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Table of Contents
1. PRE-RAMBLE
2. INTRODUCTION
3. SITES WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED
4. RADIO SHOWS THAT WILL PLAY YOUR MUSIC
5. ONLINE SERVICES THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC
6. SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3 FILES
7. SITES WHERE YOU CAN PROMOTE YOUR BAND FOR FREE
8. PREPARING FOR DISTRIBUTION by Daylle Deanna Schwartz
9. CREATING REAL AUDIO FILES by Lynn Carey Saylor
10. HOW TO SUCCEED IN THE MUSIC BIZ IN A NUTSHELL - THE
GRASSROOTS APPROACH by Cilene Bosch 11. GET PAID WHAT
YOU'RE WORTH! by Lee Kennedy, Dunroven Music
1. PRE-RAMBLE
I have sent you this newsletter because
a. you have bought a copy of The Indie Contact Bible
b. your site is listed in The Indie Contact Bible
c. you signed up to receive the newsletter
d. you are a member of The Indie Link Exchange
e. you are selling The Indie Contact Bible from your site
If you would like to read previous issues of the newsletter, you can
view them at http://www.indiecontactbible.com/newsletter
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2. INTRODUCTION
During the past month, I had the great pleasure of connecting with Cilene
Bosch, the President and founder of the organization "Women of Music
- Music of Women" (WMMW). Celine enjoys this newsletter and asked if
she could forward it to her 1000+ members. Of course I said "Yes!" So,
I'd like to take this moment to welcome all the WMMW members to The
Indie Contact Newsletter. I'd also like to welcome those of you that
have signed up for the newsletter in the last month!
Celine has written an article for this month's newsletter that is a
grassroots approach to successfully gaining exposure for your music.
It's a realistic look at what must done if you are to survive the many
hills and valleys that you are sure to encounter in this business.
Lynn Carey Saylor continues her series on recording tips. Lynn's column
this month is an informative tutorial on how to create streaming Real
Audio files. It's part ONE of a two part tutorial. Next month, Lynn
will tell you how to post the files on your website.
One of my favorite people on the planet, Daylle Deanna Schwartz has
been kind enough to write an article on how to prepare your music for
distribution. Daylle is truly one of the icons of the Independent music
industry. Daylle has a wealth of experience that you just can't help
but learn from.
Lee Kennedy, is the author of an very interesting book called "Make
$100,000 a Year Without a Record Deal!" Lee has submitted an article
titled "Get Paid What You're Worth", which takes a look at the art of
gigging, and how to go about it in a business like fashion.
As always, there are a sizable group of new contacts listed that can
help you to gain exposure for your music (there's a lot of new radio
shows this month for some reason?) So dig in, and enjoy the March edition
of The Indie Contact Newsletter!
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RAINMAKER MUSIC PUBLICITY in 2001!
Rainmaker Publicity, founded in 1996 by ex-ABC Radio exec,
Rhonda Kelley , is looking to add a few new bands to their roster
this year. Rainmaker works with unsigned artists and indie labels ONLY!!
For more info and rates, go to: www.rainmakerpublicity.com
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Below are the contacts that were submitted to me in January.
As is the case in The Indie Contact Bible, the contacts listed
are sorted into five sections.
1. Sites that will review Independent Music
2. Radio stations/shows that will play Independent music
3. Online services that will help to sell your
4. Sites where you can upload your band's MP3 files
5. Sites where you can promote your band online for FREE!
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3. SITES WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED
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DIYHipHop.com
humain@diyhiphop.com
http://www.diyhiphop.com
Our aim at DIYhiphop is to help promote independent Hip-Hop artists.
We fully support your musical endeavors. Lack of a record label or distributor
doesn't mean you're left dead in the water. We will be your online distributor!
Send us a copy of whatever it is you want to sell. Make sure to include
a brief bio and contact info. If we like what we hear we'll contact
you. We accept almost anything. Who are we to say what's good music
and bad music?
Pee Zine
Pete peeonline@picknowl.com.au
http://come.to/peezine
An independent Aussie that will review any emo/indie/pop/punk/ rock/blah
etc. that's sent to us! (limited online reviews, but pages of reviews
appear in every printed issue)
Hipnosis: New Jersey's Arts & Entertainment Magazine
Guy Tetro editor@hipnosis.com
http://www.hipnosis.com
We publish art, poetry, review indy CDs, cover New Jersey shows, and
more!
IF E-zine (formerly Indigo Flow E-zine)
Andy Malt editor@indigoflow.co.uk
http://www.indigoflow.co.uk
An independent music e-zine. We don't mess around with genres and elitism,
we just cover the music we like.
NadaMucho.com
Matt ashmatty@usa.net
http://NadaMucho.com
We're an online entertainment zine. We do indie and bigger stuff, but
focus on the little guys. We recently interviewed Jack Logan, Neko Case,
and the Catheters. We're based in Seattle but have writers in LA, San
Fran, Austin, and Philly as well. Send material to: Matt Ashworth, NadaMucho.com,
611 Capitol Way SE #505, Olympia, WA 98501
Big Bully
Rich richbully@aol.com
http://www.bigbullyzine.com
Zine covering punk rock, h/c, indie, etc. reviews, interviews, show
listings, writing + more.
MusiqQueen.com
http://www.MusiqQueen.com
admin@musiqqueen.com
A place where women in music rule. It was designed as a way to bring
other women in music together to learn the aspect of the Music Business,
meet other women, gather resources, and more.
DBN Magazine
Tim Maher dbnhellspawn@cs.com
http://www.dbnmagazine.com
We cover a wide range of musical genres including but not limited to
all types of metal, goth, hard rock, punk, hardcore, industrial and
alternative. We've been around (as a print zine) since 1989 and have
no plans to stop now.
AOR Web Site
Andrea aorwebsite@interfree.it
http://www.geocities.com/aorwebsite
The home for AOR, Hard Rock, Prog Rock, major and unsigned artists worldwide,
reviews and interviews.
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IMAGINESTATION: A global meeting place for the creative community.
**Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Literary Arts**
*Promote your creative talents on the web using our
Free Artist Directories!
http://www.imaginestation.net/arthome.html
*If you hire, contract, or employ creative talent,
list your company in our Free Looking for Talent Directories!
http://www.imaginestation.net/looking.html
Also available: Web Design Services, Marketplace, and Communication
Station
Visit: http://www.imaginestation.net
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4. RADIO SHOWS THAT WILL PLAY YOUR MUSIC
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DJ Persy's Rude Awakening
persygrrrl@yahoo.com
We play all sorts of indie/pop/rock/punk/metal music, and my show is
very female artist friendly. My address is: Persy P.O. Box 611480 Port
Huron, MI 48061
The Country Bunker Radio Show
Eric A. Braun "Buck" buck@countrybunker.com
http://www.countrybunker.com
A two hour weekly BROADCAST radio program that is syndicated in 115+
markets across the U.S. We devoted portions of our weekly airtime to
traditional-style independent artists and welcome submissions at all
times. All materials are reviewed by the program hosts for airplay.
Feel free to pass this along to your readers. Materials may be sent
to: EAB Radio Network, LLC, P.O. Box 11255, Winston-Salem, NC 27116
GAYBC Radio Network
Charlie Dyer charlie@gaybc.com
http://www.gaybc.com
Internet radio station which includes programs that webcast Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual or Transgender musicians.
Radio Good
Erik erik@goodrecords.com
http://www.radiogood.com
Good broadcasts the best and newest in independent music 24 hours a
day. An adventure in listening...
Folk Circle.com
folkcirc@lafn.org
http://www.folkcircle.com
Traditional music in a continuous broadcast type format: Old Timey,
Celtic, Blues, Singer-Songwriters, etc.
KGLT Radio
Robert Bogusch kgltmus@montana.edu
http://www.montana.edu/wwwkglt
Free format radio station, catering to the underground and independent.
Psyche van het Folk
Gerald Van Waes Gerald.Van.Waes@pandora.be
http://www.radiocentraal.be/psychevanhetfolk
My radio program provides information about and for music artists (mostly
with accoustic influences). See webpages for more information Gerald
Van Waes, (Radio Centraal), Maria-Theresialei 86, 2180 Antwerpen-Ekeren.
Thursday Breakfast Jam, KRCL FM
Susanne Millsaps susanne365@aol.com
http://www.krcl.org/~susannem
Morning drive-time show; folk, jazz, world, eclectic mix. Signal covers
most of Utah, parts of Idaho, Wyoming & Nevada.
GHETTO RADIO
wesley dawson GHETTOENT1@HOTMAIL.COM
http://www.live365.com/cgi-bin/directory.cgi?autostart=djwestcoast
Playing the hottest Independent/unsigned artists out there! Rap,hiphop,r&b.
PopScene
Nicole Blommers nicole@popscene.nl
http://www.popscene.nl
Dutch Radioshow. Every Tuesday from 21:00 - 23:00 CET on Stadsomroep
Arnhem.
Yon Hardisty
Yon ronin@mbyte.com
http://www.monkeybyte.com
Independent Music Channel.
Country Express (Radio Rucphen FM)
Ries Verwijmeren verwijmerenries@zonnet.nl
http://www.home.zonnet.nl/verwijmerenries
I am broadcasting Country Music on my show Country Express every Monday
from 9 to 11pm since August 26. 1996. Please send me material(cd's &
Bio) for my show. I will give always air play and will also send the
play list. I will be grateful. Send material to: Ries Verwijmeren, Radio
Rucphen Fm, Zwaard 27, 4871 DL Etten-Leur, Netherlands
COUNTRY - MUSIC - RADIO - SHOW!
Dieter.Trenkler@t-online.de
The show started in April 1992 in the German radio station of Krefeld,
near D?sseldorf. Today, the show has been on air for more than 400 times
- and it still goes on weekly in the new millennium. I play INDIE-Artist's
music. Send your material to: Dieter Trenkler, Petersstr.20, 47798 Krefeld,
Germany. Phone 49-2151-314099 FAX 49-2151-314
Dynamic Indie Radio
Jackie Kaspersin drk@dynrec.com
http://www.dynamicradio.net
We play independent music of all types 24/7.
AMP11.com
Darlene darlene@amp11.com
http://www.amp11.com
We are continuing to accept music submissions for the radio. If you
are a rock/alternative-rock/ or metal artist or band you can submit
your music for free radio airplay. We will also provide a link to your
site, feature your album cover and any downloads you have. We will also
sell your CD on CD Debut.
HERSONG
Christi wtrgypsies@aol.com
http://www.worldmusicradio.com
A 90 minute weekly womens' radio show with music from all around the
world. Submit cds: Christi Carver P.O. Box 34231 San Diego, CA 02163-4231
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lynn Carey Saylor of GuitarGirls.com would like to thank all of the
many talented girls who submitted songs to her for consideration of
a spot in the songwriting contest she is currently hosting at the site.
The large number of talented girls that Lynn came in contact with during
the submissions period has inspired her to start a new GuitarGirls Community
Page at the site. If you are a female musical artist who plays guitar
in any genre, you are encouraged and welcome to become a part of the
Community and be a GuitarGirls.com affiliated artist. Lynn would also
like everyone to know that voting in the contest is open to anyone who
wishes to participate and is slated to begin shortly, so please be sure
to come by the site in the near future to help your favorite girl win
a free day in the studio and an electric guitar.
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5. ONLINE SERVICES THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC
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***note: The online vendors and labels listed below are those that offer
artists a NON-exclusive contract, meaning, you can join up with as many
of these services as you like.
CoolRockBands.com
HeadHoncho@coolrockbands.com
http://www.coolrockbands.com
A selective site featuring independent rock artists from which the selected
artists can sell their CDs via check or credit card with nominal commissions.
Artists need to audition by demo to be included on the site. The info
for doing this is on the site itself.
Stray Records
Enyinna Umeh delta@strayrecords.com
http://www.strayrecords.com
A U.S. based Indie specializing in underground HipHop, break beat, electronic
and experimental music.
CJP-NHRecords.com
http://www.CJP-NHRecords.com
Consulting Exclusive to the Music Industry (One to One Basis) [Business
lic. since 1987 & Umbrella over] Radio Charted Record Label since 1989
which was established to prove marketability of product.
Alternate Groove
Craig Avramovich craig@alternategroove.com
http://www.alternategroove.com
Secure, online CD sales for independent musicians. Artist sets the selling
price. No obligation! This is a non-exclusive service.
Grade 44 Records
Scott Hockenberger scott@grade44.com
http://www.grade44.com
Record Label based out of NYC and specializing in cutting edge music
from genres such as rock, electronic, dance, & hip hop. We usually go
the exclusive route, however we are very open to possible non-exclusive
signings. Most of all, we like to sign very creative artists that need
a label that will get their work out without being stifled by the labels
demands. In other words we allow the artist to have a great deal of
creative control if needed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GUERRILLA MUSIC MARKETING HANDBOOK by Bob Baker
This is your guide to independent music success secrets, featuring
over 175 ways to thrive and prosper with your own band or record label.
Goal setting, networking, lists of distribution channels, offbeat
promotional ideas. It's all here!
Purchase it today at BEST MUSIC BOOKS
http://www.bestmusicbooks.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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6. SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3 FILES
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EnableYourMusic.com
feedback@enableyourmusic.com
http://eym.enableyourmusic.com
This is quite an opportunity for artists on MP3.com to license their
music in Film, Video and Broadcast. Our relationship with MP3.com for
representation of their community is exclusive and lead by industry
pros from the sync rights licensing point of view.
Yahoo! Jukebox
Jon jjarratt@yahoo-inc.com
http://www.broadcast.com/jukebox/addyourband.html
Yahoo! Jukebox currently accepts unsolicited submissions for inclusion.
for more information visit our website.
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THE INDIE LINK EXCHANGE
http://www.indielinkexchange.com/ile
The ILE is a list of music sites that wish to exchange links with other
music related sites. With over 400 current listings, it's a great way
to get some free exposure Everyone involved with the
music business is welcome to place a listing. It's a simple one-to-one
exchange of text links or banners. Visit today....it's totally FREE!
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7. SITES WHERE YOU CAN PROMOTE YOUR BAND FOR FREE
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John Handcock
lis Yoli femalerail@hotmail.com
http://www.sexyamerica.net/johnhandcocklis
Free listing of unknown bands w/ URL. Chance to sell music from the
site or promote. All free.
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"HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC SUCCESSFULLY ON THE INTERNET" by
David Neuve, shows you powerful Internet marketing techniques
to help sell your music merchandise online!
Buy it today at BEST MUSIC BOOKS
http://www.bestmusicbooks.com
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8. PREPARING FOR DISTRIBUTION by Daylle Deanna Schwartz
? 2001
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People who want to press up their music in order to sell it are most
concerned about getting distribution. But, that shouldn't be your focus
in the beginning. If you want to make money from your music, first take
yourself seriously as a business. Whether you like it or not, outside
of your circle of fans, you and your music are looked upon as products.
If you prefer being idealistic, create and perform music for fun. But,
if earning a living from your music is an eventual goal, developing
a business attitude is critical.
What's necessary? Read books on the biz and attend seminars if you can.
Get a good picture of how the music industry operates. Network as much
as possible to create a support system of folks you can call on for
resources, advice and encouragement. While you shouldn't negotiate your
own contracts, you should know enough to discuss the terms of one with
your lawyer. Don't be one of those musicians who tell their lawyer,
publisher, manager, etc., "Whatever you say." Gather enough knowledge
so you can make informed decisions based on input from your representatives.
Think of yourself as a professional. Even if you're only pressing up
your own music, you're a record label. Act like one! Being responsible
will max your chances of others wanting to work with you.
Getting distribution isn't the end-all, cure-all. You can ship 500 pieces
and get them all back if you haven't been able to promote your product
to a target audience. Distributors get records into stores. Most don't
promote them. Stores tell me that records sell because people know the
artist. Before taking in your product, distributors need to see that
you have a market already interested in buying it. Creating a demand
is what sells records. Distributors want you to have a handle on promotion
before they work with your label. Once you have that, they'll want your
product.
Do the groundwork before trying to get distribution. Be patient until
you have a foundation to sell from. Until you identify your potential
market and develop strategies for letting them know about your music,
having distribution won't sell CDs. The most important thing you can
do first is to target the group who might buy your product and figure
out how to reach them. Distributors want product that will sell. They
want to work with labels that have artists with a buzz going. They don't
care how good the music is if nobody knows about it.
It still amazes me how many folks come to me for consultations and aren't
sure who is most likely to buy their music. They tell me since it's
good music, everyone will buy. That usually means they have no clue
and don't want to bother to figure it out. That's not good business!
If you can't target your audience, play your music for people who work
in record stores or other music related folks and ask for their honest
feedback. Ask a bunch so that you have a well-rounded picture.
Of course there may be people outside of your identified market who
will buy your product. But promote it to the group more likely to appreciate
it. Is it college students? Young adults? Teens? Baby boomers? Once
you know that, what kinds of promotion will you do to make them want
to buy your record? Figuring this out sounds simple at first but if
it was, there would be a lot more records making big money independently.
Many people think if the music is great, people will buy it. Not true!
They need to hear it and be enticed to buy it. How will you reach their
ears? What will make them buy it? Figuring out a marketing plan can
be the hardest part of putting out your music. Distribution is easy
once you get this in place.
The best way to get your product into stores is to develop a story around
your act first. Focus your energy on getting reviews, getting radio
play (college and public radio are best to start with), selling product
on your own, and increasing your fan base by touring. Create a demand.
Then put together a one-page synopsis of the artist's story, known as
a one-sheet. This has the artist's story - reviews and stories in the
media (include quotes), radio play, gigs, direct sales, internet presence,
etc, as well as details about the record itself. Include anything that
shows the act is marketable, concisely on one sheet of paper. A small
photo of the act and/or the album cover should be on the sheet too.
Send your one-sheet to potential distributors. Don't send a sample of
the music until they request it. The story is more important than the
music. Some distributors take calls if you want to try that first. But
if their interest is piqued, they'll ask you to fax them a one-sheet.
Be prepared. Don't approach distributors until you have a good foundation.
Make them take you seriously the first time! Distributors are in the
business of selling records. If they think yours will sell, they'll
carry it. It's that simple. Start with a local distributor until your
buzz gets stronger and you prove you can sell product on a wider scale.
Then work your way up to larger ones.
=============================================
Daylle Deanna Schwartz is the author of Start & Run Your Own Record
Label and The Real Deal: How to Get Signed to a Record Label from A
to Z, both on Billboard Books. She also teaches full day seminars and
does consulting on these topics. Revenge Productions http://www.outersound.com/revenge
revenge@erols.com
============================================
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The next edition of The Indie Contact Bible is only a few months away.
The book is being sold through over 50 Internet sites and in most major
book and music stores throughout North America. As a special introductory
offer to first time advertisers, your ad will remain in the resource
until the end of 2002. For details on how to get your ad into the next
edition, e-mail bigmeteor@home.com
or phone David at (613) 596-4996
If you are interested in making some extra income by selling The Indie
Contact Bible from your site, visit http://www.indiecontactbible.com/icb
for details on how to become a distributor.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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9. CREATING REAL AUDIO FILES by Lynn Carey Saylor
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"Creating Real Audio Files" by Lynn Carey Saylor
Several times during the last month, I have been asked how I create
streaming Real Audio files for my GuitarGirls.com Web site. So this
month, I thought it might be helpful to some of you for me to share
my knowledge about what programs I use to create these files and give
a tutorial of the programs. Next month, I will continue the subject
by showing you how to post your newly created files on your Web site.
The software programs I use to make streaming Real Audio files are readily
available for free download on the Internet. There are two basic programs
I use to create the files from either an audio CD or an MP3 file - CDex
file converter software (I got my copy at download.com) and RealSystem
Producer basic (downloadable at RealNetworks.com). There is a MAC and
a PC version of the RealSystem Producer available for free download
at the site. When you go there, you will see a "plus" version which
is fairly expensive to purchase, but you do not need that version to
create Real Audio files. Downloading the free basic version of the software
will get the job done.
The CDex file converter (available for PC only) is what I work with
first when I want to make a Real Audio file of a song that is on CD
or is in MP3 file form on my computer. File conversion software is critical
to the making of Real Audio files because the RealSystem Producer, which
is what you use to make the actual file, will only accept previously
recorded audio files recorded in the following file formats: WAV, PCM
and AU (on a PC) and AU, AIFF and System 7 SND (on a MAC).
For the record, another popular choice for file conversion on the PC
is CoolEdit. The drawback though, is that unlike CDex, CoolEdit is shareware
rather than freeware. In the demo version, there is a time limit of
30 minutes per session, and the save and clipboard functions are apparently
disabled. The full version will set you back about $69. For the MAC,
I have heard that Macromedia's SoundEdit 16 is very good, but as with
CoolEdit, you'll be dipping into your pocket for this software.
With CDex, I don't spend a dime, and I turn my audio CD tracks and MP3
files into RealSystem Producer acceptable WAV files in a matter of seconds.
It is extremely user friendly software.
1. First, if you are working with a CD, put it in your CD ROM drive
and then open CDex. Automatically, all the tracks on your CD will appear
in the main window.
2. You select (highlight) the track you want, pull down the "convert"
menu and select "Extract CD track(s) to WAV file."
That's it! The rest is done for you. CDex will process your request
and put the newly created WAV file in an output folder on your desktop.
Besides its ease of use, another nice feature of CDex is that you can
set start and end points for your WAV file by selecting "extract partial
CD track" (also located on the "convert" pull down menu). Using this
feature, you can have total control over how much of your song you would
like people to be able to stream - 30 seconds, 1 minute or any other
length that you want to set. Are you starting with an MP3 file instead
of a CD track? No problem. Use the very same "convert" pull down menu
and select "MPEG to WAV." A "locate file" box pops up, you find the
MP3, click on it and CDex is off and running creating your WAV file.
Once you have your WAV file, it's time to open up the RealSystem Producer
software.
1. A box will pop up asking you to select a Recording Wizard for the
media clip that you want to create.
2. Select the option "Record from File" and then click "O.K."
3. When the Recording Wizard box comes up, it will ask you to input
or browse to find your file, which in the case of our discussion, is
the WAV file we just created with CDex. Since I know that the file was
sent by CDex to my desktop in a folder called "Output files," I know
right where to go to find it.
4. Once the file is located and opened, it will appear back in the Recording
Wizard box. Click "next."
5. The box that comes up will ask you to input the title, author and
copyright information.
(worth noting here is that the Recording Wizard will refer to the clip
you are making as RealMedia rather than Real Audio. This is because
the software makes both audio and video clips, so they refer to the
output of either as RealMedia. This also explains why the Real Audio
clip you are about to make will have the extension ".rm" after the song
title).
6. When you are finished with the song information box, click "next"
to select the file type. Always select the option "Single rate for Web
Servers."
7. Click "next" once again to select your target audience. Since (generally
speaking) most people now have at least a 56k modem, that is what I
always select for my target audience.
8. The next page up will be the Audio Format page. The option to select
here for a song with vocals is "Music" or "Stereo Music" depending on
whether you want a higher quality mono output or a slightly less quality
output in stereo. Now you are almost there.
9. The next page will be the Output File page. Since I want to keep
my audio files organized in a certain directory on my computer, I always
select "save as," and select where I want to store them. Then, I type
in the title of my song with the extension .rm attached (songtitle.rm)
and hit "save."
10. Now you are back to the Output File page. Again, you click "next"
and then "finish" on the following pop up window.
11. Finally, you are at the last window where you will see all the settings
that you just put in place for your new RealMedia file. All you do on
this page is select the start button under the heading "Recording Controls."
You're finished! The software does the rest and you now have successfully
made your new streaming Real Audio file.
I sincerely hope this article is helpful to those of you interested
in the subject of streaming Real Audio, but without the know-how to
make the files yourselves. Next month, in part two of this discussion,
I will talk about how to post your newly created files up on your Web
site.
====================================================
Lynn Carey Saylor is a singer/songwriter/guitarist and co-owner of the
Los Angeles area recording studio, Skip Saylor Recording. Grammy Award
winning records such as k.d. lang's "Ingenue," Guns n' Roses' "Use Your
Illusion I and II" and the track, "Wishing It Was," from the 8x Grammy
Award winning and Album of the Year Santana release, "Supernatural,"
are a few in a long list of gold and platinum records that have been
mixed and/or recorded at the facility.
In early 2000, Lynn founded the Web site, GuitarGirls.com, which seeks
to promote up and coming female singer/songwriter/guitarists with her
GuitarGirls Contest as well as to pay homage to such successful female
artists as Sheryl Crow.
If you have a question that you would like Lynn to answer in an upcoming
issue, please e-mail her at: Guitargirlsmail@aol.com
===================================================
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"If you?re looking for a book that gives specifics on craft, reality
checks on the music business and profuse, real-life-examples of what
a song is and how to write one that flows from your mind and speaks
from your heart, BECOMING REMARKABLE is your ticket to ride. " American
Songwriter Magazine
Harriet Schock is a multi-platinum songwriter/recording artist whose
songs have been recorded my numerous artists, nominated for a Grammy
and used in films. Her fourth and fifth cds, American Romance and Rosebud,
have recently been nationally released, as well as her book, BECOMING
REMARKABLE. As well as performing worldwide, she speaks, teaches and
consults in person and via the internet. For further information about
her book, cds, concerts or consultation, go to http://harrietschock.com
or call (323) 934-5691.
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10. HOW TO SUCCEED IN THE MUSIC BIZ IN A NUTSHELL - THE GRASSROOTS
APPROACH by Cilene Bosch
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First and foremost you have to have the money to support your habit.
Next it takes perseverance and a little bit of luck. Talent is important
but it's not always what will get you the deal. The ability to draw
an audience and move product is what the labels most look for. If you
have a product that is getting considerable air play (doesn't have to
be on major radio stations), have a good solid following, a track record
for selling your product, and some media exposure, you're likely to
draw the interest of the A&R department at a label.
Why do I say have the money to support your habit? Well let's take a
look at that.
Producing a quality CD is expensive, if that is what you want to do.
You can economize somewhat on the pressing, but you want to insure that
the sound quality is superior.
Now having a CD is not what will get you the deal. It's a means of supplying
your "fans" with something to take away with them. Playing live and
building a following is what really matters. But you do have to have
something to shop the labels and radio.
Then there's the packaging of the CD and your Press Kit. Both are very
important when sent out to key people that you are trying to get the
attention of. Think of these things as your calling cards. And keep
in mind that the labels get 100's of submissions a day. You want to
stand out and make an impression. They are going to judge you by the
quality and presentation of your product. Make it unique. If you don't
stand out, you could get put on a shelf with all the other rejects.
This is not to say that you aren't good, it just means that they choose
the ones that jumped out the most. You could be the best artist in the
bunch with the worst packaging and they listened to others that were
nowhere as good as you, only because the package made the impression.
So you'll need money for a CD, good photo, a professional Bio and a
stand out cover. Then you'll need to submit this package to the labels,
which will involve a sturdy envelope (after all the money you just spent
putting it all together you don't want to have it ruined in the mail),
postage, and phone follow-up (which could be long distance).
The same would apply when submitting to radio stations. A good start
is at colleges. Most have their own campus radio station and the program
directors are eager for new songs. This is also a great way to break
your CD. And I don't mean break in the literal sense. I mean break it
on to the charts. Colleges also have the campus activity office, which
is always looking for talent to book for campus events. Again, it's
the college students that buy CD's, it's college students that attend
concerts, so you could really make an impression if you tour the college
circuit and build a following. These are the people that you want to
be at your performances not only when you play at their school, but
that will come out to watch you perform time and time again at clubs
and other events. Most colleges will play you to perform. Pay you well
in fact.
You'll also need to run the local club circuit. But these may not be
as profitable. Most local clubs have limited entertainment budgets .But
at least you are getting exposure and experience. Then there are fairs
and festivals. Again, the opportunity for much needed exposure but not
always profitable. In fact, sometimes you'll have to pay to play. Showcases
are always thought of as performing in front of the labels, but not
always true. Many showcases area mere opportunity to get exposure in
front of the general public and again you pay to play. Be careful of
showcasing. Be certain that you know who your audience is and don't
be fooled. Insist on a guarantee from the promoter if they are selling
it as a label showcase. Labels don't rely on this type of scouting anymore.
They are so busy that showcasing is usually produced by a label to showcase
a newly signed artist and not by individuals to promote artists to the
labels.
PUBLICITY: Usually artists need all the exposure they can get. Publicity
gets you exposure by putting your name in front of people. Generating
your own publicity is making certain that you send out an announcement
(the PRESS RELEASE) to the media and radio stations every time you are
performing. This way your "fan" will know when you are performing and
where and come out to see you. It also puts your name in the spotlight
for label reps to read. Know your media sources. There is a specific
format required for getting their attention. Colleges all have their
own college newspaper and getting an interview might not be so difficult,
especially if you are performing at the revenue or are getting air play
on the College Station.
All this sounds relatively easy doesn't it? Well it is and it isn't.
It does take a considerable about of perseverance and determination
to make your mark. Don't get discouraged if you get a "NO". Even if
you get a 100 "NO's". If you keep knocking at those doors eventually
you'll get a yes. You need to be out there and seen. If you're good,
someone will find you.
====================================================
Cilene Bosch is the President and Founder of the Nashville based Women
Of
Music Music Of Women. An International Alliance for women in the music
industry with offers a fully supported promotional package to assist
women in
the forwarding of their careers. For more information about Cilene or
WMMW,
email musicofwomen@aol.com or see their web site at
www.womenofmusicmusicofwomen.com and www.voicerecords.com
===================================================
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ARE YOU AN UNSIGNED ACT, SONGWRITER OR PRODUCER?? Looking for a Record,
Publishing, Management and Licensing deal worldwide, especially in the
UK and USA? Each month the BANDIT A&R NEWSLETTER publishes features
on
Labels, Publishers, Managements etc looking to sign acts, songs or
masters.
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JOIN THE INDIE REVOLUTION! "Booking, Promoting and Marketing
Your Music" by Nyree Belleville, provides the step-by-step tools
that you need to make a good living as a musician and performer.
Purchase it today at BEST MUSIC BOOKS!
http://www.bestmusicbooks.com
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11. GET PAID WHAT YOU'RE WORTH! by Lee Kennedy, Dunroven Music (c) 2001
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Are you getting paid what you're really worth? Probably not. If you
want clubs to pay you what you are really worth then you have to change
the way you think, and approach things from the Club's point of view.
Think as a business person not a musician.
Ask yourself this question "why do clubs hire entertainment?" TO MAKE
MONEY! That is the bottom line, like it or not. Think about it for a
minute. If you owned a club and had to choose between two bands, which
of the following would you choose?
A) The worst band in town, who by the way would make you $5000 at the
bar!
OR
B) The best band in town, who would only make you $500.
As a business person which one would you choose? Be honest! Be a business
person. Most bands believe that if they have the greatest singer or
the hottest band that people will automatically flock to see them and
clubs will pay premium prices to see them. WRONG!
Information is the key! Find out what the club makes every night that
you play. Slip the head bartender $20 and ask him/her to tell you what
the final register count was at the end of the night. Keep track of
what the club is making off your show. As the club's revenues start
to increase, take that information to the owner and renegotiate what
they are paying you. Believe me, if you have that kind of information
it makes it very hard for a club owner to say no. Most club owners count
on you thinking like a musician, they do not expect you to know or care
what the club makes. So turn the tables on them - think like a business
person and you will come out ahead of the rest.
====================================================
Lee Kennedy is a solo performer in Lake Tahoe, NV who has been making
a
living as a musician since 1980. In 2000, Lee performed 437 shows and
he
currently booked well into 2002. Lee is the author of "$100,000 a Year
Without a Record Deal!" and is currently working on his next book
"Building a Fan Base, That ROCKS!"
====================================================
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2001 USA INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION The world's leading international
songwriting competition is currently accepting entries. Win a $50,000
Grand Prize worth of cash, merchandise and exposure (largest prize package
in any annual songwriting competition).
Also, winners' songs will be featured on a nationally syndicated radio
program serving over 60 cities in the US and Canada! Judges include
record labels such as Warner/Reprise Records, SONY Music, Epic Records,
Mars Music Records and Peer Music.
For more information on this event's rules, regulations and entry forms
visit the competition website at: http://www.songwriting.net
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