Here is an excerpt from an article I found at CellHandsets.com
You know me. I know you. You know someone else. I know someone different. We all know each other. These are our networks and communities.
In a band or music sense, network and community is essentially what it's all about, when it comes time to share your music around.
You or your band writes, performs, and records music true, but unless you're a real purist, and enjoy your music for yourself, for the music, for your own CD rack at home alone then, at some point in time you may want to let others know about your band, your performances, and your music.
We know we are a band, and we know that we want to share our music. What you need next is Exposure.
You have to expose yourself to people that are receptive to what your exposing them to.
Get your own community. It's not as hard as it may sound, especially these days with the abundance of communication power at your finger tips in the Internet. You can use the internet to reach out and communicate with millions upon millions of people all over the planet with the click of a button.
There are plenty of web based community sites out there well worth exploring, and you should join more than one! This is because there is not just one single community web site out there that will reach everyone. Your best chances in exposure is to have your presence, music and community groups all happening in a few of them. Once you have done that then you can link them all up together to get the best coverage.
In all of these existing web based communities, the best potentials for maximum exposure take time. You have to build your name and community size.
To get maximum exposure you have to be involved in a few community sites, then link them all together. Here is a short list in my opinion of a few worth while web based contenders to start with, to network in, and to check out.
http://www.myspace.com/
http://www.mobzing.com/
http://www.friendster.com/
[Resource http://www.cellhandsets.com/2007/03/19/community-and-music-how-to-showcase-and-get-noticed/]
CREATE YOUR OWN WEBSITE
Your Own Website In 10 Easy Steps
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Saturday, March 31, 2007
THE SMELL OF SUCCESS
What Have the Senses Got To Do With Marketing? Emotional connection to something is translated by the senses. With marketing one of the goals for many companies is to create and deepen the emotional connection clients and prospects develop with a product, company or service. This is what creates unshakable loyalty, unsolicited referrals, and viral word or mouth.
For most humans these connections involve how they see, hear, smell, taste and touch the experience they participate in. Our impression and emotional connection with people and things is formed by our senses. Are there sights, sounds, smells and tastes that immediately take you to another place and time, somewhere deep in your memory.
Go beyond the obvious and look for ways to associate your brand with positive sensory elements that can become a unique signature for your business.
[Resource http://www.ducttapemarketing.com/weblog.php?id=P979]
technorati tags: market+your+music, music+promotion, indie, independent, musician
For most humans these connections involve how they see, hear, smell, taste and touch the experience they participate in. Our impression and emotional connection with people and things is formed by our senses. Are there sights, sounds, smells and tastes that immediately take you to another place and time, somewhere deep in your memory.
Go beyond the obvious and look for ways to associate your brand with positive sensory elements that can become a unique signature for your business.
[Resource http://www.ducttapemarketing.com/weblog.php?id=P979]
technorati tags: market+your+music, music+promotion, indie, independent, musician
AN ARGUMENT ON COPYRIGHT
With lots of talk lately about DRM and music piracy it's kind of refreshing to come across an article with a different angle. Even if it is a bit controversial.
It's no secret that there are 1000's of artists all trying to get you to listen to and buy their music. Which is why it's important to know who your market is and how to reach them. There is always room for 'good' music which means, if you know who your market is and you make a quality product that your market likes, it doesn't matter how many other musicians are competing. In a sense, having lots of competition just improves the product quality, so that can't be a bad thing.
Below is an article I found which points out an important economical truth.
"One of the least convincing arguments I hear in favour of getting rid of the recording industry is that they're just useless parasites skimming off the artists. Get rid of the recording industry, the logic goes, and all that money will go to the people who actually make the music. But more generally, the problem that artists have is not the recording industry. The main problem musicians face is other musicians. There are too many of them. Pardon me while I make a simplistic, Economics 101 argument here, but it seems to me that the reason almost no musician ever makes much money is that there is a huge excess supply of people who want other people to listen to them sing or play an instrument. When all the primates are vying to get up on stage to impress the other primates, there's little reason to pay the primates much."
[Resource http://patrissimo.livejournal.com/499505.html]
It's no secret that there are 1000's of artists all trying to get you to listen to and buy their music. Which is why it's important to know who your market is and how to reach them. There is always room for 'good' music which means, if you know who your market is and you make a quality product that your market likes, it doesn't matter how many other musicians are competing. In a sense, having lots of competition just improves the product quality, so that can't be a bad thing.
Below is an article I found which points out an important economical truth.
"One of the least convincing arguments I hear in favour of getting rid of the recording industry is that they're just useless parasites skimming off the artists. Get rid of the recording industry, the logic goes, and all that money will go to the people who actually make the music. But more generally, the problem that artists have is not the recording industry. The main problem musicians face is other musicians. There are too many of them. Pardon me while I make a simplistic, Economics 101 argument here, but it seems to me that the reason almost no musician ever makes much money is that there is a huge excess supply of people who want other people to listen to them sing or play an instrument. When all the primates are vying to get up on stage to impress the other primates, there's little reason to pay the primates much."
[Resource http://patrissimo.livejournal.com/499505.html]
Friday, March 30, 2007
HOW TO MAXIMISE YOUR GIG PROMOTIONS
I've just released a 40 page ebook with the best strategies you can use to make sure your next gig is your best gig!
You'll learn how to make sure you never miss any of the details for your gigs, what you should do to prepare for your live performances, strategies make your show 'look' like a success, how to get publicity from your gigs after you've played, how to get your fans and other musicians keen to help you...and much more.
The best thing is that it's FREE. Download your copy here.
[Resource http://www.theindiemusician.com/]
You'll learn how to make sure you never miss any of the details for your gigs, what you should do to prepare for your live performances, strategies make your show 'look' like a success, how to get publicity from your gigs after you've played, how to get your fans and other musicians keen to help you...and much more.
The best thing is that it's FREE. Download your copy here.
[Resource http://www.theindiemusician.com/]
Thursday, March 29, 2007
SCRUB RADIO
Scrub Radio is an award winning Internet radio station live playing industrial to gothic metal and acoustic artists from around the globe.
The show goes out live each Wednesday night from 9pm - 12 am EST but is also available as a podcast.
Sign your band up at Scrub Records and in the Scrub Radio forums, this will let the DJ's know about you and get you some air play.
technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, indie, independent, musician
The show goes out live each Wednesday night from 9pm - 12 am EST but is also available as a podcast.
Sign your band up at Scrub Records and in the Scrub Radio forums, this will let the DJ's know about you and get you some air play.
technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, indie, independent, musician
VIRTUALIVE
Virtualive is a concert series where musicians and virtual worlds connect.
The purpose of Virtualive is to match real world and virtual world talent into a concert and present it both in a physical and virtual venue. This concert series is a place to tap into new and independent music from the real independent scene along with the talent of those in virtual spaces doing the same.
You can now purchase tickets on line through Ticketmaster:
8:00 PM: Doors Open
8:30 PM: Event hosted by Ray
Ellin Ray Ellin! From Latin Kings of Comedy, Comic Strip Live or the recently re-launched Daily Comedy
Shock Radar performs at 9 PM
Buddahead performs at 10 PM
When: May 10th 2007, 8:00 PM, 285 West Broadway, NYC, NY 10013
Where: The Canal Room, NYC/The Morpheum Sim, Second Life
Second Life Location Coordinates: secondlife://Morpheum/128/128
For more information visit: http://www.virtualive.tv/ or myspace.com/virtualive
technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, indie, independent, musician
The purpose of Virtualive is to match real world and virtual world talent into a concert and present it both in a physical and virtual venue. This concert series is a place to tap into new and independent music from the real independent scene along with the talent of those in virtual spaces doing the same.
You can now purchase tickets on line through Ticketmaster:
8:00 PM: Doors Open
8:30 PM: Event hosted by Ray
Ellin Ray Ellin! From Latin Kings of Comedy, Comic Strip Live or the recently re-launched Daily Comedy
Shock Radar performs at 9 PM
Buddahead performs at 10 PM
When: May 10th 2007, 8:00 PM, 285 West Broadway, NYC, NY 10013
Where: The Canal Room, NYC/The Morpheum Sim, Second Life
Second Life Location Coordinates: secondlife://Morpheum/128/128
For more information visit: http://www.virtualive.tv/ or myspace.com/virtualive
technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, indie, independent, musician
WILD GOOSE CHASE MARKETING
Clever NIN. Not just creating an unusual and interactive marketing campaign but a 'story' that blog writers (like myself :-), journalists and fans can discuss.
Brilliant!
[Resource http://blogs.mediapost.com/spin/?p=1000]
[Resource http://www.webwalker.ca/2007/03/21/wild-goose-chase-marketing/]
technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, indie, independent, musician
Brilliant!
[Resource http://blogs.mediapost.com/spin/?p=1000]
[Resource http://www.webwalker.ca/2007/03/21/wild-goose-chase-marketing/]
technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, indie, independent, musician
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
GOOD MUSICIAN OR GOOD MARKETING
You might not want to be a "Ravi Shankar" but this article from Times of India makes a good point in it's interview with Indian musician L Subramaniam.
technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, indie, independent, musician
The answer is in the question Is there nothing to worry about, then?
[Resource http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/OPINION/Editorial/QA_You_dont_get_a_Ravi_Shankar_by_marketing/articleshow/1795474.cms]
technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, indie, independent, musician
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
MAC STARBUCKS
It's official. Sir Paul McCartney has become the first artist to sign with Starbucks' new record label, "Hear Music". Paul says the move reflects the changing nature of music marketing.
[Resource http://mensnewsdaily.com/2007/03/22/paul-mccartney-becomes-first-artist-to-sign-with-new-starbucks-record-label/]
technorati tags:music+promotion, music+industry, music+distribution, indie, independent, musician
[Resource http://mensnewsdaily.com/2007/03/22/paul-mccartney-becomes-first-artist-to-sign-with-new-starbucks-record-label/]
technorati tags:music+promotion, music+industry, music+distribution, indie, independent, musician
TO BE SHURE TO BE SURE
Recording. It all starts with capturing the sound you want to record so clearly a microphone is an important part of your recording studio. Some things you might be able to skimp on, a microphone is not one of them.
Although these articles (pdf format) come from Shure, who of course make microphones, their reputation is worthy of taking some notice to what they say.
This page has some links to a number of recording and performance related equipment issues.
[Resource http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/TechLibrary/EducationalArticles/index.htm]
technorati tags:recording+music, recording+tips, indie, independent, musician
Although these articles (pdf format) come from Shure, who of course make microphones, their reputation is worthy of taking some notice to what they say.
This page has some links to a number of recording and performance related equipment issues.
[Resource http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/TechLibrary/EducationalArticles/index.htm]
technorati tags:recording+music, recording+tips, indie, independent, musician
3 SUCCESS PRINCIPLES
"3 'A-Ha' Success Principles That Have Reshaped My Business"
by Alexandria K. Brown
Over the past three years I've immersed myself in learning. Because my business is marketing, I have mostly attended and spoken at marketing seminars. But I also make time to attend seminars and listen to audio programs on personal development as well.
Why?
You should actually work harder on yourself than you do on your business (or job). I first learned that from Jim Rohn, whom some call the father of personal development. Some call him America's foremost business philosopher. I just call him brilliant. (Jim was one of Tony Robbins' first mentors, too.)
There are three success principles I learned over the past year that I wanted to share with you. I call them my "a-has" because they put my attention on areas I'd never thought of. And following these guidelines has helped me skyrocket my business.
————————————————————————
1. You are the average of the five PEOPLE you hang around the most.
When I first heard this quote from Jim, it struck a big nerve in me. Robert Allen says something similar, that your bank account balance is typically the average of the five people you hang around the most. (Yikes!)
I realized I needed to surround myself with people whom I wanted to be like. I still love my old friends, but I make a specific effort to be around people who take risks, think big, and talk about great ideas instead of the latest celebrity gossip or how much they hate their jobs.
What first opened up my circle of influence was attending seminars. I continually go to seminars on marketing, business, and personal development. There are so many great seminars going on every month all around the country, at all price points. You have no excuse not to get out there and meet people who are playing big!
————————————————————————
2. Your HABITS create your future.
Brian Tracy talks a lot about this. Your daily habits create your long-term results. Your habits today will determine your outcomes tomorrow. If you want to be a millionaire, you've got to have millionaire habits. If you want to be a great leader, you must have the habits of a great leader. If you want to get in shape, you've got to have the habits of a fit person.
What new habit can YOU put into place right away?
I wanted to put into place a millionaire habit. Because I detest budgets (and enjoy spending), I needed an easy way to save money. So now I have 15% of my inflow automatically go into a savings account that I don't touch.
And because I enjoy looking and feeling great, I made the habit many years ago to hit the gym at least five days a week. (To kick this into gear, I hired a trainer, which forced me to make the habit to get my arse to the gym!) It was a struggle at first, but now I feel off-balance if I don't work out regularly.
————————————————————————
3. Make sure your ENVIRONMENT supports you in playing big.
Last year I had the chance to hear a dynamic woman named Artemis Limpert speak at an event in Dallas. In her talk, she pointed out that when you have a pet fish that's sick, you treat the water, not the fish. Your success depends more on your environment than you know, but it's extremely important that you give yourself an environment that supports you at the level you want to BE at. (Note that she did NOT say the level you are at now!)
My add-on to that is… pay attention to these three areas of your environment:
First, your physical environment. Do you love your office? Are you surrounded by attractive things? Do you have a nice view or at least a beautiful piece of art to look at? I pay a pretty penny for my beach pad, but I can't tell you how inspiring it is every day to look out at the peaceful ocean, sailboats, blue sky, and the sand. It fuels me. But you don't have to spend a lot of money on your environment. Little touches like candles, flowers, music you love, and photos of friends and family can go a long way. (Even if your office is the kitchen table!)
Second, your emotional environment. Are you getting the support you need from your family and friends? It's up to YOU to ask for what you need. If they cannot provide it, find a coach, a mastermind, or a support group. I find it wonderful to have a mastermind group for support. I can bounce ideas off them, ask for help with problem solving, share my victories, and sometimes just vent!
Don't forget your intellectual environment as well. Jim Rohn says, "Are you feeding your brain protein every day, or are you just giving it candy?" Most Americans sustain their brains solely on candy - that is, useless television shows, news, and gossip. Are you stimulating yourself with big ideas and new learning? Again, check out a seminar, take a teleclass, or buy some books or audio programs. (I love listening to programs on CD/MP3, so I can learn while driving around in my car or on plane rides.)
Online entrepreneur Alexandria K. Brown, "The E-zine Queen," publishes the award-winning 'Straight Shooter Marketing' weekly ezine with 21,000+ subscribers. If you're ready to jump-start your marketing, make more money, and have more fun in your small business, get your FREE tips now at www.EzineQueen.com
[Resource http://www.musicbusinessblog
technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, indie, independent, musician
Monday, March 26, 2007
NEW INTERNET MARKETING TECHNIQUES
Do you know what "Social Bookmarking" and "Tagging" are?
They're relatively new Internet marketing techniques, but not knowing them means you could be missing out on powerful traffic generating tools.
What is Bookmarking? Social bookmarking sites enable you to save your bookmarks online, rather than on your browser, and share them with other users interested in similar subjects. Besides viewing the content you post, other users can repost it on their own sites, with a link leading back to your site. This independent, user-generated content has become known on the Net as "citizen-" or "participatory-media".You can post original articles, blogs, music, product reviews, recipes, photos, podcasts, videos, and more. Setting up accounts with any bookmarking site is free, although certain sites work best for circulating certain content mediums:
• Technorati.com, Digg.com, IceRocket.com—general bookmarking
• GoogleVideo.com, YouTube.com—video submission
• Flickr.com, Buzznet.com—photo submission
What are Tags? Tags are essentially keywords that let you organize your posts. Similar to optimizing your web pages around specific keywords, you're tagging your posts to make them easy for users to find. Under a given tag, the most recent posts get top positioning, so staying ahead requires regular posting.As with SEO, you're not looking for high-traffic keywords that you can't consistently rank well for. You want words further down the proverbial market tail, with steady, moderate traffic. If you can dominate numerous long-tail' words, all that traffic will really add up. And narrower keywords tend to produce more targeted, higher-quality traffic.
Read why you need to be using these techniques and what benefits you'll get.
[Resource http://productsourcingexperts.blogspot.com/2007/03/citizen-media-future-of-internet.html]
They're relatively new Internet marketing techniques, but not knowing them means you could be missing out on powerful traffic generating tools.
What is Bookmarking? Social bookmarking sites enable you to save your bookmarks online, rather than on your browser, and share them with other users interested in similar subjects. Besides viewing the content you post, other users can repost it on their own sites, with a link leading back to your site. This independent, user-generated content has become known on the Net as "citizen-" or "participatory-media".You can post original articles, blogs, music, product reviews, recipes, photos, podcasts, videos, and more. Setting up accounts with any bookmarking site is free, although certain sites work best for circulating certain content mediums:
• Technorati.com, Digg.com, IceRocket.com—general bookmarking
• GoogleVideo.com, YouTube.com—video submission
• Flickr.com, Buzznet.com—photo submission
What are Tags? Tags are essentially keywords that let you organize your posts. Similar to optimizing your web pages around specific keywords, you're tagging your posts to make them easy for users to find. Under a given tag, the most recent posts get top positioning, so staying ahead requires regular posting.As with SEO, you're not looking for high-traffic keywords that you can't consistently rank well for. You want words further down the proverbial market tail, with steady, moderate traffic. If you can dominate numerous long-tail' words, all that traffic will really add up. And narrower keywords tend to produce more targeted, higher-quality traffic.
Read why you need to be using these techniques and what benefits you'll get.
[Resource http://productsourcingexperts.blogspot.com/2007/03/citizen-media-future-of-internet.html]
THE WEIRD AND THE WONDERFUL
There's no question that to get lots of people interested in your video you'll have to come up with a visual that is compelling, funny, weird, interesting but importantly, something that stands out in the crowd.
Japan. Now there's a place that's renown for its 'weirdness'. Where you have an endless supply of material.
Here's an idea - network and hook up with a video producer (or just someone with a camera), someone who travels to Japan or who lives in Japan and have them make a video for you.
Here's something to watch to get your imagination working.
[Resource http://www.webomatica.com/wordpress/2007/03/23/why-geeks-should-live-in-japan/]
Japan. Now there's a place that's renown for its 'weirdness'. Where you have an endless supply of material.
Here's an idea - network and hook up with a video producer (or just someone with a camera), someone who travels to Japan or who lives in Japan and have them make a video for you.
Here's something to watch to get your imagination working.
[Resource http://www.webomatica.com/wordpress/2007/03/23/why-geeks-should-live-in-japan/]
Sunday, March 25, 2007
AUDIO RECORDING SOFTWARE
This is a review of a multi track audio recorder called "MixCraft".
"...that enables you to record your band, create a podcast, create mash-ups or remix a song. Mixcraft functions as two programs in one! Use it as a multi-track recorder or as a music loop remix program. As a multi-track audio recording program, Mixcraft allows you to record and play multiple tracks at one time. Add effect processing such as reverb, delay, flanger or any 3rd party VST? or DirectX? effects. Mix down your recording to CD or MP3 directly in Mixcraft. No need to dust off your old four track recorder! As remix software, it supports Apple Loops?, Acid Loops? and our own custom loop format. Mixcraft's Song Kits allow you to create your own song in dozens of styles to sing along or rap to. Creating your own loop or extracting a loop from a well known song is a few clicks away. With Mixcraft, you can always be on the beat! Even with all this power, Acoustica engineers have kept the design easy-to-use and clean."
For full features, system requirements and price click here.
[Resource http://www.download3k.com/MP3-Audio-Video/Music-creation/Download-Mixcraft-Recording-Studio.html]
technorati tags:recording+music, recording+tips, indie, independent, musician
"...that enables you to record your band, create a podcast, create mash-ups or remix a song. Mixcraft functions as two programs in one! Use it as a multi-track recorder or as a music loop remix program. As a multi-track audio recording program, Mixcraft allows you to record and play multiple tracks at one time. Add effect processing such as reverb, delay, flanger or any 3rd party VST? or DirectX? effects. Mix down your recording to CD or MP3 directly in Mixcraft. No need to dust off your old four track recorder! As remix software, it supports Apple Loops?, Acid Loops? and our own custom loop format. Mixcraft's Song Kits allow you to create your own song in dozens of styles to sing along or rap to. Creating your own loop or extracting a loop from a well known song is a few clicks away. With Mixcraft, you can always be on the beat! Even with all this power, Acoustica engineers have kept the design easy-to-use and clean."
For full features, system requirements and price click here.
[Resource http://www.download3k.com/MP3-Audio-Video/Music-creation/Download-Mixcraft-Recording-Studio.html]
technorati tags:recording+music, recording+tips, indie, independent, musician
MP3 - XYZ
Just launched as at SxSW 2007 is a new website called XYZmp3 which is a FREE service for musicians and labels.
It gives you the tools to sell music from your own website or from any social networking site.
[Resource http://www.xyzmp3.com/]
technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, promote+music+online, market+your+music, promote+your+music, sell+your+independent+music, independent+musicians, music+promotion, indie+music+promotion, music+promotions, music+industry, music+distribution, indie, independent, musician
It gives you the tools to sell music from your own website or from any social networking site.
[Resource http://www.xyzmp3.com/]
technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, promote+music+online, market+your+music, promote+your+music, sell+your+independent+music, independent+musicians, music+promotion, indie+music+promotion, music+promotions, music+industry, music+distribution, indie, independent, musician
Thursday, March 22, 2007
ACHIEVING SONIC EXCELLENCE
Here are some links to a 4 part series on audio mastering
[Resource http://musicindustrynewswire.com/2007/03/04/min160_220600]
technorati tags:recording+music, recording+tips, indie, independent, musician
[Resource http://musicindustrynewswire.com/2007/03/04/min160_220600]
technorati tags:recording+music, recording+tips, indie, independent, musician
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
20 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ONLINE MUSIC
20 Things to know about online music marketing
All of this really comes down to some basic Internet marketing rules.
1. Know your market - the www is a big place and casting your net out far and wide is expensive and ineffective.
2. Drive traffic - online or offline, you have to expose your music to as many people as possible
3. Have a product (music or merchandise) to sell - don't make people sit through slow page downloads and flash graphics and intro pages etc - your buy 'button' or link should be able to be easily found.
[Resource http://newmusicstrategies.com/2007/03/16/the-20-things-you-must-know-about-music-online/]
technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, promote+music+online, market+your+music, promote+your+music, sell+your+independent+music, independent+musicians, music+promotion, indie+music+promotion, music+promotions, music+industry, music+distribution, indie, independent, musician
All of this really comes down to some basic Internet marketing rules.
1. Know your market - the www is a big place and casting your net out far and wide is expensive and ineffective.
2. Drive traffic - online or offline, you have to expose your music to as many people as possible
3. Have a product (music or merchandise) to sell - don't make people sit through slow page downloads and flash graphics and intro pages etc - your buy 'button' or link should be able to be easily found.
[Resource http://newmusicstrategies.com/2007/03/16/the-20-things-you-must-know-about-music-online/]
technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, promote+music+online, market+your+music, promote+your+music, sell+your+independent+music, independent+musicians, music+promotion, indie+music+promotion, music+promotions, music+industry, music+distribution, indie, independent, musician
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
SxSW UNDERCOVER
Talking Heads front man David Byrne gave his account of the future of the music industry at the recent SxSW festival.
He suggests that the major label business model will become obsolete and that major record labels will have to adapt and learn to co-exist with independent artists who can bypass the corporate system.
Read what David Byrne has to say on The Demise of the Music Industry
[Resource http://undercover.com.au/News-Story.aspx?id=1745]
He suggests that the major label business model will become obsolete and that major record labels will have to adapt and learn to co-exist with independent artists who can bypass the corporate system.
Read what David Byrne has to say on The Demise of the Music Industry
[Resource http://undercover.com.au/News-Story.aspx?id=1745]
Monday, March 19, 2007
INNOVATIVE MARKETING
Here's an idea for some innovative marketing.
It's all about giving your fans something of value.
[Resource http://www.plusone.com.au/diary/archives/261]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, indie, independent, musician
It's all about giving your fans something of value.
[Resource http://www.plusone.com.au/diary/archives/261]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, indie, independent, musician
FINDING THE "X" FACTOR
The stand out difference of someone who plays great guitar is the 'feel' they have. Get yourself the "x" Factor.
Feel is one of those things that can be a bit hard to describe let alone teach. This article I found does a pretty good job of both.
This works with any instrument (including voice).
[Resource http://www.pianomusician.com/news/index.php?id=488]
technorati tags:music+performance, indie, independent, musician
indie+music+promotion+course
Feel is one of those things that can be a bit hard to describe let alone teach. This article I found does a pretty good job of both.
This works with any instrument (including voice).
[Resource http://www.pianomusician.com/news/index.php?id=488]
technorati tags:music+performance, indie, independent, musician
indie+music+promotion+course
Sunday, March 18, 2007
TIPS FOR SOLO MUSICIANS
Here's some ideas for musicians who can play solo. These money making ideas come from the first hand experience of the writer. The writer here plays mostly jazz, but you could use the same concept for other styles.
[Resource http://musicianhome.com/124/tips-for-the-solo-musician/]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, promote+your+music, indie, independent, musician
[Resource http://musicianhome.com/124/tips-for-the-solo-musician/]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, promote+your+music, indie, independent, musician
Saturday, March 17, 2007
UK SONGWRITING COMP
If you think your songs are good, why not enter one in this year's UK Songwriting Contest.
The 10 categories are Pop, Rock/Indie, Folk and Country, Jazz and Blues, Miscellaneous, Dance, R&B/Hip-Hop/Urban, Christian/Faith, Lyrics Only and Instrumental.
Many UK Songwriting Contest winners and finalists have gone on to receive publishing and recording offers and have been widely featured and play listed on radio stations in the UK and abroad. One previous winner was signed to be part of the band Angelis who sold over 500,000 albums.
You don't need a professional recording to enter a home recording or hand written lyric sheet will do the trick.
You can enter online at The UK Songwriting Contest. Here's what they say.
[Resource http://www.openpr.com/news/16802/Simon-Cowell-signing-boosts-interest-in-The-UK-Songwriting-Contest-2007.html]
The 10 categories are Pop, Rock/Indie, Folk and Country, Jazz and Blues, Miscellaneous, Dance, R&B/Hip-Hop/Urban, Christian/Faith, Lyrics Only and Instrumental.
Many UK Songwriting Contest winners and finalists have gone on to receive publishing and recording offers and have been widely featured and play listed on radio stations in the UK and abroad. One previous winner was signed to be part of the band Angelis who sold over 500,000 albums.
You don't need a professional recording to enter a home recording or hand written lyric sheet will do the trick.
You can enter online at The UK Songwriting Contest. Here's what they say.
"A GENUINE CHANCE TO GET NOTICED
The UK Songwriting Contest is dedicated to promoting the art of songwriting and the discovery of new talent. All entries are very carefully examined by experienced industry professionals and everyone has the chance to get noticed. We aim to provide maximum exposure and genuine opportunities and we are actively looking for promising writers. Many important people in the music industry follow this event closely, and past winners and finalists have been noticed by - and even received recording or publishing deals from - prominent members of the music community including Sir Paul McCartney and Simon Cowell. Writers that show potential, whether they are contest winners or not, may be offered opportunities for publishing and career development."
The UK Songwriting Contest is dedicated to promoting the art of songwriting and the discovery of new talent. All entries are very carefully examined by experienced industry professionals and everyone has the chance to get noticed. We aim to provide maximum exposure and genuine opportunities and we are actively looking for promising writers. Many important people in the music industry follow this event closely, and past winners and finalists have been noticed by - and even received recording or publishing deals from - prominent members of the music community including Sir Paul McCartney and Simon Cowell. Writers that show potential, whether they are contest winners or not, may be offered opportunities for publishing and career development."
[Resource http://www.openpr.com/news/16802/Simon-Cowell-signing-boosts-interest-in-The-UK-Songwriting-Contest-2007.html]
Friday, March 16, 2007
MARKETING IDEAS FROM SxSW
If you didn't get to go to this year's SxSW event, never fear, hear are some marketing ideas picked up by someone who was there.
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, sxswi, sxsw, indie, independent, musician
Thursday, March 15, 2007
A COFFEE AND A RECORD DEAL
Fancy signing a record deal with a coffee shop? Apparently Paul McCartney (yes, the Sir Paul of Beatle fame) has.
In a marketing move non coffee related, Starbucks plan to sign and develop artists on their LA based label "Hear Music". Makes sense - they can distribute worldwide through their stores, they can do in-house marketing and they've got a ready made audience to cater.
We are in the midst of very changing and challenging times for major record labels. Distribution and marketing channels are becoming easily available to the average independent musician. Build a successful brand (that's your band or you as an artist) and you will be able to negotiate your own career. You can be sure when any industry undergoes such major changes that new players will come in with new ideas and open the way for many to follow or join.
In a marketing move non coffee related, Starbucks plan to sign and develop artists on their LA based label "Hear Music". Makes sense - they can distribute worldwide through their stores, they can do in-house marketing and they've got a ready made audience to cater.
We are in the midst of very changing and challenging times for major record labels. Distribution and marketing channels are becoming easily available to the average independent musician. Build a successful brand (that's your band or you as an artist) and you will be able to negotiate your own career. You can be sure when any industry undergoes such major changes that new players will come in with new ideas and open the way for many to follow or join.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
BARENAKED SUCCESS
Canadian Band the Barenaked Ladies once were signed to a major label. Having come full circle they're now independent and have a new lease of life.
In an interview Steve gave to Billboard he talks of the benefits of being independent in the new music industry of self-governing, Internet-savvy, fan-friendly business model. He also says the BNL are "happier than ever".
With benefits like:
Read here the Barenaked Ladies new way of doing business
[Resource http://www.reuters.com/article/musicNews/idUSN0230330520070302?pageNumber=2]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, indie, internet+music+marketing, promote+music+online, indie, independent, musician
In an interview Steve gave to Billboard he talks of the benefits of being independent in the new music industry of self-governing, Internet-savvy, fan-friendly business model. He also says the BNL are "happier than ever".
With benefits like:
- Not being forgotten, dumped or being a low priority by a major record company
- Having total career control
- Lower sales but with much higher profit margins
Read here the Barenaked Ladies new way of doing business
[Resource http://www.reuters.com/article/musicNews/idUSN0230330520070302?pageNumber=2]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, indie, internet+music+marketing, promote+music+online, indie, independent, musician
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
READY TO TAKE THE STAGE!
Here's some good advice for bands and solo artists before you next take the stage. This will not only help you come across as professional and ensure a good relationship with the venue, it will help make sure you are doing everything within your power to win new fans from each gig.
Playing live is your chance to personally meet and connect with your audience. Something that can't be done over the Internet.
[Resource http://jordantishler.wordpress.com/tag/bands/]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, indie, promote+your+music, live+music+promotion, indie, independent, musician
Playing live is your chance to personally meet and connect with your audience. Something that can't be done over the Internet.
[Resource http://jordantishler.wordpress.com/tag/bands/]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, indie, promote+your+music, live+music+promotion, indie, independent, musician
Monday, March 12, 2007
YOUTUBE IDOL
Who said singing karaoke couldn't get you signed! Well, probably no-one but it isn't the most obvious route one usually takes to be a successful commercial recording artist.
These crazy days of the new independent artist have enabled 18 year old Esmee Denters from Holland to go from singing karaoke in her bedroom to landing a major record deal and signing with Kelly Rowland from Destiny's child.
Esmee started her 'career' by uploading videos to YouTube of herself singing and soon found herself appearing on the front page of YouTube and getting so many views that YouTube's servers became overloaded.
[Resource http://theutubeblog.com/tag/esmee-denters/]
These crazy days of the new independent artist have enabled 18 year old Esmee Denters from Holland to go from singing karaoke in her bedroom to landing a major record deal and signing with Kelly Rowland from Destiny's child.
Esmee started her 'career' by uploading videos to YouTube of herself singing and soon found herself appearing on the front page of YouTube and getting so many views that YouTube's servers became overloaded.
[Resource http://theutubeblog.com/tag/esmee-denters/]
VIRAL VIDEO MARKETING
Tenth Street Entertainment’s independent music label Eleven Seven Music said Wednesday it plans to introduce its first viral video-marketing campaign, live from a concert by the Los Angeles band the Exies, in April. Promoters will give fans permission to shoot live videos from the event and upload them to the indie music label’s page on Zannel, which launched a mobile social networking site on Wednesday.
Read more about viral video marketing here
[Resource http://www.redherring.com/Article.aspx?a=21557&hed=Zannel+Takes+Social+Nets+Mobile§or=Industries&subsector=EntertainmentAndMedia]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, viral+music+marketing, indie, independent, musician
Read more about viral video marketing here
[Resource http://www.redherring.com/Article.aspx?a=21557&hed=Zannel+Takes+Social+Nets+Mobile§or=Industries&subsector=EntertainmentAndMedia]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, viral+music+marketing, indie, independent, musician
HOW TO BE A WORKING BAND
Playing gigs is one of the best ways to start building a following. Internet marketing is well and good but playing live is where many bands make their money.
Use the internet to help you build a fan base and communicate with your fans. Play live and this your oportunity to win people over, build up a following, sell Cd's and merchandise and earn money from performing.
We all have to start somewhere, so if you've practised enough to feel that you or your band are good enough to play in front of an audience, let's get you out there!
The basics are: put together a press kit and book a gig. Keeping yourself organised and following up venues are the keys to getting a gig. Read "How to Be a Working Band or Musician"
For a free step by step guide to booking your gigs the easy way - join the FREE "Tools For Success" program offered at this page.
Are you wanting to book Australian Gigs? Take the hassle out of booking with 100 Aussie Gigs.
[Resource http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/161239/how_to_be_a_working_band_or_musician.html]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, market+your+music, live+music, get+a+gig, live+music+promotion, independent, musician
Use the internet to help you build a fan base and communicate with your fans. Play live and this your oportunity to win people over, build up a following, sell Cd's and merchandise and earn money from performing.
We all have to start somewhere, so if you've practised enough to feel that you or your band are good enough to play in front of an audience, let's get you out there!
The basics are: put together a press kit and book a gig. Keeping yourself organised and following up venues are the keys to getting a gig. Read "How to Be a Working Band or Musician"
For a free step by step guide to booking your gigs the easy way - join the FREE "Tools For Success" program offered at this page.
Are you wanting to book Australian Gigs? Take the hassle out of booking with 100 Aussie Gigs.
[Resource http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/161239/how_to_be_a_working_band_or_musician.html]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, market+your+music, live+music, get+a+gig, live+music+promotion, independent, musician
Sunday, March 11, 2007
FREE RINGTONE SOFTWARE
With all the usual ring tones available for phones, how 'bout creating your own unique ring tone with your songs for your fans.
The technology is here and BETA Records are providing the software to do it for free.
[Resource http://press.xtvworld.com/article17322.html]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, indie, internet+music+marketing, mobile+marketing, indie, independent, musician
The technology is here and BETA Records are providing the software to do it for free.
[Resource http://press.xtvworld.com/article17322.html]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, indie, internet+music+marketing, mobile+marketing, indie, independent, musician
ADVERTISE YOUR BAND ON MYSPACE
This something to get you started on MySpace. There's a few tips from MySpace users as to what has helped them market their music.
Find out what you should be doing, what works and what doesn't.
[Resource http://www.technologyevangelist.com/2006/08/how_to_advertise_my.html#comment-15976]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, internet+music+marketing, internet+music+marketing, myspace+music+marketing, indie, independent, musician
Find out what you should be doing, what works and what doesn't.
[Resource http://www.technologyevangelist.com/2006/08/how_to_advertise_my.html#comment-15976]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, internet+music+marketing, internet+music+marketing, myspace+music+marketing, indie, independent, musician
Saturday, March 10, 2007
UK MARKET VS US MARKET
Scott Hoffman fom New York based 70's style rock and disco band the Scissor Sisters talks in this article about the US music market and why the Scissor Sisters can be virtually ignored in their home countries but adored in the UK and Australia.
An interesting look at the differences of the UK/European market and the US market.
[Resource http://www.mlive.com/music/flintjournal/index.ssf?/base/features-2/1173201669309520.xml&coll=5]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, indie, market+your+music, scissor+sisters, indie, independent, musician
An interesting look at the differences of the UK/European market and the US market.
Scissor Sisters looking for a little love at home
[Resource http://www.mlive.com/music/flintjournal/index.ssf?/base/features-2/1173201669309520.xml&coll=5]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, indie, market+your+music, scissor+sisters, indie, independent, musician
HOW TO GET A GIG IN WALES
Here's a nice little resource I came across on the BBC website.
There's a How To Get A Gig article and if you're wanting to tour Wales, there's a bunch of handy venue links at the same site.
[Resource http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/howto/pages/get_a_gig.shtml]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, promote+your+live+music, free+gig+resource, live+music+wales, how+to+get+a+gig, indie, independent, musician
There's a How To Get A Gig article and if you're wanting to tour Wales, there's a bunch of handy venue links at the same site.
[Resource http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/howto/pages/get_a_gig.shtml]
GigShare-A FREE Global Network of Gigs and Resources
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, promote+your+live+music, free+gig+resource, live+music+wales, how+to+get+a+gig, indie, independent, musician
NINE INCH MARKETING
Seems that coming up with a unique and creative idea can get you more publicity mileage than traditional and expensive marketing campaigns.
With a strange but simple enough idea Trent Reznor from NIN has produced a sort of game, story, treasure hunt based on the Internet.
The idea or game has caught on and has a huge cult following around the world chasing and deciphering clues on various websites.
It all started from this NIN tour t-shirt.
Rolling Stone write about it here and this forum at EchoingTheSound you can read up on the history and story behind this marketing concept.
[Resource http://www.prohiphop.com/2007/03/def_jam_icon_la.html]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, internet+music+marketing, promote+music+online, market+your+music, indie, independent, musician
With a strange but simple enough idea Trent Reznor from NIN has produced a sort of game, story, treasure hunt based on the Internet.
The idea or game has caught on and has a huge cult following around the world chasing and deciphering clues on various websites.
It all started from this NIN tour t-shirt.
Rolling Stone write about it here and this forum at EchoingTheSound you can read up on the history and story behind this marketing concept.
[Resource http://www.prohiphop.com/2007/03/def_jam_icon_la.html]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, internet+music+marketing, promote+music+online, market+your+music, indie, independent, musician
Friday, March 09, 2007
DISSECTING SONGS
Pandora Podcast Series is as it says, a series of Podcasts dissecting songs to find out what makes a particular song sound distinctive or give it that special sound.
Here's what they say:
[Resource http://blog.pandora.com/podcast/]
Here's what they say:
"We thought it might be interesting for folks to learn more about what goes into songwriting. These podcasts are our attempt to give you an inside look at the techniques musicians use to put their signature on the music they write and perform."
[Resource http://blog.pandora.com/podcast/]
NEW BUSINESS MODEL FOR NEW TECHNOLOGY
New business models are vital as technology changes the way people shop and purchase.
With many landmark music retail outlets disappearing fast (Tower Records in the US, Sam the Record Man in Canada) and owners of these type of stores say that "the music business is changing, and changing rapidly."
The bad news for retail outlets is good news for musicians, one of the biggest factors being that music is easily distributed over the Internet and does not require physical storage and shipping.
So while the music industry tries to catch up to these changes with a new business model, musicians have the world at their fingertips.
For some statistics and further reading from Canada's TheChronicleHerald read:
[Resource http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/561147.html]
With many landmark music retail outlets disappearing fast (Tower Records in the US, Sam the Record Man in Canada) and owners of these type of stores say that "the music business is changing, and changing rapidly."
The bad news for retail outlets is good news for musicians, one of the biggest factors being that music is easily distributed over the Internet and does not require physical storage and shipping.
So while the music industry tries to catch up to these changes with a new business model, musicians have the world at their fingertips.
For some statistics and further reading from Canada's TheChronicleHerald read:
[Resource http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/561147.html]
HOW TO MAKE AN AMATEUR RECORDING SOUND PROFESSIONAL
Uneven vocals, fake drums, overused reverb, muddy vocals...and the list goes on.
Don't let your recordings showcase your songs as being the work of a novice.
Here's how you can learn to recognize and address these traits in your own recordings, and produce more polished, professional mixes: 10 hallmarks of amateur recordings
[Resource http://www.hometracked.com/2006/12/22/10-hallmarks-of-amateur-recordings/]
Don't let your recordings showcase your songs as being the work of a novice.
Here's how you can learn to recognize and address these traits in your own recordings, and produce more polished, professional mixes: 10 hallmarks of amateur recordings
[Resource http://www.hometracked.com/2006/12/22/10-hallmarks-of-amateur-recordings/]
Thursday, March 08, 2007
CREATING A BUZZ
There's no question that building a successful music career is a lot of hard work, but it can be done. You have control over your career and you can create your opportunities and create your own buzz. How? Here's some tips on: Creating your own gigs, getting press, getting your fan numbers up and networking.
Read this article Create A Buzz: If You Build It They Will Come!
[Resource http://www.xanga.com/Artistopia/574198048/create-a-buzz-if-you-build-it-they-will-come.html]
Read this article Create A Buzz: If You Build It They Will Come!
[Resource http://www.xanga.com/Artistopia/574198048/create-a-buzz-if-you-build-it-they-will-come.html]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, indie, independent, musician
"TIME AFTER TIME" - THE INSIDE STORY
Get an insider look at a professional recording studio experience.
Producer/Engineer William Wittman remembers the techniques and equipment he used to record Cyndi Lauper's song "Time After Time".
This came from ProSoundWeb.com, community forum - Time After Time (the inside story)
Time After Time:
started in Record Plant Studio B which had an API and an MM1200.
Westlake monitors (in fact one of the very FIRST Hidley control rooms).
the studio had been rebuilt by the staff and was a medium sized but EXTREMELY live room.
Bouncy, splashy, diffused.. sounded like an empty warehouse. But GREAT.
But uncontrollable.
People either loved or hated recording in there.
I loved it.
We started that track with a Linn drum.
to that we overdubbed Rob Hyman playing a Juno 60 (which is the main synth) using its internal stereo chorus.
and at the SAME TIME, Peter Wood, playing a Memory Moog, doubling the basic part in real time.
To get some stereo variation, when the "horns" come in on the B-Verse ("You say , go slow..."), it's another Memory Moog part but it's double tracked, one on the left and one on the right.
The bass is Rob playing on I THINK a Prophet V (rev 1) but it COULD be the Memory Moog.
We also overdubbed Anton Fig playing the cross stick and bass drum, but the Linn shaker remains.
RE20 on the bass drum under some packing blankets.
KM-84 on the snare.
IN the mix I took the shaker (I just realised we always CALLED it a shaker, but actually it's the Linn Cabasa), through an Eventide Flanger to make it dance around in stereo a bit and get it out of the dead centre, where it was too demanding.
It sounded better being a little diffused... less artificial.
We did a pass of the guitar downstairs in Studio B... but this was very near the end of the record (it was the last song to go on) and we were due to move upstairs to the Mixroom
The guitar was Eric Bazilian's Strat through Record Plant's 50 watt Marshall 2x12 JMP combo.
It's got an 87 on it, probably compressed a bit with an La2a.
the first pass didn't seem to be "it".
The vocal is a U-47 - API 525 compressor.
the Verses were SO soft that I had the pre quite cranked up to get a good, full shot at It.
Then she'd hit the chorus and BAM.. distortion.
After experimenting a BIT with multiple mics and trying to ride the pre or A/B switch pres and other wanker-y, we ended up just overdubbing the choruses separately.
it DOES still have a kind of slightly distorted quality in the chorus, but that's also just part of how she SOUNDS in that range.
If you stick your ear in front of her mouth, you hear that sound.
Rob overdubbed the harmony vocal and that was that.
Then we moved up to the Mixroom, which had a customised Trident 56 in TSM.
we set up the same amp and Eric overdubbed the final guitar playing in the control room between the two speakers with the amp in the little overdub room.
At that point Cyndi mentioned Don't Stand So Close as a way to think about the verse guitar... since that said "chorus" to me, I put the Publison DHM-89 harmoniser on it and set it for a very short delay with a bit of pitch shift on each side, one side up the other down.
and that's the guitar chorusing.
If I SAW a DHM-89 I would probably remember just how i set it, but it was a kind of chorus-y ADT sound that i had sussed on the thing already.
I'd used it on a vocal on another record.
I don't think I'd used it on a guitar though.
In the final mix, I actually bring in the scratch track from downstairs in the "solo" section as an extra guitar.
the mix was fairly straightforward. I remember I did do a different delay for the chorus than for the verses so that the chorus would open up a bit.
again with a Publison DHM-89.
the stereo mix has an Audio&Design Recording Compex (F760x-RS) on it in a kind of "parallel" compression.
The TSM had a quad pan pot and a network that summed the rear quad busses into the front for stereo.
So I put the A&D on the REAR buss inserts and then could use the front-rear pan pots to determine how much a sound goes into the compressor.
I know I, for example, didn't put any shaker into the compressor, and had the vocal about half in half out.
The only reverb is an EMT250.
it's mixed (with no automation, just edits as necessary) to 1/4 15ips 456 at 6 over 250 nW/m on at ATR 102.
That was the multi alignment as well but at 30ips.
no NR.
and it was mixed very much on the big Westlakes, and fairly LOUD.
not on bookshelves.
I was CHECKING the mixes on ROR cubes (kind of like Auratones that don't suck), and when I'd listen on the ROR's I'd throw on 20:1 heavy compression... just to get an idea of what a car radio tuned to FM was going to be like.
Just as a quick, how's the vocal? how's the snare?" kind of thing.
Mostly I MIXED on the bigs.
[Resource http://recforums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/mv/msg/15674/220242/15109/#msg_220410]
Producer/Engineer William Wittman remembers the techniques and equipment he used to record Cyndi Lauper's song "Time After Time".
This came from ProSoundWeb.com, community forum - Time After Time (the inside story)
Time After Time:
started in Record Plant Studio B which had an API and an MM1200.
Westlake monitors (in fact one of the very FIRST Hidley control rooms).
the studio had been rebuilt by the staff and was a medium sized but EXTREMELY live room.
Bouncy, splashy, diffused.. sounded like an empty warehouse. But GREAT.
But uncontrollable.
People either loved or hated recording in there.
I loved it.
We started that track with a Linn drum.
to that we overdubbed Rob Hyman playing a Juno 60 (which is the main synth) using its internal stereo chorus.
and at the SAME TIME, Peter Wood, playing a Memory Moog, doubling the basic part in real time.
To get some stereo variation, when the "horns" come in on the B-Verse ("You say , go slow..."), it's another Memory Moog part but it's double tracked, one on the left and one on the right.
The bass is Rob playing on I THINK a Prophet V (rev 1) but it COULD be the Memory Moog.
We also overdubbed Anton Fig playing the cross stick and bass drum, but the Linn shaker remains.
RE20 on the bass drum under some packing blankets.
KM-84 on the snare.
IN the mix I took the shaker (I just realised we always CALLED it a shaker, but actually it's the Linn Cabasa), through an Eventide Flanger to make it dance around in stereo a bit and get it out of the dead centre, where it was too demanding.
It sounded better being a little diffused... less artificial.
We did a pass of the guitar downstairs in Studio B... but this was very near the end of the record (it was the last song to go on) and we were due to move upstairs to the Mixroom
The guitar was Eric Bazilian's Strat through Record Plant's 50 watt Marshall 2x12 JMP combo.
It's got an 87 on it, probably compressed a bit with an La2a.
the first pass didn't seem to be "it".
The vocal is a U-47 - API 525 compressor.
the Verses were SO soft that I had the pre quite cranked up to get a good, full shot at It.
Then she'd hit the chorus and BAM.. distortion.
After experimenting a BIT with multiple mics and trying to ride the pre or A/B switch pres and other wanker-y, we ended up just overdubbing the choruses separately.
it DOES still have a kind of slightly distorted quality in the chorus, but that's also just part of how she SOUNDS in that range.
If you stick your ear in front of her mouth, you hear that sound.
Rob overdubbed the harmony vocal and that was that.
Then we moved up to the Mixroom, which had a customised Trident 56 in TSM.
we set up the same amp and Eric overdubbed the final guitar playing in the control room between the two speakers with the amp in the little overdub room.
At that point Cyndi mentioned Don't Stand So Close as a way to think about the verse guitar... since that said "chorus" to me, I put the Publison DHM-89 harmoniser on it and set it for a very short delay with a bit of pitch shift on each side, one side up the other down.
and that's the guitar chorusing.
If I SAW a DHM-89 I would probably remember just how i set it, but it was a kind of chorus-y ADT sound that i had sussed on the thing already.
I'd used it on a vocal on another record.
I don't think I'd used it on a guitar though.
In the final mix, I actually bring in the scratch track from downstairs in the "solo" section as an extra guitar.
the mix was fairly straightforward. I remember I did do a different delay for the chorus than for the verses so that the chorus would open up a bit.
again with a Publison DHM-89.
the stereo mix has an Audio&Design Recording Compex (F760x-RS) on it in a kind of "parallel" compression.
The TSM had a quad pan pot and a network that summed the rear quad busses into the front for stereo.
So I put the A&D on the REAR buss inserts and then could use the front-rear pan pots to determine how much a sound goes into the compressor.
I know I, for example, didn't put any shaker into the compressor, and had the vocal about half in half out.
The only reverb is an EMT250.
it's mixed (with no automation, just edits as necessary) to 1/4 15ips 456 at 6 over 250 nW/m on at ATR 102.
That was the multi alignment as well but at 30ips.
no NR.
and it was mixed very much on the big Westlakes, and fairly LOUD.
not on bookshelves.
I was CHECKING the mixes on ROR cubes (kind of like Auratones that don't suck), and when I'd listen on the ROR's I'd throw on 20:1 heavy compression... just to get an idea of what a car radio tuned to FM was going to be like.
Just as a quick, how's the vocal? how's the snare?" kind of thing.
Mostly I MIXED on the bigs.
[Resource http://recforums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/mv/msg/15674/220242/15109/#msg_220410]
technorati tags:music+recording+tips, recording+music, indie, independent, musician
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
ELIMINATING WRITER'S BLOCK
Want to eliminate writers block forever? This is from Corey Stewart.
Here s a link to a free e-Report called 11 Ways To Eliminate Writers Block FOREVER!
[Resource http://quikonnex.com/channel/item/26144]
Here s a link to a free e-Report called 11 Ways To Eliminate Writers Block FOREVER!
[Resource http://quikonnex.com/channel/item/26144]
technorati tags:eliminate+writers+block, song+writing, free+resources, indie, independent, musician
CREATING REALISTIC SEQUENCED DRUM PARTS
Drummers have long been the target of musician jokes and often regarded as replaceable, after all you can get a drum machine but you can't get a singing or guitar machine.
But finding an acceptable substitute for your drummer is not easy and many recordings require the sound of 'real' drums. Although a sequenced part will never be a perfect imitation, there are a number of things you can do to make it sound more convincing.
This article goes in to some detail about Creating Realistic Sequenced Drum Parts
[Resource http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct99/articles/20tips.htm]
But finding an acceptable substitute for your drummer is not easy and many recordings require the sound of 'real' drums. Although a sequenced part will never be a perfect imitation, there are a number of things you can do to make it sound more convincing.
This article goes in to some detail about Creating Realistic Sequenced Drum Parts
[Resource http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct99/articles/20tips.htm]
technorati tags:recording+music, recording+drums, sequenced+drums, electronic+drums, indie, independent, musician
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
MAKE YOUR OWN VOCAL POP FILTER
For the definitive collection of DIY pop filter instructions visit HomeTracked where you'll find a method to suit your crafting abilities.
Needlepoint, coffee can lid, sock, gaffer tape, coat hangers and even fake fur!
[Resource http://www.hometracked.com/2006/05/28/homemade-pop-filters/]
Needlepoint, coffee can lid, sock, gaffer tape, coat hangers and even fake fur!
[Resource http://www.hometracked.com/2006/05/28/homemade-pop-filters/]
technorati tags:make+your+own+pop+filter, vocal+tips, recording+vocals, indie, independent, musician
Monday, March 05, 2007
SCRIGGLE IT
Here's a website with what looks like some great free features for managing your fans, creating a EPK and creating a fan email list.
[Resource http://www.scriggleit.com/]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, internet+music+marketing, promote+music+online, indie, indie, independent, musician
[Resource http://www.scriggleit.com/]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, internet+music+marketing, promote+music+online, indie, indie, independent, musician
FREE DIGITAL VIDEO EDITING SOFTWARE
Adobe has just launched a Web based video remix and editing technology. A partnership between Adobe and Photobucket integrates this new technology with the Photobucket user experience.
This will give the 35 million Photobucket users direct and free access to world-class digital video editing tools.
[Resource http://remixtheory.net/?p=132]
This will give the 35 million Photobucket users direct and free access to world-class digital video editing tools.
[Resource http://remixtheory.net/?p=132]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, photobucket+video+editing, free+music+marketing+tools, free+video+editing, indie, independent, musician
Sunday, March 04, 2007
THE BASICS OF VOCAL HARMONY
Here's a podcast that will take you through some basics of vocal harmonising including : tutti harmony, unison singing, parallel and contrary motion, call and response.
When you've had a listen to the podcast, you can check then out audio examples which also include a description of the song's production qualities. Very nice!
Great stuff for budding producers, singers and recording enthusiasts.
[Resource http://blog.pandora.com/archives/podcast/2006/11/this_is_my_firs.html]
When you've had a listen to the podcast, you can check then out audio examples which also include a description of the song's production qualities. Very nice!
Great stuff for budding producers, singers and recording enthusiasts.
[Resource http://blog.pandora.com/archives/podcast/2006/11/this_is_my_firs.html]
Saturday, March 03, 2007
CREATING THE RIGHT DIGITAL MUSIC MARKETING MIX
Here are some "Insights On Creating A Digital Music Campaign".
The moral of this article is try and test what works for you. There are many tools on the Internet that can help your career, try them, find out how they work and measure their effectiveness.
[Resource http://www.marketingvox.com/archives/2007/03/01/insights-on-creating-a-digital-music-campaign/?rss1]
"As more marketers attempt to partner with established online music and video hubs like MySpace, and upstarts like Ruckus Network, GoFish, and Music Choice, they need to figure out which programs work, how to execute them, and how to measure their effectiveness."
The moral of this article is try and test what works for you. There are many tools on the Internet that can help your career, try them, find out how they work and measure their effectiveness.
[Resource http://www.marketingvox.com/archives/2007/03/01/insights-on-creating-a-digital-music-campaign/?rss1]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, sell+your+independent+music, internet+music+promotion, indie, independent, musician
CREATING AN INTERNET BUZZ
Florida band The Postmarks are "excited and nervous" as they wait to see how their debut self titled Cd sells.
The Postmarks are one of a growing number of bands using the Internet to gain a following and they are now waiting to see if the buzz they have generated translates into Cd sales.
[Resource http://www.chicagotribune.com/technology/chi-0702280026feb28,1,681554.story?coll=chi-techtopheds-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true]
The Postmarks are one of a growing number of bands using the Internet to gain a following and they are now waiting to see if the buzz they have generated translates into Cd sales.
"With the release of the band's self-titled debut album.....(they) have been the subject of building Internet buzz and "a tsunami of publicity. Their first single, "Goodbye," has been downloaded more than 100,000 times, and the song has made the top 10 of the college music charts.....Remixes of the album's tracks were made available for free download via their MySpace blog, and college radio and new fans gobbled it up."
Read this story here - Postmarks put their stamp on marketing in the blogosphere
[Resource http://www.chicagotribune.com/technology/chi-0702280026feb28,1,681554.story?coll=chi-techtopheds-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, internet+marketing, indie, myspace+marketing, indie, independent, musician
Friday, March 02, 2007
QUEEN OF MYSPACE
It could only happen in Hollywood! Or maybe not.
Tila Tequila (from Hollywood, California, USA) is well known on MySpace for being "the most popular female" on MySpace. Not a bad effort! But that's not enough, her next big challenge is to change the music industry.
Tila joined MySpace in 2003 and has since attracted 1.7 million friends - getting in early on MySpace no doubt helped.
But that's not all folks - seems Andy Warhol might just be right about the 15 minutes of fame thing. Tila has had a cameo movie appearance, made history for her music video for "I Love U", the first video to be specifically shot for cellular phones and has turned down 2 record deals to prove she can make it big on her own.
Just in case you thought I had made a typo - no, I checked: 58,124,729 views (I thought it might have been her phone number!) and 1,921,328 comments. As of this blog's posting.
Is that more friends than Tom has?
Another thing that probably doesn't hurt her profile. The young, sexy and revealing photos. Oh well, sex sells and good on Tila I say. Use marketing savvy but always be true to yourself and your own unique image.
PS If you're reading this blog - I am a real person behind all this digital stuff! Maybe you could visit my MySpace site and add me as your friend, don't be shy. The link is at the top left of this blog.
[Resource http://thesouthend.typepad.com/tsenews/2007/03/tila_tequila_an.html]
Tila Tequila (from Hollywood, California, USA) is well known on MySpace for being "the most popular female" on MySpace. Not a bad effort! But that's not enough, her next big challenge is to change the music industry.
Tila joined MySpace in 2003 and has since attracted 1.7 million friends - getting in early on MySpace no doubt helped.
But that's not all folks - seems Andy Warhol might just be right about the 15 minutes of fame thing. Tila has had a cameo movie appearance, made history for her music video for "I Love U", the first video to be specifically shot for cellular phones and has turned down 2 record deals to prove she can make it big on her own.
Just in case you thought I had made a typo - no, I checked: 58,124,729 views (I thought it might have been her phone number!) and 1,921,328 comments. As of this blog's posting.
Is that more friends than Tom has?
Another thing that probably doesn't hurt her profile. The young, sexy and revealing photos. Oh well, sex sells and good on Tila I say. Use marketing savvy but always be true to yourself and your own unique image.
PS If you're reading this blog - I am a real person behind all this digital stuff! Maybe you could visit my MySpace site and add me as your friend, don't be shy. The link is at the top left of this blog.
[Resource http://thesouthend.typepad.com/tsenews/2007/03/tila_tequila_an.html]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, internet+music+promotion, myspace+music+marketing, indie, indie, indie, independent, musician
CAN YOU DIRECT STRAIGHT LINES?
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a music clip director, head over to MySpace Silverchair and enter a comp to create a clip for Silverchair's new song "Straight Lines".
You don't need software - you can get it free via this website for Mac or PC. You don't need a camera, all the chosen shots are ready to edit!
The winner will get a signed (presumably by Silverchair!) gold record plaque, the band's new album and you'll get to meet the band.
Anyone else seeing a trend in artists 'out sourcing' various marketing to their fans - and for free!
I guess it keeps everyone happy.
[Resource http://www.myspace.com/silverchair]
technorati tags:create+music+video, music+video+silverchair, music+video+competition,
Thursday, March 01, 2007
WHY GIVING AWAY MUSIC IS GOOD FOR SMALL BANDS
DRM may be bad news for large bands but for smaller bands and artists it can be exploited for your benefit.
Write songs for the purpose of attracting fans and getting them to your live shows. Make your income from live performances and selling merchandise and you'll find that fans still buy your Cd's.
The 'personal touch' and 'real experience' of seeing and hearing music can't be downloaded.
In this article I came across, a small independent music producer tell this story of his brother's band:
"Small bands need to give their recorded music away freely online in order to get more people to come to their shows. My brother's band Maps & Atlases [maps-atlases.com] just went on a 7 day tour to the East Coast and ended up in a tiny university town called East Stroudsburg, PA. Instead of showing up to no crowd, the venue was packed -- a rarity for the town and venue. Why did this happen? Maps & Atlases released their EP for free online. They sold out of their first EP (2000 copies) during their 2006 tour, and they're coming up fast on selling out their second pressing, even though the music is easily downloaded online. Why do fans pay for albums? They get face time with the band, they get autographs, and they know that buying the merch direct will keep the band writing and touring."
Click here to read the full article.
This is not too different from a previous blog post I made called
GIVE AWAY YOUR MUSIC AND SELL YOUR SHOW
[Resource http://slashdot.org/articles/07/02/28/1633233.shtml]
Write songs for the purpose of attracting fans and getting them to your live shows. Make your income from live performances and selling merchandise and you'll find that fans still buy your Cd's.
The 'personal touch' and 'real experience' of seeing and hearing music can't be downloaded.
In this article I came across, a small independent music producer tell this story of his brother's band:
"Small bands need to give their recorded music away freely online in order to get more people to come to their shows. My brother's band Maps & Atlases [maps-atlases.com] just went on a 7 day tour to the East Coast and ended up in a tiny university town called East Stroudsburg, PA. Instead of showing up to no crowd, the venue was packed -- a rarity for the town and venue. Why did this happen? Maps & Atlases released their EP for free online. They sold out of their first EP (2000 copies) during their 2006 tour, and they're coming up fast on selling out their second pressing, even though the music is easily downloaded online. Why do fans pay for albums? They get face time with the band, they get autographs, and they know that buying the merch direct will keep the band writing and touring."
Click here to read the full article.
This is not too different from a previous blog post I made called
GIVE AWAY YOUR MUSIC AND SELL YOUR SHOW
[Resource http://slashdot.org/articles/07/02/28/1633233.shtml]
technorati tags:independent+music+promotion, market+your+music, promote+your+music, music+promoter, independent, musician
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
THE DRUM MACHINE THAT LEARNS FROM DRUMMERS
This came from the Website CreateDigitalMusic.com where you can read the full review.
A newly developed software called BillaBoop, and here's what the creator has to say:
[Resource http://createdigitalmusic.com/2007/02/23/play-drums-with-sound-via-software-that-learns-from-you/]
A newly developed software called BillaBoop, and here's what the creator has to say:
"BillaBoop is a real-time audio driven drum controller which allows the user to control up to 3 drum instruments. The user can control any drum synth with the voice (beat box), or any object or musical instrument. Unlike other audio-driven systems which require a lot of parameter tuning to be able to discriminate the sounds you are playing, BillaBoop incorporates an efficient Machine Learning component which enables the system to learn by demonstration."
[Resource http://createdigitalmusic.com/2007/02/23/play-drums-with-sound-via-software-that-learns-from-you/]
technorati tags:digital+music, indie, independent, musician
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