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Thursday, January 25, 2007
IDOL VOCAL COACH
Ever wondered what a vocal coach could help you learn. Sometimes what you need to 'unlearn' can be just as important according to Canadian Idol vocal coach, Debra Byrd who gives a 'Byrd's Eye View' interview here.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT PRACTICE
If you're a performing musician, you probably spend quite a lot of time practising your instrument and your performance parts. You probably also spend many hours rehearsing with your band getting ready for your performance in front of an audience.
Then, to your embarrassment and dismay you mess up, in front of your audience, parts that you had practised over and over and you know you got perfect every time in rehearsal. Surely, I can't be the only person who has done this!
Now, I know I'm alone in suffering from stage anxiety and I also know that it can contribute to you giving a performance far less than you're capable of giving, which is always a real disapointment, not least of all to yourself. So does this mean that all that hard work at practise is just going out the window as you step on a stage in front of an audience?
No, and better still there are things you can do to prepare you for stage performance and deal with your anxiety.
Tomorrow, I'll be covering the steps you can take to help you achieve a great live performance every time.
Then, to your embarrassment and dismay you mess up, in front of your audience, parts that you had practised over and over and you know you got perfect every time in rehearsal. Surely, I can't be the only person who has done this!
Now, I know I'm alone in suffering from stage anxiety and I also know that it can contribute to you giving a performance far less than you're capable of giving, which is always a real disapointment, not least of all to yourself. So does this mean that all that hard work at practise is just going out the window as you step on a stage in front of an audience?
No, and better still there are things you can do to prepare you for stage performance and deal with your anxiety.
Tomorrow, I'll be covering the steps you can take to help you achieve a great live performance every time.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
SHOW THE WORLD YOUR MUSIC
Got a music video that you'd like people to see (& hear)?
Music Nation is an artist development agency that promotes unsigned rock, pop & urban artists. Here's what they say about themselves.
Music Nation is an artist development agency that promotes unsigned rock, pop & urban artists. Here's what they say about themselves.
"...it’s essentially a niche YouTube for emerging artists, allowing visitors to explore the newest and most viewed clips, track down artists in their local area..."
Monday, January 22, 2007
MUSIC NATION COMPETITION
Music Nation is currently running an online contest. The 15 week long competition will accept votes from January 29th onwards, and the winners in the pop, rock and urban categories will all get contracts with Epic Records. One of the winners will also appear on ClearChannel’s TV show, Stripped. It’s worth pointing out, however, that YouTube is also capable of discovering talent: the YouTube Underground contest was a virtually identical idea. Likewise, Bix.com is doing similar things and MySpace Music has long been a powerful tool for emerging artists to build an audience. Music Nation is nicely implemented, but surely new bands are looking to go where the audience is: on MySpace and YouTube. That means challenges ahead for all the music social networks and startups.
[Resource http://mashable.com/2007/01/15/music-nation-youtube-music/]
[Resource http://mashable.com/2007/01/15/music-nation-youtube-music/]
Sunday, January 21, 2007
ARTISTS ARE THE ULTIMATE ENTREPENEURS
Artists create products (yes, your music is a product) and then look for a market to sell to. Some artists look for a market and then create a product to sell to that market. That makes you an entrepreneur and all entrepreneurs start from the same place, but there are many artists of all kinds everywhere that make little or no money from their creations.
We all know of gifted people with remarkable talent that are generally unknown to the wider population and we all know of many people who we consider not so gifted (I'm being polite!) who have fame, and financial success.
These 'unknowns' are missing one of the important 'marketing' steps that are used by successful businesses everywhere. Branding. You need to create a brand because that's what your band or music is. A brand.
Fear of 'selling out' particularly among musicians, seems to be common place. Fear of 'lessening their art' by making money from it is another popular misconception that artists have. Ever noticed how these 'beliefs' become self-fulfilling?
Your fear will hold you and your music career back. Don't let it.
Here's a great article that describes what branding is, why you need it and why you have been fooled into thinking that branding means slogans, TV ads and other such things the independent musician usually thinks of as 'negative'.
"Branding is the power to be who you are and communicating it to everyone proudly"
Branding Is Not Selling Out: It's Selling In
[Resource http://www.ireview.name/]
We all know of gifted people with remarkable talent that are generally unknown to the wider population and we all know of many people who we consider not so gifted (I'm being polite!) who have fame, and financial success.
These 'unknowns' are missing one of the important 'marketing' steps that are used by successful businesses everywhere. Branding. You need to create a brand because that's what your band or music is. A brand.
Fear of 'selling out' particularly among musicians, seems to be common place. Fear of 'lessening their art' by making money from it is another popular misconception that artists have. Ever noticed how these 'beliefs' become self-fulfilling?
Your fear will hold you and your music career back. Don't let it.
Here's a great article that describes what branding is, why you need it and why you have been fooled into thinking that branding means slogans, TV ads and other such things the independent musician usually thinks of as 'negative'.
"Branding is the power to be who you are and communicating it to everyone proudly"
Branding Is Not Selling Out: It's Selling In
[Resource http://www.ireview.name/]
Saturday, January 20, 2007
SONGWRITING COMPETITION TO PRODUCE 'INSTANT HITS'
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]
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]
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/]
Friday, January 19, 2007
SOLO ARTISTS - HOW TO STAND OUT FROM THE PACK
There's only so much most solo artists can produce on stage with just themselves and their instrument. Even if you would like to perform with a band sometimes it's just not practical.
Whatever your reason, if you're looking for a way to stand out from the pack and produce a 'bigger' sound or one that's closer to your studio recordings think digital.
You can have a Dream team of musicians performing with you every night like US singer/songwriter Keller Williams who found an inspiring way to promote his music. Inspired by writing an ambitious wish list of artists he'd like to collaborate with in the studio he then decided to Dream big and the Dream which has now come true has turned this solo performer into a one man band who sells out shows across the USA with his innovative looping technique and digital band.
This 'Dream' which became the title of his latest and ninth studio album is literally a Dream come true for Keller who now performs live backed by his 'wish list' of artists.
[Resource http://www.cybergrass.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2762]
Whatever your reason, if you're looking for a way to stand out from the pack and produce a 'bigger' sound or one that's closer to your studio recordings think digital.
You can have a Dream team of musicians performing with you every night like US singer/songwriter Keller Williams who found an inspiring way to promote his music. Inspired by writing an ambitious wish list of artists he'd like to collaborate with in the studio he then decided to Dream big and the Dream which has now come true has turned this solo performer into a one man band who sells out shows across the USA with his innovative looping technique and digital band.
This 'Dream' which became the title of his latest and ninth studio album is literally a Dream come true for Keller who now performs live backed by his 'wish list' of artists.
[Resource http://www.cybergrass.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2762]
GIGGING FOR A LIVING
Not a lot of independent musician's can make a living by gigging.
Jazz guitarist Peter Sprague is one of them and in this interview he shares some tips and some of the 'secrets' to how he does it. This interview comes from his book 'Gigging For A Living'.
[Resource http://howtoband.artbox-ent.com/blog/index.php/a/2007/01/14/gigging_for_a_living]
Jazz guitarist Peter Sprague is one of them and in this interview he shares some tips and some of the 'secrets' to how he does it. This interview comes from his book 'Gigging For A Living'.
[Resource http://howtoband.artbox-ent.com/blog/index.php/a/2007/01/14/gigging_for_a_living]
Thursday, January 18, 2007
FREE MUSIC CAREER RESOURCES
The Indie Musician Blog (which is what you're reading now ;-) has a new website. Strangely enough it's also called The Indie Musician and you can find it at www.TheIndieMusician.com
Here's what it's all about:
Here's what it's all about:
The aim of The Indie Musician is to offer a range of career enhancing and music development resources that will assist independent musicians to perform their music live, produce quality recordings, market and sell their music, improve musical performance techniques and grow a fan base.
GUARANTEED EXPOSURE TO RECORD LABEL A&R OF YOUR CHOICE
Seems good things can come out of all those talent discovery shows such as 'American Idol', 'Australian Idol' and 'UK Idol'. I know there are people who criticize these shows and it's contestants and winners for being manufactured etc. but it seems that these shows are fuelling a thirst for new talent which means that they are having a positive effect on the music industry and this is good news for independent music and musicians.
Why? How?
Because, the popularity and demand for talent discovery thanks to these kind of shows is at an all time high and record companies are looking for more 'unknown' talent with the same potential for a professional music industry career. To help bring new talent to the major record labels, new website MusicBlast offers users a chance at a record deal by facilitating the submission of music demos directly to major record label A&R (artist and repertoire) representatives.
For free, members can post audio, video, want ads, photos and events and for a small fee you can buy a 30+ word review of your demo which guarantees exposure to any major record company A&R of your choice.
[Resource http://www.sbwire.com/news/view/10109]
Why? How?
Because, the popularity and demand for talent discovery thanks to these kind of shows is at an all time high and record companies are looking for more 'unknown' talent with the same potential for a professional music industry career. To help bring new talent to the major record labels, new website MusicBlast offers users a chance at a record deal by facilitating the submission of music demos directly to major record label A&R (artist and repertoire) representatives.
For free, members can post audio, video, want ads, photos and events and for a small fee you can buy a 30+ word review of your demo which guarantees exposure to any major record company A&R of your choice.
[Resource http://www.sbwire.com/news/view/10109]
Saturday, January 13, 2007
UK SINGLES CHARTS GO DIGITAL
You can now have a UK number one hit on the singles chart thanks to the latest revolution in the digital music world.
The UK music industry now includes in the singles charts, songs that are available as a digital download even if they are not released in a CD format or stocked in a retail store.
Taking away the need for retail outlets and physical stock theoretically means that an independent artist could have a 'hit'. Not too likely according to the director of new media for Universal Music in the UK. There are several reasons for this. Any song that is available online is factored in, this could mean old 'classic' tracks and re-released tracks. Most of the charting songs will probably be current acts that have their marketing driven by large budgets afforded to them through the major record companies. Along with a massive marketing campaign it's easy to see why these acts become so popular.
Before you start to worry that there's no place for the independent musician there's plenty to be positive about.
The ability to produce your own recordings with mush less cost than a few years ago in the days when you had to hire a studio, press CD's, get artwork done etc.
The ability to launch your own effective and low cost marketing campaigns.
Digital downloads and instant payment facility
Information, advice and resources galore
Artistic control
Do you really need (or even want) to have the same mass exposure as the current 'top' artists?
Major record companies spend huge sums of money on marketing because they need to recoup large spendings (or investments). It's a fickle game, the charts but there's still plenty of opportunities to make a living being a recording and performing musician. You just never know when an independent artist is going to come from out of the blue and arrive into the mainstream charts.
It could be you.
J:o
[Resource http://www.ftd.de/karriere_management/business_english/149431.html]
The UK music industry now includes in the singles charts, songs that are available as a digital download even if they are not released in a CD format or stocked in a retail store.
Taking away the need for retail outlets and physical stock theoretically means that an independent artist could have a 'hit'. Not too likely according to the director of new media for Universal Music in the UK. There are several reasons for this. Any song that is available online is factored in, this could mean old 'classic' tracks and re-released tracks. Most of the charting songs will probably be current acts that have their marketing driven by large budgets afforded to them through the major record companies. Along with a massive marketing campaign it's easy to see why these acts become so popular.
Before you start to worry that there's no place for the independent musician there's plenty to be positive about.
The ability to produce your own recordings with mush less cost than a few years ago in the days when you had to hire a studio, press CD's, get artwork done etc.
The ability to launch your own effective and low cost marketing campaigns.
Digital downloads and instant payment facility
Information, advice and resources galore
Artistic control
Do you really need (or even want) to have the same mass exposure as the current 'top' artists?
Major record companies spend huge sums of money on marketing because they need to recoup large spendings (or investments). It's a fickle game, the charts but there's still plenty of opportunities to make a living being a recording and performing musician. You just never know when an independent artist is going to come from out of the blue and arrive into the mainstream charts.
It could be you.
J:o
[Resource http://www.ftd.de/karriere_management/business_english/149431.html]
Friday, January 12, 2007
BLOG YOUR BAND
Blogging is a great addition to your band website. It's a great way to document your band's progess, what you're up to and interact with your fans.
Here's a blog I just came accross from a US indie rock band based in Seattle called H Is For Hellgate. If your not sure what you could put in a blog, take a look at their blog for some inspiration.
Another blog I really like is by the more established singer / songwriter Ben Lee which you can read here.
There's plenty of blogs out there but the point is, you've got to make your band blog reflect the personality of the group and/or its members.
Oh, and you can set a blog up quickly and easily and they're free!
[Resource http://hisforhellgate.blogspot.com] & [Resource http://www.ben-lee.com/blog.htm]
Here's a blog I just came accross from a US indie rock band based in Seattle called H Is For Hellgate. If your not sure what you could put in a blog, take a look at their blog for some inspiration.
Another blog I really like is by the more established singer / songwriter Ben Lee which you can read here.
There's plenty of blogs out there but the point is, you've got to make your band blog reflect the personality of the group and/or its members.
Oh, and you can set a blog up quickly and easily and they're free!
[Resource http://hisforhellgate.blogspot.com] & [Resource http://www.ben-lee.com/blog.htm]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, ben+lee+blog, music+promotion, promote+your+music
Thursday, January 11, 2007
CROSSING BORDERS
We all like to talk about a great book we've read or a great CD that we've heard and the ability to share this with thousands if not millions is what online communities or social networking is all about.
In a clever marketing move, Borders, the on and offline retailer of books, music and movies have introduced a new online social networking community. A networking community through Gather.com that is a leader in social media for adults.
Borders have teamed up with existing social networking site Gather, which caters to a similar demographic ie. the demographic identified with the Borders brand. (See full article for details). Borders have an exclusive arrangement will allow customers to become members to create their own exclusive online community through a Borders.Gather.com
The message for indie musicians can take from this is to know your market demographic and find as many creative ways of reaching them as you can. Social networking is becoming one of the most important marketing tools of businesses large and small.
[Resource http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-10-2007/0004503503&EDATE=]
In a clever marketing move, Borders, the on and offline retailer of books, music and movies have introduced a new online social networking community. A networking community through Gather.com that is a leader in social media for adults.
Borders have teamed up with existing social networking site Gather, which caters to a similar demographic ie. the demographic identified with the Borders brand. (See full article for details). Borders have an exclusive arrangement will allow customers to become members to create their own exclusive online community through a Borders.Gather.com
The message for indie musicians can take from this is to know your market demographic and find as many creative ways of reaching them as you can. Social networking is becoming one of the most important marketing tools of businesses large and small.
[Resource http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-10-2007/0004503503&EDATE=]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, borders+music, social+media, music+promotion, promote+your+music
Sunday, January 07, 2007
KEEN TO RELEASE CD'S
UK band Keane have achieved 2 world firsts in music marketing and both in October 2006.
Teaming up with www.concertlive.co.uk for the first UK deal of its kind, fans purchase a live CD of the gig which is recorded mixed and mastered in real time. Within 10 minutes of the show finishing, fans can buy and take home the limited edition of the CD of the gig they were just at.
And for their 2nd world first, Keane released a limited edition single on a re-usable 512mb USB memory stick. Available in the UK through HMV Music it is presented in a standard size CD packaging with the memory stick shrink wrapped to the packaging. The USB is the world's thinnest flash drive.
[Resource http://www.keanemusic.com/news.php?action=get&id=1194&y=06&m=10]
[Resource http://www.keanemusic.com/news.php?action=get&id=1200&y=06&m=10]
Teaming up with www.concertlive.co.uk for the first UK deal of its kind, fans purchase a live CD of the gig which is recorded mixed and mastered in real time. Within 10 minutes of the show finishing, fans can buy and take home the limited edition of the CD of the gig they were just at.
And for their 2nd world first, Keane released a limited edition single on a re-usable 512mb USB memory stick. Available in the UK through HMV Music it is presented in a standard size CD packaging with the memory stick shrink wrapped to the packaging. The USB is the world's thinnest flash drive.
[Resource http://www.keanemusic.com/news.php?action=get&id=1194&y=06&m=10]
[Resource http://www.keanemusic.com/news.php?action=get&id=1200&y=06&m=10]
technorati tags:keane, world+first+music+marketing, digital+music+marketing, music+promotion
Friday, January 05, 2007
AUSSIE MUSIC WANTED IN THE USA
Thanks to Jet, the most recent Aussie band to break into the $20 billion US music industry in 2004, Aussie music acts are again in demand.
The annual Austrade organised event will this year feature a host of Australian music exports in its annual promotion of everything Australia.
The publicity from this event is expected to reach more than 100 million Americans.
Click here to read which Australian musical acts will headline this year's festival.
[Resource http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21007320-5006024,00.html]
The annual Austrade organised event will this year feature a host of Australian music exports in its annual promotion of everything Australia.
The publicity from this event is expected to reach more than 100 million Americans.
Click here to read which Australian musical acts will headline this year's festival.
[Resource http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21007320-5006024,00.html]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, jet, austrade, musician, australian+music, usa+music+industry, music+promotion, promote+your+music
IF YOU CAN'T BEAT EM...
Good news for artists wanting to use copyrighted material for their videos.
According to this recent Reuters article, the music industry thinks generating new income from unused clips & video montages will be more profitable than suing the likes of YouTube.
By licensing deals to sites such as MySpace, people will be able to use or include copyrighted content in videos that they make themselves.
This way both the artist, MySpace and the copyright owner all get to benefit. Now that's much better than law suits! It seems that record labels are deciding 'If you can't beat 'em...join 'em' instead of the expensive and time consuming law suits against copyright infringement. The music industry really is changing and this is proof that the independent musicians have real power.
To read the full article including the 5 technologies shaping this space, click here.
[Resource http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=internetNews&storyID=2007-01-02T050015Z_01_N01266714_RTRUKOC_0_US-TECH.xml&WTmodLoc=InternetNewsHome_C1_%5BFeed%5D-4]
According to this recent Reuters article, the music industry thinks generating new income from unused clips & video montages will be more profitable than suing the likes of YouTube.
By licensing deals to sites such as MySpace, people will be able to use or include copyrighted content in videos that they make themselves.
This way both the artist, MySpace and the copyright owner all get to benefit. Now that's much better than law suits! It seems that record labels are deciding 'If you can't beat 'em...join 'em' instead of the expensive and time consuming law suits against copyright infringement. The music industry really is changing and this is proof that the independent musicians have real power.
To read the full article including the 5 technologies shaping this space, click here.
[Resource http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=internetNews&storyID=2007-01-02T050015Z_01_N01266714_RTRUKOC_0_US-TECH.xml&WTmodLoc=InternetNewsHome_C1_%5BFeed%5D-4]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+promotion, copyright, music+video+myspace, promote+your+music
Monday, January 01, 2007
FEED ME!
Happy New Year
Welcome 2007. I had a great night last night, I hope you did too. The food was delicious :-) see yesterday's blog for details. Limited myself to a glass of red with my meal and a few beers at a pub afterwards where I saw the new year in.
This blog post will be short (compared to yesterday) I'm sure that's a relief for most of you!
As you can see if you take a look at the top right hand side of the blog from page, I have added some RSS feed links to the blog. Now you can subscribe to The Indie Musician and have all the posts go straight in to your newsreader or RSS enabled browser (like Flock).
J:o
Welcome 2007. I had a great night last night, I hope you did too. The food was delicious :-) see yesterday's blog for details. Limited myself to a glass of red with my meal and a few beers at a pub afterwards where I saw the new year in.
This blog post will be short (compared to yesterday) I'm sure that's a relief for most of you!
As you can see if you take a look at the top right hand side of the blog from page, I have added some RSS feed links to the blog. Now you can subscribe to The Indie Musician and have all the posts go straight in to your newsreader or RSS enabled browser (like Flock).
J:o
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+promotion, new+rss+feed
Sunday, December 31, 2006
FAREWELL 2006
Things have been a little hectic the last couple of months at "The Indie Musician"....but it's all been for the best. More on that shortly.
This is my last post for 2006 so I'm going to ramble a little bit and tell you a bit about my year (2006) and about some of the exciting things that I'll be sharing with you in 2007.
End of year's are all about getting a bit philosophical and reviewing the year and figuring out what we learnt, where we got off track, what worked and how can we make next year better.
Like many other 'southerners' before me, this year I made the move up north. In May of this year I moved with my partner from our home city of Melbourne (Victoria) to Brisbane (Queensland). We drove up here (around 2000 Km) towing a trailer filled with our belongings. We sold and gave away so much 'stuff' before we left and it was a good feeling to clear out things we didn't really need or use and to start fresh with a lighter load in a new environment. We had lived for the last 8 years in a reasonably large old style 2 storey house in inner Melbourne and had managed to accumulate so many things. I don't think I ever had a spring clean? Nope - can't remember having one.
We've both been enjoying Brisbane and we love the beaches and surf of the surrounding areas - The Gold Coast - Northern NSW and The Sunshine Coast. If I had to 'complain' of anything it's not having daylight saving time like the rest of the east coast states :-( The independent music scene up here is smaller than Melbourne where they have a thriving live music scene - but Brisbane is a growing city and has musicians and music lovers just as passionate as any other Australian city so that can only be a good thing to help grow the Brisbane live music culture.
Whilst working temporarily (but full time) in a job (in Brisbane), I finally launched my e-book 100 Aussie Gigs which I'd spent the previous 18 months preparing and putting together whilst working full time in Melbourne. It was a huge job, I'm glad I didn't realise what I'd be up for before I started or I may not have started at all! So many things just 'fell' into place to get the book finished and make it available on the www. I had very few Internet skills beyond emailing and looking up websites so I had a huge learning curve to climb. All the skills I needed to learn, I had to learn along the way and surprised myself with what I could achieve when I put into practice one small piece of advice - The Only Failure Is To Give Up.
I'm very pleased to say that the response to the book has been a positive one and shows that the book is definitely worth my while keeping up to date with venues, booking contacts and other indie musician resources.
I created the book from my own frustrations of booking gigs. I always wished I'd had a time saving and easy to use resource for finding and booking gigs. Because I never found such a resource I decided to create one myself. Now that it's out - I'm really thrilled with it and it makes it all worth while to have other musicians tell me how much it will help them. We all win.
I spent around two months (October & November) developing business ideas and putting together a business plan and have been able to get some financial assistance for the business as well as a partner to help me in some of the areas that aren't my expertise. Now I can concentrate on the business full time in 2007 which is a dream come true for me.
2006 has like so many years before it, taught me many of life's valuable lessons - most of which I'm still learning (I'm a slow learner!). Patience, persistence and going with your energy flow being some of the key lessons.
So try it yourself - REALLY. Make 2007 a year where you really start to live your dreams and not those of other people. You really will be amazed at what you can accomplish if you take that first courageous step. It doesn't have to be big steps, little steps will get you there too :-)
This seems so simple and we hear it all the time, but it's incredibly powerful if you really GET IT and then, even more importantly DO IT.
DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT? It really is as simple as just figuring out exactly what you want. Many people either don't know or are vague on detail. Time you spend figuring this out now will be time well spent and saved in the long run.
WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU WANT Get your goals down on paper. Somewhere where you can read them frequently. Make your goals specific and don't be too afraid to make them big goals. If this doesn't seem 'realistic' to you, just go for a goal that will advance your life in the direction you are seeking. That's success. There's a quote (yes, I've got plenty today) - You Get What You Focus On - and it's absolutely true so be very careful of what you spend most of your time focusing on.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP I don't know if I heard or read this somewhere, I mentioned it above and I like it so I'll pretend I made it up. I've tweaked it a bit - You Don't Have To Take Big Steps, Little Steps Will Get You There Too - Go ahead, take the first step, you can do it, be brave, what have you got to lose? Actually, you'll have a lot to lose if you don't take some action towards your goals and dreams.
For what it's worth this is my humble advice to everyone for 2007.
Tonight (NYE) I'm going out for tea with my wonderful partner. We're eating at a Nepalese restaurant on Moreton Bay. I'm looking forward to it, neither of us can recall having eaten Nepalese food before so it'll be something new.
As for 2007 - I wont be resting for too long into the new year - maybe a day or two! There's plenty of work to do ahead.
The fantastic new and updated 2007 edition of 100 Aussie Gigs is almost ready to go and as well as being able to purchase the book online, you should find it popping up in some other places soon. I'll keep the blog updated as that happens.
Other things to look out for in 2007 are:
Website for The Indie Musician - The site is currently in development but it will be up very soon. I'll announce it's arrival on this blog - so stay tuned as they say!
There will be indie musician resources and FREE stuff available at this website. I'm really excited about the products that The Indie Musician will be launching in 2007, they are truly unique and will give indie musicians a great advantage.
The Indie Musician blog - (that's this one!) Will be growing bigger and better everyday. Why not subscribe via an RSS feed. That'll be up very soon too. And why not add a comment to a post or share your own experience or advice. I'll create a post especially where you can share your unique experiences.
So, 2007 is shaping up to be an exceptional year. I've got many exciting things to bring to independent musicians. I hope you'll join me. It's truly an exciting time for independent musicians. There has never been so many marketing tools, resources and opportunities available.
Wishing you all a happy and prosperous 2007.
See you next year.
Jo
This is my last post for 2006 so I'm going to ramble a little bit and tell you a bit about my year (2006) and about some of the exciting things that I'll be sharing with you in 2007.
End of year's are all about getting a bit philosophical and reviewing the year and figuring out what we learnt, where we got off track, what worked and how can we make next year better.
Like many other 'southerners' before me, this year I made the move up north. In May of this year I moved with my partner from our home city of Melbourne (Victoria) to Brisbane (Queensland). We drove up here (around 2000 Km) towing a trailer filled with our belongings. We sold and gave away so much 'stuff' before we left and it was a good feeling to clear out things we didn't really need or use and to start fresh with a lighter load in a new environment. We had lived for the last 8 years in a reasonably large old style 2 storey house in inner Melbourne and had managed to accumulate so many things. I don't think I ever had a spring clean? Nope - can't remember having one.
We've both been enjoying Brisbane and we love the beaches and surf of the surrounding areas - The Gold Coast - Northern NSW and The Sunshine Coast. If I had to 'complain' of anything it's not having daylight saving time like the rest of the east coast states :-( The independent music scene up here is smaller than Melbourne where they have a thriving live music scene - but Brisbane is a growing city and has musicians and music lovers just as passionate as any other Australian city so that can only be a good thing to help grow the Brisbane live music culture.
Whilst working temporarily (but full time) in a job (in Brisbane), I finally launched my e-book 100 Aussie Gigs which I'd spent the previous 18 months preparing and putting together whilst working full time in Melbourne. It was a huge job, I'm glad I didn't realise what I'd be up for before I started or I may not have started at all! So many things just 'fell' into place to get the book finished and make it available on the www. I had very few Internet skills beyond emailing and looking up websites so I had a huge learning curve to climb. All the skills I needed to learn, I had to learn along the way and surprised myself with what I could achieve when I put into practice one small piece of advice - The Only Failure Is To Give Up.
I'm very pleased to say that the response to the book has been a positive one and shows that the book is definitely worth my while keeping up to date with venues, booking contacts and other indie musician resources.
I created the book from my own frustrations of booking gigs. I always wished I'd had a time saving and easy to use resource for finding and booking gigs. Because I never found such a resource I decided to create one myself. Now that it's out - I'm really thrilled with it and it makes it all worth while to have other musicians tell me how much it will help them. We all win.
I spent around two months (October & November) developing business ideas and putting together a business plan and have been able to get some financial assistance for the business as well as a partner to help me in some of the areas that aren't my expertise. Now I can concentrate on the business full time in 2007 which is a dream come true for me.
2006 has like so many years before it, taught me many of life's valuable lessons - most of which I'm still learning (I'm a slow learner!). Patience, persistence and going with your energy flow being some of the key lessons.
So try it yourself - REALLY. Make 2007 a year where you really start to live your dreams and not those of other people. You really will be amazed at what you can accomplish if you take that first courageous step. It doesn't have to be big steps, little steps will get you there too :-)
This seems so simple and we hear it all the time, but it's incredibly powerful if you really GET IT and then, even more importantly DO IT.
DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT? It really is as simple as just figuring out exactly what you want. Many people either don't know or are vague on detail. Time you spend figuring this out now will be time well spent and saved in the long run.
WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU WANT Get your goals down on paper. Somewhere where you can read them frequently. Make your goals specific and don't be too afraid to make them big goals. If this doesn't seem 'realistic' to you, just go for a goal that will advance your life in the direction you are seeking. That's success. There's a quote (yes, I've got plenty today) - You Get What You Focus On - and it's absolutely true so be very careful of what you spend most of your time focusing on.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP I don't know if I heard or read this somewhere, I mentioned it above and I like it so I'll pretend I made it up. I've tweaked it a bit - You Don't Have To Take Big Steps, Little Steps Will Get You There Too - Go ahead, take the first step, you can do it, be brave, what have you got to lose? Actually, you'll have a lot to lose if you don't take some action towards your goals and dreams.
For what it's worth this is my humble advice to everyone for 2007.
Tonight (NYE) I'm going out for tea with my wonderful partner. We're eating at a Nepalese restaurant on Moreton Bay. I'm looking forward to it, neither of us can recall having eaten Nepalese food before so it'll be something new.
As for 2007 - I wont be resting for too long into the new year - maybe a day or two! There's plenty of work to do ahead.
The fantastic new and updated 2007 edition of 100 Aussie Gigs is almost ready to go and as well as being able to purchase the book online, you should find it popping up in some other places soon. I'll keep the blog updated as that happens.
Other things to look out for in 2007 are:
Website for The Indie Musician - The site is currently in development but it will be up very soon. I'll announce it's arrival on this blog - so stay tuned as they say!
There will be indie musician resources and FREE stuff available at this website. I'm really excited about the products that The Indie Musician will be launching in 2007, they are truly unique and will give indie musicians a great advantage.
The Indie Musician blog - (that's this one!) Will be growing bigger and better everyday. Why not subscribe via an RSS feed. That'll be up very soon too. And why not add a comment to a post or share your own experience or advice. I'll create a post especially where you can share your unique experiences.
So, 2007 is shaping up to be an exceptional year. I've got many exciting things to bring to independent musicians. I hope you'll join me. It's truly an exciting time for independent musicians. There has never been so many marketing tools, resources and opportunities available.
Wishing you all a happy and prosperous 2007.
See you next year.
Jo
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+promotion, new+year+philosophy, the+indie+musican, promote+your+music
Saturday, December 16, 2006
MAKE YOUR WEBSITE A SELLING MACHINE
- Learn how to attract more fans to your website
- Creative ways to stay connected with your fans
- Selling techniques to generate more sales online
FREE tele-seminar Wednesday, December 20th, 2006
Sign up here to register. Even if you can't be on the actual 'live' call sign up to receive a link to a recording of the call.
[Resource http://www.iwantmorefans.com/FreeConference.html]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+promotion, promote+your+music+website
Thursday, December 07, 2006
SONGWRITING - IF YOU'VE GOT PROBLEMS - HERE'S THE ANSWERS
Having songwriting problems?
Need some tips?
Want a songwriting guru in your ear?
Where do you start and what are the elements that make up a great song. Answers are here. Go and check it out.
....and all the songwriting tips and tools you can handle are here.
[Resource http://writelyrics.blogspot.com/2006/12/comprehensive-songwriting-tips-write.html]
Need some tips?
Want a songwriting guru in your ear?
Where do you start and what are the elements that make up a great song. Answers are here. Go and check it out.
....and all the songwriting tips and tools you can handle are here.
[Resource http://writelyrics.blogspot.com/2006/12/comprehensive-songwriting-tips-write.html]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, song+writing
Thursday, November 30, 2006
A - Z OF MUSIC JOURNALS AND MAGAZINES
This neat little listing comes from the Indiana University School of Music.
It's an A to Z listing of worldwide Internet Music Resources. Music Journals, Magazines, Newspapers and Periodicals.
Have a look at it here.
[Resource http://library.music.indiana.edu/music_resources/journals.html]
It's an A to Z listing of worldwide Internet Music Resources. Music Journals, Magazines, Newspapers and Periodicals.
Have a look at it here.
[Resource http://library.music.indiana.edu/music_resources/journals.html]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+resources, promote+your+music
RADIO UNSIGNED
Think you deserve exposure on radio? If so, you can submit a track to:
XM SATELLiTE RADIO
Attn: Billy Zero
1500 Eckington Place NE
Washington, DC 20002
Write clearly, include CD, Bio, contact info, Website info, photos, press clippings etc.
[Resource http://www.radiounsigned.com/]
XM SATELLiTE RADIO
Attn: Billy Zero
1500 Eckington Place NE
Washington, DC 20002
Write clearly, include CD, Bio, contact info, Website info, photos, press clippings etc.
[Resource http://www.radiounsigned.com/]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+promotion, radio+promotion, promote+your+music
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
BEATING PERFORMANCE ANXIETY
This is an often overlooked topic so I'm glad I've come across something that reminded me of 'Performance Anxiety' as it can be quite detrimental to the career of a musician.
If you suffer from this you're not alone, I've heard of many 'famous' performers who even get physically sick before performances.
Apart from giving up live performances what can you do about it?
Here's an article I found that offers some good tips for overcoming or at least managing your performance anxiety.
Musicians and Performance Anxiety
[Resource http://musicformallplaces.blogspot.com/2006/11/musicians-and-performance-anxiety.html]
If you suffer from this you're not alone, I've heard of many 'famous' performers who even get physically sick before performances.
Apart from giving up live performances what can you do about it?
Here's an article I found that offers some good tips for overcoming or at least managing your performance anxiety.
Musicians and Performance Anxiety
[Resource http://musicformallplaces.blogspot.com/2006/11/musicians-and-performance-anxiety.html]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+performance, music+performance+anxiety
Monday, November 27, 2006
UNEARTH YOURSELF
If you're an Australian independent musician making music don't forget to register as an artist on Triple J Unearthed.
Register here.
[Resource http://www.triplejunearthed.com/registration/whyregister.aspx]
Register here.
[Resource http://www.triplejunearthed.com/registration/whyregister.aspx]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+promotion, triplej+unearthed
ADVICE ON CHOOSING A PRODUCER
Advice for bands looking for a producer for their first release.
These words of wisdom come from Scott Owen (bass) and Andy Strachan (drums) from The Living End. You can read the article in full here as well as listen to an extended interview.
[Resource http://www.triplejunearthed.com/Resources/Default.aspx?ResourceID=17]
These words of wisdom come from Scott Owen (bass) and Andy Strachan (drums) from The Living End. You can read the article in full here as well as listen to an extended interview.
[Resource http://www.triplejunearthed.com/Resources/Default.aspx?ResourceID=17]
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
MUSIC BUSINESS RADIO
Music Business Radio is a syndicated weekly 1 hour specialty program spotlighting the inside workings of the music business.
You can subscribe here for a free podcast via iTunes.
[Resource http://www.musicbusinessradio.com/]
You can subscribe here for a free podcast via iTunes.
[Resource http://www.musicbusinessradio.com/]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, musician, music+business+radio, promote+your+music
Monday, November 20, 2006
10 MISTAKES YOU DON'T NEED TO MAKE
Sometimes it's good to learn from your own mistakes and sometimes it's better to take a faster track by learning from someone else's mistakes.
When it comes to marketing your music in this new century, mistakes cost time, so learning from other peoples mistakes makes sense.
US hip Hop musician Roger Kahlon kindly shares some of the 'mistakes' he has discovered that you can avoid.
10 Mistakes I've Made From Hustling My Music
[Resource http://www.prohiphop.com/2006/11/the_10_mistakes.html]
When it comes to marketing your music in this new century, mistakes cost time, so learning from other peoples mistakes makes sense.
US hip Hop musician Roger Kahlon kindly shares some of the 'mistakes' he has discovered that you can avoid.
10 Mistakes I've Made From Hustling My Music
[Resource http://www.prohiphop.com/2006/11/the_10_mistakes.html]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+promotion, promote+your+music
Sunday, November 19, 2006
DIGITAL MARKETING TIPS
Here is a 3 part interview with Tarek Al-hamdouni who represents the digital marketing department of J Records. These interviews give a rare insight into the digital marketing campaigns used by major labels.
J Records was formed in 2000 and is now under the major label of Sony BMG.
Read part 1 here
Read part 2 here
Read part 3 here
[Resource http://hypebot.typepad.com/hypebot/2006/11/j_records_terk_.html]
J Records was formed in 2000 and is now under the major label of Sony BMG.
Read part 1 here
Read part 2 here
Read part 3 here
[Resource http://hypebot.typepad.com/hypebot/2006/11/j_records_terk_.html]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+promotion, digital+marketing+tips, promote+your+music
Friday, November 17, 2006
SOCIAL MUSIC REVOLUTION
Here's a site worth checking out Last.Fm This Web site was started four years ago providing a streaming audio service and tracking user tastes.
Today, thanks to a mashup with (amongst others) MySpace and YouTube offers not only streaming audio, downloadable MP3's, user pages, band bio's, social networking, concert listings, purchase area for ticket and CD sales.
[Resource http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061113_604776.htm?chan=technology_technology+index+page_ceo+guide+to+tech+--+mashups]
Today, thanks to a mashup with (amongst others) MySpace and YouTube offers not only streaming audio, downloadable MP3's, user pages, band bio's, social networking, concert listings, purchase area for ticket and CD sales.
[Resource http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061113_604776.htm?chan=technology_technology+index+page_ceo+guide+to+tech+--+mashups]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+promotion, promote+your+music
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
NEW ONLINE INDIE MUSIC RADIO
Itrackradio is on the edge of online marketing. They stream music through its new online radio station which is targeted to the independent music industry niche.
Additional services they provide are to promote music artists to 'traditional' radio staions in the USA.
[Resource http://www.digital-djs.com/talk/thread-view.asp?threadid=15908]
Additional services they provide are to promote music artists to 'traditional' radio staions in the USA.
[Resource http://www.digital-djs.com/talk/thread-view.asp?threadid=15908]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, radio+internet, music+promotion, promote+your+music
NEW GENERATION ROCKS ON
Getting back to classic rock is apparently what the 'kids' are now preferring over top 40 type R&B, Hip Hop and other alernative-style derivitives. Seems there's a steady audience for old-school bands from the 60's 70's.
This doesn't mean abandoning the genre you are currently doing of course but I think it does indicate that the rock classic albums and artists had something in common. Songs. Yes, it's as simple as having really strong songs. Songs that can stand the test of time will undoubtably be the songs that wont get lost in the thousands of 'nameless' releases. Something else 'classic' bands have that 'ordinary/unknown' bands have is a distinctive style, when you can identify an artist by the opening seconds of a song, that's a good sign.
But maybe you're not looking for that kind of 'fame' which is ok too, so just have fun and do what you love.
The bottom line is, if you're looking for a genre that will keep you current and on top of the latest sound trend, you'll be chasing your tail forever. Just play from your heart and do what feels right.
To read all the details and statistics on which artists the younger generations are listening to click here.
[Resource http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061008/ART10/61007087]
This doesn't mean abandoning the genre you are currently doing of course but I think it does indicate that the rock classic albums and artists had something in common. Songs. Yes, it's as simple as having really strong songs. Songs that can stand the test of time will undoubtably be the songs that wont get lost in the thousands of 'nameless' releases. Something else 'classic' bands have that 'ordinary/unknown' bands have is a distinctive style, when you can identify an artist by the opening seconds of a song, that's a good sign.
But maybe you're not looking for that kind of 'fame' which is ok too, so just have fun and do what you love.
The bottom line is, if you're looking for a genre that will keep you current and on top of the latest sound trend, you'll be chasing your tail forever. Just play from your heart and do what feels right.
To read all the details and statistics on which artists the younger generations are listening to click here.
[Resource http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061008/ART10/61007087]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+promotion, classic+rock+music
Monday, November 13, 2006
SCIENCE OF SUCCESS
Await, the new music industry marketing catchphrase. Emotional connection.
Finally a 'formula' which is really just a bunch of questions, has been designed to calculate how emotionally connected fans are to the music. These 'test' results are called a 'popscore' and the band with highest UK popscore are the Red Hot Chili Peppers at 47 followed by U2 with a popscore of 46.
If you want to read all about this 'new' way for the record companies to tweak their advertising strategies click here.
If not, just do what all the 'great' and successful artists have done for decades. Write and perform great songs that connect with people.
Finally a 'formula' which is really just a bunch of questions, has been designed to calculate how emotionally connected fans are to the music. These 'test' results are called a 'popscore' and the band with highest UK popscore are the Red Hot Chili Peppers at 47 followed by U2 with a popscore of 46.
If you want to read all about this 'new' way for the record companies to tweak their advertising strategies click here.
If not, just do what all the 'great' and successful artists have done for decades. Write and perform great songs that connect with people.
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, u2, red+hot+chili+peppers
FASTEST GROWING MUSIC MARKETING CRAZE SINCE MTV
What is it? Cheap self produced videos marketed on YouTube, Yahoo!, Google Video and MySpace. A potential audience of millions could be watching and listening to your music.
Some figures: YouTube holds the leading position in online video, according to Hitwise. More than 100 million videos are viewed per day and 65,000 new videos are being uploaded daily.
Here's how it works. Up load your video (song) for free to one of the sites mentioned above and if you can make your 'clip' interesting, funny, quirky or unique in some way you could find your video being caught in the 'viral' marketing phenomenon.
The effects of viral marketing work like this - a person sees/hears your video and 'tells' 5 friends via email. From those 5 maybe all or 3 or 4 like it and they each tell 5 more friends and so on. At the second generation of 'viral' marketing you could have your music reach up to 20 people. Not much perhaps but keep doing the numbers even using a few people and the numbers soon stack up.
This really is an amazing tool and inexpensive enough to put in the hands of every indie musician. The trick is to offer something (visual) that watchers will want to see and just as importantly, will tell their friends about.
[Resource http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=142836]
Some figures: YouTube holds the leading position in online video, according to Hitwise. More than 100 million videos are viewed per day and 65,000 new videos are being uploaded daily.
Here's how it works. Up load your video (song) for free to one of the sites mentioned above and if you can make your 'clip' interesting, funny, quirky or unique in some way you could find your video being caught in the 'viral' marketing phenomenon.
The effects of viral marketing work like this - a person sees/hears your video and 'tells' 5 friends via email. From those 5 maybe all or 3 or 4 like it and they each tell 5 more friends and so on. At the second generation of 'viral' marketing you could have your music reach up to 20 people. Not much perhaps but keep doing the numbers even using a few people and the numbers soon stack up.
This really is an amazing tool and inexpensive enough to put in the hands of every indie musician. The trick is to offer something (visual) that watchers will want to see and just as importantly, will tell their friends about.
[Resource http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=142836]
technorati tags:indie, independent, music+film+clip, music+promo+film, musician
Thursday, November 09, 2006
LIVE MUSIC SELLS OUT
Not too long ago doom and gloom was predicted for the live original music scene due to the growing number of 'pokies' and gambling rooms.
But, not so:
Latest figures released from Live Performance Australia claim that the popularity of contemporary live music performances is on the rise. 2005 tickets sales were up 36% on 2004 tickets sales.
Click here to check out the article and breakdown of where Australians are spending their money on live music entertainment.
[Resource http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/ticket-sale-increase-is-music-to-ears-of-live-acts/2006/11/09/1162661830504.html]
But, not so:
Latest figures released from Live Performance Australia claim that the popularity of contemporary live music performances is on the rise. 2005 tickets sales were up 36% on 2004 tickets sales.
Click here to check out the article and breakdown of where Australians are spending their money on live music entertainment.
[Resource http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/ticket-sale-increase-is-music-to-ears-of-live-acts/2006/11/09/1162661830504.html]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+promotion, live+music
WHERE TO UPLOAD YOUR MUSIC
Here's a new music site where you can upload your songs to sell to a global market. It's free to upload your songs and you earn 50% of each download sale.
OIKZ.com
[Resource http://oikz.com/]
But with so many online music hosting sites available, how do you know which ones you should upload your music to?
Here's a nifty site that compares some of the OMD (Online Music Distribution) sites available. It compares the costs to artist, whether you can sell your music at the site and a description of the site. This could also be a handy site if you're looking for a list of OMD sites.
[Resource http://armydiller.com/musichosting.htm]
OIKZ.com
[Resource http://oikz.com/]
But with so many online music hosting sites available, how do you know which ones you should upload your music to?
Here's a nifty site that compares some of the OMD (Online Music Distribution) sites available. It compares the costs to artist, whether you can sell your music at the site and a description of the site. This could also be a handy site if you're looking for a list of OMD sites.
[Resource http://armydiller.com/musichosting.htm]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+promotion
PLAY APRA STAGE AT 2007 FALLS FESTIVAL
Are you going to the falls Festival in Lorne (Victoria) or Marion Bay (Tas) this year? If you are and you're also a musician, comedian, poet or street performer APRA invites you to apply for a spot on the People's stage.
To find out who to contact, click here.
Applications close Monday December 18th and you must already have a ticket for one of the Fall festival dates.
[Resource http://www.apra.com.au/writers/]
To find out who to contact, click here.
Applications close Monday December 18th and you must already have a ticket for one of the Fall festival dates.
[Resource http://www.apra.com.au/writers/]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+promotion, play+falls+festival
Friday, October 20, 2006
GET YOUR FILM CLIP MADE IN AUSTRALIA
As well as supporting the indie musician, I like to support those who provide the services enabling one to be independent.
Matt, is an independent film maker based in country Victoria but will travel if needed. He can produce promo DVD's as well as film clips at very competitive prices.
Check out some free clips and info at his website MyGeneric.
[Resource http://www.mygeneric.com.au/ ]
Matt, is an independent film maker based in country Victoria but will travel if needed. He can produce promo DVD's as well as film clips at very competitive prices.
Check out some free clips and info at his website MyGeneric.
[Resource http://www.mygeneric.com.au/ ]
technorati tags:indie, independent, music+film+clip, music+promo+film, musician
Sunday, October 08, 2006
SMART HOME MARKETING
What do you when you can't get to gigs? You invite bands to come to you.
Seems everyone is now happy in the small Scottish town of Darvel.
The town residents are happy, the artists love the hospitality and venue acoustics, the fans are happy and the creator of this novel idea now gets to see world class bands at his local town hall.
The Darvel Music Festival began in 2002 in the small Scottish town of Darvel, hosting mostly local pub bands. It is now a 12 day festival attracting more than 30 bands from around the world.
The festival is still organised and run by the founders Neil and Sheila McKenna. Neil came up with the idea because he was stuck at home with 2 young children and he couldn't get to gigs. Neil and Sheila run the event themselves, they find sponsors, arrange PA and lighting, print the programmes, organise a liquor licence and arrange transport and accommodation.
Bands play in the Darvel town hall and brings in visitors from as far away as Japan. Darvel was once a home to a thriving textile industry, now the local bars, B&B's and restaurants are packed during the festival and provide a much need boost to the town's economy.
Neil insists that all bands signing up to perform at the Darvel Music Festival cannot perform in Glasgow (30 minutes drive from the DMF). This smart marketing decision ensures that fans have to see the acts at the DMF.
Read the article in full here.
[Resource http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2090-2370036,00.html]
Seems everyone is now happy in the small Scottish town of Darvel.
The town residents are happy, the artists love the hospitality and venue acoustics, the fans are happy and the creator of this novel idea now gets to see world class bands at his local town hall.
The Darvel Music Festival began in 2002 in the small Scottish town of Darvel, hosting mostly local pub bands. It is now a 12 day festival attracting more than 30 bands from around the world.
The festival is still organised and run by the founders Neil and Sheila McKenna. Neil came up with the idea because he was stuck at home with 2 young children and he couldn't get to gigs. Neil and Sheila run the event themselves, they find sponsors, arrange PA and lighting, print the programmes, organise a liquor licence and arrange transport and accommodation.
Bands play in the Darvel town hall and brings in visitors from as far away as Japan. Darvel was once a home to a thriving textile industry, now the local bars, B&B's and restaurants are packed during the festival and provide a much need boost to the town's economy.
Neil insists that all bands signing up to perform at the Darvel Music Festival cannot perform in Glasgow (30 minutes drive from the DMF). This smart marketing decision ensures that fans have to see the acts at the DMF.
Read the article in full here.
[Resource http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2090-2370036,00.html]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+marketing, music+festival
Saturday, October 07, 2006
THE ESSENTIAL SECRETS OF SONGWRITING
Songwriters!
Are you looking for inspiration? need songwriting tips? want to find out what to avoid when writing a song?
Check out SectretsOfSongwriting for FREE online songwriting lessons and FREE tips on how to make chord progressions work.
[Rescource http://secretsofsongwriting.com/index.html]
Are you looking for inspiration? need songwriting tips? want to find out what to avoid when writing a song?
Check out SectretsOfSongwriting for FREE online songwriting lessons and FREE tips on how to make chord progressions work.
[Rescource http://secretsofsongwriting.com/index.html]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, songwriting+tips
SAFE SELL
If you're looking to sell your music on your own website this site could be worth taking a look at. SafeSell offers free software to protect your songs (DRM). No need to have your own e-commerce account, no set up costs and sell downloads through your own website. You can also set your own prices in any currency.
[Resource http://www.myspace.com/safesell]
[Resource http://www.myspace.com/safesell]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, sell+your+own+music+downloads, digital+music+downloads
Monday, October 02, 2006
I LIKE MUSIC....BECAUSE IT'S GONNA MAKE ME RICH ONE DAY
Here's an interview I came accross with a young UK Hip Hop artist called SWAY.
SWAY has managed to self record, produce and release 3 CD releases, get himself a nomination the UK's prestigious Mercury Prize and beat 50 Cent to a MOBO - and all while unsigned.
I know I don't need to continue to 'convert' you to believe in the DIY independent way. More and more artists are establishing an independent comfortable career doing what they love to do and all without the money and support from major record companies.
I like to feature these stories as both inspirational and as an opportunity to pick up tips on what strategies these artists adopted to succeed.
Read the interview here
[Resource http://www.ilikemusic.com/interviews/SWAY_interview_2006-2983]
SWAY has managed to self record, produce and release 3 CD releases, get himself a nomination the UK's prestigious Mercury Prize and beat 50 Cent to a MOBO - and all while unsigned.
I know I don't need to continue to 'convert' you to believe in the DIY independent way. More and more artists are establishing an independent comfortable career doing what they love to do and all without the money and support from major record companies.
I like to feature these stories as both inspirational and as an opportunity to pick up tips on what strategies these artists adopted to succeed.
Read the interview here
[Resource http://www.ilikemusic.com/interviews/SWAY_interview_2006-2983]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician
EUROPEAN DIGITAL MUSIC SALES
Here's an informative article on some digital download stats and a prediction of future trends. Click here for the answers to the following questions, which of course may also be handy to know for your music marketing strategies.
What countries are leading the digital downloads ?
What is the profile of the typical person who downloads digital music ?
What music is mostly being downloaded ?
What countries are NOT buying digital downloads ?
Who's pocketing most of the money from digital downloads ?
Who are the new big music publishers ?
[Resource http://euobserver.com/871/22429]
What countries are leading the digital downloads ?
What is the profile of the typical person who downloads digital music ?
What music is mostly being downloaded ?
What countries are NOT buying digital downloads ?
Who's pocketing most of the money from digital downloads ?
Who are the new big music publishers ?
[Resource http://euobserver.com/871/22429]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+publishing, digital+music, music+download, music+marketing
NEW ONLINE MAGAZINE ROCKS SYDNEY
A new digital magazine called Sydney Rocks is soon to be launched as a resource centre for music biz info. They also plan to be presenting some unsigned showcase gigs and band comps. Check out their myspace site here.
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+magazine, sydney+music, myspace+music+resource, musician
Friday, September 22, 2006
EARN A LIVING WITH YOUR MUSIC CAREER GAURANTEED!
You DON'T need a record deal to make millions!
You can learn everything you need to know about marketing for independent artists, singer songwriters, DJ's, singers and Hip Hop artists here.
Learn how to start building a huge fan base, drive a massive amount of traffic to your website and have your fans eager to purchase your CD's.
[Resource http://www.musicbizcoach.com/?hop=milando]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, sell+your+own+cds
Thursday, September 21, 2006
WANT MORE GIGS, MORE, FANS & MORE CD SALES?
Here is a pod cast for musicians by musicians with advice on how you can get more Gigs, more, fans and more CD sales.
Click here to get the pod cast.
[Resource http://www.musicianscooler.com/]
technorati tags:musician+podcast, indie+musician, independent+musician, sell+you+cd
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
PROMOTE YOUR CONCERT
Have you ever wondered how a top concert promoter would book your show ?
Have you ever watched as a buzz spread for a gig with a band you have never heard of and wondered what their promoter knew about organising a successful show, that you don't ?
Some of Australia's best known venues are available for hire to people just like you. Ever considered putting together a line-up of bands. What about under age nights, genre specific shows, holiday 'theme' shows ?
Well, now you can share in the SECRETS TO PROMOTING A SUCCESSFUL SHOW.In this step-by-step book you will learn how to create a budget, secure a performance contract, make a sponsorship proposal, advertise, learn about public relations and much more.
Click here to learn how you can book your show as a top concert promoter.
[Resource http://www.concertpromotions.net/?hop=milando]
technorati tags:indie+musician, independent+musician, Concert+promoter, Successful+gigs
DIY WEBSITES
If you are a musician without a website, I'd strongly advise you to get one ASAP.
You can get yourself a website without parting with a lot of cash and you can even produce a DIY website.
You'll need 3 things:
A Domain Name
A Web Hosting Company
A Web Design
Here is a DIY website model if you don't have the $$ to pay a web designer
Click here for your FREE DIY website design guide.
[Resource http://www.ezau.com/latest/articles/0252.shtml]
technorati tags:diy+websites, free+website+resource, indie+musician, independent, musician
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
AUSTRALIAN MUSIC RESOURCES
Here's a website with some top 10 style resources. There's a bit of a mix but it's Australian websites and worth a glance.
There are links to sites for guitar TABS, gig guide listings, promoting your band and specialist genre links for Punk, Jazz, Rave & Club, Blues, Indie Pop/Rock/Alternative, musicians and even one for Air guitarists!
The website is called Chart Central.
[Resource http://www.chartcentral.com/Top/Music_and_Artists/Music_Resources/Australian_Music_Resources/]
technorati tags:music+resource, indie, independent, musician
Monday, September 18, 2006
FREE MARKETING PODCAST
Here is a FREE resource I found which offers tips for small business owners.
If you're thinking that you don't have a small business you may need to take a closer look. Are you an independent musician ? Do you have a website and products to sell ?
The speakers include a copy writing expert, a small business marketing expert, public relations Pro and a successful musician and motivational speaker.
The 4 pod cast interviews each go for around 20minutes. Although they started on Friday 8th September, you can still access the first one here and the second one here.
September 8, 2006
Copy writing: Write Your Own Ticket
September 15, 2006
Marketing Street Warriors
Don't miss the 3rd one on Friday September 22nd which features Mark Romero of Mark Romero Music.
All pod cast interviews are posted every Friday to http://www.10stepmarketingconnection.com/ as well as being featured on iTunes.
[Resource http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/8/prweb430163.htm]
technorati tags:music+marketing, indie+musician
TURN YOUR MUSIC CAREER AROUND
Don't forget to sign up for the 60 minute live teleseminar this Wednesday 20th September.
Learn the secrets on how you can get many gigs week in week out.
Click here to learn more.
[Resource http://www.innerrhythm.org/zonebooking/]
technorati tags:indie+musician, independent, musician, get+more+gigs, successful+music+career
Sunday, September 17, 2006
GET MOGGING!
Another social networking site has officially been launched. It's called "MOG" (music blog).
It allows the user to upload standard social networking features, profile pages and MP3 files.
To check it out, click here.
[Resource http://www.marketingvox.com/archives/2006/06/20/music_social_network_mog_launched/index.php]
technorati tags:indie+musician, independent+musician, social+networking
Saturday, September 16, 2006
YOUR MUSIC TO MILLIONS
Mozaika are an Australian music duo from Katoomba, NSW. They are a good example of how Internet music marketing can help the indie musician reach many people all over the globe, all from the comfort of you own home.
[Resource http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,20378840%5E15388%5E%5Enbv%5E,00.html]
technorati tags:indie+musician, independent+musician, music+marketing, internet+music+marketing
Friday, September 15, 2006
SHARE YOUR MUSIC TASTE
By combining social networking with a high-tech music recommendation system, the Spanish startup may have a hit. Next move: mobile phones. ...
Using a simple concept, MyStrands is a website that installs software on the PC of it's members. This software then keeps track of what music the member buys and listens to and then introduces new music to the member based on patterns of other listeners to similar music.
Indie musicians also check out MyStrandsIndie
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, marketing+music
Thursday, September 14, 2006
FREE RESOURCE FOR BRISBANE MUSICIANS
Brisbane muso's can pick up a free map to more than 30 Brisbane live music venues. The map contains addresses and short descriptions of the types of music you can find at the venue.
The maps will be handed out by Brisbane City Council this Sunday 17th September between 11am and 2pm in the Brunswick Street Mall.
[Resource http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,20404640-5003421,00.html]
If you're looking for a complete indie musician gig booking guide for Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, take a look at 100 Aussie Gigs where you'll find everything you'll need to organise a gig or tour in the three major east coast cities.
Includes: Venue name, address phone number & website, Style of music suited to each venue, Venue booking procedure and booking contact details, Location guide for each venue, Accommodation, Transport, DIY Distribution, Radio, Press, Promotion and marketing tips, Online resource guide, Printable tour checklist, Printable booking sheet, 10 Step Guide to booking your gig and much more.
Click here to read more.
[Resource http://100aussiegigs.rjfmedia.com/]
technorati tags:indie, indpendent, musician, free+musician+resource, gigs+brisbane+sydney+melbourne, venues+brisbane+sydney+melbourne
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
CALLING WA BANDS AND ARTISTS
Are you a WA band or artist ?
If so, you are invited to submit an application to WAM (West Australian Music Industry) for the 2007 WAMi Festival showcases and the Kiss My WAMi promotional CD and DVD.
WHO: Bands and musicians, all styles
WHEN: By Tuesday October 3rd, 2006
WHERE: Apply online at wam.asn.au or phone for application (08) 9227 7962 (regional WA 1800 007 962)
[Resource http://www.xpressmag.com.au/archives/2006/09/wami_cd_call_ou.php]
technorati tags:indie, idependent, musician, WA+new+music
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
PANDORA'S BOX - EXPOSING NEW MUSIC
For most people, hearing a song on the radio is the main way they are introduced to new music.
However, a new website called Pandora.com which was launched eight months ago has an innovative way to expose people to new music they would be unlikely to come across in there day to day music listening habits.
With over 3 million registered users, Pandora.com provides free streaming audio of similar sounding artists that the user selects as liking.
Read the article here.
[Resource http://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/wb/wb/xp-81480]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, new+music+exposure,
Monday, September 11, 2006
AXE BOOM
If you're looking or a guitarist for your band's line up you could be in luck. According to this SydneyMorningHerald article, Australian guitar sales are booming.
Maybe those looking at taking up an instrument should consider an instrument other than the guitar, in order to be 'in demand'.
The guitar player image of that of a young male may not necessarily be so predominant as baby boomers and women take up the guitar in larger numbers.
This trend is reported to have been helped along by a worldwide popular culture trend away from dance music towards guitar bands.
Yes, it seems rock and roll will live on and there will be plenty of axe action to come.
Read the article here.
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, guitar
Saturday, September 09, 2006
PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS - MAKE A JET VIDEO
Jet are asking fans to create their own video which will be played on YouTube on the 2nd October, 2006.
The song is called 'Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is' and you can download it for free from Jet's website www.jetmusic.co.uk.
To read how it works click here.
[Resource http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/jet%20ask%20fans%20to%20make%20music%20videos_1007041]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, jet+music+video
TOUR MANAGER SECRETS REVEALED
Here is a review I came accross, of an ebook all about becoming an artist tour manager.
The book is called TourDoggSecrets and it gives step-by-step instructions on how to become an artist tour manager.
For a touring musician, a tour manager can be a vital member of the band's entourage. If you don't have the luxury of hiring someone to be a tour manager you can DIY by learning some valuable tricks on managing a successful tour.
[Resource http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/54998/tour_manager_larry_stevensons_tour.html]
technorati tags:indie, artist+tour+manager, independent, musician
Friday, September 08, 2006
RED HOT QUALITIES FOR SUCCESS
Formed in 1983 and still rated as one of the world's most sucessful bands, are the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
They must know something about what it takes to become such a successful band and in this revealing interview I came accross in the N.J - ParamusPost, Flea (bass player for RHCP) reveals the 3 qualities that make the difference between an average band and a top rate group, as well as why they are so important. Flea also talks about his own music style influences and early days of the RHCP.
Read the full article here.
[Resource http://www.paramuspost.com/article.php/2006090121350185]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, red+hot+chili+peppers
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
GIGS 4 ALL
Increase your band's exposure. Gigs4All is a US 'musician connection website'.
[Resource http://www.gigs4all.com/bands-get-gigs.php]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
SCHOOL OF ROCK
A new 3 year bachelor degree in Australian Popular Music will be introduced in 2007 at Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE.
For more information, email lisamitch@ozemail.com.au
[Resource http://www.theage.com.au/news/education-news/campus-chatter/2006/08/18/1155408009863.html]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician
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