How a small town musician cracked the top 10 iTunes Charts in 24 hours.

Nate Fredrick is one of the most talented guitarist/vocalist since Jack White. If you are not familiar with his music he transcends the line between blues and country. It is a perfect blend of soulful vocals and amazing guitar play.

“Outside the Lines” released to iTunes at number 13 with zero press or hype. So, how did a small Midwestern songwriter from the bible belt of the United States end up so high on iTunes?

Like many aspiring artist, cracking the top 10 on iTunes is the holy grail of success. Cracking the top 10 no doubt leads to better contracts, sponsors, and a tour. Most music released on iTunes comes with the help of a record labels millions in marketing. Nate Fredrick did not have a record label.

Right before “Outside the Lines” released something unthinkable happened. Nate Fredrick’s Facebook page was hacked by a group in Dubai. Stealing his artist page, pictures, and with it tens of thousands of likes. This had a disasterous effect on his ability to reach out to his fans. Attempts to get his page back proved futile. Like so many of us, he did not give up. He recreated his page and started working. This time with a new password and better content management strategy.

Nate the king of optimism reached out and started thanking his fans for their support. His appreciation for his fans paid off. Fans started spreading the music of the smalltown musician. It caught on.

Nate’s music is some of the best we had ever heard. Nate’s content management strategy might be even better. Being honest, open, and apprecitive tone with his fans paid off. No record label in the United States could compete with the viral sharing of Nate’s honesty.

Within 12 hours of “Outside the Lines” released it rose in the charts next to Mike Posner and Norah Jones.

The key to cracking the iTunes top 10 is being open and honest with your fans. Engaging with your fans weekly and connecting with them is more important than you think.

TL;DR — Honesty is more powerful than a record label.

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