In Hip-Hop Daily Dose #32, I read parts of an email sent by a real-life artist who is retiring his stage name.
They sounded like a bunch of excuses.
I wonder what his email would sound like if he focused on promoting his new album...
And less on all the circumstances he feels are out of his control.
Below, you can see an example of what I would've written in this email.
It admits "failure" or that circumstances aren't what he'd prefer...
But doesn't condemn or vilify his audience.
His reads should feel good before clicking through to the link and ordering the album.
It doesn't work well to shame people into buying your product, going out with you, or getting the deal you want.
People really don't like pity parties.
Lift them up, get them on an emotional high, and get them excited about what you're offering.
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Subject Line: 3 reasons why I'm retiring [stage name]
Dear friend,
So many people have asked me why this is my last book/album.
I want to answer this fully in today's email.
First, you're amazing.
You've supported all four of my indie projects at 200%.
I've had a lot of success with my self-released projects.
And I've truly had an incredible career.
6 Dove awards...setting the world record for freestyling...
Almost a million albums sold...
This music has taken me places I always imagined and so much more.
However, I've had to face the reality that records and shows aren't selling like they used to.
I've wanted more shows that pay me enough to sustain my family.
I'm still open to it, but right now my career isn't at a place where it's happening.
This makes me sad because the live performance is where I connect with you the most...
You're probably one of the wonderful people I've met over the years at my shows.
The second reason is pretty straightforward: I've found myself in too much debt.
It's finally taken its toll.
I won't go through the sob stories, but I've worked with organizations who went out of business, went bankrupt, or I didn't get paid royalties...
It's totally screwed me up.
And since I don't have more people buying my music or booking my performances, the hole of debt just keeps getting bigger and bigger.
The final reason is also simple...I have failed you.
As much as I want to blame this on bad pay, the downturn in the market, low record sales, and everything else...
The truth is that I didn't get the job done.
I didn't deliver enough value.
I've been relying on social media to promote my music for me.
I expected you to care more.
But I've realized that you've got so much going on in your own life...your own career, family, friends, tragedies, hobbies, and health...
I scroll past posts and ignore other people's emails all the time.
I know you're no different.
I'm crowdfunding my last album and book...
I'd love for you to be part of the process.
--> Click Here To Be Part of Christian Hip-Hop History
Two of the best packages have already sold out.
There are so many other rewards such as:
- hanging out with me at the studio
- getting a follow from me on social media
- physical book copy or audiobook
- let's get lunch together
- graffiti art made by me
- live show
- and much more...
If any of these sound even just a little bit awesome to you, I encourage you get yours now because...
2 packages have already sold out!
And the crowdfunding period will end soon...
If either of the above 2 things happens, the prizes aren't available anymore.
I don't want you to miss out on this exclusive part of CHH history...my last album.
I'm offering all the prizes way below their market value...
It's my way of saying THANK YOU for being here for me all these years.
Words in an email don't do justice to my appreciation.
After this, there will be no more music or merch coming out from the artist you've followed all these years.
Don't wait until it's all gone.
--> Going, Going, Gone (Don't Miss Out)
P.S. Over 50% of exclusive prizes have been taken already...
Join 138 people who love my music...
There's only about 300 packages, and over half are gone.
You can't get this exclusive merch and experiences with me after the album release.
I've saved the best for my last album and I want you to be part of it!
--> Get It Here Before It's Gone
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