibrant and evolving hip hop legacy. As always, the fans of hip hop and rap in this part of the country, our neck of the woods.