Aaron Ace Christian is a Talent Manager and Music Executive known for shaping successful careers in entertainment. His clients have earned Emmys, Grammys, and even the top TED Talk. Beyond the industry, he supports education and equity through action. Aaron Ace Christian has donated hundreds of computers to DC schools and funds the Armsted Christian Foundation, which awards scholarships to Berklee students. As a music professional with years of experience, he has shared six tips for artists who are just starting out. These tips focus on practical steps that can help build a career in music.
1. Build a Strong Catalog Before Releasing Music
Many new artists rush to release music as soon as they record a few tracks. Christian advises against this. A strong catalog allows artists to plan releases with intention. This means creating several quality songs, not just one or two. When an artist has a larger body of work, they can release consistently and keep their audience engaged over time. It also gives more flexibility when trying different styles or approaches without risking momentum.
A full catalog is also useful when approaching playlist curators, managers, or potential collaborators. It gives others a clearer picture of the artist’s range and helps build credibility.
2. Develop a Consistent Recording Process
A consistent process can improve both quality and productivity. Christian recommends setting up a routine for writing, recording, and editing. This could mean blocking out specific hours for music production each week or setting goals for how many songs to complete in a month.
Using the same recording space and equipment where possible helps maintain audio consistency. Keeping track of what works and what doesn’t in the production process helps artists make better decisions over time. Having a system makes it easier to work through creative blocks and stay on track during busy periods.
3. Study the Business Side of Music
Christian emphasizes the need to understand how the music business works. This includes learning about publishing, royalties, contracts, distribution, and licensing. Many artists get into legal or financial problems because they overlook these parts of the career.
New artists can benefit from reading books, watching interviews, or taking courses focused on music law and business. Knowing who owns what in a recording or how revenue is split across platforms can prevent future disputes. Having a basic understanding of contracts can help artists avoid unfair deals or losing control of their work.
4. Focus on Long-Term Relationships Over Quick Gains
The early stages of a music career often bring offers that seem like fast opportunities. Christian advises artists to think long-term and build lasting relationships. These could be with producers, engineers, DJs, booking agents, or other artists.
Trust and reliability matter. Working with the same people repeatedly can lead to stronger collaborations and better results. It also builds a support system that can be valuable when facing setbacks. Artists who try to jump from one opportunity to another too quickly often lose the chance to grow through mutual progress with others.
5. Use Social Media for Connection, Not Just Promotion
Social media is often seen as a marketing tool. Christian suggests using it to build genuine connection instead. Posting regularly about studio sessions, ideas, or even daily routines can help fans feel involved. Rather than just promoting releases, artists can use platforms to show the process and human side of their work.
Engaging with followers, replying to comments, and sharing other artists’ work builds community. This kind of activity supports gradual audience growth. Algorithms also tend to favor consistent interaction, which can increase visibility.
6. Be Ready to Perform Live, Even Without a Major Platform
Many new artists overlook live performances until they get booked. Christian recommends preparing early. This includes practicing live versions of songs, testing out different stage setups, and working on mic control and movement. Artists who can perform with confidence create stronger impressions, whether it’s at a local venue or an online stream.
Small performances can open doors. Open mics, school events, community shows, or self-organized gigs help build experience. Performing regularly also improves stage presence and reveals what resonates with a crowd. These lessons shape future music and help build a more responsive style.
Conclusion
These six tips reflect practical ways new artists can take control of their progress. Talent is only one part of the picture. The rest depends on how artists structure their time, build relationships, and learn about the industry. Approach of Aaron Ace Christian offers direction without shortcuts, focusing on steady growth through preparation, knowledge, and engagement.