In the music industry, it’s helpful to think of this process in somewhat simpler terms: branding is the art of telling your story to the right people at the right time, and telling it well. Put even more simply: it’s about making meaningful connections. When it comes to music, there are literally millions of alternatives out there for consumers — and a lot of it is quality stuff — so you need to make a positive impression to appeal before potential fans hear a single measure of your music. For today’s independent artist, a good musical story (and how well it’s told) can mean the difference between obscurity and stardom.