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 Grouchy Gaijin's Thoughts on Music and Such
John the Grouch
theheadgaijin@grouchygaijin.com
www.grouchygaijin.com
We are always looking for new music to review.
American Songwriter
1303 16th Ave. S. 2nd Fl. Nashville, TN 37212
PH: 615-321-6096 FX: 615-321-6097
info@americansongwriter.com
www.americansongwriter.com
Interviews, writing tips, industry news, reviews, lyric contests and more.
The ChickenFish Speaks
PO Box 292168, Dayton, OH 45429-0168
PH: 937-609-9913
Grog
Grog@theChickenFishSpeaks.com
www.theChickenFishSpeaks.com
All of our reviewers have eclectic tastes in music ...so send anything and everything!!!
Dusted Magazine
150 Devoe St., Brooklyn, NY 11211
dusted@dustedmagazine.com
www.dustedmagazine.com
Our reviewers live all over the country and vary greatly in age and background.
Fresh Music Express
www.freshmusicexpress.com
Online music magazine that focuses on exposure of independent and underground music. All genres accepted. Each artist will receive a link to their site in the podcast episodes playlist details. Due to the high volume of music sent in to us, we ask that you submit through our Sonicbids account.
Kweevak Music Magazine
38 Oliver Pl. Ringwood, NJ 07456
PH: 973-556-5400
Rich Lynch
mr_kweevak@yahoo.com
www.kweevak.com
We now guarantee CD reviews and a full 2-month main page artist spotlight feature for all bands that join our community!
Hear/Say
PH: 800-227-2425 x110
Diane Singer
diane@hearsay.cc
www.hearsay.cc
America's College Music media for 11 years! Distributed on 600 college campuses and 100 indie music stores nationwide! Features artist spotlights, CD reviews, artist interviews, streaming, podcast interviews & more!
SECTION TWO: RADIO SHOWS AND PROMOTION
2.1 RADIO - STATIONS AND SHOWS
On the Run
PH: 604-294-3696
Colin colin.rink@gmail.com
www.colinrinkmusic.com
Podcast reviewing an independent artist each week and featuring one of their songs on the show. Includes tips/tricks of the music industry and music business.
KYHY
PO Box 3422, Burbank, CA 91508
Jerry
j.dailey@925thewhy.com
www.925kyhy.com
We have rocked Burbank, Los Angeles County and the World since May 1, 2008 and we continue to do so for one reason – independent music.
FatCat Radio Network
PH: 206-337-0228
www.fatcatradio.com
Your source for today's best independent Rock & Blues. SEE WEBSITE FAQ ON HOW TO SUBMIT MUSIC - DO NOT EMAIL!
In Indie Music We Trust
Ryan
play@radioryan.net
www.radioryan.net
A syndicated Indie/Rock radio show that plays in 23 countries on 40 FM stations.
CyberHits Radio
174 Mill St. #4, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
PH: 845-380-9298
Blitz cyberhitspd@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/cyberhitsradio
We play Top 40 hits, plus we look for great indie and unsigned music. Not all will get played, but we'll rotate the music we like!
You Rock Radio
8539 W. Sanna St., Peoria, AZ 85345
PH: 623-266-0309
Uncle Indie
yourock@yourockradio.com
www.YouRockRadio.com
We accept Rap, Hip Hop, Rock, Metal, Gospel, Country, Acoustic, Folk and Electronica. Your music will appear on shows with similar music styles. There is a theme style for every episode. If you are in a "band", we can only have one of you as guest host. We will need (3) high quality songs for the show from a guest co-host.
The New Morning Show with D'Anise
D'Anise danisestar@gmail.com
www.intercontinentalgem.com
Showcases some of the world's best talent! The New Morning Show broadcasts LIVE
around the globe every Saturday 11am-Noon EST. Show the world what you've
got! The next interview or song we play on the show, could be YOU! Please send
professional bios and or press kits to my e-mail address. Thanks to all of you who apply, but only those selected for a live interview or to have their music played during the show will be
contacted. Good Luck!
Upper Room with Joe Kelley
PO Box 3481, Bridgeport, CT 06605
Gi Dussault
npsfunk@optonline.net
www.upperroomwithjoekelley.com
24 Hours/ 7 Days- Interviews, Creative Music, & Studio Performances.
eoRadio
PH: 303-808-8140
Ryan Smith webmaster@eoradio.com
www.eoradio.com
The best free music from unsigned artists from around the globe. We require all artists to register online and sign a release form before submitting. Visit online for details.
2.2 RADIO - PROMOTERS
Bryan Farrish Radio Promotion
1828 Broadway, 2nd Fl, Santa Monica, CA 90404
PH: 310-998-8305 FX: 310-998-8323
Bryan Farrish airplay@radio-media.com
http://www.radio-media.com
Indie airplay promotion to commercial, commercial specialty, and college radio stations in the U.S. and Canada.
South Beach Marketing (SBMP)
7332 Erin Ct. Longmont, CO 80503
PH: 303-952-0249
Amanda Alexandrakis
info@MusicPromotion.com
www.musicpromotion.com
Specializes in the Adult Contemporary radio format.Our expertise has helped many artists attain national radio airplay and has been highly successful in charting our clients on national radio charts. Helping our clients succeed in commercial radio is a top priority. SBMP utilizes our extensive network of individual and label relationships within the music industry to help elevate your project to the next level of promotion. From the established artist on a major label to the indie band, SBMP can work for you.
SECTION THREE: SERVICES/VENDORS/LABELS THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC
3.1 SERVICES - PROMOTION/PUBLICITY
TuneRay
PO Box 20475 Louisville, KY 40250
PH: 502-593-9910
Matt Heitzmann customerservice@tuneray.com
www.tuneray.com/
TuneRay and TuneBlog assist independent artists and labels in marketing and selling their music. We believe in one-on-one personal service with our artists and would have it no other way!
Music Dealers
650 W. Lake St., Ste. 320 (3S), Chicago, IL 60661
PH: 888-584-0005 x5
Rob Lindquist
rlindquist@musicdealers.com
www.musicdealers.com
An online music licensing company that licenses music for use in commercials, TV shows, movies, video games and more. We've established relationships with some of the biggest brands and companies in the world. We have thousands of quality artists that log-in to their accounts daily to check for new job opportunities, add more songs, etc. and that number continues to grow every day.
Vandala Concepts
Vernon, BC -Canada
PH: 250-309-1299 FX: 250-545-4822
Crystal Lee Vandala@vandalaconcepts.com
www.vandalaconcepts.com
Services include online distibution, marketing, promotion, CD duplication, remixing & production and much more!
MyMusicSuccess
Meteorenstraat 8, Hilversum, 1223ET, The Netherlands
PH: 0031-681-272-189
Simon Adams info@mymusicsuccess.com
www.mymusicsuccess.com
Music promotion resource helping independent artists get the recognition they deserve.
NetMusicWorks
PO Box 746, Nassau, NY 12123
PH: 518-766-9003 FX: 518-766-9003
Mark Berger mark@netmusicworks.com
www.netmusicworks.com
A composer-directed Classical music promotion service for recorded contemporary Classical music. We offer composers and ensembles promotion to radio that is cost-effective and efficient.
MusicSUBMIT
34 E. 23rd St, 6th Fl. New York, NY 10029
PH: 917-512-2958
Michael
support@musicsubmit.com
www.MusicSUBMIT.com
Promotes your music to the decision makers at Internet radio stations, music blogs, online music magazines and more, AND we give you a full report of everything we do for you!
Nina Denny Public Relations
PO Box 1248, Ogdensburg, NY 13669
PH: 315-323-1058 FX: 877-349-0225
Nina
ndenny@ninadenny.com
www.ninadenny.com
PR with a personal touch, affordable rates and music expertise.
Big Noise Management
11 S. Angell St. #336, Providence, RI 02906
PH: 401-274-4770
Al Gomes
al@bignoisenow.com
www.bignoisenow.com
We do artist development, A&R, music marketing, and film and TV licensing. We work with Pop, Rock, R&B, Hard Rock, Metal, Jazz, Acoustic, Dance and Blues artists. Currently seeking new artists. Please call or email first. We also run Big Noise Records.
Miles High Productions
6622 Delongpre Ave. Hollywood, CA 90028
PH: 323-806-0400 FX: 323-462-0829
mhpmanagement@mileshighproductions.com
www.mileshighproductions.com
Created to bridge the gap of companies working directly with music artists and entertainment based projects who are in need of additional marketing support. MHP also focuses on non-music ventures such as corporate brand building, cosmetics, gaming, sports and other industries. MHP’s goal is to elevate your product or artist to a higher ground in an expedient timeframe by exposing them to new and existing online audiences. MHP also focuses on taking our campaigns one step further by cross-promoting all traditional methods of marketing with online opportunities for further outreach. @MilesHigh
Ariel Publicity Artist Relations and Cyber Promotions
325 W. 38th St. #505, New York, NY 10018
PH: 212-239-8384 FX: 212-239-8380
Ariel Hyatt
ah@arielpublicity.com
www.arielpublicity.net
Professional promotional services for indie artists. Ask about our discount for Indie Bible customers!
MLC PR
PO Box 1096, Agoura Hills, CA 91371
PH: 805-231-3182 FX: 818-292-8996
Mona Loring
contact@monaloring.com
www.monaloring.com
We provide music publicity services to unsigned artists, music labels and anyone else in the music industry.
3.2 SERVICES - VENDORS AND LABELS
Sevier Records
1602 17th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37212
PH: 615-500-4411
Chris Sevier
severerecords7@yahoo.com
www.sevierproductions.com
Artist development and A&R outsourcing. We help deserving artists make a record and build their team for success.
SECTION FOUR: SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3s
OR VIDEOS
Moo's Farm
200 Post Oak Rd. Stratford, CT 06614
PH: 203-550-5227
Mario Pittore postthis@moosfarm.com
www.moosfarm.com
New music blog/mag. We are always looking to feature/interview emerging artists and we will freely promote your gigs and music in our posts.
Rivmixx
carl@rivmixx.com
www.Rivmixx.com
UK based service that strives to provide an end-to-end solution for all industry-based networking and promotion; allowing industry users to provide fans with music, photos, discographies, videos and latest news, as well as targeting mail to fans via gender, country or cities and even file transfer between industry users.
MPTrax
www.mptrax.com
The new face of music discovery! Gives artists and fans a chance to work together to decide the future of the music.
Indie Charts
info@indiecharts.com
www.indiecharts.com
Indie music reviews, music charts, indie radio & free music downloads!
OurStage
community@ourstage.com
www.ourstage.com
A brand new and exciting way for you to succeed as an artist. Our site is designed to leverage the power of the Internet to connect fans to emerging artists. You get exposure to new fans through our ranking and judging system. You can track fans with a fan club and comments. There is a monthly cash prize of $100 for the top entry in each channel and a $5,000 grand prize for music and a $1,000 prize for video. You may also get additional exposure and prizes through our partners, such as NEMO, CMJ, Noisepop, Paste, the DV Show and many others.
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: HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAND
5.1 RESOURCES - GENERAL
FREE Photo Treatment at HeatherSong
PO Box 70174 Vancouver, WA 98665
PH: 360-546-1555 FX: 360-546-1191
Heather Pahl
hbpahl@sbcglobal.net
www.HeatherSong.com
Use it on your creative business cards, fliers, posters, e-mails, bios, website, Station ID – yes, even for your CD cover! Best of all, it’s FREE. Examples can be seen all over my website. Check my POST for visitor results. My special software yields stunning results. I’ll customize your photo until you’re happy, and will add words at your request. You will have a variety of pics to use. It's NOT a requirement that you post your results on my website, but – but I will ask. E-mail me your photo today! JPGs are the preferred format.
Machinima.com
PH: 323-785-2303
Max Wallis
max.wallis@machinima.com
www.machinima.com
The Entertainment Network for the gaming generation and serves close to 50 million video views per month to over 6 million users (and is the #1 entertainment channel of all time on YouTube). Machinima.com now offers a tremendous marketing opportunity for record labels and artists that will help target that hard to reach "Gamer" demographic. This innovative Direct/Lifestyle/Viral marketing tool provides you with the opportunity to leverage the enormous "built-in" audience around video games as well as the millions of marketing dollars spent to release and support these games.
iBandBattle
Mike Federali contact@ibandbattle.com
www.ibandbattle.com
A FREE online Battle of the Bands website offering free services, cash and prizes from sponsors like Tunecore.
NewBandDaily
429 Lenox Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139
Santiago Vega svega@NewBandDaily.com
www.NewBandDaily.com
Newsletter publisher delivering independent music artists to subscriber's email in-boxes.
ALLTVMUSIC
1705 Arrowhead Trail NE, Atlanta, GA 30345
PH: 404-329-9438
Bill
alltvmusic@aol.com
www.soundsatlanta.com
A free placement service which deals with several sports arenas and venues, as well as many cable TV / Satellite channels in the USA All that is necessary for an artist or group to submit music is a full-length CD which includes publishing and writer information along with the licensing agency of your country and others where the CD may have been released. We cannot accept any unpublished material without an official letter of waiver for use. Any music placement which calls for licensing will be referred directly to the artist management or contact as provided.
Epic Jams
496 S. 13th St., Lindenhurst, NY 11757
PH: 631-671-5005 FX: 631-383-3101
Paul epicjams@gmail.com
www.epicjams.com
An online band contest. The band with the most votes wins a free party with epicjams girls handing out 100 free t-shirts.
Got GOD Films
PO Box 4622, Orange, CA 92863-4622
PH: 714-322-0526
Kacee GODProjects@gmail.com
www.GotGODFilms.com
We are an independent Christian film company always looking for music for our upcoming slate of films.
Usry Media Design
800 Heinz Ave. #6, Berkeley, CA 94710
PH: 5105020839
Usry Alleyne media@usryalleyne.com
www.usrymediadesign.usryalleyne.com
Multimedia websites for artists by an artist.
Bandit A&R Newsletter
68-70 Lugley St., Newport, PO30 5ET UK
PH: +44-1983-524110
John
bandit.icb@aweber.com
http://www.banditnewsletter.com
Helping ambitious bands target their demos to labels, publishers etc.
5.2 RESOURCES - CD DUPLICATION
OASIS CD Manufacturing
7905 N. Crescent Blvd. Delair, NJ 08110
PH: 540-987-8810 FX: 540-987-8812
info@oasisCD.com
www.oasiscd.com
We help you manufacture your CD or DVD project. We also help you package it creatively, promote and distribute it so it doesn't become just more clutter in your apartment.
Progressive Media & Music
2116 Southview Ave. Tampa, FL 33606
PH: 813-251-8093 FX: 813-251-6050
info@progressivecds.com
www.progressivecds.com
For over a quarter of a century we have been manufacturing the highest quality duplicated media available.
From compact discs, cd rom, audio cassettes, dvd’s to vhs tapes we have been your trusted, one stop solution. If you can play it, hear it, or see it Progressive Media & Music has always been the first choice when the project really matters. Ask about getting a free custom printed full color t-shirt of your album art!!!
Crystal Clear Disc and Tape
10486 Brockwood Rd. Dallas, TX 75238
PH: 800-880-0073 FX: 214-349-3819
Jim jim@crystalclearsound.com
http://www.crystalclearcds.com
Need CDs? For over 30 years, thousands of artists across the country have trusted Crystal Clear to take their Audio CD duplication, DVD replication and cassette tape manufacturing projects from concept to finished product. We can do it all - from full-color art design and digital mastering and editing to professional "retail-ready" duplication and packaging. 1000 CDs for $999. 1000 Promo CD Pack for $599. 1000 DVDs for $1499!
Disc2Day
2113 S. 48th St. #103, Tempe, AZ 85282
PH: 602-438-4848 FX: 602-438-2929
www.disc2day.com
A CD DVD duplication and replication company that works closely with the customer to fulfill his or her individual needs. We offer high-quality, professional services with some of the fastest turnaround times in the industry. If CD replication or DVD replication is what you are looking for, we have your solution. With our state-of-the-art facility we can handle any size job, from one to a million or more.
Media Replication Services (MRS)
1 Woodborough Ave. Toronto, ON M6M 5A1
PH: 416-654-8008 FX: 416-654-3663
replication.services@MediaRS.com
www.mediars.com
For customers seeking an end-to-end replication services company, Media Replication Services provides dependable, complete replication services on all media platforms.Our services include pre-mastering, graphic lay-out services, packaging, fulfillment and distribution. At Media Replication Services, our mandate is to provide a very high level of service to our client-base, which includes companies from a range of different sectors including corporations, software developers, and the audio industry. Our process is fully documented and we are in the process of completing our ISO registration in compliance with ISO 9001:94 standards.
CD Rollout
4001 Pacific Coast Hwy. #104, Torrance, CA 90505
PH: 310-791-7624 FX: 310-406-2109
Mike Naylor
info@cdrollout.com
www.cdrollout.com
We offer CD and DVD replication, manufacturing as well as a wide range of services to market and promote your project. It's our "one-stop-shop" convenience that sets us apart from other companies.
Play-It Productions
259 W. 30th St. 3rd Fl. New York, NY 10001
PH: 212-695-6530 FX: 212-695-4304
info@play-itproductions.net
www.play-itproductions.net
Founded in 1990 to provide local musicians and other content owners with a one stop solution for all of their duplication and graphic needs no matter the size of the project.
5.3 RESOURCES - MASTERING
The Mastering Room
480 Baldur Run St., Las Vegas, NV 89148
PH: 415-948-4734
Greg Forsberg
info@themasteringroom.com
www.themasteringroom.com
World Class CD Mastering and Replication. Give your music the edge over your competition. Luxury Mastering at indie rates.
Masterwork Recording
1020 N. Delaware Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19125
PH: 215-423-1022 FX: 215-423-6020
Albert Oon
albert@masterworkrecording.com
www.masterworkrecording.com
We have been providing professional high resolution mastering services to major labels and artists of every kind for nearly three decades. Although we’ve seen tremendous changes in the music business and recording technology during that time, we’re still doing what we’ve always done well – delivering results. In our business, that means a superior mastering experience, and superior product.
5.4 RESOURCES - MERCH
stickersandmore.com
art@stickersandmore.com
www.stickersandmore.com
Since 1995 our goal has been to provide our clients with quality custom merch, fast service, knowledgeable assistance, all at competitive prices. Twelve years later, and 3500 clients worldwide, our goal remains the same. Thank you for stopping by and visiting us. We hope to be part of your next custom imprint project. We will be featuring talented bands here on stickersandmore.com so look out for some fresh new artists! If you are a young or veteran band and would like to be a featured artist on stickersandmore.com please subimt an image (JPG, PNG, GIF, PSD), contact information and a couple of MP3s to the above e-mail address.
Seatthole Shirts
PO Box 3137, Bellingham, WA 98227
PH: 360-733-2154
Django Bohren
info@seatthole.com
www.seatthole.com
High-quality custom t-shirt screen printing and Rock n' Roll promotional items for your high-, medium-, low- or no-budget project.
Sinergy Merchandising Concepts (SMC)
PO Box 1908, Spring Hill, TN 37174
PH: 615-261-8592 (Nashville, TN)
PH: 714-989-8008 (Orange County, CA)
sales@smcincorporated.com
www.smcincorporated.com
SMC began as a distributor of merchandise for the entertainment industry in 2000. We targeted the music industry and specialized in the design and production of band & artist merchandise. SMC has always kept the end user in mind and never compromised our goal. This goal being: To provide the best product for the best price and deliver it on time. We have come a long way since February of 2000, but one thing has and will always remain the same, our passion for good design, excellent customer service, and most importantly, our attention to detail and superior quality.
5.5 RESOURCES - MUSIC EQUIPMENT
Sam Ash Music
PH: 800-472-6274 FX: 800-818-9050
www.samash.com
The only online musical instrument website backed by over 80 years of experience servicing the needs of musicians - from beginners to professionals. Every one of our sales associates are pros that can answer any question about the gear we sell. Yes, we actually have musicians, producers and DJs working in our call centers.
The Hook Studios
PH: 818-759-4665
Mike Frenchik
mike@thehookstudios.com
www.thehookstudios.com
Featuring one of the industry's premiere inventories of classic & comtemporary microphones, The Hook offers affordable rental packages for tracking drums, guitars, and vocals. We cater to engineers, producers, labels, and production companies whose projects have limited budgets, yet demand the highest standards. Contact us today, and put "The Hook" in your recordings.
5.6 RESOURCES - STUDIOS
Metalworks Studios
3611 Mavis Rd. Mississauga, ON L5C 1T7
PH: 905-279-4000 FX: 905-279-4006
paul@metalworksstudios.com
www.metalworksstudios.com
We have expanded over 25 years into a six studio powerhouse, and today ranks as Canada’s consummate world-class studio facility. Recognized for an unprecedented Eleven consecutive years as "RECORDING STUDIO OF THE YEAR" (1998 – 2008) at the CMW Canadian Music Industry Awards, Metalworks has become the undisputed leader in the recording studio business in Canada. It is little wonder that Gold & Platinum record awards line the corridors at Metalworks. Prince, Tina Turner, David Bowie, The Cranberries, D12, Guns and Roses, Bruce Springsteen, N’Sync and Christina Aguilera chose to make themselves part of the Metalworks legend, as well as film stars Catherine Zeta Jones, Rene Zellweger, Steven Segal, Richard Gere, and Denise Richards, to name a few.
Lamont Audio
534 S. Honeysuckle Ln. Gilbert, AZ 85296
PH: 480-503-3004
Sandy Lamont
sandy@lamontaudio.com
www.lamontaudio.com
Striving to provide cutting edge sound and service at affordable rates. Specializing in Country, Rock, Jazz, Old R&B, Gospel & New Age. Custom & vintage equipment. 30 years experience in recording and production. The studio provides digital, analog, and midi recording in a laid back relaxing setting.
Virtuo Sound Studio
4894 Farm Valley Dr. Woodstock, GA 30188
PH: 770-367-2132
Josh
contact@virtuosoundstudio.com
www.virtuosoundstudio.com
Audio recording, mixing & mastering, post-production/film audio (suitable for projects at all levels).
5.7 RESOURCES - EDUCATIONAL
TuneBlog
PO Box 20475, Louisville, KY, 40250
PH: 502-593-9910
Matt Heitzmann tuneblog@tuneray.com
www.tuneblogmusic.blogspot.com
Gives marketing advice to up and coming indie artists and labels. Music submission site reviews and artist Q&A are on-going features of the blog.
Indie Week Toronto
www.indieweek.com
Giving Indie artists a chance to participate, be seen and be discovered, it's as simple as that. Additionally chances to meet and learn from industry professionals are also abundant. I have seen so many great bands that deserve attention and success; INDIE WEEK is just one more opportunity for bands to get a leg up. The best way to apply is online through Sonicbids www.sonicbids.com
Harris Institute
118 Sherbourne St., Toronto, ON M5A 2R2
PH: 416-367-0178 FX: 416-367-5534
info@harrisinstitute.com
www.harrisinstitute.com
A leader in music industry education since 1989. Students have come from over sixty countries and every province in Canada. A 68 member award winning faculty teaches the private college's 100 students.
5.8 RESOURCES - TOOLS
Independent For Life Music Contracts
Phil Peretz
phil@philperetz.com
www.indie4life.com
We have an entire 300 page directory of 80-plus contracts for all business situations. We deliver them by pdf, the artist, manager or label can download the document for free and then, if they see one that they want, they can order the modifiable word document. Cheap...only $4.95 per contract. We use PayLoadz and Paypal so, ordering and delivery is immediate and inexpensive.
The Patchbay
getconnected@thepatchbay.com
www.thepatchbay.com
Compare all the best quotes to manufacture vinyl records CDs, & CDRs. One click to email thousands of companies and announce your new music. Promo Page for secure distribution of your high resolution promotional materials. Mailing labels with cover letters for companies that don't respond to your email. Connections log of companies you contact so you can follow up with a call or fax. Radioactive widget to make fans an active part of your radio promotion.
MyNewsletterBuilder
comments@mynewsletterbuilder.com
www.mynewsletterbuilder.com
A user-friendly, feature-rich, online newsletter management program for novices and professionals alike.
5.8 RESOURCES - ONLINE COMMUNITIES
epiTUNES
PO Box 1389, Los Angeles, CA 90078
www.epitunes.com
A music discovery portal that encompasses searchable directories for live music venues, music event listings, and artists and bands by genre, as well as podcasts, online radio and social networking.
SECTION SIX: THIS MONTH'S ARTICLE
Top 10 Mistakes Artists Make
by David Hooper, Music Business Radio
© 2009 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission
If you want to get a record deal, get people to your shows, or sell music like crazy, the answer isn't some kind of "magic pill" website that you post your music on, blindly sending out a bunch of demos, or anything to do with having good music... although good music certainly helps. The answer is to develop a mindset that naturally attracts people to what you're doing as well as an understanding of how the music business game is played.
As you develop as a person, your music career will develop with you. Sounds crazy, but it's true, and I've seen it time and time again, with thousands of acts that I've worked with, from garage bands, to the guys selling out arenas.
Of course, part of developing includes making mistakes along the way. Check out these ten common music business mistakes, and ways to avoid them...
10. Being too difficult (or too nice)
First of all, let’s get this clear... Just because you wrote a few good songs and recorded them, it doesn’t mean the world revolves around you. Lots of people write and record good songs, so get in line.
Contrary to what the online rumor mill or media would have you believe, people in the music business are involved because they love music, and they’re not making enough to deal with jerks. And they won’t deal with jerks. If you’re a pain, they’re just go to the next guy, who also writes good songs, but has a better attitude.
With that said, don’t be too nice. You don’t have to say yes to everything. Pick your battles. If there is something you really feel strongly about, don’t settle for anything less.
Bottom line: Keep your ego in check and behave with courtesy and respect. At the same time, don't let anyone treat with you anything less.
9. Trying to convince people of anything...
You play music, and people have strong opinions about music. Either people get what you’re doing or they don’t.
So, some reviewer, booking agent, or manager doesn't like your new album. Let it go! Don't try to convince him he'll like it better after a second listen. He won't. And the more you press him to give your music another shot, the more he’ll remember how annoying you were. This means he’ll be far less open to ever listening to you again.
There are a lot of people who won't "hear it" when you approach them. So what? Move on. There are plenty of other people in this business who can help you. Go find the people who do "hear it" and put your energy into building good relationships with them instead.
8. Looking for industry approval
There was a time when the "industry" had a lot more pull when it came to breaking an artist, getting them distributed, and everything else. This is a new time, so we're playing with different rules now.
Distribution is easy. Every day, more and more albums and songs are being sold online, physically and digitally. Recording music is easier than ever. You are not limited by a lack of options for getting something recorded that sounds professional.
But more importantly, once you get a recording together, you don't need the industry to tell you your music is worthy. The consumers, the people who buy music, are really the only opinions that matter. And when you have the love of the consumers, the industry will come around.
The thing is, in the music industry, technology has changed faster than mindset. Stop believing you are at the mercy of any record label executive. You're not. Connect directly with your fans on your terms. The feedback, loyalty and money you receive from them will be far more gratifying than you spending your time beating your head against a wall trying to figure out a way to get an approving nod from a record label.
7. Not building strong relationships with fans
People aren't stupid. They know when they're being marketed to. They know when you're looking to sell them something.
Do they mind? No.
In fact, if you have a good relationship with your fans, they won't mind being marketed to, and if you do it well, they look forward to being marketed to. However, they have to know you care. Building relationships with fans take time. You have to show them you care.
Do things like:
• Give them a few free songs to download.
• Have message board on your website and build a community there.
• Do a "fan appreciation" show.
• Record a holiday album or an EP that you give out exclusively to members of your fan club.
Show them in special ways that you not only care, but that you're willing to go the extra mile to show your appreciation. In turn, they will buy your music, travel to see you play, call radio stations on your behalf, and promote you all over the web.
Every day – no matter if you're busy recording, on the road, or at home worrying about how you're going to find the money to make your project happen – do something (no matter how small the gesture is) to reach out to your fans.
6. Not "getting" how the fan/artist relationship works
You’re the leader and your fans do the following. You make the offer, they choose whether or not to accept.
Take charge, record the music, play the shows, print the t-shirts, and let them have the options of buying your album, coming to see you, or getting something to wear.
The average person has enough leadership duties to deal with in his or her own day. People are looking for somebody else to take control, so take control and let them ride along for a little while.
5. Laying Everything on the Table...
You're a rock star. You’re living the dream. Keep up that fantasy. Don't tell people how broke you are, that you're still living with your mother, or anything else that breaks the image of you fans have in their minds.
One of the reasons people like music is because they have the opportunity to live vicariously through the people they are listening to. When you are on stage, they're up there with you. When you're on the road in your tour bus, they're riding shotgun. Don't take that away.
Give them insight into your life and what it's like in your world, but always remember, you're not just selling music – you're also selling a persona.
4. Thinking the key to success is just musical talent, money, or looks
Yes, if we're talking about pop music, MTV, or the major label system, a certain amount of a contrived "image" probably helps sell records.
Obviously, money helps things. And it's always good if you can play and sing.
But "image" without marketing won’t get you on MTV. Good songs without marketing won’t get you on the radio. You can play well, have money, and look like a model, but if you don't have the marketing to back you up, none of it matters.
You know what? If you don’t have a good, solid marketing plan in place, everything else doesn't matter so much.
3. Giving up power
Keep control as long as you can. Yes, a label deal will give you opportunity that being an indie won't. And a professional manager has connections that you don't.
But when you sign with these guys, you're handing over your career to somebody else. Nobody cares as much about your career than you do. When you and your talent are the most important commodity you have to offer, do not give up your power easily and without a damn good reason.
Your music is worth something. You are worth something. Think of your career as being "virtual real estate" which, if marketed correctly, will pay dividends for years to come. So, treat it like that.
2. Jumping at every opportunity
You don't have to say yes to everything. In fact, sometimes, saying no to something can be more beneficial to your career than saying yes.
Why do you say yes to things? Take a look at your standards and make sure they’re high enough. As an example, just because a club has a PA system, it doesn't mean that it's worth playing there. There are some gigs that just aren't worth playing. There are some connections that just aren't worth developing.
When you say yes to something, especially something that takes your time, you're likely saying no to a host of other things by default. Leave yourself open to saying yes to the opportunities that really matter.
Trust your own judgment. If something doesn't feel right and you want to say no, it's okay. At that moment, you may worry you're passing up a great opportunity and will be missing out. The reality is better opportunities (that are a better fit for you) will come if you are open and ready for them.
1. Not getting help
You don't know everything. This business has been around for a long time – long before you were involved.
Read books, get advice from people who work in the industry and keep studying every aspect of the industry. Don't be afraid to ask for help. You can bypass a lot of the problems you're likely to run into simply by asking people who have already been in, and dealt with, the situations you find yourself in.
Remember this: Time is worth more than money. You can always earn more money, but you have a limited amount of time. Don't waste your time. If you don't know something, or need specific help, don't be afraid to pay somebody to help you deal with whatever obstacle you face. Don't let anything stop you from having all the knowledge and know-how you need to have the success you aspire to have.
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David Hooper has been serving the independent music community for over a decade and is host of the syndicated radio show, Music Business Radio. Visit www.MusicMarketing.com for more information on David and additional music business advice. For more Top 10 lists, go to
www.musicmarketing.com/top_10
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