Blog: What Do I mean by “artist development”?

Starting a Snap & Boom blog has been a personal goal of mine for some time now. I wanted to create a space for avid readers to dive into all things music—and more.

Recently, I came across a video of Usher doing his pre-show vocal warm-up ritual, and it truly struck a chord with me. Watching such an iconic artist dedicate time to care for his voice, perfect his craft, and prepare for excellence was a powerful reminder of why artist development matters.

Taking the time to look after yourself, refine your skills, and invest in your growth is not just a practice for emerging artists—it’s essential for anyone who wants to sustain a successful music career. With this inspiration in mind, I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off this blog than by discussing something I’m deeply passionate about: Artist Development.

What is Artist Development?
The term is often tossed around as a stand-in for A&R (Artist and Repertoire), but rarely discussed in tandem with it. While A&R and Artist Development are both integral to talent cultivation, they play distinct roles. I see Artist Development as the foundation upon which A&R strategies are built. Through development, an artist’s sound, brand, and business are refined. With this groundwork laid, A&R can then focus on shaping and executing strategies to help the artist effectively connect with their audience.

Simply put, Artist Development is the soil of an artist’s career. Just as plants need healthy soil to anchor their roots and grow, artists need robust development to thrive in the music industry.

What Does Artist Development Look Like at Snap & Boom?
At Snap & Boom, our approach to artist development is rooted in encouraging artists to adopt habits that set them on the path to being their absolute best. This includes honing skills like songwriting, singing or playing instruments, performing, connecting with audiences, collaborating effectively, and managing the business side of their careers.

The Stigma Around Artist Development
I’ve noticed that some artists shy away from the concept of development. When I bring it up, it’s sometimes met with a side-eye, as though it’s a critique of their abilities. Let me be clear: development is not about pointing out flaws—it’s about growth, refinement, and longevity. It’s about evolving as an artist and staying relevant in an industry that’s constantly changing.

Even established artists can benefit from development initiatives. In fact, investing in ongoing development is key to building a sustainable career. It helps artists navigate the fast-paced music landscape without being left behind.

My hope is that all artists, regardless of where they are in their careers, see the value in artist development and embrace it as a vital part of their journey. It’s not just about making good music—it’s about creating a career that stands the test of time.

Thanks for reading—more insights coming your way soon.

- Tiéce (Founder and Executive Director of Artist Development @ Snap & Boom)