Cover Design By Bob
Masse
$24.95 + Shipping
Get More Information on how to Promote
Your Music by Purchasing The
Indie Bible!
|
HOME
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Sites Where You Can Get Your Music Reviewed
3. Radio Shows that will Play Your Music
4. Online Services that will Help to Sell Your Music
5. Sites Where You Can Upload Your Band's MP3s or Videos
6. Helpful Music Resources
7. How to Make the Most Out of a Music Conference PART I by Valerie DeLaCruz
8. Getting Your Music into Film PART II by Scooter Johnson
9. WMMW CD Review of The Month by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CHECK OUT WHAT THE PROS SAY ABOUT... INDIE BAND MANAGER 2.0 FOR MAC & PC
"I like it so much... It's amazing. And it's cheap." -DEREK SIVERS
"I strongly suggest you get a copy of this tool right now!" -TIM SWEENEY
"The Indie scene has been begging for this for 5 years." -ARIEL HYATT
It's THE $35 Database tool for Mass Email, Gigs, Contacts, Venues, etc...
DOWNLOAD A FREE DEMO? of course! http://www.indiebandmanager.com/icb
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIGN UP A FRIEND TO RECEIVE THE INDIE CONTACT NEWSLETTER
and qualify to win a Sennheiser E835 microphone or a pair of
Sennheiser HD280Pro headphones! You will receive ONE ballot for
EVERY person that you refer.
To sign someone up, e-mail indiecontactnewsletter@rogers.com
with the word "newsletter" in the subject heading. Put
all addresses you are referring in the body of the e-mail.
Once entered, your ballots will remain in for ALL future draws
This month's winner of the Sennheiser E835 microphone
(visit http://www.sennheiserusa.com)
- Bobby Nipper, Somerville, OH
This month's winner of a pair of Sennheiser HD280Pro headphones
(visit http://www.sennheiserusa.com)
- Teri Davis, Mount Clemens, MI
This month's winners of 1 year subscriptions to OnStage
Magazine (visit http://www.onstagemag.com)
- Heather DeVree, Bitely, MI
- Penni McDaniel, Lawrenceville, GA
- Beth Champion Mason, Suffolk, VA
- Damask, Hyattsville, MD
- Corey Auger, Woodstock, CT
- Michele Jaffe, New York, NY
- Patty Yagtu, Windsor, CT
- Mary Toure', Oakland, CA
- Joanne Stein, Miami, FL
The winner of "The Songwriter's Guide to Demo Submission"
e-book by Brian Cook (for more information on this book, visit
http://www.songwritersguide.com)
- Travis Blum, San Ramon, CA
The winner of "How To Successfully Promote Your Music on the
Internet" e-book by David Nevue (for more information on this
book, visit http://www.musicbizacademy.com)
- Drew Young, New York, NY
The winner of the book/CD set "Inside The Music Business: The
Power Players (for more info visit about this set visit
http://www.insidethemusicbusiness.com)
- Robert Gilman, Benicia, CA
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
YOU NEED BETTER SALES AND DISTRIBUTION FOR YOUR CD.
If your CD isn't for sale in CD Baby, you're losing sales!
ALL CD SALES FROM mp3.com, garageband.com, iuma.com go through CD Baby.
CD Baby has been featured in the NY Times, MSNBC, Wired, CNET and more.
10,000 CUSTOMERS A DAY go through cdbaby.com looking for CDs like yours.
Such a popular online store, you HAVE to make sure your CD is there.
They pay $20,000 a week to musicians like you (over $1 million so far!)
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO TO START SELLING is go to http://www.cdbaby.net
Takes 5 minutes. Send them a box of CDs. They'll sell them and pay you.
Real cool people. Total first-class treatment. Great CD distribution.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISC MAKERS
Get a FREE "Musician's Guide to the Web" from Disc Makers, the nation's
leading independent CD manufacturer and proud sponsor of The Indie Bible.
Click here to register to get your guide:
http://www.discmakers.com/imbible
Disc Makers offers complete CD, cassette, and 12" vinyl packages and
provides helpful guides, newsletters, and DIY resources to the independent
musician. We offer most every CD packaging option available, from jewel
boxes and Digipaks to jackets and CardDiscs-- all with the fastest turn
times in the industry. Our packages include a free UPC barcode, unparalleled
customer service, and a money-back guarantee. Get 300 full-color, 11"x 17"
posters for only $99 when you make CDs with Disc Makers. Learn more at
http://www.discmakers.com/hl
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
2. INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the September edition of The Indie Contact Newsletter.
I read an article in a recent Just Plain Notes newsletter
by Valerie DeLaCruz on how to get the most out of a music
conference. Valerie was kind enough to let me place her
article in this month's newsletter. Valerie's article
offers an easy-to-follow series of steps that will
help you before, during and after the conferences you
attend.
Also this month is PART 2 of Scooter Johnson's article
on how to get your music into TV and Film.
I feel obligated to warn you this month about a company that I
have found to be underhanded and disturbing. I signed up with a
company called Bulkworks www.bulkworks.com earlier this year. They
offer all sorts of promotional assistance to the wide-eyed musician
... but nothing ever comes of it. They also will not refund your
money as promised (I found that out the hard way). Please avoid
this company at all costs!! They do a lot of mass mailings
to artists, with all sorts of glowing promises, but believe me,
they will not sell a single CD for you.
I've run across a lot of shady companies while researching the
Indie Bible the last 4 years, but no company has compelled me to
warn others like this shameless bunch. They are currently offering
copies of the Indie Bible to any musician that joins their
service (this was never brought to my attention). It's just another
lie in their long string of lies.
On a happier note, as is the case every month, there is a sizable group
of new contacts listed that can help you to gain more exposure for your
music. So dig in, and enjoy the September issue of The Indie Contact
Newsletter!
David Wimble
Editor
indiecontactnewsletter@rogers.com
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Below are the contacts that were submitted to me in August.
The contacts listed are sorted into FIVE sections.
1. Publications that will review your music
2. Radio stations/shows that will play your music
3. Online services that will help to sell your music
4. Sites where you can upload your band's MP3s or videos
5. Resources and promotional sites for Independent bands
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
2. SITES WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Gospel Synergy Magazine
AGosyn@cs.com
http://www.gospelsynergy.com
Gospel Music/Gospel Hip/Hop/ Gospel Traditional/Contemporary/
Gospel rap. In other words we accept all genres of GOSPEL MUSIC.
AfterFX MAgazine
James noah1996@hotmail.com
We are always looking for new music for review, as well as submissions
from writers, artists, poets etc. Send all submissions to AfterFX
c/o James D. Harvey, 371 Crossfield Rd., King of PRussia, PA 19406.
AfterFX (formerly KiT'Zine or Keeping in Touch MagaZine) has been
pubished since 1993, distributed world wide and free in the Philly
area and is $1 for a sample copy.
TheCelebrityCafe.com
Dominick Miserandino dominick@thecelebritycafe.com
http://TheCelebrityCafe.com
With over 1 million readers a month, we're always looking for indie
bands to review or possibly interview.
Anti-Elitist Audio Zine
ryan@jimmyether.com
http://a-eaz.com
We are moving to a short weekly band feature rather than the huge
quarterly 'zine.
American Songwriter
asongmag@aol.com
http://www.americansongwriter.com
Reporting on the craft and business of songwriting. Includes interviews,
writing tips, industry news, reviews, lyric contest and more.
Guitar Noise
gnoiseviews@hotmail.com
http://www.guitarnoise.com
A website that contains tons of resources for beginner and
professionnal musicians, with weekly columns on Guitar techniques,
Songwriting, Bass and Sound Engineering. We also have a new section
on women and the guitar. We like to help non-mainstream artists. If
you send us a promo and press kit for one of your albums, we will
review it and add links to your website and order desk. We want to
review your music in a timely and fair manner. It would be best if
you first contact us and give us an idea of what it is you would like
reviewed and we will make sure it goes to the right person.
IndieMusicReview.com
Jeff Leisawitz sales@indiemusicreview.com
http://www.indiemusicreview.com
We empower indie artists by offering critical reviews of any and every
independent CD that is submitted. Guaranteed!
Performing Songwriter
editorsps@performingsongwriter.com
http://www.performingsongwriter.com
We cover the subjects that are important to songwriters-writing,
performing, and recording their work. Everything that helps them
achieve their goals is presented in a way that speaks directly to
them, in a language they can understand. Each issue includes exclusive
interviews with recording artists and producers (along with their
gear listings); columns detailing the use of equipment in the studio
and on the road; record reviews and new release spotlights; a salute
to the masters of the American songbook; and regularly updated
resource information (festivals, song contests, venues, song schools,
books, dot coms, etc.).
Planet-hiphop.com
info@planet-hiphop.com
http://www.planet-hiphop.com
Online community made up of a network of theme based indie hip hop sites
and stations and more. The Source of conscious hip hop online. News,
reviews, spotlights etc.
Expos?
ptlk@expose.org
http://www.expose.org
America's premier quarterly publication specializing in the music the
record and radio industries stubbornly choose to ignore. Our focus is
outside the mainstream, in the progressive and experimental hinterlands
where rock meets jazz, classical meets folk, electronic meets avant-garde,
and so on.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nashville New Music Conference -2NMC Oct 9-13th, 5 days of networking,
panels, workshops and showcases by over 300+ artists/bands. Keynotes by
Derek Sivers, Moses Avalon, Walter F. McDonough. Go to www.2nmc.com for
registration information. Sponsored by Cdsteet.com, Disc Makers, American
Airlines, BMI, SESAC, EM, Mix, Onstage, Rage, Music Business Registry, Music
Connection, Mapex, Shure, Sennheiser, NSAI, NAPRS, USA Songwriting
Competition.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to the award-winning free ezine/webzine MUSIC MORSELS
- the music industry's monthly publication featuring self-help for
musicians and songwriters including interviews with national and
unsigned recording artists, industry profiles, CD reviews and much
more. Just send an email to MusMorsels@aol.com with the word
"Subscribe" in the subject field.
MUSICIANS & LABELS: Send your presskits (must send complete presskit
(photo, bio, clippings), not just a CD) to us for possible upcoming
reviews or interviews in Music Morsels. We cover all genres. Mail to:
Sandy Serge, Editor, Music Morsels, PO Box 672216, Marietta, GA
30006-0037 USA URL - http://www.serge.org/musicmorsels.htm
Published since 1995 targeting musicians, songwriters and music
industry professionals serving over 35,000 readers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RAINMAKER MUSIC PUBLICITY devoted to working with unsigned bands
and indie labels across the U.S.A....So..Ride The Revolution...
go to: www.rainmakerpublicity.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
3. RADIO SHOWS THAT WILL PLAY YOUR MUSIC
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Light Show
Evan Ginzburg EGinzburg@systec.com
http://www.wbai.org
I am a DJ on 50,000 Watt WBAI-FM's Light Show in NYC (part of the
Pacifica Network). Our station reaches 135,000 listeners in the area
plus a worldwide live Internet audience. On our program we play
unsigned and small label bands of all musical genres. Submissions to:
Evan Ginzburg, WBAI-FM's Light Show 120 Wall St. NYC 10005.
Songwriters Network Internet Radio
Patty Yagtu pyagtu@yahoo.com
http://expage.com/songwritersnetworkusa
Songwriters Network, Cyberstationusa.com, All Indie, All Genres. Live,
Saturdays 6-9 p.m. EST 3 Million listeners worldwide, BE ONE!
The Sonic Chronicles
Aaron Childs aaronchilds@ameritech.net
http://www.m4radio.com
A live, interactive web radio program from Jackson, Michigan, and plays
unsigned and independent label acts in rock, blues, jazz, and electronica
genres, with an emphasis on the local music scene in south central Michigan.
The Stepping Stone Radio Program
Rich "The Messenger" Maidment indieradio@hotmail.com
http://www.thesteppingstone.cjb.net
100% Independent, everything from rock thru to blues (NO COUNTRY or DANCE)!!
We are always looking to add to our listenership and playlist.
Way Out West Radio
Bill Bruedigam williamb@thirdroad.com
http://www.thirdroad.com/radio
Online semi-commercial radio station playing Indie music 24/7!
New Music Canada
Mary-Anne mymusic@newmusiccanada.com
http://www.newmusiccanada.com
Fresh, current, recently recorded music is what you'll find here.
Independent bands, underground DJs, and just-about-to-be-discovered
artists make up the eclectic sound mix on NMC. Send us your new
Canadian music MP3s and we put it up on the site for everyone to hear.
ScreaminMP3.com
siteinfo@screaminmp3.com
http://www.screaminmp3.com
The Net's best all Indie Rock station.
The Composer's Voice
John Zech mail@mpr.org
http://music.mpr.org/programs/composersvoice
The public-radio program that asks current classical music composers:
Who are you? - What does your music sound like? Why does it sound the
way it does?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inside The Music Business' Monthly Audio Series is designed to help emerging
artists and industry professionals succeed in the business. Each month the
Audio Series offers a new, in-depth interview with an industry "power
player", revealing helpful strategies for success.
The first 100 Indie Contact Newsletter subscribers who email
lucy@urbanmegamusic.com, will receive a 40% discount on a subscription to
the Monthly Audio Series. Instead of paying $16.95 (plus $2.95 s&h) each month,
you will pay only $9.99 (plus s&h) every month.
http://www.insidethemusicbusiness.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MidPoint Music Festival - Cincinnati, OH - September 26th - 28th
150 bands from all over the world have been selected to play the
2002 MidPoint Music Festival. They'll be playing Cincinnati's
best venues for live music. During the day, panels and speakers
will discuss the music industry. Registration to attend the
festival has already begun. Go to www.mpmf.com/attending.html
and see how you can save by registering before Monday, Sept. 16.
MidPoint Music LLC - POB 909, Milford, OH 45150 - info@mpmf.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADD YOUR LISTING TO THE GALARIS MUSICIANS DIRECTORY!!
http://galaris.com/musiciansdirectory/submit.php
This summer Galaris is publishing a new resource for musicians!!
This all inclusive musicians directory will include the following categories:
Booking Agents, Clubs, Disc Manufacturers, Distributors, Legal Services,
Magazines, Managers, Music Retailers, Photographers, Promoters, Publicists,
Publishers, Radio Stations, Record Labels, Music Schools, Studios,
Video/Sound Production, Engineers and Producers.
Those who fit into any of these categories are encouraged To submit
their listing at: http://galaris.com/musiciansdirectory/submit.php
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey Baby! Looking for something different? http://www.cdpimp.com
Visit www.CDPimp.com on the web and find the coolest online CD
Store for Independent Artists of all genres. For a one time $30 set
up fee you get: Web page with your bio, a picture, Sound Clips of all
songs, Paid for MP3 downloads, a reviews page and more. Also get a
matching store for your website. Checks mailed monthly. Also avail-
able: Graphic design, website design, Multimedia CD authoring,
streaming video and rapid turnaround for UPC Barcodes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
4. ONLINE SERVICES THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Sriracha Sauce
Sophie sophie@sriracha-sauce.com
http://www.sriracha-sauce.com
We are a French based booking and management agency.
Flint Records
Christine frictionfarm@hotmail.com
http://www.geocities.com/flintrecords
An independent artist collective, seeks Florida based musicians and
bands to add to its cooperative label roster.
Delvian Records
Fredrick Wilson delvian@gatemedia.com
http://www.gatemusic.com/delvian
Specializing in Electronica, Darkwave, World, and New Age. Please
contact us for submission guidelines.
Ego Trip Entertainment
Dave dave@egotripent.com
http://www.egotripent.com
An independent promotion firm specializing in hard rock, heavy metal,
pop, country and jazz acts.
Great White North Records America
Remi Cote general@gwnrecords.com
http://www.gwnrecords.com
Production, distribution, manufacturing, mailorder, licensing...
The Gate Media Group
Robin Ackerman-Gray rag@gatemedia.com
http://www.gatemedia.com
The Gate has twenty years experience developing successful independent
music promotional campaigns. Call us for the keys to success.
Modern World Records
Craig Mitchell cross@castle.net.au
http://www.modernworld.com.au
Australian online catalogue specializing in Australian and overseas
indie vinyl and cds.
Impact Entertainment - Artist Management
Rob Cohen impactent@aol.com
http://www.impactentertainmentgrp.com
Full service artist management group specializing in management,
development and promotion od signed and unsigned artists.
PK Music
Danielle Clout manager@pkmusic.com.au
http://www.pkmusic.com.au
I am an experienced and qualified music manager that will give you
an objective and insightful opinion on your music and career direction
for a fee. I respond to all requests and provide practical steps to get
where you want to go. All styles of music accepted, email for more
details.
Solar Creations Independent Records & Promotions
Scott Roe scott@solarcreations.net
http://www.solarcreations.net
Birmingham (UK) based Independent label/promoter with non-exclusive
deals working mainly with UK bands. Also involved in organising tours,
PR work etc.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Due to your participation with The Indie Bible, you are eligible
for worldwide distribution through The Orchard and can take
advantage of this offer for a special reduced rate. Just send
an email to indiebible@theorchard.com to receive more info on
The Orchard and to obtain the special Indie Bible application
into The Orchard.
The Orchard (www.theorchard.com) is one of a kind! We are
dedicated to giving independent record labels and artists
access to the same distribution opportunities the Major Labels
have enjoyed almost exclusively for years. The Orchard makes
the music of independent artists available, side by side with
Major Label albums. We are an entertainment company that has
grown in just three years time into one of worlds largest
suppliers of new music. Through agreements with the nations
largest one stop distributors, we are the leading and most
dominant provider of independent and global content to all
of the major on-line stores including, Amazon.com, Barnes
and Noble.com, CDNow etc... as well as traditional retail.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
GET YOUR CD REVIEWED. GUARANTEED...
Indiemusicreview.com is a new website that empowers
independent artists by offering them CD REVIEWS as well as in-
depth CRITIQUES of their works by an award winning producer.
Instead of funding the site with money from subscribers or
advertisers, any artist may submit their disc along with a small
fee. REVIEWS are posted on the site and detailed CRITIQUES are
emailed directly to you. For more info, click over to
http://www.indiemusicreview.com/indiebible
------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
5. SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3s
OR VIDEOS
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Music4Women.com
Melissa Adams melissa@music4women.com
http://www.music4women.com
Women making music for women. Free music and information about M4W
artists. Membership fee to join as a member artist.
Classical.com
Heather Buettner heather@classical.com
http://www.classical.com
A classical music subscription offering online listening, downloads,
custom CDs and a resource of entertaining information.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF ONSTAGE MAGAZINE!
Aux Send is the new monthly e-newsletter from Onstage magazine. It offers
news about the latest gear, a calendar of upcoming events of interest to
performing musicians, tech tips to help you on your next gig and "Indie
Picks," a section where we spotlight several indie and unsigned artists.
Click the link below to subscribe to this FREE newsletter!
http://www.mailcubed.com/news/primedia/?x=l.l.E.l.10.93.l.l
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
IF YOU HAVE RECORDED A CD OR DEMO, THEN YOU NEED A COPY
OF THE INDIE BIBLE!
We did all the boring frustrating stuff, spending thousands of hours
finding this information for you.
2300 publications that will REVIEW your CD!
2700 radio stations/shows that will PLAY your songs!
440 vendors and services that will help you to SELL your music!
350 sites where you can UPLOAD your music files!
and 33 articles that WILL help BOOST your career!
ALL GENRES ARE COVERED!
The people listed in the Indie Bible have a passion for music, and
a passion to help Independent artists! They're waiting for you to get
in touch with them! Do your career a favor and grab a copy of the Indie
Bible.
For details and to order online visit:
https://www.indiebible.com/icb
You can also find the Indie Bible in these stores:
BORDERS, BARNES & NOBLE, SAM ASH, VIRGIN
RECORDS, TOWERS and MARS MUSIC
(In Canada at CHAPTERS and STEVE'S MUSIC)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
6. HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAND
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
WANTED: SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY MUSIC:
"Chicken Soup for the Music Lover's Soul" is looking for heartwarming
stories about music, and how it changes lives and inspires people.
Stories should be approx. 300-1200 words in length, and must make the
reader "Laugh, cry or get goosebumps". If your story is accepted into
the book, the writer receives $300 and a paragraph in the back to
promote/introduce yourself (CD's, websites, projects) to potentially
millions of readers. For story guidelines and submission information,
please visit http://www.MusicLoversSoul.com. For example stories,
please read a book in this best-seller series or visit the official
http://www.ChickenSoup.com website.
Substation 7
Trevor Brawn coldwarning@yahoo.com
http://www.angelfire.com/sk/ambsnds/index.html
Absolutely FREE exposure for Independant artists.
By Musicians For Musicians
Jim Burke ceo@pompanoro.com
http://www.pompanoro.com
Helping to develop artist's dreams and teach them how to make them
come true.
The Spot Online
D-ROBB webmaster@2thespotonline.com
http://www.2thespotonline.com
One stop production house in San Antonio. Currently catering to local
artists.
PutMeOnTheWeb
Melissa Esquibel melissa@putmeontheweb.com
http://www.putmeontheweb.com
Low cost, high-quality, fast turnaround websites for artists and
musicians. Web development, hosting and maintenance.
ALCATRAZ Production
G?rard Yahiaoui gyahiaoui@compuserve.com
http://www.alcatrazprod.com
Our indie record label has launched a big contest for bands. A selection
of 10 or 12 bands will be selected to be in the compilation "The Ultimate
Indie Hooks Compilation". Selected bands will receive 1 title in the
compilation (to be sold in shops and e-shops), 1 publishing agreement for
3 titles, and maybe more... For more details visit our website.
Coast To Coast Musicians Resource
Amy pressed_fairy@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/pressed_fairy
Website design, web promotion, logo design, and JUST IN: Independent
artists review.
---------------------------------------------------------
FREE CD OFFER!: Lynn Carey Saylor, GuitarGirls.com Founder and
contributor to the Indie Contact Bible (her articles on creating Real
Audio for your Web site appear in the latest edition) has made available
her Limited Edition, hand-signed and numbered CD single of her song "If We
Believe" (Featuring Brian May of QUEEN) for FREE to purchasers of The
Indie Contact Bible through her Web site http://guitargirls.com
Additionally, Lynn will personalize the CD signings by request. The CD
can also be purchased alone (while supplies last).
Hear the song at http://mp3.com/Lynncareysaylor
and visit http://guitargirls.com/Believe.htm for full details.
---------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------
SONICBIDS is an online service that connects musicians and music
promoters. Instead of mailing out traditional, bulky press kits,
Sonicbids' members email Sonicbids Electronic Press Kits (EPKs).
Soncbids EPKs - which contain the MP3 files, pictures, press
reviews and contact information - can be easily emailed to anyone,
anywhere! In addition, members can directly submit their EPKs
to some of the world's biggest festivals, clubs, and conferences
for free. Members are also eligible for exclusive Sonicbids spots
at some of the hottest conferences around the world. Promote your
band in a powerful new way, for only $39.95 a year.
Go to www.sonicbids.com/default.asp?pID=1435 today!
---------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about: starting a band, getting signed,
getting radio airplay, playing live, booking a tour, starting a record
label, building a fan base, becoming a record producer, growing an indie
music career, getting FREE press and much much more!
Free daily music 'biz articles and career advice from music industry legends:
Only at http://www.getsigned.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
7. HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF A MUSIC CONFERENCE by Valerie DeLaCruz
? 2002 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
OK, so you've decided to take a positive step toward your goal as a
songwriter or artist; you want to check out that music conference you keep
getting brochures or email blasts about. It's time to take the plunge,
whether you are a seasoned veteran and have attended them before, or a
"newbie" hoping nobody at the conference notices! Here's some steps to take
to make sure you get the most out of the reinvigorating and inspirational
experience that they always are:
1. Review the promotional materials to determine what the main focus of the
conference is; i.e.: songwriting, legal issues, performance, and make sure
that this is an area you are interested in.
2. Define your goals. Are you going to strengthen some qualities you already
have? Gain more knowledge about something technical or legal? To network
with others at your level and hopefully move up a notch in your field of
expertise? Write them down and refer to them as you determine your schedule.
Often, panels or workshops are taking place at the same time and you have to
choose between them. If you go with a friend, you can split up and compare
notes and resources later.
3. Figure out the overall cost including travel, accommodations, conference
fees, etc. Start saving up and realize this is an investment in your
profession. You may be able to interest a friend to go and share the expenses
of a room.
4. There is almost always the opportunity to showcase at these events, and
usually, if you are selected to showcase, you can attend the conference at a
reduced fee or for FREE. This is certainly worth doing as you will get to
show the industry professionals and potential collaborators what you can do.
Be realistic about the costs involved in bringing your band to the
conference. You may elect to do a solo or duo acoustic set to cut costs if
that presents your material well. If not, again it may be a worthwhile
investment to perform a showcase, always more fun than a bar gig and in a
concert setting where people actually listen. We'll touch on the showcase
preparation further on.
5. Send in the application. Many times there is a reduced "early bird"
registration fee and this is great if you can take advantage of it. If you
are also applying for a showcase slot, tailor your presentation materials to
the theme of the conference to better your chances of being selected.
Remember that professional presentations, or something that stands out, will
cut through the many, many packages that the organizers will be receiving.
Perhaps your press materials are printed on black and you make the edges
ragged if you are a hard metal band; perhaps you spray paint the outside of
your envelope a bright color to have it rise to the top of the pile.
6. Reserve your room and travel arrangements. Often the conference will have
blocks of rooms reserved for the conference at a reduced rate. It is always
better to spend a little more and stay right at the hotel where the
conference is taking place. A great deal of the networking and connections
that take place are during casual times between seminars, and you don't want
to waste time in a taxi getting back and forth. You may need to run back up
to your room to get another package or CD to give out. They usually have
special airfare rates, too. I use www.expedia.com for the best rates and
schedules.
7. Now that you are set to go, you need to prepare the materials you will
need. Make a checklist and give yourself a few weeks to gather them. Once I
left printing out lyric sheets and bios 'til the last minute, and of course,
the cartridge on my printer started to act up on a Sunday evening when there
were no stores open! I also email things like the bio file and one-sheets to
myself so that in a pinch, I can download them at Kinko's or forward them to
someone I meet. They are up there in my virtual file cabinet wherever I go.
a. 5-10 full packages including:
1. bios
2. photos
3. one-sheet of several of your reviews and critics' quotations
4. photocopies of great press if you had a photo in print or if it is from a
major publication like Billboard. Use the magazine's actual heading on your
press sheet to get attention and gain credibility.
5. business card and CONTACT INFORMATION (the most important thing, seemingly
obvious, right?)
The packages should be set up so that your name (or band name) and photo are
on the front. If you have a CD, using the CD cover on the front of your
folder looks very professional too. You want them to quickly identify you
when they are digging through a huge pile of packages. Inside, have
something visually compelling like a color copy or photo on one side and your
bio immediately available on the other. Insert a CD or demo into one of the
pockets. I hate to say this, but it's time to bite the bullet if you are
still using cassettes and get a CD burner so you can make CD demos tailored
to the audience you are trying to reach.
b. Loose extras of all of the above materials in case you need to throw
together more packages or don't want the expense of handing out an entire
package when selected materials will do.
c. Flyers of your performance time and venue if you are showcasing to hand
out and leave all over the place.
d. A stack of business cards. It is worth it to spend a little extra on
these, as they are truly your calling card, and will remind someone of who
you are. I always like to have a photo on it, and color stands out. An
unusual layout is important, and if you are a band, have a graphic designer
(not your cousin's girlfriend) design a logo that will identify you. The
most important thing here is to make it legible! A card that you need a
magnifying glass to read already makes your contact frustrated. Business
card basics 101: NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, EMAIL, WEBSITE.
e. Plaster your website on all of your materials. Everything you hand out
should have all your contact information. This seems obvious, but how many
CDs have ended up in the trash can because no one could find the envelope or
cover it came in? A website is the most important business tool you can
have. Busy industry people are inundated with wanna-be and would-be artists.
They love to peruse your site in the privacy of their own office/home and
get the important info at their own pace. Please do not have frustrating
extra plug-ins, etc. that slow down your site viewing, just to say you have
the latest whiz-bang technology. A slow-loading site is one that will not be
viewed as they go on to the next one.
8. Take advantage of early check-in, arrive the night before so you are
rested and don't have to fight a crowd. I always plan to stay one more day
if possible too so that I can really enjoy the last day and night, which is
when you are really feeling connected to the other participants and start
making plans to get together for follow ups or collaborations.
9. Get the materials upon registration and go back to your room and plot out
your schedule. Leave time for regrouping; non-stop seminars can be
exhausting.
Stay tuned for PART 2 next month!
=============================================
Valerie DeLaCruz's passionate career pursuit and professionalism has been
a model for other grassroots artists. Through hard work and persistence
(and talent!) she's continued to make headway in the rough and tumble music
industry. To learn more about Valerie, visit her website at
www.valeriedelacruz.com.
(This article first appeared in the July 3rd "Just Plain Notes" newsletter).
============================================
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Songsalive! Expo 2002 is a spectacular, indie-focused event that will
bring together songwriting organizations, music business professionals
and services, and artists under one umbrella for a full-action packed
day, celebrating our global songwriting community and the needs of
songwriters. Saturday September 28, 2002 LOS ANGELES
This will be your chance to EXPOse your music, network, share your indie
experience, promote and become empowered with the tools to achieve self-
made success.
We will have panel discussions (the main focus, with celebrated and
honored industry professionals discussing various "hot" music industry
topics throughout the day,) songwriting critique workshops, closed pro-
sessions with leading songwriters, exhibition booths for artists and
the industry to expose their services, and artist showcases at the main
venue and surrounding Los Angeles clubs.
Apply to Showcase or register for this fabulous, unique event.
http://WWW.SONGSALIVE.ORG/EXPO
Subscribe to the Songsalive! email list for more news about this
at http://enotes.songsalive.org or email a blank email to
songsalive-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
USA INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION
Songwriters, bands & artists! Enter to win a grand prize of over
US$50,000 in cash, merchandise and more! This the 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 A&R
Managers from Major Record labels and publishers.
BONUS: Early bird entrants receive a FREE gift.
Hurry, visit: http://www.songwriting.net
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
8. GETTING YOUR MUSIC INTO FILM - PART TWO by Scooter Johnson
? 2002 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
If you are willing to let go of a lot of control, a full-service online
licensing agency like Realia Music Inc. (www.realiamusic.com) may be worth
looking into. One of the larger agencies online, their online catalogue
consists of indie music from around the world and it's pre-cleared and
priced by a sliding scale that caps at $5,000/world-wide usage. They have
restrictions available but only a special case basis (pre-existing contracts
between musicians and other parties - I asked) and provide a one-stop
service for people who have limited budgets, tight schedules and credit
cards. They have a one-time $5 membership fee and a $1/song submission fee,
50/50 license split and a $2/song shipping fee for songs licensed. Your
songs are represented for as long as you wish and if you get an exclusive
deal with a publishing company or label, they promise they will remove your
songs within 24 hours.
If you have a good idea of what your music is worth and prefer to wrangle
your deals yourself try SongCatalog Inc. (www.songcatalog.com). Their
system provides a virtual middleman for your negotiations. You submit as
many tracks as you wish for placement in their online 'Active List' or in
the 'Vault' and pay per track. Fees are billed monthly and start at $4.95
for up to 25 audio files stored in the 'Vault' and $9.95 for up to 25 songs
featured on the 'Exchange' (site search engine) and increase by smaller
increments every 50/100/200 songs registered. There are different levels of
search capabilities that have a separate fee rate but you can check out
there website for more details. People who wish to license music register at
no cost, browse the catalogue and when a suitable track is located, they
send an email - through the website - to the owner who then responds.
Dialogue and negotiations ensue and you are ultimately responsible for
finalizing your deal.
I would advise to check out the smaller companies, they appear to have more
staying power than the large online music companies (licensemusic.com - one
of the first and definitely the largest - shut down business abruptly months
ago and is currently being auctioned off on the internet through a
bankruptcy trustee). Many have forayed into licensing but the complicated
traditional licensing system (long protracted negotiations, complicated
territorial and usage structures, clearances, exorbitant fees, favored
nations, and script/scene approval) has not translated well online. There
was no immediacy, no click through satisfaction that everyone has come to
expect from the web. Once the costs of software development, technical
support, hosting fees and high-priced management were factored in the
license fees were unaffordable and potential buyers were back in the
nightclubs chatting up bands after their sets.
Online there is a market for indie music even if the band has broken up,
doesn't tour, is brand new or not commercially friendly, and it requires
hardly any work on behalf of the band. You fill in an application, get the
appropriate signatures, mail it in and wait for the money to arrive. It is
the agency's business to market their catalogue, customer services and bring
the buyers in.
With record labels setting their standards higher and higher for new
signings, showing up with a portfolio of licensed tracks in your package
just might be the wedge you need to get in the door. It really doesn't
matter where the track was used or for what product, the fact that your
music can be sold for hard cash is the attractive quality they are looking
for.
Always remember to be realistic with your expectations and tell everybody
that you have a 'licensing agency' (it does sound impressive and looks even
better on your bio). There are hundreds of thousands of bands in the world
with at least one album under their belts. That's a lot of competition for
the same dollar. It's also unlikely that directors Steven Spielberg or
Kevin Smith are cruising these sites for music for their next big project -
they have budgets that afford them just about any song they want. As an
indie musician with an indie agency, your music will be marketed to projects
without a great deal of exposure attached to them. Focus will usually be on
the catalogue not the individual bands, there are fees and it is a
relatively new industry - it may take years for it to take off and compete
with traditional process.
But don't despair, it only takes one new digital filmmaker with a vision and
a few thousand dollars to help pay off the band van or press those extra 500
cd's. It's a cheap and viable new way to get your music heard by a larger
and potentially lucrative audience - and that's what you want. Isn't it?
(all fees listed are in Canadian dollars)
=============================================
Scooter Johnson spent 5 years touring Canada with his Hillbilly band
The Hard Rock Miners and has created 5 internationally distributed
albums with his psychobilly band The Deadcats. Living in Vancouver
(Hollywood North) also afforded him the opportunity to engage in the
business of acting. A regular (background performer) on the Chris
Isaak show and having worked in films and TV with such luminaries as
"Sly Stallone", Greg "BJ and the Bear" Evigan, Isabella Rosellini,
and musicians Paul Stanley, Thomas Dolby, Stuart Copeland, and
Sheila E (amongst many others); his search for fame and immortality
has almost been concluded and it is time to pass on his knowledge
to the next generation of seekers after the flame. deadcat@shaw.ca
============================================
----------------------------------------------------------------------
EVOLUTION PROMOTION
"Specializing in Radio Promotion, Tour Promotion, Online Marketing, Web
Design and Hosting, Distribution and Consulting in all areas of the music
business.
http://www.evolutionpromotion.com
contact us at info@evolutionpromotion.com or call 323.953.4600"
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BOOST TRAFFIC TO YOUR WEBSITE WITH THE INDIE LINK EXCHANGE!
The Indie Link Exchange is a list of musicians that wish to exchange
links with other music related sites. With over 500 current listings,
it's a great way to get some FREE exposure
There are no rules to follow (except common courtesy). It's a simple
one-to-one exchange of text links or banners.
http://www.indielinkexchange.com/ile
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
MUSIC SEMINARS THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!
Music book author and guru Daylle Deanna Schwartz is holding her next
seminar for "Start & Run Your Own Record Label" on September 28th, and for
"How to Get a Record Deal" on November 16th, both in New York City. Seminar
topics include: Setting up a Business, Marketing and Promotion, Copyright
and Publishing, Distribution, Recording Contracts, Developing a Following,
Putting Together a Press Kit and much more! For more information visit
Daylle's website at http://www.revengeproductions.net
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
9. CD REVIEW OF THE MONTH by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
? 2002 Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Artist: Gwen Avery
Title: Sugar Mama
Genre: Blues
Label: Sugar Mama Music
Website: www.gwenavery.com
Gwen Avery wants to be your one and only "Sugar Mama" of the blues
on her debut release. From her opening lines in the title track,
she comes across as very convincing and natural.
I was a bit disappointed that half the tracks were not her own.
That always seems like the easy way out to making an album; you do
not have as many songs to write, thus making the process quicker.
It is not uncommon to have several covers on your debut CD though;
I imagine there is a very good reason for it, such as having a comfort
level with certain songs, and factors that I am unaware of.
Nevertheless, she does come up with six originals that are real
barnburners, and for her first CD that is a great accomplishment by
any estimation as far as I can see.
Avery covers the array of the blues with authoritative vocalizations
and a band as tight as 10-year-old Levi jeans. She stretches herself
over the blues, gospel, and rhythm and blues with roots that run as
deep as the great Mississippi River. With original down home cooking,
her musical recipe starts simmering then comes to a full boil with
her earnest and sensitive lyricism. She personifies each song with
all of her that she has to give. She sings as if her delivery to
humankind was a special order by the man upstairs. Now, you cannot
ignore powerful stuff like that can you?
I love music like this because it feels so real and genuine. Gwen
Avery is the real deal folks.
1. Sugar Mama 2K-4:48
2. Thrill Is Gone-4:16
3. Georgia On My Mind-3:52
4. Marianne-3:21
5. Suzanne-5:00
6. You'll Find Love-2:33
7. Sugar In My Bowl-2:30
8. Sad Song-5:01
9. I'm On My Way-4:10
10. Cry No More-5:46
11. Do I Move You-4:30
12. Precious Lord-5:57
====================================================
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck muzikman@bcn.net is an independent
music reviewer. Keith writes reviews for "Women Of Music-Music
Of Women" as well as several other sites on the Internet.
(due to overwhelming volume, Keith is not accepting submissions
until further notice).
Reviews, interviews, and articles can be viewed at these sites:
www.musicdish.com/muzikman
www.classicrecords.com (DVD-DAD Reviews)
www.lancerecords.com
www.Indie-Music.com
www.womenofmusicmusicofwomen.com
www.indiebible.com/muzik
www.themusic.com/muzikman
www.girlmusician.com
www.progressiveworld.net/muzikman.html
www.jazzreview.com
www.bluesmatters.com
www.2upbeatmag.com
www.all-reviews.com
====================================================
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The INDIE BIBLE lists THOUSANDS of contacts
that will help you get your music HEARD!
https://www.indiebible.com/icb
The Indie Bible is also available in stores at: Borders, Barnes
& Noble, Sam Ash, Virgin Music, Towers and Mars Music (in Canada
at Chapters and Steve's Music).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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,
Management etc looking to sign acts, songs or masters. Get
yourself a FREE SAMPLE COPY from: bandit.42@aweber.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about: starting a band, getting signed,
getting radio airplay, playing live, booking a tour, starting a record
label, building a fan base, becoming a record producer, growing an indie
music career, getting FREE press and much much more!
Free daily music 'biz articles and career advice from music industry legends:
Only at http://www.getsigned.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goodnight Kiss Music (BMI) / Scene Stealer Music (ASCAP) / (323) 969-9993,
Hollywood, California
Full service music company, specializing in Film and TV uses. Licensing,
clearances, GREAT SONG CATALOGUE, cue sheets, consulting services. Company
Credits: ttp://www.goodnightkiss.com/compi.html
(Writers and artists see: How To Submit Material:
http://www.goodnightkiss.com/howto.html)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out this newsletter. Many of you will find it useful!
http://www.indyhits.com/newz.htm
Check out our weekly showcases http://www.indyhits.com/thegig.htm
If you're looking for help getting your music to the labels, I can
help you. I have a very successful track record.
http://www.indyhits.com/aboutus.htm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
======================================================================
ADVERTISE IN THE INDIE CONTACT NEWSLETTER AND REACH OUT TO
OVER 60,000 MUSICIANS AND SONGWRITERS EACH MONTH!
AD RATES:
Ads are $150 for 10 lines. If you advertise for 3 consecutive issues,
you will receive a $50 discount ($400 total).
Premium placements (the first 2 ad spots) cost $200 per month (with no
discount).
This newsletter goes out to over 60,000 music people each month (most
are musicians and songwriters) and is growing rapidly!
Contact me at bigmeteor@rogers.com or (613) 596-4996.
======================================================================
Past issues of this newsletter can be viewed at:
https://www.indiebible.com/newsletter
There are now a number of message boards set up at: www.indiebible.com
Feel free to promote anything you like!
|
