Band vs Brand: Being Recognisable

Here at Nurture, we are massive music lovers! We have had the opportunity to work with many of our favourite bands and artists, and if there is one thing that we always tell them, it is that they should see themselves as a brand…

The music industry is a rapidly growing, ever evolving landscape, where an artist or band must see themselves as a brand to grow alongside it. By introducing a thoughtful and cohesive design strategy, they can create a lasting impact, build recognition, and connect with their audience.

Who doesn’t want to be instantly recognisable?!  In a world where visuals are just as important as the music itself, the use of a strong visual identity plays a huge part in success. The music industry is a competitive one, and standing out from the crowd is crucial for any type of success. While talent and musicality obviously play a significant role, the importance of a strong identity and creative cohesion across all collateral cannot be understated.

Bands should consider themselves not only as creators of music but also as brands to help elevate their presence, and create their own unique stamp.

Creating a Brand
Just as iconic logos are stored in our memories, the visual representation of a band leaves a lasting impression.

A well designed logo, a consistent colour palette, cohesive artwork and stunning merchandise contribute to the overall brand aesthetic. This identity then becomes a symbol that fans can associate with and, in turn, helps the band stand out from the crowd. (Think My Chemical Romance and the incredible theming around The Black Parade! Or how Ice Nine Kills use themes from famous horror franchises to craft an entire universe for their fans to explore.)

Building Recognition
Establishing a strong identity through intelligent design systems help in building recognition. When fans see a familiar logo or a recongnisable T-shirt design, they instantly connect it to the band and their music. This is why consistency across multiple platforms (artwork, merchandise, socials, promotional materials) is really key in crafting a visual identity that ties in with how the music speaks to its fanbase.

Connecting with the Target Audience
Every good band has a unique sound and a specific audience in mind. Design can be a powerful tool to connect the two together. Understanding the preferences, aesthetics and general vibe of the fan base allows bands to connect to and resonate with their listeners, creating a sense of belonging, connection and understanding.

Standing Out in a Crowded Space
The music industry is definitely not short of talented musicians, making it challenging for bands to stand out. A distinctive visual identity can serve as a differentiator, something that sets a band or artist aside from the crowd. If you like the look of an artist’s album cover, or associate with the general vibe they are giving out, the chances are that you would be much more likely to give it a listen, or pick that album up off the shelf (or from Apple Music/ Spotify, but we’re old school!)

Merchandise Opportunities
Merchandising is a very important revenue stream for all bands, and an effective design strategy enhances the appeal of merchandise. Whether it's T-shirts, posters, prints or vinyls, cohesive design elements expand on the opportunity for merchandising. Fans are far more likely to invest in products that visually align with the band's overall brand and image, as well as their own.

Adapting to Evolving Trends
The music industry, like any other industry, evolves with time and trends. Embracing a brand mentality in design allows bands to adapt to changing trends while maintaining a consistent core identity. This adaptability ensures that the band stays relevant and resonates with both existing and new audiences. The most successful bands and artists in our humble opinion, are artists that can consistently evolve and grow with each album cycle, yet stay true to their overall style. To name a few, artists that come to mind are bands/artists such as Bring Me The Horizon, The Weekend, Bad Omens and The Japanese House.

If you are a band or artist that needs help in creating your identity, please feel free to reach out to us here at Nurture! Not to blow our own trumpet, but we have worked with lots of huge artists and are proud to have played a small part in their identity and success.

Written by Charlene Payne.