HIT SONGWRITING TIPS

Here's a podcast all about songwriting. Click on this link.

Topics covered: Advice to developing songwriters, the art and craft of songwriting, strategies for writing hooks and melodies, a 7-step process to writing hit songs, and much more.


[Resource http://www.grahamenglish.net/blog/graham-english/hit-songwriting-tips-podcast-05-20-07/]

technorati tags: songwriting, recording+tips, indie, independent, musician

5 PILLARS OF YOUTH CULTURE

If you are trying to market your music to a "youth" culture, here's an article I came across from the Canadian Marketing Association that could help you market your music better to GenY and GenM (Millenials).

This article covers the 5 Pillars of youth culture:

Entertainment
Fashion
Technology
Sports
Music

[Resource http://www.canadianmarketingblog.com/archives/2007/05/understanding_youth.html

technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, music+distribution, live+music+promotion, recording+music, indie, independent, musician

STEADY GROWTH FOR MUSIC INDUSTRY

While CD sales will continue to decline sharply, the music industry as a whole is healthy, and growth in many other areas will more than make up for the shortfall. That's great news for marketers.

The growth will come from online and mobile music, the live concert industry and the licensing of music for public performance, commercials, TV shows, films and video games, according to eMarketer's report Global Music: Tuning in to New Opportunities.

Live tours were once used as marketing vehicles to promote recordings, but today that model is being flipped on its head as increasing numbers of top-tier and mid-level acts earn more income from concerts than from CD sales.

Read more here.

[Resource http://www.sys-con.com/read/372641.htm]

technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, music+distribution, live+music+promotion, recording+music, indie, independent, musician

CROWDSOURCING

To succeed as a recording artist or band these days it is essential to promote your music online. But breaking your way into the recording industry is far from easy. Luckily there is a service that helps you to do just that by tapping into the phenomenon of crowdsourcing.

Sellaband taps into the crowdsourcing model by turning the fans and listeners of bands into their product evangelists, asking them to invest in a band or artist they take a shine to, and take the word to the streets.

Browsing the Sellaband website listeners are asked to invest $10 or more towards the $50,000 needed for the band to record and distribute their music. They are also encouraged to spread the word to their friends and online contacts, to propel their chosen artists towards their recording opportunity.

But what's in it for them?

Well, besides the warm fuzzy feeling of helping talented musicians achieve their dream and the limited edition CD of the final recording there is a perhaps even more interesting opportunity to make some money on the side. Every single investor, or 'believer' that backs a successful band will take home a small cut of the profits made by them.

For the recording artists themselves, not only do they get to record and distribute their music with professional recording industry support and guidance, they also get to take a 50% cut of all ad-revenues made from the free downloads of their music.

Read all about it here



[Resource http://www.masternewmedia.org/audio_&_music_publishing/music-promotion/record-promote-finance-your-music-with-sellaband-20070507.htm]

technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, music+distribution, recording+music, indie, independent, musician

GOOD NEWS FOR BRISBANE ARTISTS

THE Queensland Government is advertising in leading US music magazine Billboard singing Brisbane's praises as a music capital.

The May 5 issue of Billboard features the ad inviting readers to the Big Sound Music Industry Summit to be held in Brisbane in October. The magazine already has named Brisbane as a musical hot spot to watch this year, Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said.

Click here to read the article in full.

[Resource http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21681283-5001028,00.html?from=public_rss]

technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, music+distribution, live+music+promotion, indie, independent, musician

WANTED: NEW LIVE ORIGINAL MUSIC

Brisbane, QUEENSLAND

New Showcase Opportunity for emerging singer-songwriters and bands

NEW LIVE ORIGINAL MUSIC @ GREENBANK RSL

THE LAUNCH OF BASS ONE 11th June 2007

An exciting new weekly event, BASS ONE, is being launched on Monday June 11 th by Greenbank RSL in partnership with Ellaways Music, Underwood, starting at 7.00pm
The weekly event will showcase new singer songwriters, music artists and bands from ages 13
– 30 year olds (but not exclusively), performing their own original new songs.

Often, young people don’t get the opportunity to perform their music publicly. Now, through a
new initiative at the Greenbank RSL, and Ellaways Music, Underwood, local youth have that
chance to be heard in front of an enthusiastic audience. Each artist, or band, will be given 15
minutes to perform on stage at Greenbank RSL. Then bi-monthly, starting in August, five acts
will perform on stage at the Ellaways Underwood Auditorium in concert on a Friday night.

“We really believe it is a youth initiative that is long overdue in this area. People can come
from anywhere to participate – and audiences are encouraged to come out and hear the new
music from young (and not so young) artists and bands. This really is an initiative designed to
nurture emerging talent from our local area.” states Melanie Cowell, Greenbank RSL
Advertising and Entertainment Manager.

“We will also be offering mentoring and development workshops to participants to help them
better understand the changes and developments in the current music industry,” adds Greg
Dodge, Event Producer, Ellaways Music.

This unique collaboration will enable new music to be developed in an area that has already
had strong international success.

“Any style of music is being accepted, our biggest aim is to just help local talent break into the
industry. Don’t be shy, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact any of the
BASS ONE team members, as we are here to help promote YOU,” adds Jess Baartz, BASS
ONE Event Organiser.

To get involved in BASS ONE, send one or two original songs (MAXIMUM 5 MINUTES) on
DVD or via Myspace Video/Google Video or similar. We prefer a visual – no CD’s of music
only. If unable to supply, please fill out an enrolment form and we will arrange for a live
audition.

For enrolment forms – contact Jess or Mel on 3380 0200, or email
bassone@greenbankrsl.com.au

For further information visit: www.myspace.com/bassonejm

For publicity enquiries – greg@ellaways.com.au

BASS ONE OVERVIEW

Where is it? Greenbank RSL, 54 Anzac Ave, Browns Plains Ph: 3800 7746
When is it? Weekly – starts 11th June 2007 (Launch night with special guests) at 7pm
BASS ONE will run from 6.30pm – 10pm every Monday night at Greenbank RSL.
Ages? We are looking for young singer-songwriters and bands aged between 13 – 30 (but not exclusive)

Starting in August (dates TBC), Ellaways Music, Underwood, will feature five new original artists and bands on stage.

Regular workshops, industry mentoring and networking will be offered at a small cost to participants.

Annually, a festival of new music will be hosted at Greenbank RSL with headlining artists.(Dates TBC)


technorati tags:market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, live+music+promotion, indie, independent, musician

HOW TO WIN A RECORDING CONTRACT

Imagine yourself standing in front of over 20,000 fans in a sold-out venue where all you can hear is cheering. Now that’s the life.

That is, the life of a very select group of musicians who happen to have overwhelmingly successful careers. All of that may seem almost impossible, and there are plenty of people who go on for years without any segue into the major music industry.

There are still dozens of major record labels, however, that have signed with countless artists. By following some guidelines, you could be that much closer to winning over a label and landing a record deal because, as you know, life’s short, and it’s better to win.

Some might say there’s a routine process to go through in order to get a recording contract. According to Steve Richer, a lifestyle correspondent for AskMen.com, recording a demo is the smartest move you can make.

In addition, getting a manager and befriending virtually anyone in the industry, from deejays to promoters, will only benefit you. As a musician, your job is to entertain; the marketing side will be up to the others.

After finding representation, contacting labels and sending out press kits that contain the demo, photos and an artists’ resume is the next vital step.

“This is your most important marketing tool … [so] it must be clear, concise and provide an idea of your band at a glance,” Richer said. “Your manager or entertainment lawyer should send the package. A&R [Artist and Repertoire] executives will be much more receptive than if it’s sent by the artist himself. Otherwise, chances are your press kit will end up in the recycling bin.”

On the other hand, some artists feel that there is no specific process that can guarantee a record deal. Jon McLaughlin, an artist who has a contract with Island Records and recently performed at the Crocodile Cafe in downtown Seattle, is just one of many who believe that theory.

“As cliché as it is, good music is good music,” McLaughlin said. “There are exceptions to every rule, but for the most part when someone really has something special to offer, it comes through,”

The whole idea of getting a recording contract can be both scary and exciting, but the key here is to be patient. McLaughlin has been making music for over 20 years, has had a recording contract for two of those years, and is just now releasing his debut album Indiana, due out tomorrow.

His advice for those aspiring to break into the music industry is this: “Practice as much as you can and worry less about which shirt to wear.”

Reach columnist Sheena Nguyen at features@thedaily.washington.edu

[Resource http://thedaily.washington.edu/article/2007/4/30/howToWinARecordingContract]

technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, music+distribution, live+music+promotion, indie, independent, musician

THE NEW INDIE REVOLUTION

If you haven't heard of London band The Crimea, you soon might. Why? After being dropped from Warner Music, they are trying out a marketing experiment that could soon see other indie bands follow suit.

The Crimea's second full length CD "Secrets of the Witching Hour" is available in full as a free download from their website http://www.thecrimea.net/. The idea is to reach as many people as possible, increase their fan base and maximise their ability to tour, sell merchandise and gain licensing deals.

At the time of this post, The Crimea had had nearly 13,500 downloads of their 2nd full length CD. That's a lot of potential new fans!

[Resource http://undercover.com.au/News-Story.aspx?id=2018]

technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, music+distribution, live+music+promotion, indie, independent, musician

GARAGE BAND

For home recording enthusiasts. Here's a link to an online introduction tutorial for GarageBand.

[Resource http://homerecording.about.com/od/garagebandtutorials/ss/getting_started_3.htm]

technorati tags: recording+music, recording+tips, indie, independent, musician

LAST FM PARTNERS

Last.fm, the online social music networking site and intelligent music recommendation engine, and IODA, the Independent Online Distribution Alliance, the global leader in digital distribution, marketing and technology, has announced a licensing and promotional partnership.

"By partnering with one of the most respected and eclectic digital music distributors, Last.fm is giving music lovers around the globe access to the world's most comprehensive library for online streaming radio and the latest free downloads," said Last.fm co-founder Martin Stiksel. "Music discovery is quickly becoming an essential commercial area for the new music industry. This latest partnership with IODA gives the Last.fm community full access to more than three million music tracks on the streaming radio player."

Read the article here.

[Resource http://digital50.com/news/items/BW/2001/07/14/20070416005389/last-fm-and-ioda-partner-to-bring-iodas-extensive-independent-music-catalogue-to-las.html]

technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, music+distribution, indie, independent, musician

BLOGGING FOR EFFECTIVE MARKETING

Blogs are emerging as powerful marketing tools, particularly for small businesses. They are relatively inexpensive to start and maintain, and yet can be very effective at bringing potential customers to your Web site and keeping current customers in contact with your company

Rather than making a sales pitch or a misdirected endorsement, try tailoring information and services to your target market's lifestyle.

This article is about the effectiveness of blogging for marketing is from Business Week.

[Resource http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/apr2007/sb20070423_465239.htm]

technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, indie, independent, musician

BANDS GET BREAK SINGING JINGLES

It is believed to be the first ad campaign of its kind where a local company is tapping into the area's vibrant original music scene showcasing local bands to sing about their product.

And the winner of the jingle competition...

"in the two weeks their radio commercial has been running, he has, indeed, felt "almost famous," hearing more reaction from friends and fans than from playing a month of Starbucks gigs.
"It's great publicity for the local music scene," Taylor said. "I can't tell you how many people have e-mailed us back. There is some validation being in a commercial. I'm spending more time than I usually would cruising commercial radio trying to hear it just for my own fragile ego."

Read more here.

[Resource http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070419/LIFE/704190344/1005]

technorati tags:market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, music+distribution, live+music+promotion, recording+music, indie, independent, musician

KNOW THY CUSTOMER

Although this piece comes from an article about traditional music retail stores, it also relates to selling music in the digital distribution age.

"If your favorite local record store is going to survive, says Billboard magazine’s Ed Christman, it’s going to have to get to know its customers inside and out, something he says Massachusetts chain Newbury Comics has perfected: “You have to find out who your audience is. If you’re somebody who’s selling to the masses, there’s no way you can compete with Circuit City and Best Buy, but if you have a niche store that specializes in whatever genre or whatever lifestyle, or in Tower’s case, the extensive collection, that’s the game you have to play.”

Read the entire article here.


[Resourcehttp://www.pastemagazine.com/action/article/4088/minding_the_store ]

technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, music+distribution,indie, independent, musician

CONTACT A CELEBRITY

Need to contact a celebrity? Contact Hollywood

I thought I'd include this website out of curiosity, just to blog from a different and lighthearted angle. I don't know if it could be a handy tool for an independent musician but there's no harm in trying.

Through Contact Hollywood, you can find a fan club or contact a musician and so much more. So they say, I haven't tried it myself.

[Resource http://www.contacthollywood.com/]

technorati tags:music+industry, music+industry+contacts, independent+musician, indie+musician

PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC WITH A POSTCARD

Here's how to create and send your own postcard without leaving your computer.

A nice way to contact your fans or people in the industry to tell them about a special event or even send them to yourself to use as little bio's for your band.

Vertical Response is a website where you can create your own personalised postcard in a few minutes using one of over 800,000 images or by uploading your own.

You choose the size, type in some text and you'll then get a PDF proof to see what it will look like when it's printed. Even printing and posting is taken care of.

For more details head to VerticalResponse.

technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, indie, independent, musician

CALLING QUEENSLAND BASED SONGWRITERS

QMusic is holding a competition for songwriters. If you live in Queensland, Australia you're eligible to enter. It cost $30 for up to 3 entries.

Categories include rock, pop, jazz, blues, hip-hop, electronic, alternative, country, indigenous and world music.

Entries close May 21st. Go to Q Song for the entry details.

[Resource http://www.qsong.com.au/]

technorati tags:music+promotion, song+competition, songwriting+competition, q+music, q+song, abc+radio, indie, independent, musician

REAL LIFE SCHOOL OF ROCK

In a career that started in a kind of 'School of Rock' way, US singer-songwriter Corey Smith now makes his full time living as a musician.

Read the full story from the Huntsville Times, Alabama.


[Resource http://www.al.com/entertainment/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/1176369306289300.xml&coll=1]

technorati tags:music+industry, live+music+promotion, recording+music, indie, independent, musician

WORLD'S FIRST FOLDING GUITAR

A folding guitar has been invented and designed by an airline pilot who's also a keen guitarist.

These guitars are available through DeVillain Guitar Company.

The guitars, which are handmade in Sweden, slip into a small backpack which will have no trouble fitting into an overhead luggage bin. The neck folds down with strings still attached, and if it's in tune when you fold it, it will be in tune when you unfold it. The neck and body are connected with an airplane aluminium bolt that ensures maximal connection. Lefty versions aren't currently available, and DeVillain will only produce 300 guitars this year, for a direct to consumer price of EUR 2,600 or USD 3,370. A folding electric bass is in the works.

Now if only someone could do the same with a drum kit!

[Resource http://www.springwise.com/weekly/2007-04-12.htm]

technorati tags:live+music+performance, world+first+folding+guitar, indie, independent, musician

ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SEARCHING

Will this be the way of the future for record labels?

Music companies are now under pressure to look for alternative revenue streams. One area the record labels have been exploring is to share revenues from tours, performances on television and in films and merchandising.

"You'll see more of this happening. It will be primarily in the area of new artists and new acts," says Adam White at Universal Music Group International.


[Resource http://www.gulfnews.com/business/Technology/10117358.html]

technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, market+your+music, music+promotion, music+industry, music+distribution, live+music+promotion, indie, independent, musician

11TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WEB AWARDS

The 2007 11th annual international WebAward competition for Web site development is calling for entries. The deadline for music web sites is May 31st.

Judging is based on design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copy writing and ease of use. Winners will be announced in September.


[Resource http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=31890]

technorati tags:internet+music+marketing, internet+music+promotion, indie, independent, musician