There are two types of 'rehearsals' to consider: 'live rehearsal' for the stage and your 'technical ability rehearsal'. Both types of rehearsals are necessary but rehearsing only your technical skills will not set you up well for performing on stage 'live' to an audience.
When you rehearse with your band or practise on your own you are only honing your technical ability and playing skills. This is necessary of course for you to be able to learn to play the parts you need to play but the the problem is that the stage environment is different to the rehearsal room environment.
When you get up in front of an audience there's leads and equipment to avoid, space limitations, sometimes there's no fold back speakers and you can't hear yourself properly, there's often people talking throughout your performance and lighting or special effects can make things more difficult to see etc. Performing live is a different environment from playing your songs at home or at the rehearsal room. Even small things like what clothes you wear on stage can inhibit comfort or maneuverability and it can get very hot under stage lighting.
If you're under rehearsed in 'live' performance you may find yourself stressed or even too relaxed in an environment that is going to be very different to your 'rehearsals' where you're practising your technical skills. This anxiety can throw off even the best of players who 'know' they can play the songs then stumble or don't perform to the best of their ability when they get on stage.
Anxiety is just adrenaline, it's normal and it's very common among performing musicians and public speakers. With experience you can learn to work with it and even use its energy to the advantage of your performance. Here are some things you can do to minimize the effects of anxiety so you don't end up ruining your well rehearsed live performance.
Try rehearsing your 'stage performance' as well as your general band practise and at home practise. Both of these practices serve different purposes but many bands forget to practise their 'stage performance' and just practise their 'material' or technical ability to play.
One thing you can do is to rehearse under 'stage' like conditions. Maybe invite some friends (or strangers) or family members along to a rehearsal for an 'audience'. If you can't do this and you use practise rooms where there are also other bands rehearsing, maybe you can invite them to be your 'audience' and in return, you can sit in as their audience.
Wear what you would wear on stage, clothes that look good but are to practical for performance or are uncomfortable will not help you give your best performance.
Set up some lighting to give you a 'stage' like atmosphere. Direct a light on each band member.
Next, you must treat this 'rehearsal' as if you were playing a gig in front of an audience. That means: walk on to the stage from the side of the room then pick up your instrument, do not stop midway through a song even if you have made a mistake, talk to the audience - introduce yourself and your band and perform your entire set as you would if you were doing a 'real' gig.
Try performing with a 'not so good' sound mix. Try performing with no fold back speakers.
Change the stage set up around the next time you practise and make the performing area smaller or larger or in a corner. Even find a different location to perform your live performance rehearsals.
If you're keen to have an even more 'realistic' stage practise, try doing some physical activity to get your heart rate up. This will produce similar side effects to that of anxiety so you'll become more 'comfortable' with the feeling.
Rehearsing under all these conditions will get you as used to as possible to the feelings and environmental factors that you will face on stage in front of an audience.
The more you practice rehearsing your 'performance' using different stage set ups the more comfortable you will be when you do it for real with an audience of strangers and a stage you've never stepped on.
Of course the more you practise both types of 'rehearsals' the better you'll get and getting better means better shows which means more enjoyment for you and your audience.
CREATE YOUR OWN WEBSITE
Your Own Website In 10 Easy Steps
Thursday, January 25, 2007
IDOL VOCAL COACH
Ever wondered what a vocal coach could help you learn. Sometimes what you need to 'unlearn' can be just as important according to Canadian Idol vocal coach, Debra Byrd who gives a 'Byrd's Eye View' interview here.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT PRACTICE
If you're a performing musician, you probably spend quite a lot of time practising your instrument and your performance parts. You probably also spend many hours rehearsing with your band getting ready for your performance in front of an audience.
Then, to your embarrassment and dismay you mess up, in front of your audience, parts that you had practised over and over and you know you got perfect every time in rehearsal. Surely, I can't be the only person who has done this!
Now, I know I'm alone in suffering from stage anxiety and I also know that it can contribute to you giving a performance far less than you're capable of giving, which is always a real disapointment, not least of all to yourself. So does this mean that all that hard work at practise is just going out the window as you step on a stage in front of an audience?
No, and better still there are things you can do to prepare you for stage performance and deal with your anxiety.
Tomorrow, I'll be covering the steps you can take to help you achieve a great live performance every time.
Then, to your embarrassment and dismay you mess up, in front of your audience, parts that you had practised over and over and you know you got perfect every time in rehearsal. Surely, I can't be the only person who has done this!
Now, I know I'm alone in suffering from stage anxiety and I also know that it can contribute to you giving a performance far less than you're capable of giving, which is always a real disapointment, not least of all to yourself. So does this mean that all that hard work at practise is just going out the window as you step on a stage in front of an audience?
No, and better still there are things you can do to prepare you for stage performance and deal with your anxiety.
Tomorrow, I'll be covering the steps you can take to help you achieve a great live performance every time.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
SHOW THE WORLD YOUR MUSIC
Got a music video that you'd like people to see (& hear)?
Music Nation is an artist development agency that promotes unsigned rock, pop & urban artists. Here's what they say about themselves.
Music Nation is an artist development agency that promotes unsigned rock, pop & urban artists. Here's what they say about themselves.
"...it’s essentially a niche YouTube for emerging artists, allowing visitors to explore the newest and most viewed clips, track down artists in their local area..."
Monday, January 22, 2007
MUSIC NATION COMPETITION
Music Nation is currently running an online contest. The 15 week long competition will accept votes from January 29th onwards, and the winners in the pop, rock and urban categories will all get contracts with Epic Records. One of the winners will also appear on ClearChannel’s TV show, Stripped. It’s worth pointing out, however, that YouTube is also capable of discovering talent: the YouTube Underground contest was a virtually identical idea. Likewise, Bix.com is doing similar things and MySpace Music has long been a powerful tool for emerging artists to build an audience. Music Nation is nicely implemented, but surely new bands are looking to go where the audience is: on MySpace and YouTube. That means challenges ahead for all the music social networks and startups.
[Resource http://mashable.com/2007/01/15/music-nation-youtube-music/]
[Resource http://mashable.com/2007/01/15/music-nation-youtube-music/]
Sunday, January 21, 2007
ARTISTS ARE THE ULTIMATE ENTREPENEURS
Artists create products (yes, your music is a product) and then look for a market to sell to. Some artists look for a market and then create a product to sell to that market. That makes you an entrepreneur and all entrepreneurs start from the same place, but there are many artists of all kinds everywhere that make little or no money from their creations.
We all know of gifted people with remarkable talent that are generally unknown to the wider population and we all know of many people who we consider not so gifted (I'm being polite!) who have fame, and financial success.
These 'unknowns' are missing one of the important 'marketing' steps that are used by successful businesses everywhere. Branding. You need to create a brand because that's what your band or music is. A brand.
Fear of 'selling out' particularly among musicians, seems to be common place. Fear of 'lessening their art' by making money from it is another popular misconception that artists have. Ever noticed how these 'beliefs' become self-fulfilling?
Your fear will hold you and your music career back. Don't let it.
Here's a great article that describes what branding is, why you need it and why you have been fooled into thinking that branding means slogans, TV ads and other such things the independent musician usually thinks of as 'negative'.
"Branding is the power to be who you are and communicating it to everyone proudly"
Branding Is Not Selling Out: It's Selling In
[Resource http://www.ireview.name/]
We all know of gifted people with remarkable talent that are generally unknown to the wider population and we all know of many people who we consider not so gifted (I'm being polite!) who have fame, and financial success.
These 'unknowns' are missing one of the important 'marketing' steps that are used by successful businesses everywhere. Branding. You need to create a brand because that's what your band or music is. A brand.
Fear of 'selling out' particularly among musicians, seems to be common place. Fear of 'lessening their art' by making money from it is another popular misconception that artists have. Ever noticed how these 'beliefs' become self-fulfilling?
Your fear will hold you and your music career back. Don't let it.
Here's a great article that describes what branding is, why you need it and why you have been fooled into thinking that branding means slogans, TV ads and other such things the independent musician usually thinks of as 'negative'.
"Branding is the power to be who you are and communicating it to everyone proudly"
Branding Is Not Selling Out: It's Selling In
[Resource http://www.ireview.name/]
Saturday, January 20, 2007
SONGWRITING COMPETITION TO PRODUCE 'INSTANT HITS'
US reality talent show 'American Idol' are planning to introduce a songwriting as part of future series.
Ratings show that people love to watch both ends of the spectrum, highlights of the really bad performers and of course the winners. Only problem is that the winners of the contest are forced to perform renditions of bland and forgettable songs. So, to overcome this American Idol are introducing a songwriting competition to winning formula so that by the end of the competition the country has not only their chosen singer, they also have the song they want.
So if you think you can write better songs than the ones currently being performed on American Idol (I'm sure you can) why not enter the competition yourself.
Details of the competition are still being sorted out but you can read all about it here.
Keep an eye out at the official website for American Idol for details of when and how to enter.
In the mean time, if you've got a urge to enter your songs in a competition why not try
The USA Songwriting Competition
[Resource http://cbs5.com/topstories/local_story_013175017.html]
Ratings show that people love to watch both ends of the spectrum, highlights of the really bad performers and of course the winners. Only problem is that the winners of the contest are forced to perform renditions of bland and forgettable songs. So, to overcome this American Idol are introducing a songwriting competition to winning formula so that by the end of the competition the country has not only their chosen singer, they also have the song they want.
So if you think you can write better songs than the ones currently being performed on American Idol (I'm sure you can) why not enter the competition yourself.
Details of the competition are still being sorted out but you can read all about it here.
Keep an eye out at the official website for American Idol for details of when and how to enter.
In the mean time, if you've got a urge to enter your songs in a competition why not try
The USA Songwriting Competition
[Resource http://cbs5.com/topstories/local_story_013175017.html]
SELL MORE CD'S AT YOUR GIGS
Here's a few suggestions to help you sell more Cd's at your gigs.
Introduce yourself or your band to the audience. Tell them who you are, if they like you it'll help them look you up in gig guides and etc.
Give out fliers or postcards with a brief bio and some contact info. If there's someone on the door, have them hand one out to each person as they come in. If you don't want to be so upfront just leave some on the tables and/or at the bar for people to take if they wish.
You can use other merchandise as free give-aways to promote your band. Fridge magnets, stickers, key rings etc.
Get someone (a friend or fan) to walk around the audience with some Cd's and ask people if they'd like to buy one. You should also be doing this with a mail-list.
Offer a free bonus with the first sale or first 5 sales, or however many you choose.
Mingle with the audience after your gig. Go and meet them face to face, talk to them and get some feedback. Make physical contact (appropriate contact obviously :-) shake their hand, ask their name and use it.
If you have only 1 Cd available, tell the audience about it and tell them of other artists (that they know) that are similar to your band. If you have more than 1 Cd available, tell the audience which is your favourite and why and describe as similar to another artist the audience may have heard of.
Does your music align itself with a political or social message? If so, why not give a % of your Cd sales profits to a charity or organisation that is relevent to this. You may even be able to afilliate your band with the organisation and have them advertise your Cd to their existing members.
Smile and talk to your audience :-) 'Involve' them in your show by using humour or chat, whatever is appropriate to your style.
Present yourself and band professionally. Create a 'look' for both the band and the stage. It doesn't have to be costumes or big stage props, just make your act look visually appealing and professional and match your style of music.
Finally,
Thank your audience for listening and remind them of where they can see you perform again or how they can find out more about you.
Introduce yourself or your band to the audience. Tell them who you are, if they like you it'll help them look you up in gig guides and etc.
Give out fliers or postcards with a brief bio and some contact info. If there's someone on the door, have them hand one out to each person as they come in. If you don't want to be so upfront just leave some on the tables and/or at the bar for people to take if they wish.
You can use other merchandise as free give-aways to promote your band. Fridge magnets, stickers, key rings etc.
Get someone (a friend or fan) to walk around the audience with some Cd's and ask people if they'd like to buy one. You should also be doing this with a mail-list.
Offer a free bonus with the first sale or first 5 sales, or however many you choose.
Mingle with the audience after your gig. Go and meet them face to face, talk to them and get some feedback. Make physical contact (appropriate contact obviously :-) shake their hand, ask their name and use it.
If you have only 1 Cd available, tell the audience about it and tell them of other artists (that they know) that are similar to your band. If you have more than 1 Cd available, tell the audience which is your favourite and why and describe as similar to another artist the audience may have heard of.
Does your music align itself with a political or social message? If so, why not give a % of your Cd sales profits to a charity or organisation that is relevent to this. You may even be able to afilliate your band with the organisation and have them advertise your Cd to their existing members.
Smile and talk to your audience :-) 'Involve' them in your show by using humour or chat, whatever is appropriate to your style.
Present yourself and band professionally. Create a 'look' for both the band and the stage. It doesn't have to be costumes or big stage props, just make your act look visually appealing and professional and match your style of music.
Finally,
Thank your audience for listening and remind them of where they can see you perform again or how they can find out more about you.
THE FUTURE IS PAST
"History doesn't repeat itself but it rhymes"
I think it may have been 'Mark Twain' (AKA Samuel L Clemens) who quoted that? But who ever it was, there's a lot of wisdom in it.
I've blogged a bit about the changes to the music industry that have come about because of mp3's and so many 'experts' seem to have an opinion on whether music buyers will be buying Cd's or just digital downloads in the future, so who do we believe?
From vinyl records (remember those) to ipods here's a graph illustrating the sales trends of records, cassette tapes, Cd's and mp3's over a thirty year period. What do the results tells us? See above for a little clue or check out the statistics for yourself here.
[Resource http://e-huned.com/2007/01/17/technology-obsolescence-curves-are-cool/]
I think it may have been 'Mark Twain' (AKA Samuel L Clemens) who quoted that? But who ever it was, there's a lot of wisdom in it.
I've blogged a bit about the changes to the music industry that have come about because of mp3's and so many 'experts' seem to have an opinion on whether music buyers will be buying Cd's or just digital downloads in the future, so who do we believe?
From vinyl records (remember those) to ipods here's a graph illustrating the sales trends of records, cassette tapes, Cd's and mp3's over a thirty year period. What do the results tells us? See above for a little clue or check out the statistics for yourself here.
[Resource http://e-huned.com/2007/01/17/technology-obsolescence-curves-are-cool/]
Friday, January 19, 2007
SOLO ARTISTS - HOW TO STAND OUT FROM THE PACK
There's only so much most solo artists can produce on stage with just themselves and their instrument. Even if you would like to perform with a band sometimes it's just not practical.
Whatever your reason, if you're looking for a way to stand out from the pack and produce a 'bigger' sound or one that's closer to your studio recordings think digital.
You can have a Dream team of musicians performing with you every night like US singer/songwriter Keller Williams who found an inspiring way to promote his music. Inspired by writing an ambitious wish list of artists he'd like to collaborate with in the studio he then decided to Dream big and the Dream which has now come true has turned this solo performer into a one man band who sells out shows across the USA with his innovative looping technique and digital band.
This 'Dream' which became the title of his latest and ninth studio album is literally a Dream come true for Keller who now performs live backed by his 'wish list' of artists.
[Resource http://www.cybergrass.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2762]
Whatever your reason, if you're looking for a way to stand out from the pack and produce a 'bigger' sound or one that's closer to your studio recordings think digital.
You can have a Dream team of musicians performing with you every night like US singer/songwriter Keller Williams who found an inspiring way to promote his music. Inspired by writing an ambitious wish list of artists he'd like to collaborate with in the studio he then decided to Dream big and the Dream which has now come true has turned this solo performer into a one man band who sells out shows across the USA with his innovative looping technique and digital band.
This 'Dream' which became the title of his latest and ninth studio album is literally a Dream come true for Keller who now performs live backed by his 'wish list' of artists.
[Resource http://www.cybergrass.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2762]
GIGGING FOR A LIVING
Not a lot of independent musician's can make a living by gigging.
Jazz guitarist Peter Sprague is one of them and in this interview he shares some tips and some of the 'secrets' to how he does it. This interview comes from his book 'Gigging For A Living'.
[Resource http://howtoband.artbox-ent.com/blog/index.php/a/2007/01/14/gigging_for_a_living]
Jazz guitarist Peter Sprague is one of them and in this interview he shares some tips and some of the 'secrets' to how he does it. This interview comes from his book 'Gigging For A Living'.
[Resource http://howtoband.artbox-ent.com/blog/index.php/a/2007/01/14/gigging_for_a_living]
Thursday, January 18, 2007
FREE MUSIC CAREER RESOURCES
The Indie Musician Blog (which is what you're reading now ;-) has a new website. Strangely enough it's also called The Indie Musician and you can find it at www.TheIndieMusician.com
Here's what it's all about:
Here's what it's all about:
The aim of The Indie Musician is to offer a range of career enhancing and music development resources that will assist independent musicians to perform their music live, produce quality recordings, market and sell their music, improve musical performance techniques and grow a fan base.
GUARANTEED EXPOSURE TO RECORD LABEL A&R OF YOUR CHOICE
Seems good things can come out of all those talent discovery shows such as 'American Idol', 'Australian Idol' and 'UK Idol'. I know there are people who criticize these shows and it's contestants and winners for being manufactured etc. but it seems that these shows are fuelling a thirst for new talent which means that they are having a positive effect on the music industry and this is good news for independent music and musicians.
Why? How?
Because, the popularity and demand for talent discovery thanks to these kind of shows is at an all time high and record companies are looking for more 'unknown' talent with the same potential for a professional music industry career. To help bring new talent to the major record labels, new website MusicBlast offers users a chance at a record deal by facilitating the submission of music demos directly to major record label A&R (artist and repertoire) representatives.
For free, members can post audio, video, want ads, photos and events and for a small fee you can buy a 30+ word review of your demo which guarantees exposure to any major record company A&R of your choice.
[Resource http://www.sbwire.com/news/view/10109]
Why? How?
Because, the popularity and demand for talent discovery thanks to these kind of shows is at an all time high and record companies are looking for more 'unknown' talent with the same potential for a professional music industry career. To help bring new talent to the major record labels, new website MusicBlast offers users a chance at a record deal by facilitating the submission of music demos directly to major record label A&R (artist and repertoire) representatives.
For free, members can post audio, video, want ads, photos and events and for a small fee you can buy a 30+ word review of your demo which guarantees exposure to any major record company A&R of your choice.
[Resource http://www.sbwire.com/news/view/10109]
Saturday, January 13, 2007
UK SINGLES CHARTS GO DIGITAL
You can now have a UK number one hit on the singles chart thanks to the latest revolution in the digital music world.
The UK music industry now includes in the singles charts, songs that are available as a digital download even if they are not released in a CD format or stocked in a retail store.
Taking away the need for retail outlets and physical stock theoretically means that an independent artist could have a 'hit'. Not too likely according to the director of new media for Universal Music in the UK. There are several reasons for this. Any song that is available online is factored in, this could mean old 'classic' tracks and re-released tracks. Most of the charting songs will probably be current acts that have their marketing driven by large budgets afforded to them through the major record companies. Along with a massive marketing campaign it's easy to see why these acts become so popular.
Before you start to worry that there's no place for the independent musician there's plenty to be positive about.
The ability to produce your own recordings with mush less cost than a few years ago in the days when you had to hire a studio, press CD's, get artwork done etc.
The ability to launch your own effective and low cost marketing campaigns.
Digital downloads and instant payment facility
Information, advice and resources galore
Artistic control
Do you really need (or even want) to have the same mass exposure as the current 'top' artists?
Major record companies spend huge sums of money on marketing because they need to recoup large spendings (or investments). It's a fickle game, the charts but there's still plenty of opportunities to make a living being a recording and performing musician. You just never know when an independent artist is going to come from out of the blue and arrive into the mainstream charts.
It could be you.
J:o
[Resource http://www.ftd.de/karriere_management/business_english/149431.html]
The UK music industry now includes in the singles charts, songs that are available as a digital download even if they are not released in a CD format or stocked in a retail store.
Taking away the need for retail outlets and physical stock theoretically means that an independent artist could have a 'hit'. Not too likely according to the director of new media for Universal Music in the UK. There are several reasons for this. Any song that is available online is factored in, this could mean old 'classic' tracks and re-released tracks. Most of the charting songs will probably be current acts that have their marketing driven by large budgets afforded to them through the major record companies. Along with a massive marketing campaign it's easy to see why these acts become so popular.
Before you start to worry that there's no place for the independent musician there's plenty to be positive about.
The ability to produce your own recordings with mush less cost than a few years ago in the days when you had to hire a studio, press CD's, get artwork done etc.
The ability to launch your own effective and low cost marketing campaigns.
Digital downloads and instant payment facility
Information, advice and resources galore
Artistic control
Do you really need (or even want) to have the same mass exposure as the current 'top' artists?
Major record companies spend huge sums of money on marketing because they need to recoup large spendings (or investments). It's a fickle game, the charts but there's still plenty of opportunities to make a living being a recording and performing musician. You just never know when an independent artist is going to come from out of the blue and arrive into the mainstream charts.
It could be you.
J:o
[Resource http://www.ftd.de/karriere_management/business_english/149431.html]
Friday, January 12, 2007
BLOG YOUR BAND
Blogging is a great addition to your band website. It's a great way to document your band's progess, what you're up to and interact with your fans.
Here's a blog I just came accross from a US indie rock band based in Seattle called H Is For Hellgate. If your not sure what you could put in a blog, take a look at their blog for some inspiration.
Another blog I really like is by the more established singer / songwriter Ben Lee which you can read here.
There's plenty of blogs out there but the point is, you've got to make your band blog reflect the personality of the group and/or its members.
Oh, and you can set a blog up quickly and easily and they're free!
[Resource http://hisforhellgate.blogspot.com] & [Resource http://www.ben-lee.com/blog.htm]
Here's a blog I just came accross from a US indie rock band based in Seattle called H Is For Hellgate. If your not sure what you could put in a blog, take a look at their blog for some inspiration.
Another blog I really like is by the more established singer / songwriter Ben Lee which you can read here.
There's plenty of blogs out there but the point is, you've got to make your band blog reflect the personality of the group and/or its members.
Oh, and you can set a blog up quickly and easily and they're free!
[Resource http://hisforhellgate.blogspot.com] & [Resource http://www.ben-lee.com/blog.htm]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, ben+lee+blog, music+promotion, promote+your+music
Thursday, January 11, 2007
CROSSING BORDERS
We all like to talk about a great book we've read or a great CD that we've heard and the ability to share this with thousands if not millions is what online communities or social networking is all about.
In a clever marketing move, Borders, the on and offline retailer of books, music and movies have introduced a new online social networking community. A networking community through Gather.com that is a leader in social media for adults.
Borders have teamed up with existing social networking site Gather, which caters to a similar demographic ie. the demographic identified with the Borders brand. (See full article for details). Borders have an exclusive arrangement will allow customers to become members to create their own exclusive online community through a Borders.Gather.com
The message for indie musicians can take from this is to know your market demographic and find as many creative ways of reaching them as you can. Social networking is becoming one of the most important marketing tools of businesses large and small.
[Resource http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-10-2007/0004503503&EDATE=]
In a clever marketing move, Borders, the on and offline retailer of books, music and movies have introduced a new online social networking community. A networking community through Gather.com that is a leader in social media for adults.
Borders have teamed up with existing social networking site Gather, which caters to a similar demographic ie. the demographic identified with the Borders brand. (See full article for details). Borders have an exclusive arrangement will allow customers to become members to create their own exclusive online community through a Borders.Gather.com
The message for indie musicians can take from this is to know your market demographic and find as many creative ways of reaching them as you can. Social networking is becoming one of the most important marketing tools of businesses large and small.
[Resource http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-10-2007/0004503503&EDATE=]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, borders+music, social+media, music+promotion, promote+your+music
Sunday, January 07, 2007
KEEN TO RELEASE CD'S
UK band Keane have achieved 2 world firsts in music marketing and both in October 2006.
Teaming up with www.concertlive.co.uk for the first UK deal of its kind, fans purchase a live CD of the gig which is recorded mixed and mastered in real time. Within 10 minutes of the show finishing, fans can buy and take home the limited edition of the CD of the gig they were just at.
And for their 2nd world first, Keane released a limited edition single on a re-usable 512mb USB memory stick. Available in the UK through HMV Music it is presented in a standard size CD packaging with the memory stick shrink wrapped to the packaging. The USB is the world's thinnest flash drive.
[Resource http://www.keanemusic.com/news.php?action=get&id=1194&y=06&m=10]
[Resource http://www.keanemusic.com/news.php?action=get&id=1200&y=06&m=10]
Teaming up with www.concertlive.co.uk for the first UK deal of its kind, fans purchase a live CD of the gig which is recorded mixed and mastered in real time. Within 10 minutes of the show finishing, fans can buy and take home the limited edition of the CD of the gig they were just at.
And for their 2nd world first, Keane released a limited edition single on a re-usable 512mb USB memory stick. Available in the UK through HMV Music it is presented in a standard size CD packaging with the memory stick shrink wrapped to the packaging. The USB is the world's thinnest flash drive.
[Resource http://www.keanemusic.com/news.php?action=get&id=1194&y=06&m=10]
[Resource http://www.keanemusic.com/news.php?action=get&id=1200&y=06&m=10]
technorati tags:keane, world+first+music+marketing, digital+music+marketing, music+promotion
Friday, January 05, 2007
AUSSIE MUSIC WANTED IN THE USA
Thanks to Jet, the most recent Aussie band to break into the $20 billion US music industry in 2004, Aussie music acts are again in demand.
The annual Austrade organised event will this year feature a host of Australian music exports in its annual promotion of everything Australia.
The publicity from this event is expected to reach more than 100 million Americans.
Click here to read which Australian musical acts will headline this year's festival.
[Resource http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21007320-5006024,00.html]
The annual Austrade organised event will this year feature a host of Australian music exports in its annual promotion of everything Australia.
The publicity from this event is expected to reach more than 100 million Americans.
Click here to read which Australian musical acts will headline this year's festival.
[Resource http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21007320-5006024,00.html]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, jet, austrade, musician, australian+music, usa+music+industry, music+promotion, promote+your+music
IF YOU CAN'T BEAT EM...
Good news for artists wanting to use copyrighted material for their videos.
According to this recent Reuters article, the music industry thinks generating new income from unused clips & video montages will be more profitable than suing the likes of YouTube.
By licensing deals to sites such as MySpace, people will be able to use or include copyrighted content in videos that they make themselves.
This way both the artist, MySpace and the copyright owner all get to benefit. Now that's much better than law suits! It seems that record labels are deciding 'If you can't beat 'em...join 'em' instead of the expensive and time consuming law suits against copyright infringement. The music industry really is changing and this is proof that the independent musicians have real power.
To read the full article including the 5 technologies shaping this space, click here.
[Resource http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=internetNews&storyID=2007-01-02T050015Z_01_N01266714_RTRUKOC_0_US-TECH.xml&WTmodLoc=InternetNewsHome_C1_%5BFeed%5D-4]
According to this recent Reuters article, the music industry thinks generating new income from unused clips & video montages will be more profitable than suing the likes of YouTube.
By licensing deals to sites such as MySpace, people will be able to use or include copyrighted content in videos that they make themselves.
This way both the artist, MySpace and the copyright owner all get to benefit. Now that's much better than law suits! It seems that record labels are deciding 'If you can't beat 'em...join 'em' instead of the expensive and time consuming law suits against copyright infringement. The music industry really is changing and this is proof that the independent musicians have real power.
To read the full article including the 5 technologies shaping this space, click here.
[Resource http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=internetNews&storyID=2007-01-02T050015Z_01_N01266714_RTRUKOC_0_US-TECH.xml&WTmodLoc=InternetNewsHome_C1_%5BFeed%5D-4]
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+promotion, copyright, music+video+myspace, promote+your+music
Monday, January 01, 2007
FEED ME!
Happy New Year
Welcome 2007. I had a great night last night, I hope you did too. The food was delicious :-) see yesterday's blog for details. Limited myself to a glass of red with my meal and a few beers at a pub afterwards where I saw the new year in.
This blog post will be short (compared to yesterday) I'm sure that's a relief for most of you!
As you can see if you take a look at the top right hand side of the blog from page, I have added some RSS feed links to the blog. Now you can subscribe to The Indie Musician and have all the posts go straight in to your newsreader or RSS enabled browser (like Flock).
J:o
Welcome 2007. I had a great night last night, I hope you did too. The food was delicious :-) see yesterday's blog for details. Limited myself to a glass of red with my meal and a few beers at a pub afterwards where I saw the new year in.
This blog post will be short (compared to yesterday) I'm sure that's a relief for most of you!
As you can see if you take a look at the top right hand side of the blog from page, I have added some RSS feed links to the blog. Now you can subscribe to The Indie Musician and have all the posts go straight in to your newsreader or RSS enabled browser (like Flock).
J:o
technorati tags:indie, independent, musician, music+promotion, new+rss+feed
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