SoundCloud Exec. Drea Jackson Offers Indie Artists a Blueprint for Success

Drea Jackson, Senior Manager of Artist and Label Relations at SoundCloud, recently joined the "One More Time" podcast to discuss the unique benefits SoundCloud offers artists, strategies for maximizing the platform's potential, and the company's broader efforts to empower and uplift its community.

SoundCloud: A Social Media Platform, Not a DSP

Jackson emphasized that SoundCloud is not a traditional digital service provider (DSP), but rather a social media platform centered around music discovery and community engagement. "It is a social media platform," Jackson stated. "I am scrolling not past pictures or videos, I'm scrolling past songs."  This distinction highlights SoundCloud's unique value proposition for emerging artists seeking to connect with fans and build a loyal following.   

SoundCloud Strategy 101: A Step-by-Step Guide for Artists

Jackson outlined a comprehensive strategy for artists to leverage SoundCloud effectively. She recommended subscribing to SoundCloud's Artist Pro tier for enhanced insights and unlimited uploads. "You started your business of music," Jackson explained. "The first thing you do is you create a SoundCloud; that is the foundation of your fan base."    

She also stressed the importance of enabling monetization, collaborating with other artists, and actively engaging with fans. "Connect with your fans by way of just liking the comment or replying if you really got the time," Jackson advised.    

The SoundCloud Listener: A Unique Breed of Music Fan

Jackson shed light on the distinct characteristics of the average SoundCloud listener, noting their passion for music discovery and their deep engagement with the platform. "The average SoundCloud listener is there for music discovery," Jackson said. "They're not going there to listen to Drake, they're trying to discover their new favorite artist."  She highlighted the importance of understanding and catering to this audience's unique preferences and behaviors.   

Laila!: A SoundCloud Success Story

Jackson shared the success story of rapper and producer Laila!, who launched a beat challenge on SoundCloud for her song "Not My Problem." The challenge, which encouraged producers to remix the track, generated over 72 submissions and garnered over 110,000 plays.  Jackson attributed Laila!'s success to her understanding of the SoundCloud community and her ability to leverage the platform's unique features.   

SoundCloud's Off-Platform Initiatives: Empowering Artists Beyond the App

Jackson also highlighted SoundCloud's off-platform initiatives, including events like SoundCloud School and Past The Aux, which aim to educate and connect artists. "We're hyper focused on education," Jackson explained. "These are events that are meant to number one, just bring you into the fold and get you to understand all the different unique things that you can do with the platform."    

The Future of SoundCloud: Championing Women in Underground Music

Jackson shared her vision for the future of SoundCloud, expressing her passion for championing women in the underground music scene. "They really be on the ladies for real," Jackson observed. "They're coming for y'all."  She revealed plans for an initiative to further support and promote female artists on the platform.   

Rapid Fire Rampage: Jackson's Insights on Music, Life, and the Industry

In a rapid-fire segment, Jackson shared her three best tips for artist success on SoundCloud: consistency, collaboration, and engagement.  She also discussed the most common mistake artists make on the platform: not turning on monetization.    

Jackson's insights and enthusiasm throughout the interview underscored SoundCloud's enduring relevance and its commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive community for artists and fans alike.