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Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Sites Where You Can Get Your Music Reviewed 3. Radio Shows that will Play Your Music 4. Services/Labels that will Help to Sell Your Music 5. Sites Where You Can Upload Your Band's MP3s or Videos 6. Helpful Music Resources 7. Writing a Band Bio by Suzanne Glass, Indie-Music.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- STOP JUST SELLING CDs! Own or control quality material (IN ANY GENRE)?? Then pursue licensing opportunities for your music with indie911. One of our artists just landed an $85,000 licensing deal for a single song - that's a lot of CD's to sell! BILLBOARD: "indie911 is MUCH MORE EVOLVED than most" MUSIC CONNECTION: "indie911 has become one of THE FASTEST GROWING INDEPENDENT MUSIC COMMUNITIES by providing the resources that artists need to grow a career." MSNBC: "THE BEST TOOL FOR AN ASPIRING ARTIST or executive that has EVER come across my desk" Guest Accounts are STILL FREE so HURRY UP. LISTENING IS ALWAYS FREE at http://indie911.com Call us: 310-943-7164 --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION Enter Your Songs in the 10th Annual USA Songwriting Competition. Win $50,000 Grand Prize worth of cash, cool music gear from Sony, Steinberg, Ibanez Guitars, Audio-Techica and more! Not to mention radio ariplay for winning songs. Judges include A&R from Universal, BMG, EMI, Warner and SONY Music. Enter today! Get your entry form from the Internet now at: http://www.songwriting.net --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- GUITARISTS: WHERE DO YOU BUY YOUR STRINGS??? www.StringThis.com is your resource for buying BULK online. Find your favorite name brand strings, and buy them in bulk! Choose from our discount price packages- the more you buy, the more you save! Buy strings like the stores do, by the box! ELIXIR, D'ADDARIO, ERNIE BALL, GHS, DR, MARTIN strings in stock! Find out more about our prices--> www.stringthis.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- THIS MONTH'S PRIZE WINNERS This month's winner of the Sennheiser E835 microphone (visit http://www.sennheiserusa.com ) - Trevor Oswalt, Brooklyn, NY This month's winner of a pair of Sennheiser HD280Pro headphones (visit http://www.sennheiserusa.com ) - Noah Plante, Columbus, OH This month's winners of the A&R Directory (for more information visit http://www.musicregistry.com ) are: - Hassan El-Gendi, New York, NY - Shirley Steele, Vinton, VA 24179 This month's winners of The Indie Band Manager (for more information on this program, visit http://www.indiebandmanager.com) are: - Keith Roberts, Sparks, NV 89434 - Connie Parker, Houston, TX This month's 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.promoteyourmusic.com ) is: - Robyn Landis, Vashon, WA The winner of the Galaris Musician's Directory (for more information visit http://www.galaris.com/GMD.html?icb ) is: Laurence Graber, Brooklyn, NY ------------------------------------------------------------------- DMI Digital OnRamp – Sell your music on iTunes, Napster, Real & More! Interested in exposing your music to a worldwide audience? Do you want the best royalties, no up-front fees, and easiest process available for distributing your music through digital retailers? Digital Musicworks International (DMI) announces "Digital OnRamp" - the easiest, most cost-effective way for artists and labels worldwide to distribute their music online. Through the Digital OnRamp service, artists and labels will gain improved worldwide exposure and increased sales opportunities as well as increased business transparency. For more information, visit http://www.digitalmusicworks.com/onramp ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- MP3.COM COFOUNDER CREATES AN AUCTION HOUSE FOR SONG COPYRIGHTS Former founding music director of MP3.com has announced that he has created the world’s first auction house dedicated to the sale of music related copyrights. AuctionSongs.com is a new site where independent musicians can sell their songs to the highest bidder. This opens a new method of income for talented musicians who can offer either the sound recording or composition copyrights of their songs. For Further Information please contact: http://www.auctionsongs.com Chad Gillies chad@auctionsongs.com ------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. INTRODUCTION Welcome to the March Indie Contact Newsletter. Suzanne Glass of Indie-Music.com has written a very helpful article listing the key elements to be considered when creating your "Band Bio". This is an area where artists either get a nice jump on things, or shoot themselves in the foot...right out of the starting gate. I'd like to welcome a new sponsor this month. 3000 Records will be offering "2" prizes in the April draw. The first prize is a free listing through CD Register. This includes 90 days promotion to radio, magazines, film & T.V. production companies and record companies. See http://www.cdregister.com for more info. The second prize is free space on an Indie 360 Compilation CD (Push Play Volume 2). Your song will be promoted to music industry connections around the world. You will receive potential airplay, reviews, film & T.V. placement, and additional promotion to help you gain new fans. See http://www.indie360.com for more info. I often get people asking me to resend them newsletters from various months. Just a reminder that ALL past newsletters are available online. You can view them at: https://www.indiebible.com/newsletter As is the case every month, there is a large group of new contacts in this newsletter that can help you to gain more exposure for your music. So dig in, and enjoy the March issue of The Indie Contact Newsletter! David Wimble The Indie Contact Newsletter newsletter@indiebible.com ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Below are the contacts that were submitted to me in February. 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. Services/labels that will help you to sell/promote your music 4. Sites where you can upload your band's MP3s or videos 5. Helpful resources and promotional sites for recording artists ---------------------------------------------------------------------- HAS YOUR MUSIC BEEN FEATURED IN NEW YORK TIMES? Beat Wire will deliver your press release directly to the desk tops of over 5000 music editors at daily newspapers, magazines, news agencies, top Web sites, radio stations--every place you need to be promoted. Whether it's a new CD, upcoming tour, charity concert, or any other music-associated event you want to announce, there is hardly anything more potentially rewarding than a positive response to a well-written press release. Our clients have had their music featured in major media outlets like New York Times, CNN, Entertainment Weekly and USA Today to name just a few. In addition to press release distribution, Beat Wire can also write a press release for you. For more information, please got to http://www.beatwire.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- SELL THOUSANDS OF CDs ON THE INTERNET! "How to Build a Music Web Site That Sells" is a step-by-step guide to the best-kept secrets of selling more CDs on the Internet you ever thought was possible. "This is the most on-the-money best laid-out easy and entertaining incredibly informative absolutely accurate and insightful book I have ever seen on the subject of promoting your music online." - Derek Sivers, CDBaby and Hostbaby Beat major labels on the Web: http://www.musicpromotiontips.com ------------------------------------------------------------------ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 2. SITES/PUBLICATIONS WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ HitClick Indie Music Network 138 W. 14th St. Tucson, AZ 85701 PH: 520-867-6686 FX: 216-929-1049 Avallon Julian Rai avallon.pm-div@hitclick.net http://www.hitclick.net Offers "Band Finder" for fans searching for new music on the internet & MP3 Reviews. Mantis Magazine PO Box 9566, Silver Spring, MD 20916 PH: 301-980-4777 Mark M. Chou admin@mantismagazine.com http://www.mantismagazine.com A web magazine reviewing primarily Rock, Alt, Hip-Hop, Emo-type acts. We also feature artist profiles / interviews and photography. AlternativeAddiction.com 400 E. 77th, 2L, New York, NY 10021 PH: 917-991-2756 FX: 336-778-0170 Dru Rajacich dru@alternativeaddiction.com http://www.alternativeaddiction.com Features spotlights unsigned bands by offering both CD reviews and the possibility to have your song listed in our Top 10. We currently receive over 150,000 unique visitors per month. We also offer indie band banners for just $35/month Northeast In-Tune Magazine & E-Zine PO Box 355, Epping, NH 03042-0355 PH: 603-767-4440 Bob Donovan Editor@northeastintune.com http://www.northeastintune.com Indie Music, Arts/Body Art publication focusing on music of the Northeast (NJ, NY, New England). ReVaMP 2001 Table Rock Rd. #24, Medford, OR 97501 PH: 503-351-0487 Erik Beyer info@revampmusic.com http://www.revampmusic.com Promoting music in Southern Oregon. We do CD reviews for bands and labels across the globe! Chain-Whipped Magazine 2976 Washington Blvd. Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 PH: 216-397-1191 Warren Davis chain-whipped@chain-whipped.com http://www.chain-whipped.com Artist interviews, CD reviews, DVD reviews, and miscellaneous bollocks. Born in the back alleys of Tokyo and spreading like a virus worldwide. Modern Guitars Magazine 11 Ridge Rd. Norton, MA 02766 PH: 508-285-7651 Brian D. Holland bholland@modernguitars.com http://www.modernguitars.com/holland My main interest is to introduce and promote deserving musicians and bands to our readers. This mainly pertains to guitar oriented material, of course, but can be of any musical genre. Recognition is my primary goal. Supply me with anything guitar/music related. General news and pre-release CDs/DVDs for review. Being There Magazine 220 Viceroy Rd, #13 Concord, ON L4K 3C2 PH: 647-881-8884 FX: 905-764-8367 Cari Crosby cari@beingtheremag.com http://www.beingtheremag.com An online music & film magazine for the literary minded. We include interviews, features, and reviews. Kriselen Traxx PO Box 158, Rialto, CA 92376 Kristine Capalla Kris@kriselen.com http://www.kriselentraxx.com Provides interviews, reviews, news, show dates, and profiles on the indie music scene. Westcoast Indie #507, 2005 Pendrell St. Vancouver, BC V6G 1T8 PH: 604-505-9492 Waynerd webmaster@westcoastindie.com http://www.westcoastindie.com Online music community for West Coast musicians to connect, post shows and news. Also does reviews. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right now Brocket 99 Entertainment is giving bands, websites and small businesses a chance to promote themselves to thousands of listeners through the VR Radio Network of online stations. You get one free :30 second radio spot which will be played on the VR Radio network. The only catch is that you have to produce the commercial yourself or have someone else do it. Just send your completed commercial on MP3 to spots@brocket99.com You can find more information here: http://www.michaelanthonyshow.com/commercials.htm --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- Get started selling your CDs at IndieGate.com for only $30.00 Have you wanted to get involved with the online indie pioneers at the InterMixx IndieGate, but those pesky $$$ were holding you back? Well, not any more! Sell your indie CD through the InterMixx IndieGate and get started right now for a low set-up fee of only $30.00. It's never been this affordable to get involved with InterMixx, so let the company that's been helping the indie market grow for almost 20 years help YOUR market to grow as well! Please visit http://www.IndieGate.com and become a Merchant Member right now! --------------------------------------------------------------------- @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 3. RADIO SHOWS THAT WILL PLAY YOUR MUSIC @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ SIRIUS OutQ 1221 Ave of the Americas PH: 212-584-5334 FX: 212-584-5200 Charlie Dyer cdyer@siriusradio.com http://www.sirius.com/outq America's only 24/7 radio station for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Provocative, entertaining- even titillating! Plus news, interviews and music from GLBT recording artists. Newgrass, Prog & More! Live365.com HCR 66, Box 1999, Mathews, VA 23109 Steve Sikes-Nova/virginiaprograsser MFSB@SAFe-mail.net http://www.live365.com/stations/virginiaprograsser http://www.progressiveradiocat.com The best in Newgrass, Progressive Rock, Indie & Alternative. Musicians are welcome to submit CDs. The Electric Croude WCVE 23 Sesame St. Richmond, VA 23235 PH: 804-560-8172 George Maida George_Maida@wcve.pbs.org http://wcve.org The show is a one hour weekly sampler that airs Saturday night in central VA. As far as music goes, the show is very eclectic and I play both acoustic and electric. The only genre I don't play is Rap. Roots Rock Radio PO Box 1307, Sykesville, MD 21784 PH: 410-978-9807 Richard Roots@RRRadio.com http://RRRadio.com The home of indie Roots Rock-Radio shows, podcasts, articles, reviews, and more of Indie Roots Rock, garage Rock, alt Country, & rockin' Rhythm & Blues artists. SayHy Radio 9442 Leo Dr. Brighton, MI 48116 PH: 517-861-9380 Ron Howard info@sayhyradio.com http://www.sayhyradio.com An internet radio station that plays only indie and unsigned music 24/7 365! Writer's Block WDVX PO Box 18157, Knoxville, TN 37928 Karen E. Reynolds writersblockinfo@aol.com http://www.writersblockonline.com Airing ONLY independent performing songwriters. This program was created to bring attention to original artists that deserve being listened to. Whether you like Blues, Folk, Rock or Americana the show offers something for every listener. With interviews, A NEW LIVE PERFORMANCE SERIES, in studio performances and airing cuts from the artist's CDs. RelaxRadio Ron Trigwell relaxradio@perthinternet.com http://www.relaxradio.net.au Australian Internet Radio Station supporting Independent Artists worldwide. We play most genres of music except the Heavy Youth Genres of today. Evolving Artist 18 Mill St. Southbridge, MA 01550 ATTN: Derek Tremblay PH: 508-764-9500 FX: 508-764-9501 Craig Frand craig.frand@evolvingartist.com http://evolvingartist.com There are tons of great opps for exposure with Evolving Artist Media! You can submit your CDs/ MP3s for consideration for ENGAGE Internet Radio. And there is no charge if we ad your songs to our playlist. You can also submit your DVDs/ MPEGs for consideration for Evolving Artist Internet Television. And like internet radio, there is no charge if we add your videos to our playlist. ExtraPlay.com Radio Nicholas Cope marketing@extraplay.com http://extraplay.com Broadcasts unsigned band music world wide, 24 hours a day, everyday, non stop. Unsigned band and unsigned artist songs from both the UK and the US. We'd like to hear your music. If you'd like to make your sound available and broadcast on our radio, register today. What's the Buzz WCNI 247 Haley Rd. Ledyard, CT 06339 PH: 860-572-2705 John Fogg Jr. buzzradiowcni@aol.com http://oak.conncoll.edu/wcni A weekly 3 hour show. Christian Rock, Pop & Hip-Hop. I am happy to play the music of independent artists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DISC MAKERS Offers a variety of FREE guides to help you to succeed in the music business. Guides include: - Tips to help you get radio airplay as an independent artist. - Guide to making a great master - Learn the difference post production can make with your CD - Independent Filmmaker's Guide (learn how to package, distribute, and promote your independent film) For your free guides visit http://www.discmakers.com/imbible ----------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------- Do your records rock? Do they sound huge like the big names? Punchy, warm, loud? Better than the competition? If not, Rare Form Mastering is the answer. Our experienced engineers, mastering grade processing and reference monitoring can bring that major label sound to your music. From your original mixes to the final delivery master, from our engineer's hands to your fans' stereo or surround system. Whether CD, DVD or vinyl, we have the experience to make your music sound the way your audience wants it to sound. Put our 2,500+ albums of mastering experience to work for you. http://www.RareFormMastering.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 4. SERVICES/LABELS THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Solnze Records Russiam 129090, Moscow, per.Vasnezova11/2-9, Russia PH: +7-095-6845383 Oleg Tarasov info@solnzerecords.com http://www.solnzerecords.com Label/Distributor/Booking Agency for unusual music that's not mainstream. Broken Record Productions 1210 Gamma, Pasadena, TX 77504 PH: 832-457-7790 Devon Mikeska devon@brokenrecordproductions.com http://www.brokenrecordproductions.com A full service music/live event video production company as well as artist management/development. benzull1972 26 Well St. Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 1ER UK PH: 07833337316 Benny Edgar melbenny@yarco.fsnet.co.uk http://www.benzull1972.com Fast service with cheap prices on new DVDs and UK Hip Hop. We also promote new bands in the UK. Indie or Die Records 3160 N. Jog Rd. #11206, West Palm Beach, FL 33411 PH: 561-762-0099 Frankie T. indieordierecords@pegrp.com http://www.pegrp.com Record label for DIY bands. No contracts and no BS. Demo's accepted 24/7. AFBPromotions Wednesday Elektra wednesday@aidforbands.com http://www.aidforbands.com We have been promoting underground musicians and music services since 1996. Currently we are an international street team service specializing in online and offline promotions and marketing for our roster artists. Street Corner Records PH: 407-595-7569 Dennis Vinegar dmenace@streetcornerrecords.com http://www.streetcornerrecords.com A nationwide retailer and producer of Hip Hop music. IndiePodcasting.com 314 Centre St., South Orange, NJ 07079 PH: 973-763-9215 Tony Alexander webmaster@indiepodcasting.com http://www.indiepodcasting.com A new service devoted to promoting unsigned and indie artists using a combination of podcasting technology, syndication, and viral marketing. On That Note Entertainment 525 Mt. Pleasant Ave. West Orange, NJ 07052 PH: 973-486-0867 FX: 973-486-0875 Dan Balassone dan@onthatnote.net http://www.onthatnote.net A full service booking agency working with national and regional acts of all types and genres. RES - Registrazioni e Suoni PO Box 292, 31100 Treviso Centrale - Italy PH: +39-335-8409306 FX: +39-0422-235743 Joachim Thomas info@res-net.org http://www.res-net.org A record label always looking for new music. Prodigal Son Entertainment 115 Penn Warren Dr. Ste. 300, Box 145, Brentwood, TN 37027 PH: 615-377-0057 Scott E. Williams prodigalsonents@aol.com http://www.prodigalson-entertainment.com Artist management & development. Indie & signed mainstream and Christian (no Rap/Urban). Number 3 Records 5870 Franklin Ave. #302, Los Angeles, CA 90028 PH: 323-605-8199 toddrick spalding toddrick@number3records.com http://www.number3records.com A diverse independent label formed from a true love of music. Also, the best records you never heard! GRUUVE Music Search & Syndication 333 Cobalt Way #107, Sunnyvale, CA 94085 PH: 408-678-1000 or 647-722-4181 Daya Baran mail@gruuve.com http://www.gruuve.com We provide artists, DJs, podcasters and content providers a way to build their distribution. GRUUVE offers a free fan club system, tracklist, photo gallery and event listings. Dubxpress On-Demand Music Publishing 146 A McKnight Circle, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 PH: 412-519-8250 Peter Sysko pete@dubxpress.com http://www.dubxpress.com Free manufacturing and distribution integration for artists that cannot afford to manufacture their own products. For musicians that do offer their own products, they receive a merchant page and receive 95% of all sales. Addic Records 14 E. Hughes St. PO Box 145, Belfast, NY 14711 PH: 585-365-8021 Scott AddicRecords@hotmail.com http://www.addicrecords.com Hip Hop/R&B Independent Label. Bios, songs, artists, pictures, release dates n' where to purchase artist's Albums!! FRG Records 101 Upper Abbey Rd. Belvedere, London, DA17 5AF UK PH: 01322-403-593 Steve Lane steve.lane4@ntlworld.com http://frgrecords.com We are looking for new artists. Pop, Dance, RnB, Hip Hop, Drum & Bass, Rock, Indie, Soul and more. All styles of music are welcome. -------------------------------------------------------------------- GET YOUR MUSIC HEARD! The Indie Bible lists 4200 publications that will REVIEW your CD and 3400 Radio Stations that will PLAY your Songs. ALL genres of music are covered! "316 Pages of Pure Gold!" Guitar Player Magazine, February 2005 Order online today at https://www.indiebible.com or visit your local Guitar Center, Sam Ash, Borders, Virgin Records or Barnes & Noble (in Canada at Long & McQuade). -------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Your website is how all labels, radio, writers, and fans see you. Is it professional, current, complete, and easy for you to update? If not, you need HOSTBABY - WEB HOSTING FOR MUSICIANS. Your own ".com" domain, with no HTML needed, will have automatic concert calendars, streaming audio, mailing list management, photo All of this for only $20/month. See a tour at http://hostbaby.com No payment to start. First month free. Sign up with no commitment. Web hosting for musicians, by Derek Sivers, founder of CD Baby. Bring your music career to the next level. http://hostbaby.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 5. SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3s OR VIDEOS @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Syndicate Entertainment 1016 Morse Ave. #17, Sunnyvale, CA 94089 PH: 408-744-9092 David Mack dmack@se-global.com http://www.syndicateentertainment.com Entertainment company dedicated to the advancement of the independent music community. Sell your music online today! Digital Beat Music Etappitie 3 a 202 95400 PH: +358-405094034 Kimmo Rinta-Pollari digitalbeat@lycos.com http://www.digitalbeatmusic.com Independent Electronica label and MP3 hosting service for artists. Parasme Records 42 Milton Rd., Cowes, Isle Of Wight, PO31 7PX UK PH: 01983-200416 Parasme ian@parasme.com http://www.parasme.com Ambient, Experimental and Electronic digital distribution record label. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW! Subscribe to the Online Version of the Indie Bible - Search through the 8000+ contacts electronically - Send emails to contacts online - Click on links to go directly to websites - Updates are automatically included in the online database How? The Indie Bible Online is available through LiveWire Musician. Simply sign up for a free account with LiveWire http://indiebible.lwcr.com/indiebible/signup and click on PRICING to subscribe to the Indie Bible Online. It's only $36.95 for a full year. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 6. HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAND @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Artistopia - The Ultimate Music Artist Resource PO Box 3538, Alexandria, VA 22302 FX: 703-566-7500 Donna Liguria info@artistopia.com http://www.artistopia.com Professional presentation of the music artist to the music industry, with comprehensive profile and press kit building tools, artist development, musician community, and services. Indie Managers Association (IMA) 554 N. Frederick Ave. #218, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 PH: 240-638-5060 FX: 240-597-1330 Jeremy Rwakaara jeremy@indiemanagers.com http://www.indiemanagers.com Exists to promote and educate this and the next generation of independent music managers and self-managed artists; and connect managers with artists seeking representation. Visual Image Marketing PO Box 120576, Nashville, TN 37212 PH: 615-419-0886 Steve Baker sbaker@visualimagemarketing.com http://www.visualimagemarketing.com Awareness marketing for your video products that targets viewers and impacts sales. We specialize in Country & Americana video promotion & marketing. Pear Music Ltd. Unit 65a, Eurolink Business Centre, Effra Rd. London, SW2 1BZ UK PH: +44 (0) 207-274-2006 FX: +44 (0) 207-274-2552 Esther esther@lovelypear.com http://www.lovelypear.com Releases quality song based tracks with Dance remixes from artists across the globe. Previous releases have been supported by by key players in the scene. Gold Guitars Music Box 348, Omar, WV 25638 PH: 304-946-4808 Stephanie gold_guitars@yahoo.com http://goldguitars.atspace.com A music publishing and music supervision company that also offers consultation services. We can also critique your material and give you helpful information to help better your songs. ABC Pictures 1867 E. Florida St. Springfield, MO 65803-4583 PH: 888-526-5336 http://www.abcpictures.com Quality publicity picture reproduction, posters, 8x10's, headshots & composites for the entertainment industry. Busy Beaver Button Co. PO Box 87676, Chicago, IL 60680 PH: 773-645-3359 Christen Carter buttongal@busybeaver.net http://www.busybeaver.net We make custom buttons good, fast and cheap! CDstands.com 30 Compton Way, Hamilton Sq. NJ 08690 PH: 609-689-1711 info@cdreview.com http://cdstands.com We manufacture our own line of CD Boxes for artists to sell their music at shows or in stores. AcidFlyers.com 4491 62nd Ave. N. #210, Pinellas Park, FL 33781 PH: 727- 520-7399 FX: 727- 520-0430 Brooks Palmer brooks@acidflyers.com http://www.acidflyers.com Good source for printing club flyers, business cards, postcards and posters. Bandwear.com PH: 877-226-3932 http://makeit.bandwear.com A full-service merchandising company. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out the new InterMixx DIScPLAY! Now indies can sell more CDs at live events with this durable mobile listening station! Comes complete with integrated CD player. Easily portable, it closes to contain and protect all items neatly. Simple, quick and easy to use... just open it and set it on your merch table. Purchase price includes one set-up fee for IndieGate.com. http://www.DIScPLAY.net --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- SELL THE INDIE BIBLE FROM YOUR WEBSITE AND MAKE SOME EXTRA CASH!! The Indie Bible is one of the most popular resources for Independent Recording Artists in the world. As an affiliate, you will receive $10 US for each sale of the Indie Bible generated through your site! Visit https://www.indiebible.com/thumper.shtml for details. -------------------------------------------------------------------- @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 7. WRITING A BAND BIO by Suzanne Glass, Indie-Music.com © 2007 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Having a little trouble coming up with a decent band bio? Check out these suggestions: 1. Don't worry about writing a book. One page or even a few paragraphs is fine. In fact, most people don't want to read any more than that. 2. Do emphasize your strong points while minimizing areas where you lack. If you have played gigs with well known bands, be sure to list it. If you haven't played many gigs, don't bother mentioning the fact. Go on to your recording, or your other musical experience. Also, while it's OK to "hype" a little bit, never tell any out-and- out lies or make a boast you might not be able to come through on. It will come back to haunt you, and then you will lose all credibility in the reader's eyes. Not to mention these music people talk to each other...and HOW! 3. Do use your band's letterhead to write it on. (You DO have a logo and letterhead, right?) Be consistent in your entire promo package with the image, logo, etc. 4. Don't say your band's music is "not able to be classified". Aside from the fact that a million other bands say the same thing, the music industry contact reading your bio wants and NEEDS to know who you are comparable to. For instance, if someone recommends a movie to you, you probably need to know if it's a horror flick, a romance or whatever before you decide if you want to see it. 5. Do use humor or slight sarcasm if it fits your band's image. But avoid the temptation to go overboard. A bit of humor can make a low budget press kit seem better. Too much is a loser. Also, some types of bands fit into a niche that is more open to humor. Just make sure what you say will not offend anyone. 6. Don't, repeat, DO NOT say you are the coolest, best, or greatest band around, or anything even remotely close to it. Music Industry people want to decide for themselves if you are good or not. Avoid the flowery adjectives. 7. Do list the band's major musical influences. This goes along with trying to give the person an idea of what you sound like. It can work great to come up with a unique description of your music. For instance, Indiana guitarist Michael Kelsey describes his music as "Progressive, aggressive acoustic music". 8. Unless your band has former members of Aerosmith and Van Halen in it, it's probably not a good idea to do one of those story bios. "John was playing in Joe's band until the singer quit. Then John met Steve, who was playing with the Nobodys. They formed a band called The Losers. When the drummer quit, they changed their name to The New Losers", etc. This is irrelevant and, well, boring. Not to mention it shows your lack of ability to keep a band together. It is OK to use an interesting line or two about how the band got started, or how songs are written. It's also OK to add any interesting facts, like maybe your band donates all proceeds from their cassette sales to charity. 9. Of course you want to list all your major accomplishments. Any recordings, awards, education, or whatever. 10. A quick concise listing of each member is good. Sometimes you can do fun things with this like a listing of each members' favorite drink, or other non-relevant stuff. But make sure it works. Nobody really cares what your favorite anything is, so it has to be part of a humorous image. If any members have played in well known bands, it's good to mention it here, but don't make a big deal out of it. 11. You may use a different version of your bio depending on who will be receiving it. For instance, a record label and a club booking agent might need different info to decide if you interest them. A record label wants to know you have it all together: music, business, a fan base, songwriting, etc. A club agent is mostly concerned with whether you have a following that will bring paying business to his club. 12. Do make absolutely sure you have your address and phone number (and your e-mail and website URL, if applicable) listed prominently. This goes for all items in your press kit. Name, address, and number on EVERYTHING. (Demo tape included!) 13. Read other bands' bios. Compare and rewrite. Have other people read and comment on what you write. Make sure it is grammatically correct, with no typos. If you really feel yourself lacking in this area, consider hiring someone to write your bio for you. A good bio is part of the press kit that forms the first impression of your band. Don't mess it up. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Suzanne Glass is the founder of Indie-Music.com, an online magazine that reviews dozens of independent artists each month, includes music charts, audio & internet radio, and how-to-succeed articles for musicians, all at no cost. A paid members option gets your music in rotation with streaming audio, radio, multimedia advertising AND full access to our DIY music industry database with over 7000 venues. https://www.bookingagentsdirectory.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 $49.95 a year. Go to http://www.sonicbids.com/default.asp?pID=1435 today! ------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BOOST TRAFFIC TO YOUR WEBSITE WITH THE INDIE LINK EXCHANGE! The Indie Link Exchange is a list of music sites that wish to exchange links with other music related sites. With over 1200 It's a simple one-to-one exchange of text links or banners. ALL styles of music sites are welcome! http://www.indielinkexchange.com/ile -------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- SELL THE INDIE BIBLE FROM YOUR WEBSITE AND MAKE SOME EXTRA CASH!! The Indie Bible is one of the most popular resources for Independent Recording Artists in the world. As an affiliate, you will receive $10 US for each sale of the Indie Bible generated through your site! Visit https://www.indiebible.com/thumper.shtml for details. -------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Indie-Music.com - Where Serious Musicians Surf One of the original musician resource websites, Indie-Music.com offers thousands of contacts - venues, studios, media, radio, labels, and more. Plus, an extensive archive of how-to's for the music business, and up-to-date commentary on the industry. 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