Music Promotion, Marketing and Distribution Newsletter

January 2014

The contacts listed are sorted into FIVE sections.

1. Publications that will REVIEW your music
2. Radio Stations/Shows that will PLAY your songs
3. Labels, Vendors and Promotional Services that will help you to SELL your CD
4. Sites where you can UPLOAD your band's MP3s or videos
5. Helpful Resources for recording artists

SECTION ONE: SITES/PUBLICATIONS WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED

The Bent Unit
Joe Mastracchio thebentunit@gmail.com
www.thebentunit.com
We`re based in Brooklyn and review albums, songs and shows ... and hope to do more interviews in the future. We also put out a monthly compilation album of up-and-coming bands called the Hot Black Blueberry. We focus on all kinds of Rock music, including Punk, Alternative, Psychedelic, Metal, Garage, Indie and more. But, we’re open to anything, and we love to hear new music, so if you’ve got something you want us to hear, send it to us! If we like it enough we’ll review it and/or include it on the next Hot Black Blueberry.

Fab-on
www.fab-on.com
A music website that introduces a variety of foreign music, from all over the world, to Japanese fans. Japan has now become the largest music market in the world, accounting for nearly 26% of total annual music sales. It has surpassed the United States (which accounts for 24%) in total annual revenue, derived from the sales of recorded music. These two countries represent roughly half of all recorded music revenue, worldwide. This makes Japan an ideal, untapped source for foreign artists to introduce and sell their music. However, it can be difficult for independent artists to get effective press and publicity, into the Japanese media. "Fab-on" was founded, for artists who want to promote their music, new releases and information, directly to Japanese music fans.

Blues Blast Magazine
PO Box 721, Pekin, IL 61555
PH: 309-267-4425
info@bluesblastmagazine.com
www.bluesblastmagazine.com
A weekly internet magazine about Blues music read by more than 26,000 Blues fans each week. They are located in all 50 states and in more than 90 countries. We get more than 2,000,000 (That’s TWO MILLION) hits and more than 45,000 visitors a month on our website.

Fashionably Early
Matt Albin fashionablyearlysubmissions@gmail.com
www.fashionably-early.com
Supplying you with all the latest Hip Hop and R&B artists, mixtapes, news, singles, videos & much more, before anyone else. Our focus is Hip Hop/Rap & R&B music, but we touch on many other genres as well. If you wish to submit anything to our website, please send an e-mail. If you post it on our Facebook wall or send it to one of our Twitter pages, chances are very likely we won’t see it, so sending it to the e-mail is your best bet of getting your piece of music on our website! Please provide us with LINKS that we can use to stream & allows our viewers to download. Bandcamp, Soundcloud, or YouTube streams with external downloads are ideal. A bio about the piece of work you are submitting would be very nice as well as we are likely to know a very minuscule amount about yourself. Please, PLEASE send us a cover or picture of yourself in the e-mail as well. DO NOT ATTACH MP3s!

Clown Magazine
Ste. 3, Rosden House, 372, Old Street, London, EC1V 9AU UK
office@clownmagazine.co.uk
www.clownmagazine.co.uk
Thanks to all the folks you have contacted us and to those in the industry for sending music material for reviews. We say keep it coming!

SECTION TWO: RADIO STATIONS, SHOWS AND PROMOTERS

2.1 RADIO - STATIONS AND SHOWS

KillTrend Radio
Nicki Noise The Vixen of Volume nickinoise@killtrendradio.com
DJ Dimes dimes@killtrendradio.com
www.killtrendradio.com
We are a Hard Rock/Metal internet radio station. We offer interviews and social media exposure to all of our supported bands and musicians. The tracks you send in MUST be tagged with correct band name, song title and album (if applicable). Nothing less than 128kbs in quality. We prefer 320kbs.

Indie Scene Radio
151 Danforth St., Framingham, MA 01701
Gerg Anidem indiesceneradio@gmail.com
www.indiesceneradio.com
We are constantly in search of independent artists for our rotation playlist. To submit your work for air play consideration, you'll need to provide 1. Contact Info 2. Artist/Band Name/Genre 3. Artist/Band Bio with a photo and CD cover art 4. Tagged song files in MP3 format. Send all of the above to our e-mail address. You can also send a CD snail mail to our physical address.

Whiskey And Cigarettes
DJ Nik michael@mtsmanagementgroup.com
www.whiskeyandcigarettesshow.com
The best Country music interviews, news, trivia, contests and much more. Country music artists can contact producer Michael Stover by e-mail for airplay and interview inquiries.

Buckeye City Radio
Dewand Darling bigdawge2@yahoo.com
www.buckeyecityradio.webs.com
Internet radio promoting Ohio Hip Hop and R&B artists.

WHPR Radio
557 W. Bloomfield Rd. Glendale, AZ 85304
PH: 602-896-9910
Gary Bradshaw gbradshaw3@cox.net
www.whprradio.com
Plays Country classics and independent Country music.

New Driven Radio
Sherry Sabine NewDriven@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/NewDrivenRadio
The NEW DRIVEN shows bring the hottest professional level independent rock to syndicated radio. Our weekly shows feature the best in emerging Soft Rock, Hard Rock, Alt Rock, Pop, Acoustic, Folk Rock, Punk & Melodic Metal. NEW DRIVEN also produces a weekly talk show that focuses on professional independent artists and a live show with call-in interviews and guest co-hosts. Artists on our shows are full-time musicians, (or nearing that step) with a rigorous touring schedule We spin newer release original music. @NewDriven

2.2 RADIO PROMOTERS

Trespass Music
PO Box 591, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
PH: 774-269-3834
Tracey Delfino tracey@trespassmusic.org
www.trespassmusic.org
We do Folk / Acoustic radio promotion as well as consulting. We provide proven expertise in facilitating performing Songwriters seeking to take the next step in sharing their work. Our services include: radio promotion, career strategy consultations, artist development, media services, and booking and management. Trespass Music is committed to, and proudly partners with, motivated musicians creating work with integrity. We represent artists we are passionate about and that is evident in every aspect of our agency.

CIMG, LLC
119 Bowling Ave. Nashville, TN 37205-2357
Tony Bates contact@cimgllc.com
www.cimgllc.com
Our Radio Promotion work focuses on relevant radio stations (terrestrial and online), especially college radio stations, in the U.S., Canada and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Our staff works daily to build relationships with radio stations, regional promoters, music/entertainment publications and websites, and media outlets throughout North America as well as in eastern and central Europe. We work mostly with Rock, Pop-Rock, Americana and Alt-Country artists. facebook.com/cimgllc

Howard Rosen Promotion
521 W. Channel Islands Blvd. #15, Port Hueneme, CA 93041
PH: 805-382-2200 FX: 805-201-7816
info@howiewood.com
www.howiewood.com
Since 1985 We have been helping artists reach their goals of obtaining radio airplay, expanding their fan base, and creating awareness throughout the industry. @Howiewoodpromo

SECTION THREE: SERVICES/VENDORS/LABELS THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC

3.1 SERVICES - PROMOTION/PUBLICITY

Beyond One Entertainment
PH: 239-297-4178
Kim Giles talentear@yahoo.com
www.BeyondOneEntertainment.com
At Beyond One Entertainment, we are driven by our commitment to the growth of the artists in our family by aiding them in sharing their talents with the world. In such a tough industry, we know how elusive the “next level” can be for each artist, we pride ourselves on nurturing and guiding you there by being your secret weapon. With hard work and dedication on our part as well yours, we can help achieve your goals. Knowing that we’ll be behind you each step of the way, forever moving you forward, takes the guess work out of selling and marketing your art. We work mostly with Jazz artists.

Spin-Zero
5716 Briarwick Ct. Ste. B, Hermitage, TN 37076
PH: 615-208-4025
hello@spin-zero.com
www.Spin-Zero.com
We have a knack for building awesome websites and launching social media campaigns for music artists and music industry professionals for a fraction of the cost of higher-end service providers. And we do it all without compromising on quality. Whether you’re a music business professional or an artist, you can bet on our top quality services to make you stand out from the competition.

Japan Music Promotion
PH: 818-934-1460
info@japanmusicpromotion.com
www.japanmusicpromotion.com
Founded by two musicians (U.S. and Japan) with a goal to help other artists break through the language barriers to introduce, promote, and sell new music to the number one buyer of music in the entire world. Japan Music Promotion has already helped many artists from all over the world. Their services include; translation of websites,digital press kits & one-sheets, social media page creation and updating, contacting Japanese live venues & communicating with promoters, voice-over services for videos, as well as soliciting materials for Japanese press, both online and print media.

Urban Dubz Music PR
Unit 121, The GreenHouse, Custard Factory, Birmingham, B9 4AA UK
PH: +44(0)121-400-2150
info@urbandubz.com
www.urbandubz.com
We are one of the UK's leading Dance Music promotion companies. With global coverage, we offer affordable music PR services for independent artists, bands and record labels. Music styles we promote are Dubstep, Grime, House, Electro, Urban Pop, UK Garage, Future Garage, Minimal, Tech House, Deep House, Breaks, Drum n Bass, Old Skool Garage & more.

C2 Media Relations
800 18th Ave. S. Ste. A Rear, Nashville, TN 37203
Carly Caramanna carlyRC@gmail.com
www.c2mediarelations.com
A full service public relations company that executes media tours for the hottest acts in Country music and entertainment from established artists to up-and-coming talents. Clients can expect to work directly with us at C2 Media Relations and receive services that go above and beyond. We design innovative campaigns with the goal of increasing brand awareness as well as attracting national media attention that will further guide and strengthen media campaigns. Through solid relationships with bookers and producers, we plan and execute media tours securing major television, print, & online coverage. We'll create a target list of key national and local print contacts in major markets to secure album reviews, group profiles, concert listings and reviews of live shows. We'll also create press releases to announce new projects, tour dates, & special events.

CIMG, LLC
119 Bowling Ave. Nashville, TN 37205-2357
Tony Bates contact@cimgllc.com
www.cimgllc.com
We provide Social Media Marketing and Social Commerce Solutions for our clients, in addition to Artist Management and Record Label Services. We work with artists, record labels, agencies, events, and brands of all kinds that want to effectively engage their supporters and fans via social media. Considering the global marketplace and international appeal, we offer our services in several languages as well, when appropriate to meet your goals. We work mostly with Rock, Pop-Rock, Americana and Alt-Country artists. facebook.com/cimgllc

IndiePower.com
PH: 818-505-1836
info@indiepower.com
www.indiepower.com
Started by industry veterans to further the goal of helping develop the cutting edge of new artists and labels with innovative marketing and talent. Combining 25+ years of valuable experience with an arsenal of talents and a passion for breaking albums and artists, Indie Power is about to add a few new pages to the history books! @indie_power

Serge Media Group
PO Box 5147, Canton, GA 30114
PH: 678-880-8207
Sandy Serge sergeent@aol.com
www.sergemediagroup.com
Social media, networking and publicity solutions for musicians backed by a trustworthy and diligent work ethic.

3.2 SERVICES - LABELS, DISTRIBUTORS AND ONLINE VENDORS

Funkybeam Records
PO Box 142, South Elgin, IL 60177
PH: 847-624-1273
Jerome Cunningham funkybeam160d@hotmail.com
www.funkybeamrecords.com
An independent record label with a twist. We provide our artists with all of the necessary tools for success as well as a vast network of contacts, whether professional/industry or personal, with the focused goal of a collaborative effort with the artist’s interests in mind. We are currently taking on new artists spanning all genres. Rock, Pop, Funk, Metal, Electronic, Hip Hop, Rap, Indie, et al. Please keep demo submissions suitable for ears of all ages. To be considered for signing as a label artist, submit your demos to our e-mail address.

Alternative Distribution Alliance
distribution@ada-music.com
www.ada-music.com
The largest distributor of physical and digital independent music in America. We seek relationships with independent labels serious about long-term artist development. To be considered for distribution please send an e-mail describing your company, staff, projected release schedule and distribution needs. We will respond with an e-mail request for any additional information if needed.

TheJazzBox.ca
401 Woodfield Rd. Toronto, ON M4L2X2
PH: 416-554-1912
Timothy Booth timothybooth9@gmail.com
www.thejazzbox.ca
We offer Jazz musicians is a central distribution, and most importantly, marketing hub where artists can put up their stuff for sale on a site that is dedicated specifically to Jazz and other types of improvised music (World) where we are actively promoting their music through all available channels locally, nationally and internationally. We have put together a crack team of people with all the skills to pull this off including marketing, copywriting, design and implementation.

TripleVMusic
www.triplevmusic.com
an online music distribution company and app for Android & Apple, which allows fans to vote on music singles from independent artists and record labels in exchange for gift certificates from Amazon and iTunes. The 1st of its kind, TripleVMusic’s objective is to get you exposure, fans, and music sales in a way that record labels and music industry executives will respect and appreciate! As with selling on any other digital music platform, if you really want to make sales, you first need to get people aware and interested in your music. If you don’t do this, it won’t matter where you’re selling your digital downloads.

SECTION FOUR: SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3s OR VIDEOS

Exposed Vocals
Randy Morano support@exposedvocals.com
www.exposedvocals.com
Dedicated to providing unsigned artists and music industry professionals with the tools they need to successfully connect in a professional way. By educating and providing real world exposure to major record labels, authentic social media outlets and Online/FM Radio Stations all over the world. Additionally, Exposed Vocals aims to stimulate the natural interest in indie music fans by providing an easy to use platform for which members music, mostly underground, is easily accessible by general visitors.

Indi
www.indi.com
An online talent discovery destination that rewards passionate performers and video creators with cash prizes based on votes from viewers and guest judges who like great content and want to be part of discovering tomorrow's stars. Indi is looking to uncover the next big talent to take the world by storm! Anyone who can record their passion on video and captivate an audience with their skill and charisma can win prizes and fame on Indi. The Indi platform is dedicated to performers who have a serious passion and viewers who want to watch great content and be part of discovering tomorrow's stars. Indi is most interested in finding dynamic personalities that will shine on video with little editing help. Contestants are encouraged to enter using a mobile device, a great idea and a tone of enthusiasm and energy. To enter, contestants must find an Indi challenge, record their performance, and then encourage friends to vote. The performer with the most votes will win prizes and Indi fame!

ChazBo Music
PH: 855-342-9261
info@chazbomusic.com
www.chazbomusic.com
Curates video music entertainment channels that stream in retail stores and businesses across the US. Independent artists take advantage of our High Rotation Music Promotion service to distribute their music (music videos, lyric videos, and still image audio videos) on our channels to reach thousands of new listeners every day. Sign-up today for a FREE account and submit your first campaign in our ChazBo Bridge campaign distribution platform. We support Hip Hop, R&B, Pop, Rock and EDM.

Beat 100
/www.beat100.com
A video and social network for music and unsigned bands with cash prizes and music video charts. Beat 100 is a space where musicians, bands and fans can come to listen, vote and connect for the latest rising stars in the world of music. Are you a musician, artist, singer or in a band waiting for your time to shine? Want to be in the spotlight for once with people recognizing your talent whilst at the same time gaining exposure? Upload and broadcast your music videos and MP3 music files through Beat100.com and be rewarded in return, it really couldn't be any easier. Beat 100 is a completely free and fresh way to be seen, heard and rewarded, connect, make and follow friends whilst sharing & discovering media from unearthed talent that's otherwise very hard to find.

LandscapeHD
Landscape Studios, Royal Oak Ln. Crowhurst, East Sussex, TN33 UK
Ben ben@landscapehd.com
www.landscapehd.com
The Landscape Channel is a music television channel that has been running since 1987. Our content isn't like programming you would see on a 'normal' music television channel. It is a mix of some of the world's best classical and Instrumental music and carefully crafted films of natural and man made subject matter. Our philosophy is universal: To bring a sense of harmony and balance to the viewer and at the same time take them on a musical journey of discovery around the world. If you create languageless music and would like LandscapeHD to consider it for use in our films please send your CDs in the post to us at our mailing address. If your music is accepted we will work for you as a promotion tool on a worldwide basis.

JukeBoxAlive
311 Montford Ave. Asheville, NC 28801
PH: 828-232-0016
Will Cumberland cumberland@jukeboxalive.com
jukeboxalive.com
Our Advanced Jukebox Player protects your music from being digitally downloaded, yet allows fans to hear your music online. This creates exciting possibilities for you to present yourself to new audiences without being ripped off.

SECTION FIVE: SOCIAL NETWORKS AND ONLINE COMMUNITIES

Bluegrass Nation
608 West Iris Dr. Nashville, TN 37204
PH: 615-256-3222
info@ibma.org
www.bluegrassnation.org
A network connecting artists, fans and organizations. A nerve center for Bluegrass news, media and information with Social Media connectivity. Created to share news, photos, videos, music, event details, links to websites and articles, and more! Powered by IBMA, Bluegrass Nation was created as a place for the global Bluegrass community to share and exchange media related to Bluegrass music.

SECTION SIX: HELPFUL TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAND

6.1 RESOURCES - GENERAL

New Noise Group
Omid Majdi info@newnoisegroup.org
www.newnoisegroup.org
Los Angeles based nonprofit organization providing artists with free professional studio recording, mixing, and mastering services. By taking money out of the equation, the artist's creative process is uninhibited to create their true vision of their record. In addition, we'll open up this creative environment to students for hands-on learning as well as dedicated classes to learn everything about the recording process from pre-production all the way to mastering.

Cybergrass
520 Carved Ter. Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1129
bmnn@cybergrass.com
www.cybergrass.com
News about Bluegrass music, artists and the music business. Announce your new releases here. CD, single, video ... whatever.

Smooth Jazz Hub
PH: 239-297-4178
Kim Giles talentear@yahoo.com
www.smoothjazzhub.com
We've created a place where Smooth Jazz fans, artists and the industry can meet, talk and share everything Smooth Jazz-related! Take a look around the site to find news, reviews, interviews, CDs, blogs, forums, festivals, gear, services and so much more! If you can't find what you're looking for, please e-mail us! D

Safeconcerts
www.safeconcerts.com
Features information about festivals and concerts in the United Kingdom. As well as being an entertainment resource website, with all the latest music and festival news, photos and listings, we also offer a huge library of resources to help you when you buy tickets online. Scam and ticket tout websites are getting more and more sophisticated. Don't get ripped off, take 30 seconds and look up the site you are about to use with the Be Ticket Safe Directory.

6.2 RESOURCES - EDUCATIONAL

New Artist Model
PH: 781-383-3058
Dave Kusek dave@newartistmodel.com
www.newartistmodel.com
An essential online course and Success Framework for independent musicians, performers and songwriters. It teaches musicians to understand the dynamic music business ecosystem, how to build a team to support your goals and create opportunities in the marketplace, how to leverage multiple revenue streams including publishing, touring, merchandise, and recording, how to develop an online presence to grow and monetize your relationship with fans, how to understand the impact of copyright law and protect yourself and your music, how to budget and finance your projects, and how to get access to resources and people that can help grow a vital musician’s network.

Music industry How To
Shaun Letang contact@musicindustryhowto.com
www.musicindustryhowto.com
An advice website for musicians. We aim to get musicians knowledgeable about as many areas of the music business as possible. Regardless of genre, style, age or race, we have guides for everyone.

ZOT Zin Music
1776 N Sycamore Ave. #319, Los Angeles, CA 90028
PH: 310-902-0993
Vreny zotzinguitarlessons@gmail.com
www.zotzinguitarlessons.com
We have been the leading private guitar instruction & music school in Los Angeles ever since our inception in 2002. ZOT Zin Music specializes in 1 on 1 guitar instruction. We love working with each student individually. It gives us the freedom to work only on what the student really wants to work on. Happier student leads to happier teacher. With us… it’s all about YOU! Our students become excellent, inspired musicians in no time. The outstanding results our students experience, are due to a combination of a personalized guitar curriculum mixed in with application of research findings into principles of super-study, psychology, music pedagogy, time management and neuroscience. This leads to a unique approach to guitar education, that more than any approach, really gets the maximum out of your talent, your focus skills, your practice time and your lesson investment.

Music Marketing Manifesto Blog
John Oszajca john@musicmarketingmanifesto.com
www.MusicMarketingManifesto.com
Advanced strategies, secrets, tactics and tips on selling your music online. @JohnOszajca

6.3 RESOURCES - TOOLS

Musomania
PO Box 321, Newcastle, NSW 2300 Australia
PH: +61-418-135-923
Adam Spencer adam@musomania.com
www.musomania.com
An Australian company dedicated to giving musicians a professional online presence, teaching content marketing to musicians and the importance of projecting a professional image. Musomania offers 100% ownership of your own website, a website that is Responsive, easy to manage/update and built on one of the most SEO-friendly platforms available. We also provide lifetime customer support and access to our library of tutorials as well as a growing community of like minded musicians. Helping you build your online HQ and grow a supportive community for your music the right way!

Spindio Radio
www.spindio.com
The first local live music discovery platform that combines streaming music and events listings in a single interface. Spindio Radio enables bands and listeners to interact with a personalized streaming experience on all PCs, tablets and smartphones.

Disc Makers
7905 N Route 130, Pennsauken, NJ 08110
PH: 800-468-9353 x5109
www.discmakers.com/indiebible5
Disc Makers is the preferred independent CD and DVD manufacturer of Indie Bible. As an Indie Bible member you receive an exclusive discount of 5% off any and all Disc Makers products and services. Turn to Disc Makers for the highest quality CDs, made in 5 days (or less), for the guaranteed lowest prices. Our services don't just stop at disc manufacturing. We also offer audio mastering and design services, as well as promotional items like posters, Download Cards, and more. And if you want to duplicate your own discs, we sell the fastest disc duplicators on the planet.

Hostbaby
5925 NE 80th Ave. Portland, OR 97218
PH: 888-448-6369
hostbaby@hostbaby.com
www.hostbaby.com
The best place to host your website/domain! Powerful artist tools including blogging, calendar, mailing list, selling merch, and streaming audio. Integrate your site with Facebook, Twitter and more! No design skills are needed. We have hundreds of professional design templates. Sell your music through CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon MP3, Napster, Rhapsody + over 15 other music sites!

MyNewsletterBuilder
comments@mynewsletterbuilder.com
www.mynewsletterbuilder.com
A user-friendly, feature-rich, online newsletter management program for novices and professionals alike.

6.4 RESOURCES - AUDIO

Peerless Mastering
1085 Commonwealth Ave. #322, Boston, MA 02215
PH: 617-527-2200
info@peerlessmastering.com
www.peerlessmastering.com
Dedicated to providing the highest quality restoration. We offer the highest quality stereo and 5.1 pre-mastering, CD, CD Enhanced, and DVD-A authoring and full audio restoration. Our staff is exceptional at giving our clients the best quality and service, guiding them through the final phase of their sonic process with ease and expertise. We are uniquely equipped to provide the highest quality mastering available anywhere. We have the expertise, equipment, and skills to achieve the full sound potential of your album. As more and more artists are choosing to record in project and home studios, high-quality professional mastering in an acoustically accurate room has never been more important. Working at Peerless' state-of-the-art studios with our highly trained engineers, you can realize your sonic vision and make your recording sound as full, warm, punchy, and clear as possible. We will guide you through every step of this final phase of your project, and you will be truly amazed when you hear how incredible your music can sound. @PeerlessMaster

6.5 RESOURCES - ORGANIZATIONS

Future of Music Coalition
1615 L St. NW #520, Washington, DC 20036
PH: 202-822-2051
www.futureofmusic.org
A national nonprofit organization that works to ensure a diverse musical culture where artists flourish, are compensated fairly for their work, and where fans can find the music they want.

SECTION SEVEN: THIS MONTH'S ARTICLE

The Secret to Successful Crowdfunding
by Carlos Castillo, Schwilly Family Musicians and the DIY Musician
© 2017 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission

I know how exciting it is to hear a secret, so I'll get right to the point and then offer some additional insight.

The secret to successful crowdfunding is perspective. "What perspective?" you may ask. Well, here's the key:

CROWDFUNDING IS NOT CHARITY. CROWDFUNDING IS PRESALE.

Pretty simple, right?

When the concept of crowdfunding first circulated it was presented as a way for people who didn't have any money to raise funds to complete their projects. Now don't get me wrong; it still serves that purpose. But you don't have to be broke to take advantage of crowdfunding. Therefore, you shouldn't approach it from the perspective of being a charity.

DON'T MAKE THESE CROWDFUNDING MISTAKES

Here are some common crowdfunding pitfalls that I'd like to point out in order to help you avoid them.

1. Putting crowdfunding before fan building: Although there is a discovery element to most crowdfunding platforms, you're gonna end up very disappointed if you launch a campaign without an existing fanbase.

2. Buying followers: Just because you bought them doesn't mean they're gonna buy your crap. You don't need a huge fanbase to run a successful campaign; you just need an active group of loyal fans, the kind you earn one at a time and interact with regularly.

3. Failing to give your fans an experience: You're not just selling downloads and t-shirts. You are including your fans in the creative journey. More on this in the next section…

4. Troubles with fulfillment: Make sure to get all the pertinent information you'll need when fulfilling all the orders, rewards, perks and exclusives you're offering. One of the most commonly overlooked pieces of information is the size preference for t-shirts. But also, make sure not to offer the house concert option to people in Thailand if you're not going to be able to follow through.

5. Disappearing after the campaign is over: There is often a gap between when all the money is collected and when the final product is released. Don't leave your fans hanging like a prom date that might not show up. They spent a lot of money on that dress. Make sure they know you're still taking them to the dance. Keep them updated as to your progress.

GIVE YOUR FANS WHAT THEY WANT

If you really do want to get the most out of your music career and have a genuine connection and reciprocal relationship with your audience, you've got to give them what they want. Well what do they want? Here's an easy way to figure that out. Think of someone you admire. What would you want from them? Here are some examples:

Fans want to participate in the creative process. They want pics and stories from the studio. They want to vote on the album cover. They want to see their name in the credits.

Fans want to share the exclusive updates. And when they do so on social media it will generate more traffic back to your campaign.

Fans want acoustic versions of their favorite songs. And when you play them live it's a great opportunity to pitch your campaign and let them know that acoustic downloads are available for contributors.

Fans want options other than just the album. They want test presses, signed CDs, vinyl, handwritten lyric sheets, house concerts, and all the intangible stuff that the traditional consumer experience leaves out. You are a creative person. Here's an opportunity to mix your artistic side with your business acumen.

HOW THIS ALL BENEFITS YOU

You're making an album for people who have already bought it. This way you don't have to feel pressured to be a salesman. And we all know that an artist is more interesting when he is an artist than when he is a salesman.

You have so much more to offer than a $12 album download. This gives you all that much more opportunity to generate income.

Even after the campaign is long over, every time a fan listens to your music they will reminisce about the experience they shared with you. That's how you turn fans into superfans.

And finally, isn't it so very liberating to be able to walk into the studio with everything already paid for so that all you have to think about is making music? And this goes for musicians at absolutely any level of success at any point in their career!

FUN STATS FROM BENJI ROGERS OF PLEDGEMUSIC

Well, anytime I write an article like this, people ask me which service I would most recommend. So as the above title indicates, I'm going to take this opportunity to give the Schwilly Family Stamp of Crowdfunding Excellence for Musicians to PledgeMusic.

Not only is this platform built for musicians by musicians, but also Benji and his excellent staff are there to guide you through the process every step of the way. I've never waited more than a few hours for a response to an email. And I've never seen higher success rates for musical crowdfunding campaigns. So I'd like to share with you a few interesting statistics I got from the founder himself:

* 22% of PledgeMusic site traffic comes from fans sharing pledges-only updates.

* 75% of pledgers contribute to a campaign without knowing the band personally. Ergo, they are the email subscribers, Facebook fans, Twitter followers, etc.

* The average pledge is $55-$70.

* 37% of pledges are over $250.

* 37% of the income comes after the 30-60 day campaign on other platforms would have ended.

* PledgeMusic boasts an 86% success rate of reaching funding targets.

* On average it takes 17 pledges-only updates to hit your financial goal.

I am in no way compensated for endorsing PledgeMusic, so let me just finish by saying that what ever platform you choose, crowdfunding truly is a great new way for musicians to get the most out of their careers as quickly as possible. So GO GET YOURS!

MY SPECIAL GIFT TO YOU DIY MUSICIAN READERS

I help musicians identify key niches, connect authentically to passionate fans, and turn them into paying customers. So I put together a Music Marketing Strategy Guide that I would like to share with The DIY Musician readers, just because I love The DIY Musician (and you!) so much. Check out this Schwilly Family Musicans page www.schwillyfamilymusicians.com/diy-musician-crowdfunding Drop your e-mail and I'll send you over some awesome stuff I'm preparing especially for musicians like you.

Here's what you'll get:

1. An 11-page Strategy Guide for Marketing your Music online.

2. Regular updates and tips on how to make the most of your music career.

3. The opportunity to open a one-on-one dialogue with me about your musical journey, goals, and strategies about how to accomplish them.

Thanks so much for reading my stuff and don't forget to check out Schwilly Family Musicians.

Carlos Castillo is a music marketing strategist, live performance recordist, international road-tripper, lap steel player, and Captain of the Schwilly Family. Find him at SchwillyFamilyMusicians.Com, tweet him at @CaptainSchwilly, or email him at Carlos@SchwillyFamilyMusicians.com or visit us on the web at www.SchwillyFamilyMusicians.com

This article first appeared in the January 15, 2017 edition of the DIY Musician diymusician.cdbaby.com

ADVERTISE IN THE INDIE CONTACT NEWSLETTER AND REACH OUT TO 170,000 MUSICIANS AND SONGWRITERS EVERY MONTH!
	Ads are $250 each (600 x 400 pixels). If you advertise for 3 consecutive issues, you will receive a $100 discount ($650 total). Premium placements (the first 2 ad spots) are $400 and $300 per month. Contact: newsletter@indiebible.com or 1- (613) 596-4996 (Eastern Time Zone UTC/GMT -5 hours)