Asia Bryant continues to find alternative ways to market her music to the masses. After releasing her debut single, “Can’t Help It,” only on Twitter, Facebook and her Web site, AsiaBryant.com, Bryant created a tremendous online buzz as thousands downloaded the single within days of its release in February.
To get more musicians and fans involved with the single, Bryant hosted a remix contest where producers could download an a capella version of the song and add their own production.
Bryant recently sat down with rolling out to discuss how out of the box marketing will change the music industry and what she sacrificed to be heard. –amir shaw
What are some of the biggest sacrifices that you have made to accomplish your goals as a musician?
I started singing professionally at 15 years old. Every weekend, I would ride a Greyhound bus from Charleston, S.C., to Atlanta by myself to record songs with Choirboy of DTP [Disturbing Tha Peace]. I would do a lot of songs on Friday and Saturday because I had to be back on the bus by Sunday.
What was your next step after high school?
I moved to Atlanta after high school. I opened up for Kanye West, Ludacris and I did shows around the city. I continued to write and I later wrote a hook for Baby that featured Lil Wayne and Drake.
You have used alternative ways to market your music. What are some of the innovative things that you are doing to get your name out there?
We want to get the fans and other musicians more involved. It keeps everyone aware of what I’m doing and it gives them a chance to be a part of the success of an up-and-coming artist. I’m also going to let my fans decide what I should wear to a few shows. So in reality, I’m actually giving the fans exactly what they want. I make good music for me to be able to share and I find that people appreciate it so much more when they actually have something to do with it.
How has marketing through social networks changed the music industry?
It’s changed it a lot. … We’re using social networks to get the word out and so I can speak directly with my fans. I’m letting my music speak for itself.
