Here are some interesting thoughts about the the music industry from Kate Pierson of the quirky alternative band the B-52's.
Kate talks about the issues presented in the movie "Before the Music Dies"
“They talked a lot about branding in the movie and you’ve just never heard that term that much before. The band as a brand. It’s just a weird way that musicians have to be partly business-people now. You have to be aware of what’s going on, and I think that’s a good thing because before musicians were like, ‘Oh, we just wanna play music’ and let someone else take care of it. Musicians now, especially older musicians, realize we’ve gotta know what’s going on. A lot of it’s positive.”
[Resource http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070406/ENTERTAIN/70406018]
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Wednesday, April 11, 2007
EMI GOES DRM FREE
EMI's entire music catalog will be available DRM free next month.
This means that from May 2007, you will be able to purchase any EMI song from Apple's iTunes store DRM free and in a higher quality format (256 kbps).
For a fee of 30 cents per song, you can upgrade any previously purchased DRM encoded EMI song you already have which you would have been purchased in a 128 kbps format.
[Resource http://www.techliberation.com/archives/042239.php]
technorati tags:music+industry, music+distribution, musician
This means that from May 2007, you will be able to purchase any EMI song from Apple's iTunes store DRM free and in a higher quality format (256 kbps).
For a fee of 30 cents per song, you can upgrade any previously purchased DRM encoded EMI song you already have which you would have been purchased in a 128 kbps format.
[Resource http://www.techliberation.com/archives/042239.php]
technorati tags:music+industry, music+distribution, musician
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
THINGS THAT GO WRONG ARE THE BEST THINGS
I thought this story of (US) country recording artist Kevin Sharp highlighted a good point that is often overlooked.
Sometimes we cling too tightly to what is our idea of an outcome. This doesn't mean we shouldn't have dreams or aspirations, it just means that we shouldn't get so attached to the outcome that we don't see opportunities. There are many ways to have a 'successful' music career and many opportunities to use music to enhance our lives and the lives of others.
[Resource http://www.austindailyherald.com/articles/2007/04/06/news/news2.txt]
technorati tags:music+industry, indie, independent, musician
Sometimes we cling too tightly to what is our idea of an outcome. This doesn't mean we shouldn't have dreams or aspirations, it just means that we shouldn't get so attached to the outcome that we don't see opportunities. There are many ways to have a 'successful' music career and many opportunities to use music to enhance our lives and the lives of others.
[Resource http://www.austindailyherald.com/articles/2007/04/06/news/news2.txt]
technorati tags:music+industry, indie, independent, musician
GOOD BUSINESS ADVICE FOR ARTISTS
I thought I'd first share some of my thoughts on these good business tips for artists.
You can't be everything to everyone and in fact being specific about your music, your style and the type of audience you want to attract will help you market your music far more effectively than just aiming to please everyone.
Start where you are with what you have, take the first step and that will lead you to the next one ~ You don't have to be great to start but you have to start to be great :-)
Be authentic to yourself and be the wonderful person you were born to be. You may as well be yourself because everyone else is taken.
Fake it 'til you make it. Act as if you already know what to do and how to do it and then start doing it.
Did you know that the subconscious mind cannot tell the difference between something it's vividly thought and something it's actually done? Well it's true, that's why visualisation is such a useful tool. The more vivid you can 'imagine' something, the more likely it is that it will show up in your real life.
Your life is always heading in the direction of your focus. So, what are you focusing on? Is it where you want your life to be heading?
1 - Learn how to say no.This is the first one because it’s the biggest one. If it’s not an absolute yes, it’s a no. So many people are fueled by the desire for money or the need to please everyone
that they say yes to everything. Read more here.
2 - People don’t need to know how you feel about everything.Lots of times, emotional types think that they have to let everyone around them know how they feel because otherwise they’re being inauthentic. Read more here.
3 - Most people assume you know what you’re doing. Let them.Many young performers will get on stage and start apologizing for their mistakes or for their next song or for the fact that they messed up in the last song. Here’s a secret: The audience wants you to succeed, and they want you to be confident because they don’t want to feel sorry for you. That’s just plain uncomfortable. Read more here.
4 - Find your values and live by them. A lot of people ask themselves what they want before they even get clear about what they value. This can compel people to do things they never really wanted to do. For instance, I value time, silence, and space. I absolutely must work that into my schedule. Read more here.
5 - Segment intend. This technique is from Ask and It is Given. I’ve been practicing “segment intending” for months now, and I’m amazed at the results. If you’re an artist and you’re about to do your art, then intend that the next 3 hours (or whatever) is dedicated solely to that. And that it’s fun and creative and productive and you love it. Read more here.
6 - Bathe in Seth Godin. Then rinse. And repeat.If you feel like “there’s no use” or “I’ll never be huge” or “Wal-Mart rules everything so why bother,” you need Seth Godin. If you ridicule yourself because your success is only tiny, and your sister-in-law has made millions as a consultant for BigExpensiveThings-R-Us, then you need Seth Godin. If you conjure up the same lame ideas over and over again, you need Seth Godin. I recommend that you listen to him because he’s a GREAT reader. Read more here.
7 - Create a business alter ego.Make up a name. Then make up an identity for that name. (Pamela R. Stinson. MBA from Wharton. Valedictorian at Columbia, 1993. Great business mind, sexual preference undetermined, doesn’t take no for an answer.) Read more here.
8 - Grok good customer service. Go to Nordstrom. Buy something. Watch how you’re treated. Then, go to Macy’s. Do the same thing. Witness the difference. Apply that lesson in whatever way you can to your own customer service. Read more here.
9 - Learn how to think. Emotional people believe that their feelings are the facts. This will always get you in trouble. Learn how to think about your career. Take two hours every Sunday to drive and think. Or just to sit in the office and think. At first, you might feel totally stupid, but you’ll start to get it soon enough. Experiment, analyze and don’t go into massive drama when something doesn’t work. Just think again. Read more here.
10 - Never send an email when you are emotional.Email is a volatile communication form. I have received (and probably sent) some of the most damaging messages from people who had gotten my intentions all wrong, and then fired off a response filled with venom and vitriol. The danger (and the advantage) of email is that it’s immediate. If someone emails you something that triggers you, wait AT LEAST 24 HOURS before responding. Read more here.
11 - Never do ANYTHING when you are emotional. See above. And say to yourself often, “I respond. I don’t react.”
12 - Be clear up front with anyone you hire Is this you?“Oh my GOD! I met the COOLEST graphic designer and we’re going to do a trade! And we just totally clicked, and we laughed a lot, and we’re both Leo with Aries rising! I can just tell it’s a great match!” Expectations, desired outcome, hourly wage, estimates — these are things that emotional people forget to be clear about right up front. They want to have that “cool connection!” And then it all falls apart because neither person expressed her true expectations. This isn’t to say that cool connections can’t happen. They can. But boundaries are essential up front. Read more here.
13 - Focus on what you want. This may seem obvious. But I’m amazed at how easy it is for the sensitive artist types in the world to fall prey to the hardship stories. And there are lots of them going around. In my line of work, there are people out there begging for gigs. They’ll do anything. They’ll play for free. They say, “It’s so hard to be a musician.” Here’s my advice “Step AWAY from the stories!” Focus on what you want. And stay with that. Read more here.
14 - Get very very very clear before you do your finances If finances are ever scary for you, here’s what to do before you log on to your on-line account, before you open your bills, before you open Quicken�ĶPray over your checkbook. Know that you are abundant. See your dreams coming true. Make up an amount that’s in your account. Say thank you for all that is perfect and wonderful in your life. Say thank you for the tiniest progress you have made.Then proceed with your finances. Read more here.
15 - Only YOU get to decide if “You’ll Never Work in this Town Again!” Everyone has an opinion about who’s through, who has had it, who’s washed up, etc. This kind of talk can run through your head and keep you in a constant state of anxiety about “the end of the line.” I had a dramatic experience when I broke up with someone who was also in the music business. The break up was not a good one. And in an apparent rage that lasted, oh, about eight months, this former partner of mine called clubs, bars, record labels, agents, and, from what I hear, did his best to encourage them never to book me or work with me. Whereas I’m sure some of them took his advice, and whereas I was really dumb and believed he could “ruin” me (this was even before I had gotten my office in order), I kept “minding my own business.” And guess what? I wasn’t ruined. My end did not come. You know why? Because I didn’t agree that it could or would. You have the power. Yes, the obstacles may seem insurmountable at times. But only you get to decide when to call it quits. Your emotions may scream at you that you’re ruined. But that’s just your emotions. And if it weren’t for all of those emotions, you wouldn’t have to be reading this post in the first place! Read more here.
[Resource http://jshahin.blogspot.com/2007/04/publication-tip-18-15-tips-for-artists.html]
technorati tags:market+your+music, music+promotion, live+music+promotion, indie, independent, musician
You can't be everything to everyone and in fact being specific about your music, your style and the type of audience you want to attract will help you market your music far more effectively than just aiming to please everyone.
Start where you are with what you have, take the first step and that will lead you to the next one ~ You don't have to be great to start but you have to start to be great :-)
Be authentic to yourself and be the wonderful person you were born to be. You may as well be yourself because everyone else is taken.
Fake it 'til you make it. Act as if you already know what to do and how to do it and then start doing it.
Did you know that the subconscious mind cannot tell the difference between something it's vividly thought and something it's actually done? Well it's true, that's why visualisation is such a useful tool. The more vivid you can 'imagine' something, the more likely it is that it will show up in your real life.
Your life is always heading in the direction of your focus. So, what are you focusing on? Is it where you want your life to be heading?
1 - Learn how to say no.This is the first one because it’s the biggest one. If it’s not an absolute yes, it’s a no. So many people are fueled by the desire for money or the need to please everyone
that they say yes to everything. Read more here.
2 - People don’t need to know how you feel about everything.Lots of times, emotional types think that they have to let everyone around them know how they feel because otherwise they’re being inauthentic. Read more here.
3 - Most people assume you know what you’re doing. Let them.Many young performers will get on stage and start apologizing for their mistakes or for their next song or for the fact that they messed up in the last song. Here’s a secret: The audience wants you to succeed, and they want you to be confident because they don’t want to feel sorry for you. That’s just plain uncomfortable. Read more here.
4 - Find your values and live by them. A lot of people ask themselves what they want before they even get clear about what they value. This can compel people to do things they never really wanted to do. For instance, I value time, silence, and space. I absolutely must work that into my schedule. Read more here.
5 - Segment intend. This technique is from Ask and It is Given. I’ve been practicing “segment intending” for months now, and I’m amazed at the results. If you’re an artist and you’re about to do your art, then intend that the next 3 hours (or whatever) is dedicated solely to that. And that it’s fun and creative and productive and you love it. Read more here.
6 - Bathe in Seth Godin. Then rinse. And repeat.If you feel like “there’s no use” or “I’ll never be huge” or “Wal-Mart rules everything so why bother,” you need Seth Godin. If you ridicule yourself because your success is only tiny, and your sister-in-law has made millions as a consultant for BigExpensiveThings-R-Us, then you need Seth Godin. If you conjure up the same lame ideas over and over again, you need Seth Godin. I recommend that you listen to him because he’s a GREAT reader. Read more here.
7 - Create a business alter ego.Make up a name. Then make up an identity for that name. (Pamela R. Stinson. MBA from Wharton. Valedictorian at Columbia, 1993. Great business mind, sexual preference undetermined, doesn’t take no for an answer.) Read more here.
8 - Grok good customer service. Go to Nordstrom. Buy something. Watch how you’re treated. Then, go to Macy’s. Do the same thing. Witness the difference. Apply that lesson in whatever way you can to your own customer service. Read more here.
9 - Learn how to think. Emotional people believe that their feelings are the facts. This will always get you in trouble. Learn how to think about your career. Take two hours every Sunday to drive and think. Or just to sit in the office and think. At first, you might feel totally stupid, but you’ll start to get it soon enough. Experiment, analyze and don’t go into massive drama when something doesn’t work. Just think again. Read more here.
10 - Never send an email when you are emotional.Email is a volatile communication form. I have received (and probably sent) some of the most damaging messages from people who had gotten my intentions all wrong, and then fired off a response filled with venom and vitriol. The danger (and the advantage) of email is that it’s immediate. If someone emails you something that triggers you, wait AT LEAST 24 HOURS before responding. Read more here.
11 - Never do ANYTHING when you are emotional. See above. And say to yourself often, “I respond. I don’t react.”
12 - Be clear up front with anyone you hire Is this you?“Oh my GOD! I met the COOLEST graphic designer and we’re going to do a trade! And we just totally clicked, and we laughed a lot, and we’re both Leo with Aries rising! I can just tell it’s a great match!” Expectations, desired outcome, hourly wage, estimates — these are things that emotional people forget to be clear about right up front. They want to have that “cool connection!” And then it all falls apart because neither person expressed her true expectations. This isn’t to say that cool connections can’t happen. They can. But boundaries are essential up front. Read more here.
13 - Focus on what you want. This may seem obvious. But I’m amazed at how easy it is for the sensitive artist types in the world to fall prey to the hardship stories. And there are lots of them going around. In my line of work, there are people out there begging for gigs. They’ll do anything. They’ll play for free. They say, “It’s so hard to be a musician.” Here’s my advice “Step AWAY from the stories!” Focus on what you want. And stay with that. Read more here.
14 - Get very very very clear before you do your finances If finances are ever scary for you, here’s what to do before you log on to your on-line account, before you open your bills, before you open Quicken�ĶPray over your checkbook. Know that you are abundant. See your dreams coming true. Make up an amount that’s in your account. Say thank you for all that is perfect and wonderful in your life. Say thank you for the tiniest progress you have made.Then proceed with your finances. Read more here.
15 - Only YOU get to decide if “You’ll Never Work in this Town Again!” Everyone has an opinion about who’s through, who has had it, who’s washed up, etc. This kind of talk can run through your head and keep you in a constant state of anxiety about “the end of the line.” I had a dramatic experience when I broke up with someone who was also in the music business. The break up was not a good one. And in an apparent rage that lasted, oh, about eight months, this former partner of mine called clubs, bars, record labels, agents, and, from what I hear, did his best to encourage them never to book me or work with me. Whereas I’m sure some of them took his advice, and whereas I was really dumb and believed he could “ruin” me (this was even before I had gotten my office in order), I kept “minding my own business.” And guess what? I wasn’t ruined. My end did not come. You know why? Because I didn’t agree that it could or would. You have the power. Yes, the obstacles may seem insurmountable at times. But only you get to decide when to call it quits. Your emotions may scream at you that you’re ruined. But that’s just your emotions. And if it weren’t for all of those emotions, you wouldn’t have to be reading this post in the first place! Read more here.
[Resource http://jshahin.blogspot.com/2007/04/publication-tip-18-15-tips-for-artists.html]
technorati tags:market+your+music, music+promotion, live+music+promotion, indie, independent, musician
Monday, April 09, 2007
WEB STRATEGIES
With free music freely available P2P networks, the value of a recording seems to have slipped away. More and more artists are using their recordings as promotional tools to sell live shows and merchandise.
Below are some ideas I came across on a Web Strategy blog.
Web and Media Strategies for the Music Industry Music is free, trying to control it will always be a challenge going forward, the internet has dropped many of the barriers, and any speedbump is just a slowdown for the savvy consumer. I would suggest for artists and labels to figure out to embed monetization and market value into the song, some ideas:
1) Product Placement within the song: this has been done by many rap artists since the 1990s. The most popular drink, clothing, and car is mentioned in these songs, spurring a culture shift in consumerism. This is a sponsorship model which could lead towards monetization.
2) Many music artists know that the money is not made from CD sales, but from the tour, merchandise, and other auxiliaries and accessories. Bear with me, here comes the Web Marketing angle:
3) Viral Web Marketing play: Artists could deploy a viral widget that web users can place on their social network or blog sites. For every play, artists could give money to the site owner or blogger, in return for advertising sales of the two points mentioned above.
4) Is DRM a completely viable solution? One bootlegged copy on a college campus, and it’s completely gone.
[Resource http://www.web-strategist.com/blog/2007/04/06/internet-disruptive-to-music-sales-and-a-few-ideas-of-what-they-could-do-about-it/]
Below are some ideas I came across on a Web Strategy blog.
Web and Media Strategies for the Music Industry Music is free, trying to control it will always be a challenge going forward, the internet has dropped many of the barriers, and any speedbump is just a slowdown for the savvy consumer. I would suggest for artists and labels to figure out to embed monetization and market value into the song, some ideas:
1) Product Placement within the song: this has been done by many rap artists since the 1990s. The most popular drink, clothing, and car is mentioned in these songs, spurring a culture shift in consumerism. This is a sponsorship model which could lead towards monetization.
2) Many music artists know that the money is not made from CD sales, but from the tour, merchandise, and other auxiliaries and accessories. Bear with me, here comes the Web Marketing angle:
3) Viral Web Marketing play: Artists could deploy a viral widget that web users can place on their social network or blog sites. For every play, artists could give money to the site owner or blogger, in return for advertising sales of the two points mentioned above.
4) Is DRM a completely viable solution? One bootlegged copy on a college campus, and it’s completely gone.
[Resource http://www.web-strategist.com/blog/2007/04/06/internet-disruptive-to-music-sales-and-a-few-ideas-of-what-they-could-do-about-it/]
Sunday, April 08, 2007
2 GREAT MARKETING QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
Before you attempt to market your music, here's a couple of important questions to ask yourself.
Who did you write the song for. And. Who is your music targeted to?
Marketing is all about knowing your market. Chances are your music isn't suited to everyone so it makes no sense to be trying to market your music to everyone.
A great way to get free market ideas from is to find similar music styles to yours and pay attention to what radio stations those songs are being played on, what magazines or publications are being used for advertising and promoting. And importantly, who is the market these are aimed at and where else can you find a similar market?
Here's one Australian radio show that accepts Roots, Indie, Acoustic, Folk, Rock, Country Rock and Blues.
The Mystery Train - Thursday 9.30 to midnight, Announcer/Producer Rob Marcs
Featuring new music & music not necessarily heard on mainstream radio. I will introduce new artists & profile their progress. If you would like to submit music (current or not current release) to this show please forward it to the address above. You must include a bio and contact details. If you want the music to be returned, a stamped, self addressed envelope must be provided. YBHaVmanagement@bigpond.com
[Resource http://www.hotsource.com.au/news/viewarticle.aspx?articleID=534]
technorati tags:market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, indie, independent, musician
Who did you write the song for. And. Who is your music targeted to?
Marketing is all about knowing your market. Chances are your music isn't suited to everyone so it makes no sense to be trying to market your music to everyone.
A great way to get free market ideas from is to find similar music styles to yours and pay attention to what radio stations those songs are being played on, what magazines or publications are being used for advertising and promoting. And importantly, who is the market these are aimed at and where else can you find a similar market?
Here's one Australian radio show that accepts Roots, Indie, Acoustic, Folk, Rock, Country Rock and Blues.
The Mystery Train - Thursday 9.30 to midnight, Announcer/Producer Rob Marcs
Featuring new music & music not necessarily heard on mainstream radio. I will introduce new artists & profile their progress. If you would like to submit music (current or not current release) to this show please forward it to the address above. You must include a bio and contact details. If you want the music to be returned, a stamped, self addressed envelope must be provided. YBHaVmanagement@bigpond.com
[Resource http://www.hotsource.com.au/news/viewarticle.aspx?articleID=534]
technorati tags:market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, indie, independent, musician
INDIE RING TONES
Get your free ringtone software from BETA Records and make your own customised ringtones for your fans!
[Resource http://musicindustrynewswire.com/2007/03/02/min155_180826]
technorati tags:market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, music+distribution, live+music+promotion, recording+music, indie, independent, musician
[Resource http://musicindustrynewswire.com/2007/03/02/min155_180826]
technorati tags:market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, music+distribution, live+music+promotion, recording+music, indie, independent, musician
Saturday, April 07, 2007
IDOL ANNOUNCES SONGWRITING CONTEST
After just posting that the American Idol songwriting contest is on the 'backburner', I now announce that American Idol are taking submissions up until April 17th.
You may only submit one song and it must be accompanied by a US$10 entry fee.
They are looking for songs between 2 and a half minutes to 4 minutes long that would different singers.
Submit your entry to Songwriter American Idol.
[Resource http://songwriter.americanidol.com/]
technorati tags:music+promotion, music+industry, live+music+promotion, songwriting+competition, indie, independent, musician
You may only submit one song and it must be accompanied by a US$10 entry fee.
They are looking for songs between 2 and a half minutes to 4 minutes long that would different singers.
Submit your entry to Songwriter American Idol.
[Resource http://songwriter.americanidol.com/]
technorati tags:music+promotion, music+industry, live+music+promotion, songwriting+competition, indie, independent, musician
BAND AND MUSIC MERCHANDISE
Here's an interesting read on band merchandise.
Find out what those in the 'know' have to say about band merchandise and why the future of band merchandise is assured. Band and Music Merchandise.
[Resource http://www.largemart.com/read-music/article/band-and-music-merchandise.htm]
technorati tags:market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, live+music+promotion, indie, independent, musician
Find out what those in the 'know' have to say about band merchandise and why the future of band merchandise is assured. Band and Music Merchandise.
[Resource http://www.largemart.com/read-music/article/band-and-music-merchandise.htm]
technorati tags:market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, live+music+promotion, indie, independent, musician
AMERICAN IDOL SONGWRITING UPDATE
Back in January I made this post Songwriting Competition to Produce "Instant Hits"
Here's an update on the progress of the songwriting contest. American Idol producer says although its on the 'backburner" he believes it will still happen.
[Resource http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/american-idol-producer-believes-songwriting-contest-will-still-happen-4909.php]
technorati tags: music+industry, live+music+promotion, indie, independent, musician
Here's an update on the progress of the songwriting contest. American Idol producer says although its on the 'backburner" he believes it will still happen.
[Resource http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/american-idol-producer-believes-songwriting-contest-will-still-happen-4909.php]
technorati tags: music+industry, live+music+promotion, indie, independent, musician
Friday, April 06, 2007
SUBMIT YOUR HOME RECORDINGS
Have you made an exceptional sounding recording in your home studio?
Home Recording @ About.com are calling for submissions. Send an email to homerecording.guide@about.com with a link to your song (no attachments) and a little background on the recording and band. List what you think makes it unique and any special tricks you used. Your song may get featured at About.com
[Resource http://homerecording.about.com/]
technorati tags:recording+music, recording+tips, indie, independent, musician
Home Recording @ About.com are calling for submissions. Send an email to homerecording.guide@about.com with a link to your song (no attachments) and a little background on the recording and band. List what you think makes it unique and any special tricks you used. Your song may get featured at About.com
[Resource http://homerecording.about.com/]
technorati tags:recording+music, recording+tips, indie, independent, musician
Thursday, April 05, 2007
GARAGE BAND RECORDING
This post comes along very timely after talking about "GarageBand" in the last post.
Here's an introduction to one of the most powerful music production tools available for home recording.
GarageBand - An introduction
More steps are included at the same page.
[Resource http://homerecording.about.com/od/garagebandtutorials/ss/getting_started.htm]
technorati tags:recording+music, recording+tips, indie, independent, musician
Here's an introduction to one of the most powerful music production tools available for home recording.
GarageBand - An introduction
More steps are included at the same page.
[Resource http://homerecording.about.com/od/garagebandtutorials/ss/getting_started.htm]
technorati tags:recording+music, recording+tips, indie, independent, musician
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
NEW RECORDING IDEAS
How Pete Townsend, Trent Reznor and Peter Gabriel can help you write and remix.
Pete Townsend has launched Lifehouse Method which is a real life realization from Lifehouse, a fiction he wrote in 1971. According to Townsend "It takes data you input and turns it into music."
Trent Reznor is making tracks off his forthcoming album available in files that anyone can edit and re-mix using software such as Apple's GarageBand and Sony's ACID.
and
Peter Gabriel is taking steps in to software with his involvement in The Filter, an intelligent playlist generator for the shuffle generation. This is a free download that works with Apple's iTunes and Nokia mobile phones. This software will allow you to hear more of the neglected music files.
[Resource http://technology.guardian.co.uk/weekly/story/0,,2044599,00.html]
technorati tags:recording+music, pete+townsend, trent+reznor, peter+gabriel, indie, independent, musician
Pete Townsend has launched Lifehouse Method which is a real life realization from Lifehouse, a fiction he wrote in 1971. According to Townsend "It takes data you input and turns it into music."
Trent Reznor is making tracks off his forthcoming album available in files that anyone can edit and re-mix using software such as Apple's GarageBand and Sony's ACID.
and
Peter Gabriel is taking steps in to software with his involvement in The Filter, an intelligent playlist generator for the shuffle generation. This is a free download that works with Apple's iTunes and Nokia mobile phones. This software will allow you to hear more of the neglected music files.
[Resource http://technology.guardian.co.uk/weekly/story/0,,2044599,00.html]
technorati tags:recording+music, pete+townsend, trent+reznor, peter+gabriel, indie, independent, musician
FESTIVAL NETWORK ONLINE
Looking for a US or Canadian festival to perform at? Look no further than:
Festival Network Online - US and Canadian music festivals, craft shows, art festivals & fairs
technorati tags: market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, music+distribution, live+music+promotion, indie, independent, musician
Festival Network Online - US and Canadian music festivals, craft shows, art festivals & fairs
technorati tags: market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, music+distribution, live+music+promotion, indie, independent, musician
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
IS THE FUTURE OF THE ALBUM OVER?
With ringtones and ipod singles taking over, it's hard to believe that vinyl albums were once king of music. So the question remains. Can the album survive in the digital world?
Below are some highlights of an article that talks about the evolution of the album.
As far back as 1997, the advent of digital downloading threw the music industry into a tailspin from which it has yet to emerge — all concerning the album and its future. As technology began allowing for the sharing of digital files across the Internet, the iPod has taken over the industry as consumers sidestep the retail aspect of music distribution.
Today, anyone with a computer can cherry-pick, download, burn a disc, or create personal playlists on an MP3 player. With the iPod taking over, conventional modes of music-making and distribution seem suddenly antiquated.
What effect does this have on the album?
Is it now just an artifact of a bygone era? Or is the personal playlist craze another in a long line of passing fads in popular music? And what effect has all of this had on the quality of the music itself?
The key to a successful music industry is to create a marketplace of engaged listeners, surely. For some, the iPod culture has offered an avenue of such engagement.
"The renaissance, if there is to be one, will take an awful lot of work," says Bordowitz. "It will take someone from the new generation to come up with their own generation's 'Dark Side of the Moon' or 'Nevermind.' Something that captures the zeitgeist, something that can't be ignored, that tickles the imaginations of those who hear it enough to inspire them to imitate it.
"I remain cautiously optimistic that this will happen."
This is a great article that's worth a look at. Click here to read all of the article.
[Resource http://www.buffalonews.com/197/story/39697.html]
Below are some highlights of an article that talks about the evolution of the album.
As far back as 1997, the advent of digital downloading threw the music industry into a tailspin from which it has yet to emerge — all concerning the album and its future. As technology began allowing for the sharing of digital files across the Internet, the iPod has taken over the industry as consumers sidestep the retail aspect of music distribution.
Today, anyone with a computer can cherry-pick, download, burn a disc, or create personal playlists on an MP3 player. With the iPod taking over, conventional modes of music-making and distribution seem suddenly antiquated.
What effect does this have on the album?
Is it now just an artifact of a bygone era? Or is the personal playlist craze another in a long line of passing fads in popular music? And what effect has all of this had on the quality of the music itself?
The key to a successful music industry is to create a marketplace of engaged listeners, surely. For some, the iPod culture has offered an avenue of such engagement.
"The renaissance, if there is to be one, will take an awful lot of work," says Bordowitz. "It will take someone from the new generation to come up with their own generation's 'Dark Side of the Moon' or 'Nevermind.' Something that captures the zeitgeist, something that can't be ignored, that tickles the imaginations of those who hear it enough to inspire them to imitate it.
"I remain cautiously optimistic that this will happen."
This is a great article that's worth a look at. Click here to read all of the article.
[Resource http://www.buffalonews.com/197/story/39697.html]
MORE LAWS
In the last 50 years or so, the size of computers have been reduced significantly. But how far can we reduce the physical size of computers whilst add more memory.
Here's an article I read recently that talks about a 'law' of physics (Moore's Law) that says that physical storage components for memory is almost as small as is possible to go.
Whether this will have any major effect (positive or negative) on the music industry, remains to be seen.
As with all technological advances, right from the stone age, things that had never been thought of before could be just around the corner. Possible alternatives like molecular memory and carbon nanotubes could bring new technology that we don't yet know about.
[Resource http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?alias=moores-law-hits-physics-i&chanId=sa003]
technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, indie, independent, musician
Here's an article I read recently that talks about a 'law' of physics (Moore's Law) that says that physical storage components for memory is almost as small as is possible to go.
Whether this will have any major effect (positive or negative) on the music industry, remains to be seen.
As with all technological advances, right from the stone age, things that had never been thought of before could be just around the corner. Possible alternatives like molecular memory and carbon nanotubes could bring new technology that we don't yet know about.
[Resource http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?alias=moores-law-hits-physics-i&chanId=sa003]
technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, indie, independent, musician
Monday, April 02, 2007
DESTINATION VIRAL
This is an interesting marketing concept. Get creative and find interesting marketing concepts that you can use.
Here are two tourism destination websites, Stockholm (Sweden) and Virginia (USA) that have used music for online viral marketing campaigns.
Virginia Tourism's new site promotes the sights and sounds of Virginia's Heritage Music Trail, The Crooked Road with the use of "sing back" technology. In just a few clicks, visitors to CrookedRoadVirginia.com can chose from more than 500 names, occupations, hobbies and relationships to build personalized bluegrass lyrics. Users can then send their new bluegrass hit to anyone's email or phone number, including cell phones.
Stockholm in partnership with Visit Sweden created the Stockholm Musical site, where visitors can put in their name and will hear and see their own musical performed just for them - which they can share with a friend.
[Resource http://jensthraenhart.com/cblog/exit.php?url=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zdG9ja2hvbG10aGVtdXNpY2FsLmNvbS8=&entry_id=182]
technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, indie, independent, musician
Here are two tourism destination websites, Stockholm (Sweden) and Virginia (USA) that have used music for online viral marketing campaigns.
Virginia Tourism's new site promotes the sights and sounds of Virginia's Heritage Music Trail, The Crooked Road with the use of "sing back" technology. In just a few clicks, visitors to CrookedRoadVirginia.com can chose from more than 500 names, occupations, hobbies and relationships to build personalized bluegrass lyrics. Users can then send their new bluegrass hit to anyone's email or phone number, including cell phones.
Stockholm in partnership with Visit Sweden created the Stockholm Musical site, where visitors can put in their name and will hear and see their own musical performed just for them - which they can share with a friend.
[Resource http://jensthraenhart.com/cblog/exit.php?url=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zdG9ja2hvbG10aGVtdXNpY2FsLmNvbS8=&entry_id=182]
technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, indie, independent, musician
Sunday, April 01, 2007
HOW TO SHOWCASE AND BE NOTICED
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/]
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/]
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
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