US reality talent show 'American Idol' are planning to introduce a songwriting as part of future series.
Ratings show that people love to watch both ends of the spectrum, highlights of the really bad performers and of course the winners. Only problem is that the winners of the contest are forced to perform renditions of bland and forgettable songs. So, to overcome this American Idol are introducing a songwriting competition to winning formula so that by the end of the competition the country has not only their chosen singer, they also have the song they want.
So if you think you can write better songs than the ones currently being performed on American Idol (I'm sure you can) why not enter the competition yourself.
Details of the competition are still being sorted out but you can read all about it here.
Keep an eye out at the official website for American Idol for details of when and how to enter.
In the mean time, if you've got a urge to enter your songs in a competition why not try
The USA Songwriting Competition
[Resource http://cbs5.com/topstories/local_story_013175017.html]
CREATE YOUR OWN WEBSITE
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Saturday, January 20, 2007
SELL MORE CD'S AT YOUR GIGS
Here's a few suggestions to help you sell more Cd's at your gigs.
Introduce yourself or your band to the audience. Tell them who you are, if they like you it'll help them look you up in gig guides and etc.
Give out fliers or postcards with a brief bio and some contact info. If there's someone on the door, have them hand one out to each person as they come in. If you don't want to be so upfront just leave some on the tables and/or at the bar for people to take if they wish.
You can use other merchandise as free give-aways to promote your band. Fridge magnets, stickers, key rings etc.
Get someone (a friend or fan) to walk around the audience with some Cd's and ask people if they'd like to buy one. You should also be doing this with a mail-list.
Offer a free bonus with the first sale or first 5 sales, or however many you choose.
Mingle with the audience after your gig. Go and meet them face to face, talk to them and get some feedback. Make physical contact (appropriate contact obviously :-) shake their hand, ask their name and use it.
If you have only 1 Cd available, tell the audience about it and tell them of other artists (that they know) that are similar to your band. If you have more than 1 Cd available, tell the audience which is your favourite and why and describe as similar to another artist the audience may have heard of.
Does your music align itself with a political or social message? If so, why not give a % of your Cd sales profits to a charity or organisation that is relevent to this. You may even be able to afilliate your band with the organisation and have them advertise your Cd to their existing members.
Smile and talk to your audience :-) 'Involve' them in your show by using humour or chat, whatever is appropriate to your style.
Present yourself and band professionally. Create a 'look' for both the band and the stage. It doesn't have to be costumes or big stage props, just make your act look visually appealing and professional and match your style of music.
Finally,
Thank your audience for listening and remind them of where they can see you perform again or how they can find out more about you.
Introduce yourself or your band to the audience. Tell them who you are, if they like you it'll help them look you up in gig guides and etc.
Give out fliers or postcards with a brief bio and some contact info. If there's someone on the door, have them hand one out to each person as they come in. If you don't want to be so upfront just leave some on the tables and/or at the bar for people to take if they wish.
You can use other merchandise as free give-aways to promote your band. Fridge magnets, stickers, key rings etc.
Get someone (a friend or fan) to walk around the audience with some Cd's and ask people if they'd like to buy one. You should also be doing this with a mail-list.
Offer a free bonus with the first sale or first 5 sales, or however many you choose.
Mingle with the audience after your gig. Go and meet them face to face, talk to them and get some feedback. Make physical contact (appropriate contact obviously :-) shake their hand, ask their name and use it.
If you have only 1 Cd available, tell the audience about it and tell them of other artists (that they know) that are similar to your band. If you have more than 1 Cd available, tell the audience which is your favourite and why and describe as similar to another artist the audience may have heard of.
Does your music align itself with a political or social message? If so, why not give a % of your Cd sales profits to a charity or organisation that is relevent to this. You may even be able to afilliate your band with the organisation and have them advertise your Cd to their existing members.
Smile and talk to your audience :-) 'Involve' them in your show by using humour or chat, whatever is appropriate to your style.
Present yourself and band professionally. Create a 'look' for both the band and the stage. It doesn't have to be costumes or big stage props, just make your act look visually appealing and professional and match your style of music.
Finally,
Thank your audience for listening and remind them of where they can see you perform again or how they can find out more about you.
THE FUTURE IS PAST
"History doesn't repeat itself but it rhymes"
I think it may have been 'Mark Twain' (AKA Samuel L Clemens) who quoted that? But who ever it was, there's a lot of wisdom in it.
I've blogged a bit about the changes to the music industry that have come about because of mp3's and so many 'experts' seem to have an opinion on whether music buyers will be buying Cd's or just digital downloads in the future, so who do we believe?
From vinyl records (remember those) to ipods here's a graph illustrating the sales trends of records, cassette tapes, Cd's and mp3's over a thirty year period. What do the results tells us? See above for a little clue or check out the statistics for yourself here.
[Resource http://e-huned.com/2007/01/17/technology-obsolescence-curves-are-cool/]
I think it may have been 'Mark Twain' (AKA Samuel L Clemens) who quoted that? But who ever it was, there's a lot of wisdom in it.
I've blogged a bit about the changes to the music industry that have come about because of mp3's and so many 'experts' seem to have an opinion on whether music buyers will be buying Cd's or just digital downloads in the future, so who do we believe?
From vinyl records (remember those) to ipods here's a graph illustrating the sales trends of records, cassette tapes, Cd's and mp3's over a thirty year period. What do the results tells us? See above for a little clue or check out the statistics for yourself here.
[Resource http://e-huned.com/2007/01/17/technology-obsolescence-curves-are-cool/]
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