Digital Summer: Setting the Standard for Hard Rock Bands on the Rise

There was a time when writing great songs and getting a record deal was all that was needed to launch a music career. Those days are long gone.  Today, artists with or without label support, need to participate in creating their own success.   Most bands understand this concept, but few execute it like the band Digital Summer.  Hard rock bands all strive to be unique, but they would be wise to at least implement Digital Summer’s well thought out plan to build a lasting career.

As a journalist focused exclusively on the hard rock genre, I am exposed to many artists throughout each day.  With so many to choose from and limited research time, the bands that are most likely to be discovered are the ones who offer the path of least resistance.  Too often, more emphasis is placed on creativity than it is on practicality, and for some inexplicable reason, artists make it difficult to discover their music.

Check out Digital Summer’s recipe for success:

IDEAL WEBSITE HOMEPAGE – When you go to www.DigitalSummerMusic.com , you don’t have to search for the music.  The live action shot of the band acts as eye-catching wallpaper.  Embedded on the page is the official YouTube video of the band’s hit song, “Forget You.”  Click and play.  It’s that simple.

Along the left side of the page is a toolbar with user-friendly icons that allows visitors to purchase Digital Summer’s music, sign up for their mailing list, read their biography, view their YouTube channels, visit their Facebook page and their Twitter profile with just one click.

Their other website homepage, www.DigitalSummer.net is equally as impressive and user-friendly.

TWITTER PROFILE – Check out www.twitter.com/DigitalSummer.  The band members all use the same format for their user names, which are listed right on the profile.  @Digital_Kyle, @Digital_Ian, @Digital_Guido, @Digital_Jon.  The user names reinforce the Digital Summer brand.  A link to the band’s website is also listed on the profile.

FACEBOOK PAGE – Facebook pages should absolutely be used to promote music to the fans.  Digital Summer promotes their music, but also shares things that are designed to entertain and engage their fans.  Some are provocative and funny, others are opinion-seeking.  The band mixes in just enough non-Digital Summer posts to keep fans from looking at their updates as white noise.  Check out www.facebook.com/DigitalSummerBand.

FUN WITH FANS – Nearly every hard rock band has started out by building a local following.  Digital Summer rewarded their hometown fans at a local Bartender Beach Brawl.  The members of the band competed in a bartender challenge.  The invite to all was posted on their Facebook page.  It’s great to be a serious musician, but having fun with fans gives them a personal connection and a deeper dedication to the band.

SUPPORT YOUR SUPPORTERS – Digital Summer encourages their fans to support their sponsors and makes it easy by providing links to their pages.  They also post their reviews on their Facebook page, giving exposure to those that support their music.

KEEP YOUR DAY JOB – A large following on social media, radio play and high profile gigs do not necessarily add up to financial stability.  Many hard rock bands on the rise use crowdfunding to help finance their careers, and it is an effective tool, but there are only so many times that you can go to the well (so to speak).  The members of Digital Summer are professional musicians with professional careers beyond the stage.

Coming soon on Hard Rock Daddy – Digital Summer music review and interview with the band.