IT'S ALL IN A NAME

Seems you can sell almost any music style as long you 'market' it properly. I came accross this interesting article about how classical music sells very little under the genre 'classical'. However, smart musicians and music companies are inventing new ways to sell it.

Read here, about this clever little marketing trick.

[Resource http://news.moneycontrol.com/india/news/entertainment/musictodaysgurmeetsingh/howtomakeclassicalmusiccoolfunky/18/23/article/236913]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

LOOKING FOR UNSIGNED MELBOURNE BANDS

Found this opportunity on Christie Eliezer's Business News section on TheMusic.com -

A competition for unsigned bands with prizes to be won and proceeds generously given to two worthwhile charites.

Not mention getting to perform in one of Melbourne's great live music venue.

Entries close October 2nd, click here to find out all the info.

You'll find it under the heading:

ATTENTION UNSIGNED ACTS

[Resource http://www.themusic.com.au/im_m/eliezer.php]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS

FREE music downloads starting December, 2006

Just in time for the Christmas season:

When the world's largest music company 'agrees' to FREE music downloads - one wonders's where the revenue is going to come from?

The 'majors' are experimenting with different ways of distributing digital music, in an effort to profit in an the area of selling downloadable music, which is still dominated by illegal file-sharing networks.

Read the article here to find out.

And on the same topic, here's an article from London's TheDailMail.

Again about Universal Music's joint venture with SpiralFrog, an online music store which will rely on advertising for its revenue.

Read the full article here

[Resource http://www.ft.com/cms/s/b194883e-36b2-11db-89d6-0000779e2340.html]

[Resource http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=402679&in_page_id=1770]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

ONLINE MUSIC SALES BOOM

Where there's 'bad' news there's good news! Many stories I'm coming across lately all tell a similar story:

Traditional retail sales of recorded music is down and online music sales is booming.

Now the history of 'selling' music only goes back a few decades and the one constant is the continuing evolution of the means of 'storing' music and the means of selling of music.

We've gone from selling sheet music (before Thomas Edison's invention) then to primitive recording mediums (at least by today's standards) to sophisticated recordings available in both a 'hard' version or digital version.

Now we could analyse statistics all day :-) however, apart from knowing and accepting that change is inevitble. Evolution happens! It's just life. As independent musicians we have worldwide market available to us, music has never in history been so easy to be a DIY musician. Write, produce, record and sell your own music creations.

This truly is amazing when you stop to think about it.

If you want to read one of the many articles on the state of retails Vs online music sales click here.

[Resource http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenews.aspx?type=internetNews&storyID=2006-08-24T103321Z_01_L24306742_RTRIDST_0_OUKIN-UK-LEISURE-MUSIC-ONLINE.XML]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

TOM WAITS TO JUDGE YOUR MUSIC

INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION

Brian Wilson, Tom Waits, Robert Smith, Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse), and more are all judging the contest.

The competition welcomes original songs from musicians (amateur through professional) everywhere, judging them in one of 18 categories: Rock, Pop/Top 40, AAA (AdultAlbumAlternative), Americana, Jazz, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Latin,R&B/Hip-Hop,Country, World Music, Gospel/Christian, Instrumental, Dance/Electronica, Blues, Children's Music, Lyrics Only, Teen, and Performance. Entrants can submit as many tracks as they care to in one or more genres.

[Resource http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/page/news/2006/8/23/Brian_Wilson_Tom_Waits_Judge_Your_Music]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

THE ROOT CAUSE OF MUSIC SUCCESS

REVEALED: The Root Cause for Music Success - And How To Rapidly Achieve It Is To Build A Success Mindset!

Are you sick and tired of..

• Not being able to promote your music to a wider crowd?

• Not being able to grow a large fans base?

• Not being able to get enough gigs to large enough crowds that can produce media attention?

• Not getting your band into the spotlight?

• Not sure how to get signed?

• Not enough money to help you through...

Would you like to learn the secrets that can make a musician successful?

My friend, Kavit Haria is a world-renowned Musicians Coach supporting talented artists worldwide through personal coaching and seminars to work to achieve their great potential. He has performed with and interviewed many great musicians and music industry professionals in the world and has summarised all the tools for music success in FIVE SIMPLE PRINCIPLES and shares this through his ebook "The Five Principles of Music Success" and his national seminars.

If you're ready to get serious about your music career, click here to find out more about the book:

[Resource http://www.innerrhythm.org/ebook/]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

DO YOU MOOG?

Synth pioneer Robert Moog's daughter Michelle, has set up a foundation called The Bob Moog Foundation for Electronic Music.

Amoungst scholorships, event sponsorship and an outreach program for disadvantaged children, the foundation has introduced a podcast called Moog Foundation Podcast.

The idea is to feature artists performing Moog-based music and they are looking for submissions for future podcasts.

Read here to find out how you can submit your music.

[Resource http://www.synthtopia.com/news/06_08/Bob_Moog_Podcast.html]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

NEW TACTICS FOR NEW MUSIC

Read here of the successful tactics used by indie musician Justin Hunter from Katoomba NSW.

"I've had some serious knock backs. . .

At 17, he finished all of his grades, and began to perform at local cafes.

After getting $70 tips a night, it became apparent his tunes were striking a chord with listeners.

A friend suggested Justin put his music onto cd. With a ‘what have Igot to lose' mentality, he produced 200 copies. They sold in four days.

If you haven't guessed already, Justin is an upbeat, unflinching optimist. His musical career is built upon his demeanour, and it's finally starting to pay off.

[Resource http://bluemountains.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=features&story_id=502934&category=News%20Features&m=8&y=2006]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

NEW MUSIC MARKETING STRATEGIES

This article tells how Cory Brown, the owner of a California based record label sells the music of his stable of 20 bands.

Cory tells about the fundamental changes that have occurred in he the last 2 years in marketing of music and how he has shifted from a 'traditional' marketing strategy to online and digital marketing.

"What once was a waiting game -- bands hoping to catch the attention of high-powered record executives -- has become an exercise in vigilance, with bands seeking out new ways to reach an audience and make their own luck."

Read the full article here

[Resource http://www.nj.com/entertainment/ledger/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-1/11554445104100.xml&coll=1]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

LAUNCH YOUR INDIE MUSIC CAREER ON THE INTERNET

Here's how one US based indie musician launched a music career using iTunes and MySpace.

"She has no financial backing or marketing plan, but with the help ofnew technology, the 25-year-old who performs as Jaymay has quickly graduated from Manhattan open-mic nights to become a folk music darling."

"I've been offered conventional contracts from major record labels and very indie-friendly, unconventional contracts," Seerman said during abreak from recording. "They have offered me everything I could want."

Keep reading here to find out how Jamie "Jaymay" Kristine Seerman has managed to get more than 75,000 people to listen to her songs, sales of more than 1,300 EPs and 2,500 songs sold on iTunes.

[Resource http://news.com.com/Using+iTunes,+MySpace+to+launch+a+music+career/2100-1027_3-6103185.html]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

10 STEPS TO BECOMING A POWERFUL STREET PERFORMER

Kristen Anderberg has been performing as a successful busker for almost 30 years and shares in this articles some tips and things she's learned along the way.

Some (if not all) of these principles could be applied to 'stage' performing as well.

"In my fantasy world of women’s equality and a high artistic bar for street performance, I would probably recommend the following steps for a woman street performer, if my opinion was asked: 1) Memorize your music/act, 2) Stand up!, 3) Learn how to be loud, 4) Don't be a Linda McCartney, 5) Don't resort to cheesey signs, 6) Grow emotional armor,7) Excel at something, 8) Learn to perform clothed first, 9) Do not let men choose or arrange your material, 10) Lead, don't follow; Create, don't imitate!"

Read the full article here

[Resource http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/08/15/18297687.php]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

DUET WITH MYSPACE

"Social-networking site MySpace's growing role as a powerful force inthe music business is sparking followers, which are offering broader features for bands and music fans in hopes of attracting the giant's audience.

On Monday, relative newcomer TagWorld launched its own music ambitions with the support of a core group of popular indie rock groups, including The Shins and Death Cab For Cutie. Like MySpace, it's offering a home for bands to post songs and connect directly to fans, but TagWorld is hoping that its design attracts viewers more specifically interested in exploring and listening to music."

Finish reading article here

[Resource http://news.com.com/Rivals+try+to+sing+along+with+MySpace/2100-1027_3-5991785.html?tag=nl]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

GOOGLE MUSIC TRENDS

From the Google Labs project, Google has launched 'Google Music Trends'.

Now you can check out the musical tastes of a broad community of Google Talk listeners.

This new Google tool could prove itself to be a valuable tool in marketing for indie musicians.

"Learn how to opt in to Music Trends to contribute your vote, or download Google Talk now to get started. You don't need to be a Google Talk user to simply view the Music Trends page and learn more about the music that people are listening to…"

[Resource http://blogs.zdnet.com/micro-markets/index.php?p=345]

technorati tags:indie, indpendent, musician

I LIKE MUSIC

The latest news from UK website ILikeMusic is the announcement of a partership with Ministry OfSound.

"Determinedly independent, www.ilikemusic.com proves that a small team of genuine music enthusiasts can more than hold their own against music sites that have a lot of cash, but little soul. As such, I Like Music is testament to the opportunity for organic growth that the Internet provides, and the importance of fresh content and good visitor figures. Five years after taking the site to the public by launching at Music Live, the small but talented team have a great understanding of good quality music and very well established industry contacts."

"The partnership sees Ministry of Sound take on digital media representation for I Like Music, introducing the independent site to the commercial world for the first time."

Read all about it here

[Resource http://www.ilikemusic.com/music_news/I_Like_Music_Partnership_With_Ministry_of_Sound-2808]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

INDEPENDENT - THE WAIFS WAY

It's always great to read about the success of independent artists and amoungst their stories are 'clues' to their success.

This comes from a recent interview in the San Francisco Chronicle with Australian band The Waifs

"...We made a cassette of six tunes to get gigs and sold 1,800 copies, which funded our first album. We started our own indie label and sold almost 30,000 records out of the back of our van. We'd pop into local record stores and leave them albums. Donna developed a distribution network and started dealing directly with big chain stores, which was unheard of. I did the publicity and Josh did the booking. When our first album jumped onto the charts, it took everyone by surprise. We were already one of the biggest touring acts, but nobody in the music business had heard of us. We'd been working underground, outside the normal music industry channels."

Read complete article here

[Resource http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/08/20/PKG4OK4J981.DTL&type=music]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

EXCLUDE SOME PEOPLE

Here's some good advice from those indie CD sales experts CDBaby!

This may seem like a strange thing to say but it does make a lot of sense.

Read all these tips here.

"Proudly say what you're NOT"

"You can't please everyone in this world. Recklessly exclude people."

"Loudly leave out 99% of the world."

[Resource http://cdbaby.net/proudly-exclude-most]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

ADELAIDE HIP-HOP MAKES HISTORY

Read here how the Hilltop Hoods have made Australian music history.

"...the first time an Australian hip-hop act had debuted at the top of the charts."

"The hip-hop community was overjoyed because it signalled the end of an era when Aussie hip-hop was dismissed by many as nothing more than a pale imitation of American hip-hop. It was also a wake-up call to the music industry that there was a mainstream market and fan base for this type of music."

[Resourcehttp://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,20069697-5003421,00.html]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

NEW RADIO STARS

“The radio industry wants to hear from artists and bands who have at least three songs ready to be played on commercial radio but who have not yet been signed by a record label,”

"The search for new and emerging Australian music talent is on again with the commercial radio industry announcing that the New Artist to Radio Showcase (NA2R), its annual event, aimed at unveiling the chart-toppers of tomorrow, will be held on October 13 in Sydney. The NA2R will be held in conjunction with the Australian Radio Conference and 2006 Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) at Luna Park."

Read more here.

[Resource http://www.commercialradio.com.au/]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

9 ONLINE BRANDING TIPS

9 Ways to Create a Rock-Solid
Brand Identity Online

by Bob Baker

Branding has been a business buzzword for many years. But the term has implications far beyond corporate logos, slick packaging and commercial jingles. Effective branding is all about telling customers who you are, what you do and how you do it. Despite a sluggish economy and uncertainty throughout the world, more people are spending time and money online than ever before. That's why it's vitally important for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs alike to use the Internet to make an impact.

Here are nine tips to help you carve a focused identity online.

1. Define your brand up front. When visitors arrive at your web site, let them know immediately what you do and why they should care. Far too many web sites shroud their identity in flashy graphics and ambiguous slogans without telling people what the company or person actually does. View your site through the eyes of a new visitor. Does it spell out exactly what your brand stands for? If not, redesign it so your purpose and identity are unmistakable. For example, Terri Lonier's Working Solo site at www.workingsolo.com does a good job of establishing her as a resource for freelancers. The opening paragraph lets visitors know exactly who the site is for.

2. Lead with what you do, not who you are. It may defy logic,but making your company name the most visible element on your home page may not be the most effective way to reinforce your brand. A web-basedor e-mail marketing message should state a benefit right off the bat. Which of these paints a clearer identity: The business name "Dog Owner Central" displayed in large letters or the more specific description "Training tips for busy dog owners"?

3. Use a real person as a figure head. The online world can be a cold, mechanical place. Your branding efforts are more effective when you add a recognizable, consistent human element. Think of the way Dave Thomas used to promote Wendy's. If your company has a CEO or spokesperson who is closely identified with the company offline, make sure that connection carries to the cyberworld. If you run a business by yourself, by all means, put your name, photo and personal message on your web site. Nothing creates mystery and distrust more than a site that is void of a human contact and asks visitors to send e-mail to the "webmaster."

4. Develop a fan-club mentality. Most online marketers try to generate readers, visitors or users. I encourage you to switch gears and create fans. "Users" are people who visit your web site, subscribe to your newsletter or buy your products and services. "Fans," on the other hand, cheer you on, rave about you to their friends, and eagerly follow everything you do. Which would you rather have?

5. Make good use of words. Verbal content is not only king, it's the entire kingdom. Even though designers try to squeeze as much graphic impact as they can out of limited bandwidths, what matters most online are the words you use. I don't buy into the less-is-more, bullet-point mentality of writing for the web. To create fans online,you must deliver useful brand-related information and speak to readers in a conversational tone. If it takes more than one or two scrolling screens to do that, so be it. As an example, illustrator Bob Staake has designed a web site that uses his personality effectively at www.bobstaake.com.

6. Make sure visual elements reinforce your identity. While words are important, the look of your web site must also support your brand image. Is your brand best served by hard edges or softer, rounded shapes? Do primary colors capture your personality or would earth tones be a better match? Find the design scheme that best compliments your identity.

7. Become a one-stop destination. Let's say your company sells unicorn-themed knick-knacks, posters and greeting cards. You might simply post an online catalog and a few profiles of your products. However, a far better approach would be to set up your siteas a clearing house for all things unicorn-related -- articles on the history of unicorns, personal stories from customers who have been touched by their unicorn possessions, unicorn-related photo galleries and message boards, etc. Your online presence should establish you as the primary resource in your field. For a great example of this concept in action, check out Hot Air Ballooning at www.launch.net.

8. Publish an e-mail newsletter. Having a brand-centered website is great, but you must rely on people taking it upon themselves to visit it. Offering a free e-mail newsletter allows you to build a database of subscribers who are specifically interested in what your brand represents. Best yet, being able to deliver your message bye-mail puts you in control of the frequency with which your audience is exposed to your brand. Repetition is crucial. To generate subscribers,place a newsletter sign-up form on every page of your site. Note how I've done this at my www.thebuzzfactor.com site.

9. Be visible through online forums. Small business owners should also regularly post to online forums, such as message boards and discussion lists widely read by people likely to be attracted to the brand. If your area of expertise caters to motorcycle enthusiasts, make sure you offer useful information -- not just a sales pitch -- in the places where motorcycle enthusiasts gather. Be sure to include a link to your web site in a signature file at the end of each message.

The Internet is still a gold mine of opportunity, especially for those who use it to create a recognizable brand identity. Use these tips to create your own indelible image online.

Bob Baker is the author of "Branding Yourself Online: How to Use the Internet to Become a Celebrity or Expert in Your Field." Download two chapters and get more branding tips at www.BrandingYourselfOnline.com.

[Resource http://www.bob-baker.com/branding/9ways.html]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

HOW TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL RECORDING ARTIST

InternetDJ Guide: How to Become a Professional Recording Artist

"Stepping up - taking dreams to success. Study this thorough article from our editor on how to succeed in the industry as an artist. Only on InternetDJ."

"...We have seen the file sharing revolution come and go as well as the rise of iTunes but now the field is opening up with a multitude of other companies jumping on the bandwagon. The end result is the death of the major labels and the rise of the successful independent artist."

Read the entire article here.

[Resource http://www.internetdj.com/article.php?storyid=805]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

BASS PLAYING TECHNIQUES

At this link you'll find some short videos on various bass techniques.

Click here.

[Resource http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhYbrORmJ5I]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

BOOSTING YOUR CD SALES AND FAN BASE

Promote your music with a newsletter.

In this article, Ty explains how to go about creating a quality newsletter.

"Who Else Wants To Sky Rocket Their CD Sales, Fan Base And Indie Music Career?"

by Ty Cohen

[Resource http://www.isnare.com/?aid=504&ca=Marketing]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

JUST DIVINE

Female musicians - If you're looking for a bit of female inspiration - think Chrissie Amphlett. Our very own Australian rock n roll icon.

Chrissie's band The Divinyls will be inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.

Read here about Chrissie's latest musical adventures, as told to the Melbourne 'Age'.

"...the most dangerous and thrilling rock'n'roll front woman we have ever seen."

"Rocker-turned-musical-star Chrissie Amphlett has spent the past 10 years recovering from her torrid time in the Divinyls. But will the band's induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame wake old demons?"

[Resource http://www.theage.com.au/news/arts/a-fine-line/2006/08/03/1154198267687.html]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

A SUCCESSFUL MUSIC WEBSITE

Structure Of A Successful Music Website

By: Dan Meiyers

Click here to read some ideas to include in your website and the main purpose of each.

[Resource http://www.isnare.com/?aid=2996&ca=Marketing]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

2 COMMON MUSIC MARKETING MISTAKES

Music Marketing - How To Rectify The Two Most Common Mistakes Everyone Makes

By: Dominic Hough

"Music marketing is by and large difficult for most artists, that is something we need to realise. Marketing yourself, being confident to allow people to listen to your tracks and most importantly, handling criticism takes a bit of time to get used to. In the majority of cases though, marketing plans do fail. you may have a great sounding track, but if it is not marketed properly then it will just be white noise.

However all is not lost.

The main reasons why music marketing fails is that..."

Click here to learn what are 2 most common music marketing mistakes and what you can do to avoid them.

[Resource http://www.isnare.com/?aid=16390&ca=Marketing]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

GETTING RADIO TO PLAY YOUR MUSIC

This, like so many music tips is geared at the USA market. So this will be useful if you're planning on entering the US market at some stage or just adapt the ideas to suit the Australian scene.

Here's 5 Knock 'em Dead Ways to get your music heard on radio.

5 Sure Fire Ways To Get Radio Play For Your “Independent” Music!

By: Ty Cohen

[Resource http://www.isnare.com/?aid=448&ca=Entertainment]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

MUSIC AND COFFEE - A PERFECT MATCH

Here's a great marketing concept from a site I came accross called Sounds Like Cafe.

"SoundsLikeCafe has been established with the specific purpose of distributing quality Australian music to cafes and coffee shops throughout selected areas of Australia. Each SoundsLikeCafe CD features some of Australia's most highly regarded musicians and composers as well as new releases from up and coming artists."

[Resource http://www.soundslikecafe.com/]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

ITS A LONG WAY TO THE TOP

Here's an interview I came accross about a California artist called Timothy John Ramirez aka TJR.

Click on the headline to read the interview.

TJR: A Revealing Portrait of A Determined Music Indie Artist

[Resource http://newsblaze.com/story/20060804182100rich.nb/newsblaze/TOPSTORY/Top-Stories.html]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

VENUES BURSTING AT THE SEEMS

Read here about the concert boom Australia is experiencing.

"Australia is experiencing a concert boom, with music fans young and old snapping up tickets to both nostalgia acts and buzz bands."

"This week 18,000 fans were gripped by Arctic Monkey fever, the Strokes play on Sunday at Festival Hall, and the UK's latest sensation, Lily Allen, hits town next week for a small club show.

Billy Joel broke the record for tickets sold at Sydney's Acer Arena (formerly Sydney Super Dome), with 17,000 tickets being snapped in in five hours for his November tour."

By Patrick Donovan , The Melbourne Age.

Things look good for live music and Australian's obviously have money to spend for he 'right' bands. Wherever the digital music world ends up - the experience of live music is still popular.

[Resource http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/venues-to-be-bursting-at-the-scenes-in-summer-of-music/2006/08/04/1154198334325.html]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

UNEARTH YOUR TALENT

If listeners dig it, talent will get unearthed

"Unearthed will be launched online at triplejunearthed.com onWednesday, transforming the competition into an ongoing forum whereunsigned bands can upload their own MP3s. The internet audience canvote for their favourite tracks, and Triple J presenters will givethe best entries airplay and prizes such as the chance to playsupport for international music acts."

Read more here

[Resourcehttp://www.smh.com.au/news/music/if-listeners-dig-it-talent-will-get-unearthed/2006/08/04/1154198331680.html]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

COMMUNITY RADIO

In new research by McNair Ingeuity, they reveal:

"In a typical week, more than 3.7 million listen to community radio and 685,000 listen exclusively to community radio."

Community radio is still a great way to go if you're wanting to get your independent music played. Read all the stats on the rise of community radio here.

[Resource http://www.amrap.org/fmn.php?pageid=5&nodeid=132]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, community+radio

LINKS FOR FOLK

For folks who play folk, here's a couple of links worth visiting.

Folk Alliance Australia News & Links, Australian Folk Directory, International Folk Directory

Folk Australia Folk Music Resource

[Resource http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/music/]

technorati tags:indie, indpendent, musician

MUSIC OZ AWARDS - DEADLINE EXTENDED

The 2006 MUSICOZ AWARDS deadline has been extended until August 15th.

This is Australia's premier music award for unsigned artists.

Visit the MUSICOZ Website to download your entry form.

[Resource http://www.musicoz.org/homeV3.shtml]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

BLOGCRITICS

Here's an online critic blog (Blogcritics) looking for unsigned bands to reveiw for it's weekly column.

[Resource http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/07/27/130548.php]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

SNO-NEWS

"Snocap has rolled out a new technology that allows independent artists to sell music through Myspace and other Web sites." Read more here

[Resource [http://music.monstersandcritics.com/news/article_1184733.php/Snocap_technology_allows_artist_to_sell_music_through_Myspace_]

"...the digital music company founded by Napster creator Sean Fanning, is testing a new service that enables bands to sell their music from Websites like MySpace.

Snocap's Linx service is also designed to let online retailers sell music from the company's vast registry of songs.

It has distribution deals with Universal Music, Sony BMG,EMI Group (EMI.L: Quote, Profile, Research) and Warner Music (WMG.N: Quote, Profile, Research), along with a numberof independent labels.

Buying the songs, which are sold in the unencrypted MP3format, requires registration with Snocap and PayPal, the electronic payment system owned by eBay" Read more here

[Resource http://today.reuters.com/news/articleinvesting.aspx?view=CN&storyID=2006-07-26T172057Z_01_L26438324_RTRIDST_0_MEDIA-SNOCAP.XML&rpc=66&type=qcna]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

PIRACY GOES LEGAL

KAZAA, the popular online song-swapping service, will become a legal paid-for service after settling out of court with four of the world's biggest record companies.

Read more here.

[Resource http://news.scotsman.com/music.cfm?id=1094802006]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

GET YOUR INDEPENDENT MUSIC HEARD BY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

Q Song entries close August 14!

Want to get your music heard by music industry professionals? Want to grab a slice of over $25000 worth of cash and prizes? If so, it’s time to get your best song into Queensland’s ... more

[Resource http://www.air.org.au/index.php]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

A DIGITAL FUTURE

This comes from US reports - Physical album sales at the lowest since January 1994, July CD sales down 7.8% for the year -- "the world of physical product--is on the wane, even though it still accounts for 90 percent of all music sales. The age of digital sales already has dawned, but things are still hazy on the horizon."

To read more click here.

[Retail http://news.com.com/Drawing+up+musics+retail+future/2100-1027_3-6101667.html]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

WORLDSOUNDS IDEAS FOR MARKETING

This is a press release from WorldSound Productions, Inc. based in Santa Cruz, Califorrnia.

The CEO of WorldSound Productions, Inc. is Janet Cucinitti, she is not a musician or an artsist but set up this unique business to help promote the music of some of her close freinds who are independent musicians.

By putting together 'party paks' Janet was able to market assorted electronic music to radio stations though a previous company called Waveform International, Inc. Janet shut down that company whilst dealing with some health issues. Now with the experience and contacts she has made since starting that company in 1991 WorldSound Productions Inc. have just launched it's new website with many new and interesting projects underway.

[Resource http://www.pr.com/press-release/15080]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

OPEN AIR IN MELBOURNE

Need Office Space in Melbourne City?

AIR has developed an open plan music business incubator in West Melbourne. Situated above Rubber City in Spencer St, Open AIR is designed to support emerging music labels and other music based businesses and related industries (managers; publicists; graphic designers; etc) to access professional office space that is both affordable and functional. The space will support a placement of 8 companies and they will be housed with a range of other companies within the block. Currently, there are a number of companies already situated in the vicinity that include record labels; management companies; publishing and financial services. In addition, companies in the space will also have access to guided support sessions provided by industry professionals. [read more]

[Resource http://www.air.org.au/index.php?cID=2080&apply=&webpage=default&menuID=480]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

THE CHANGING FACE OF MTV

On Sunday, Britain's 'Top of the Pops' will be broadcast for the last time on BBC. Top of the Pops was the world's longest running weekly music show.

MTV, once at the cutting edge of music will be re-inventing itself with an interactive TV channel and Web site targeting the online social networking craze.

These progressions seem to be opening the way for the indie musician to come up with creative ways to get their music seen and heard via mobile phone and Internet technology.

[Resource http://news.com.com/When+music+TV+tangles+with+the+Net/2100-1027_3-6099896.html]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

A REBEL AND A CAUSE

I found this story interesting. It's about the trial of a Uzbekistan musician who wrote and recorded a pop song containing lyrics that supposedly 'insult' the Uzbekistan president. The singer Dadakhon Khasanov is on trial for 'slander'.

The song's lyrics are about the Andijan massacre where Human Rights Watch says "bullets were falling like rain" and that hundreds of demonstrators were gunned down.

Sometimes it's easy to forget that freedom of expression is not alive and well everywhere.

Read the full story here.

[Resource http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article1207610.ece]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

INDIE MUSO ON MERCURY SHORTLIST

An independent musian has made it onto the shortlist for this years' UK Mercury Prize.

From the UK Guardian this is a story about Zoe Rahman - a pianist with no agent, no manager and no record company getting on the prestgious Mercury prize shortlist.

Read on here.

[Resource http://arts.guardian.co.uk/filmandmusic/story/0,,1836221,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=6]

Here's what they say (below) about the Mercury prize from: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Music_Prize#2001]

The Mercury Music Prize is seen as something of a controversial event in the UK. The award can in no sense be seen as representative of prevailing trends in popular music, as the winning album is selected from the shortlist by an extremely small panel of individuals from within the music industry.

Also, the artists selected for the shortlist have in the past been prevailingly from major record labels, which has irked many independent record label owners and artists. The exclusion of independent artistes has purportedly been on the grounds of lack of sales, however the same might be said of many of the major label artists who have made the shortlist. A notorious example of this was Helicopter Girl, whose 2000 album How To Steal The World reportedly sold fewer than 1,000 copies.

For the official spin BBC, have a look at the bbc.co.uk

[Resource http://arts.guardian.co.uk/filmandmusic/story/0,,1836221,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=6]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

SOUND ADVICE

This comes from a UK site called TheWhippinPost It's a resource for all things mixing and mastering.

"Mixing audio music can be a baffling science for most muso's. This interview and tutorial attempts to break down the science of mixing sounds in a candid discussion between a nobody muso (me), and pro sound engineer (Rick Snoman)"

[Resource http://www.thewhippinpost.co.uk/mixing-music/mixing-music-interview.htm]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, mixing,

WESTERN AUST MUSOS CLOSER TO INTERNATIONAL MUSIC MARKETS

Good news for WA indie musicians. Read here how WA music artists are now a step closer to accessing international music markets.

[Resource http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=25&ContentID=1164]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

LIVE MUSIC AND THE INTERNET

Internet Is Seizing the Spotlight in the Live-Music Business

This is a 2 page artcicle I found from the New York Times - it speaks about DIY live performance videos and YouTube.  There are ways of getting your music to an audience without a big budget video and MTV.

Read it here

[Resource http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/03/arts/music/03live.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

NATIONAL BAND FESTVAL - VIETNAM

Here's a Vietnamese national band festival I found.

National Bands’ Festival: a competition for all genres of music

A good way to combine your love of travelling with performing.

[Resource http://www.nhandan.com.vn/english/culture/220706/culture_na.htm]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

WARNER MUSIC GROUP GOES INDIE

Warner Music inks indie distribution deal

by Samantha Marshall

"Warner Music Group's indie distributor has just struck a deal with dance music label Ultra Records as part of an on going effort to build up the alternative and independent side of its music business and attract new talent."

[Resource http://newyorkbusiness.com/news.cms?id=14253]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

MUSIC HISTORY FROM THE STREETS

Goodbye Michael Jackson.  Remember the 1983 video for 'Thriller'?  That went for 13minutes which is the current record for the longest video.

Well not for much longer.

Hey, how long did the video for David Bowie's 'Blue Jean' go for?  I'm pretty sure it was for 'Blue Jean' that included a short movie before the actual video began.

Anyway, back to what I was talking about.

Mike Skinner (The Streets) is teaming up with MTV to make a 20 minute 'promo' to celebrate MTV's 25th birthday.

"An MTV spokesman said it was a "truly unique project"."

Look out for it's first airing 1st August.

[Resource http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5208576.stm]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

MUSIC AND POLITICS

Can't give away a million dollars! This is one consequence of 'speaking your mind'.

The infamous Dixie Chicks remark from 2003 is still making news. That's some publicity mileage!

"The fallout from Natalie Maines' now infamous remarks in 2003 bashing George Bush is well documented: radio boycott, CDs publicly destroyed, a sharp decline in sales, death threats, and ridicule from the country-music industry.

But what bothers Maines the most, she says, is that the American RedCross refused a $1 million donation from the Dixie Chicks in 2003."

Read more here.

[Resource ]http://www.projo.com/music/content/projo_20060723_chicks.11f8b5e.html

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

'Mc' BOB

Dylan's debt to Scottish music

Karin Goodwin

"HIS heartfelt anthems evoke the windswept prairies of the American Midwest and the cotton fields of the deep south.

However, Bob Dylan’s debt to the hills and glens of the Scottish Highlands has been revealed in the first encyclopedia of the celebrated singer.

In his new book, Michael Gray, one of Dylan’s leading biographers, claims that Scottish folk music and poetry have had a significant influence on the singer-songwriter.

Dylan, 65, admitted recently that his most famous protest anthem, The Times They Are A-Changin’, was inspired by a Scottish folk tune."

Click on the article title to keep reading.

[Resource http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2090-2281957,00.html]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

MEDIA AND MARKETING

Media and Marketing.

This comes from Ireland's siliconrepublic.com

"Pondering the new reality of the global music business, where a band could lose a record contract if it fails to be a top 20 success within a year, O’Grady is sanguine about the impact of the internet in making a viable future for artists and independent labels."

Read more of what Dave O'Grady (Irish music industry veteran) has to say about how this could affect the music industry.

[Resource http://www.siliconrepublic.com/news/news.nv?storyid=single6796]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

METALLICA ON iTUNES

Metallica now on iTunes Music Store.

Read the full story here.

[Resource http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/8274/]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician

IDOL ELLIOTT

I know this isn't exactly an 'indie' musician (and some would argue he's not even a musician) but it could be interesting to look at the 'reality' of a major touring artist through the eyes of an American 'Idol'.

So here's a bit of an interview and some Q and A with US Idol Elliott Yamin.

You know you want to read it! Click here (no-one's looking)

[Resource http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149189648839&path=!flair&s=1045855936229]

technorati tags:indie, independent, musician