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
Ryan's Smashing Life
rsl@rslblog.com
www.rslblog.com
Bands and music labels are invited to contact me if they are interested in reaching this blog's large and loyal audience. Send us your track via our dropbox.
Live Blues Tonight
Big Wayne
mynetguy@aol.com
www.livebluestonight.com
Promoting the Blues, one gig at a time!
Smooth & Soul
www.smooth-jazz.de
Germany's most popular Contemporary Jazz review website. News, reviews and interviews.
Makin' It Magazine
PH: 678-528-6925 FX: 888-812-9710
info@makinitmag.com
www.MakinItMag.com
A success guide for the Urban music industry. Our quarterly publication is full of informative articles, resources and contact information that will help take your career to the next level. Each issue is like having an entire music conference delivered to your front door every quarter. Each issue features an Artists Spotlight.
Tranquilizer Records
909-323 Rusholme Rd. Toronto, ON M6H2Z2
PH: 416-433-3763
Jylane Clark reviews@tranquilizerrecords.com
http://www.tranquilizerrecords.com
We are a very genre specific media and PR company. We focus on highly creative Independent Garage, Punk and Art Rock music. Please feel free to email a link to your music, if it interests us we will request a physical copy. Our reviews are done either in our online magazine or through our new radio show OR through our new online TV show.
Insomnia Webzine
Jl. Singandaru 2 rt 002 rw 022 Serang Banten, Indonesia
PH: 087-871-060-602
Eko Prasetyo
insomnia.webzine@yahoo.com
www.insomniawebzine.com
Features reviews of Indie, Pop, Punk and Ska music.
Blues Revue
PO Box 42306, Urbandale, IA 50323
Editor1@bluesrevue.com
www.bluesrevue.com
The World's Blues magazine. To submit your CD for review, please send two copies of the CD to the above address.
Vandala
Box 22001, Vernon, BC V1T 9L7
PH: 250-309-1299 FX: 250-545-4822
Crystal Lee
vandala@vandalaconcepts.com
www.VandalaConcepts.com
Each issue includes reviews and interviews of independent artists from around the world by independent writers.
SECTION TWO: RADIO SHOWS AND PROMOTION
2.1 RADIO - STATIONS AND SHOWS
IMRadio
57 Washington Blvd. #108, Mundelein, IL 60060
PH: 847-566-1539
Paddy Noonan
paddy@IMRadio.com
www.IMRadio.com
A radio station by musicians for musicians. IMRadio is open-source radio which airs original independent musicians' music from around the world, to the world on its over 700+ radio stations. If you have original music, IMRadio will give it airplay!
SwurvRadio
www.swurvradio.com
Streaming online Hip Hop and Rap Music. All free submissions will be reviewed by our Djs and staff for radio play consideration. You must have a profile on our www.swurvradio.ning.com community site and actively interacting with us on our blogs, post, groups and with other SwurvRadio members.
ROCKWIRED Radio
Brian Lush
djlush@rockwired.com
www.rockwired.com
Online radio that rocks! Every artist that comes to ROCKWIRED comes from a different place, not just in terms of genre but in terms of who they are as people - real individuals. You never know what's going to happen next.
Da Radio Show
PO Box 4757, Inglewood, CA 90309-4757
PH: 310-676-4890
daradioshow@uumac.net
www.daradioshow.com
Where Independent Urban Music Lives!
Indie Soup
indiesoupmodernrock@gmail.com
www.indiesouprunner.com
Podcast with music and interviews with independent artists.
The Sunnyside Outbeat Radio
Sun Bell
sun@sunbellproductions.com
www.outbeatradio.org
GLBT radio show on every Sunday from 8 to 9 pm.
KYHY
2600 W. Olive Ave. 5th Fl. Burbank, CA 91504
www.925kyhy.com
New music. Real musicians. Because fans deserve better. The Why has rocked Burbank, Los Angeles County and the World since 2008 and we continue to do so for one reason ??? independent music. Your passion about independent music has made The Why stand the test of time and to dominate over an always-changing radio dial with corporate radio repeat & overplay. Submissions must include our online submission form.
Tranquilizer Records Radio Show
PH: 416-433-3763
Jylane Clark radio@tranquilizerrecords.com
www.tranquilizerrecords.com
We are looking for Garage Rock and Art Rock Artists that would like to be featured on our new radio show that is heard every Wednesday between 10-11pm EST on www.urockradio.net. If interested please submit your music link (no MP3s please) to the above e-mail address and we will advise if we feel your music is a good fit to our show.
The Digital Guy
Bruce Nazarian
bruce@TheDigitalGuy.net
www.thedigitalguy.net
Bringing you the best of music I like, both old and new, classic and 21st century Soul, Funk, Contemporary Jazz, and more - each week will be an exciting musical journey, I promise.
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.
You Rock Radio
8539 W. Sanna St., Peoria, AZ
PH: 623-255-4853
Uncle Indie
yourockmedia@gmail.com
www.yourockradio.com
Visit our website to find out how to submit your music for airplay.
2.2 RADIO - PROMOTERS
Registermymusic.com
PH: 800-470-8803 x22
musicregistri@aol.com
www.registermymusic.com
Dedicated to radio airplay and radio promotion. Our service has resulted in national airplay, album deals, major label distribution, increase sales and national charting with BDS, Billboard, Mediabase, Mediaguide & CMJ.
Planetary Group
PO Box 52116, Boston, MA 02205
PH: 617-451-0444 FX: 617-451-0888
adam@planetarygroup.com
www.planetarygroup.com
Check out our radio team that provides full promotional services at the College, commercial specialty promotion, AAA, public, RPM, Hip Hop and Jazz; as well as targeted radio mailing services. We also do publicity! Is the only time you see your name in print when you open up the phonebook? Our veteran in-house publicity department will pitch your project to the print media moguls to help you get the results you need.
National Record Promotion
137 N. Larchmont #500, Los Angeles, CA 90004
PH: 323-658-7449 FX: 323-658-7699
Larry Weir
larry_weir@sbcglobal.net
www.heartlandent.com
We promote artists and groups at radio with an emphasis on independent labels and recording artists. Over the last five years NRP has worked with many major acts. National Record Promotion-NRP will assist you in weekly tracking reports...national chart activity & radio interviews.
RadioMavens.com
PH: 615-491-0918
contact@radiomavens.com
www.radiomavens.com
We offer digital promotion and tracking services to artists and labels of all genres of music. Created with the independent artist in mind, RadioMavens.com is the vehicle you need to get your music out into the world and drive broadcasters to your website, social networks, videos and most importantly, to download your single for airplay.
Powderfinger Promotions
47 Mellen St., Framingham, MA 01702
PH: 800-356-1155 x234
radio@powderfingerpromo.com
www.powderfingerpromo.com
We have solid connections at over 500 college and AAA stations across the U.S. and Canada and hundreds of press contacts.
SECTION THREE: SERVICES/VENDORS/LABELS THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC
3.1 SERVICES - PROMOTION/PUBLICITY
IndiePower.com
PH: 818-505-1836
info@indiepower.com
www.indiepower.com
Started by industry veterans to further the goal of helping develop the cutting edge of new artists and labels with innovative marketing and talent. Combining 25+ years of valuable experience with an arsenal of talents and a passion for breaking albums and artists, Indie Power is about to add a few new pages to the history books! @indie_power
Damn the Radio
PH: 212-464-8969
dtr@FanBridge.com
www.damntheradio.com
Engage, reward and grow your fans on Facebook. Proven to grow your fanbase faster. Best of all, it's 100% free.
Girlie Action
243 W. 30th St. 12th Fl. New York, NY 10001
PH: 212-989-2222 x117
David
david@girlie.com
www.girlieaction.com
One of the leading boutique media relations and marketing firms in the U.S. specializing in music and pop culture. We represent some of the most innovative yet popular artists working in music today, and have long-standing and trusted relationships with the entertainment media and the cultural programmers and gatekeepers nationwide, making us one of the most sought-after PR agencies in America for introducing new artists and entertainment-driven products and events.
Green Light Go Music Publicity
1511 Jarvis #2, Ferndale, MI 48220
PH: 877-208-6194
www.glgpub.com
A publicity company with the highest level of passion, honesty, and integrity, while simultaneously successfully launching the careers of independent musicians. Are you Indie Rock, Power Pop or Americana? Then we want to hear your songs. Upload them to our dropbox and we'll give them a listen!
Graphic Equlizer Productions
Aaron M. Koper
graphicequlizerproductions@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/graphicequlizerproductions
Booking, management, tour management and more!
Aj & dbs
630 SW 62nd Ct. Miami, FL 33144
PH: 1877-590-0911
Alain Ajndbscorp@GMAIL.COM
www.Aj-n-dbs.com
From marketing and PR services, to image and career consulting, branding and lifestyle support, AJ & DBS provides a complete array of tools for the upcoming band or artist. We are highly skilled in media relations, with innovative approaches geared to generate exceptional levels of quality coverage." We are fully accountable and take responsibility for delivering agreed levels of media coverage for our clients. We also provide access to affordable print promotion, web and graphic design, photography, production aids and continually expanding special services.
CrateConnect Record Pool
info@crateconnect.net
www.crateconnect.net
Artists, DJs, Labels & Producers, submit your original & remixed music for free. Visit our website for submission details.
McGoon Productions
PO Box 427, Alma, CO 80420
PH: 970-389-8197
Saam Golgoon saam@mcgoonproductions.com
www.mcgoonproductions.com
We are a booking and promotional company for independent artists in Colorado.
SunBell Productions
PO Box 474, Forestville, CA 95436
PH: 707-887-9269
Sun Bell sun@sunbellproductions.com
www.sunbellproductions.com
Multi media services, web design, desktop publishing, recording, graphics, songwriting, voice overs, radio show host and social media.
Carnelian Agency
PH: 360-752-9829
www.carnelianagency.com
Our mission is to provide musicians with the services, products and resources they need with professionalism, integrity and an invested belief in the unlimited potential of our clients. Our vision is to offer a one stop artist's services and products company with several departments under one parent corporation. We provide exceptional customer service and nurture each client relationship with personal dedication.
CTW Promotions
PO Box 40701, Redford, MI 48240
Mike Warden
promotions@conquertheworld.com
www.ctwpromotions.com
We do MySpace promotion for labels, authors, bands and artists. Would you rather have your music profile blowing up daily or just sit there collecting dust?
Countdown Entertainment
110 W. 26th St., New York, NY 10001-6805
PH: 212-645-3068 FX: 212-989-6459
James Citkovic
James@CountdownEntertainment.com
www.countdownentertainment.com
Countdown Entertainment's distinction - They Broker Intellectual Properties (sell Major Gold & Platinum Recording Artists Music Publishing Catalogues and Catalogues of Masters. Countdown Entertainment also represents bands, groups, singers, songwriters, musicians, composers, music producers and music managers, to independent music labels, production companies and major recording labels, and also provides music publishing deals, music licensing deals, film music deals, TV music deals, and record distribution, as well as a non-exclusive, non-commission *personal* Music Consultant services to help your career.
The Rainmaker Media Group
398 Columbus Ave. PMB #183, Boston, MA 02116
PH: 617-445-4383
Rockergirl363@aol.com
www.therainmakermediagroup.com
We are fearlessly creative in the pursuit of press coverage for our clients, a dedication inherent in the fact that, as an independent publicity firm, we choose carefully which projects to take on. The Rainmaker Media Group staff is dedicated and enthusiastic and regularly goes beyond the call of duty, securing any opportunity that would be beneficial for the clients, whether it falls in the realm of conventional publicity or career development.
AIF Records/Music Productions
PO Box 691, Mamaroneck, NY 10543
PH: 914-510-9022
R. Jackson
aifrecords@verizon.net
www.robertjackson.net
Artist career planning and consultation. Mailouts in USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and or Asia to both major labels and indies. Music publishers, music supervisors for possible film/TV/ad agency soundtrack placement, internet record labels.
How Are You Changing Things?
PH: 613-216-1082 x6006
Craig Cardiff
craig@howareyouchangingthings.org
www.howareyouchangingthings.org
A consulting collective and idea incubator, we are excited about asking and answering the question: How are you changing things? We've worked with universities, authors, non-profits, artists, entrepreneurs small + large in helping them change things for the better: streamlining processes, identifying marketing opportunities, delivering a clear message, reducing development costs, and helping them change things for the better.
LaFaMos Marketing & Publicity
4657 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90027
PH: 323-668-9383 FX: 323-668-9386
contact@Lafamos.com
www.Lafamos.com
We offer many services such as marketing and publicity, graphic & web design, press kit layout & design, radio promotion, procurement of album and show reviews, copyright & PRO registration assistance, legal referrals and everything else associated with the music business. MENTION THIS LISTING AND RECEIVE A $300 CREDIT!
Fixion Media
322-43 Samson, Laval, QC H7X 3R8
PH: 888-819-3065 FX: 888-310-6045
PERSON
sales@fixionmedia.com
www.fixionmedia.com
A vertical advertising network that represents 50+ Rock, Heavy Metal and Alternative music sites. In August 2010, we delivered 40+ million ad impressions to 3 million unique visitors. Thanks to enterprise-level ad serving technology, we are thriving with the latest in delivery methods and tracking. We are pleased to pass along cutting edge geo-targeting, online targeting, rich media delivery and tracking, as well as iPhone, iPad, PS3, and XBOX targeting. We offer standard banner campaigns, audio ads, video ads, Superbanners, high-impact background ads, as well as aggressive roadblocking capabilities.
Daylle Deanna Schwartz Consulting
Daylle
www.daylle.com
When major label artists sells 20,000 CDs, or even 200,000 CDs, they're treated like failures. When indies sell those numbers, they celebrate. I encourage you to develop your career first in order to give yourself more leverage to get a deal that will advance your career. Contact me about my fees if you need CONSULTING on how to make progress in your music career or need a shot of motivation by using my CAREER COACHING. I do it in person and by phone.
3.2 SERVICES - LABELS, DISTRIBUTORS AND ONLINE VENDORS
Expat Records
PH: 312-239-8949
Paul Shulver
info@expat-records.com
expat-records.com
We have close to 100 artists across the globe (including Funk and Soul legends Kool & the Gang) and are fast becoming one of the biggest independent labels in the world. Expat Records prides itself in being different for 2 reasons. Firstly, respect for the artist ??? Expat artists retain their copyrights and receive a higher percentage of profits than they do from other labels. Secondly, rather than failing to adapt to today's music market, Expat Records is embracing modern technology and has developed a suite of systems and packages that get the artist and their music in front of a huge audience without the artist accumulating any debt. This level of online promotion is unrivalled by any other record company in the world. Expat Records is looking to further grow their roster and is seeking talented and hard working artists from ALL genres. Please forward your Soundcloud and/or Myspace link to the above e-mail address for consideration.
Raven Black Music
info@ravenblackmusic.com
www.ravenblackmusic.com
We are in the business of finding the very best bands in Britain & beyond and then giving them the tools they need to fulfil their potential.
Big Noise Records
11 S. Angell St. #336, Providence, RI 02906
PH: 401-274-4770
Al Gomes
al@bignoisenow.com
www.bignoisenow.com
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.
Voodoo Records
124 Crockford Blvd. Toronto, ON M1R 3C3
PH: 416-939-8782
Mike
info@voodoorecords.ca
www.voodoorecords.ca
Tell a band ... tell a friend ... VoodooRecords.com - recording, mixing, mastering, rehearsal studios, artist development, home studio mixfix, video production, media, web and more!
Island Girl Records
PO Box 520, North Beach, MD 20714
Deanna
islandgirl@islandgirlrecords.com
www.deannadove.com/IGRecords
We want to help you get your music heard, appreciated and distributed to the world. We will work in a very selective fashion in that we hand select the music that we support and sell. Regardless of where you live, we can work together to make IGR work to build your career. Before you can submit your music to Island Girl Records please read and approve our online Submission Terms and Conditions.
SECTION FOUR: SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3s
OR VIDEOS
MusicDishTV Plus
tv.musicdish.net
Guarantees that your video will
premier on ALL twenty two (22) of our channels and
sites within two weeks of submission. In addition, you
get a professional write up of your video and exclusive
exposure through China's #1 online music TV, MOGO; as
well as the websites and newsletters of MusicDish
e-Journal and Mi2N.com.
epitonic
submit@epitonic.com
www.epitonic.com
A pioneering free (and legal) MP3 site that focuses on independent music.
Qtrax
www.qtrax.com
The world's first free and legal peer-to-peer (P2P) music download service. Since advertising supports Qtrax, the artists are always compensated for their work, with licensing that distributes this digital music online.
RockTunz
www.rocktunz.com
A place for artists to promote and sell their music, and to make a little bit of money for the heart and soul they pour into their creations.
Rovi
1168 Oak Valley Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48108
music.content@rovicorp.com
www.allrovi.com
We launched AllRovi to give consumers an immersive entertainment experience - where they can find significant amounts of information, related art, reviews - everything about the films and music they love.
WIMP
support@wimpmusic.se
www.wimpmusic.se
A streaming service that gives you full access to play music from a library of several million tracks. Our selection is growing rapidly and our focus is to have the most complete selection possible. We maintain a special focus on our selection of Scandinavian music.
Launchyourmusic.com
music@launchyourmusic.com
www.launchyourmusic.com
A website that has been created from the ground up by musicians. Our goal here at LYM is to provide quality over quantity. Every band on LYM goes through a review process. This is to ensure that when people visit our site, they know they will be getting quality media. LYM is also a place where musicians can showcase their talents. If your good enough you can even earn a place in our special Virtuoso club.
noisey
feedback@noisey.com
www.noisey.com
A video-driven music discovery platform, documenting the most talented emerging musicians from around the world. Curated by VICE, the site showcases bands and music scenes from over 10 countries.
SHEmovement
shemovement10@gmail.com
www.shemovement.com
Paying true homage to classic female Hip Hop. We are always accepting submissions of music, video, topics for articles and news updates. If there are any artists you would like to see incorporate into SHEmovement or topics of discussion for upcoming articles, please feel free to contact us via e-mail.
ClexTv
9202 Labelle Lane, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
PH: 301-332-6703
Constance George info@clextv.com
www.clextv.com
Gives indie artists a chance to be interviewed and broadcasted and added into our daily rotation. We want to push you to the top. Create your free account and let's tell the world about you!
IntelliChristian!
Aleksey Kovalev contact@intellichristian.com
www.intellichristian.com/music
Assisting development of Christian Electronica and other types of funky Jesus music.
Street Certified Muzik
Robert streetcertifiedmuzik@gmail.com
streetcertifiedmuzik.blogspot.com
Hip Hop music blog.
Svensk Musik
Sandhamnsgatan 79, Box 27327, 102 54 Stockholm, Sweden
PH: 08-783-88-00
info@svenskmusik.org
www.svenskmusik.org
A forum for people who create, produce or want to discover new Swedish music.
Best Original Song
96 5th Ave. New York, NY 10011
PH: 212-924-0171
www.bestoriginalsong.com
Founded on the philosophy that music has no borders and knows no boundaries, and the recognition of musicians' talent can come from all the corners of the world. We aim to inspire the next generation of songwriters and artist, across all types and styles of music to bring their original work to the BEST ORIGINAL SONG stage, giving them the worldwide exposure and helping them to be as successful and the best they can be. Submissions are free.
Music Gorilla
12407 Mopac Expressway N. 100-312, Austin, TX 78758
PH: 201-796-8742
Alexia
info@musicgorilla.com
www.musicgorilla.com
To help musicians, artists and songwriters get their original material into the eyes and ears of industry members who have the ability to take their careers to the next level. We asked Reps from Major Labels, Indie Labels and Film Studios to commit to using MusicGorilla.com as a resource. In return, we would build individual pages for them that would automatically display artist material they are specifically looking for. They agreed, as long as we would not ask the artist or themselves for a percentage of their deals. We built it, they came. From that point on, we dedicated ourselves toward providing artists worldwide with an opportunity.
JukeBoxAlive
311 Montford Ave. Asheville, NC 28801
PH: 828-232-0016
Will Cumberland cumberland@jukeboxalive.com
jukeboxalive.com
Our Advanced Jukebox Player protects your music from being digitally downloaded, yet allows fans to hear your music online. This creates exciting possibilities for you to present yourself to new audiences without being ripped off.
SECTION FIVE: SOCIAL NETWORKS AND ONLINE COMMUNITIES
iGiveapoop On JackTheDonkey.com
378 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto, ON M5N 1A2
PH: 416-200-7227
David Katz stayintouch@jackthedonkey.com
www.JackTheDonkey.com
If you are unsigned, want more exposure (who doesn't?) and give a poop (not enough people do) about charities and causes, I would appreciate you joining our social network, where your time online supports the charity of your choice. iGiveapoop.com promotes indie music that drives change ... for the charities we give a poop about. Once you're up, I can start tweeting and posting you to facebook as well.
Supernova.com
410 Adelaide St. W. #200, Toronto, ON M5V 1S8
PH: 416-635-8885 FX: 416-638-6333
www.supernova.com
We help indie bands grow from garage to emerging, empower fans to help get them there and provide the music industry with the next wave of emerging artists.
My Online Music Label
www.momlabel.com
A community based music label where artists can get financed by their fans, get gigs & grow their fan base.
Music Lunge
www.musiclunge.com
A social networking website created with the musician in mind.
Rapmusic.com
www.rapmusic.com
The premier online destination for Rap and Hip Hop lifestyle enthusiasts and is one of the leaders in spotlighting breaking music industry and artist news. Rapmusic.com features up-to-the-minute information from the urban music scene through a vibrant and thriving community forum. For audiophiles there is a section where you can discuss everything from production to connecting with other audio emcees. If you are hip-hop aficionado join us at Hip-Hop Central where the latest music is reviewed and lively discussions take place. RapMusic.com also boasts having the largest Battle of the Bands video
collection.
Muzicol
www.muzicol.com
What you have been waiting for - a place to get noticed and interact with your fans. Upload your music, videos, biography, pictures etc. Sell your music at your own price.
AudioDraft
contact@audiodraft.com
www.audiodraft.com
Provides an effective interface that is easy enough for anyone to get audio productions for their specific needs. Create a contest in AudioDraft to order custom made audio from the audio designer community.
Indie Online
edge.supernova.com
A music-based social media platform for emerging artists on 102.1 The Edge.
CrowdGather
20300 Ventura Blvd. #330, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
PH: 818-435-2472 FX: 818-435-2473
info@crowdgather.com
www.crowdgather.com
One of the leading networks of community forums, reaching millions of passionate users each month. The heart of CrowdGather is the richness of content created by our highly engaged audience of technology, gaming and lifestyle enthusiasts.
MusikPitch
PH: 615-290-5702
support@musikpitch.com
www.musikpitch.com
Brings the power of crowdsourcing to the songwriting industry. It's an online marketplace that connects talented songwriters with music supervisors, studios, brands and anyone else looking for custom songs and music.
SECTION SIX: HELPFUL TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAND
6.1 RESOURCES - GENERAL
GINA for Missing Persons FOUNDation
PO Box 627 Anaheim, CA 92815
PH: 877-411-4562
Jannel Rap
clemstreet@aol.com
www.411Gina.org
Our mission is to educate the public by utilizing entertainment to create awareness and media attention for missing persons world-wide, and to offer a source of information to help people whose family members become missing.
NoiseClerk / BlinkerActive
111 New Montgomery St. #301, San Francisco, CA 94105
info@noiseclerk.com
www.noiseclerk.com
A pre-cleared licensing platform that offers an easy and intuitive way for application developers to locate the audio content they need to make a great project, stellar. We understand the vital role that sound plays in creating amazing apps, establishing your brand, and building a userbase. We connect premium catalogs of music and sound fx with budding and established application developers. Access over 10,000 music tracks and sound FX, ready for preview and purchase with the ease of a few clicks. In addition to NoiseClerk, BlinkerActive offers Music Synchronization services, providing traditional negotiated synch placements in film, TV, theatrical trailers, video games, and advertisements
Tulsa Music Net
11063 S. Memorial Dr. #D-426, Tulsa, OK 74133
Joe Cinocca finditfaster@tulsamusic.net
www.tulsamusic.net
A live music listing service for all things Tulsa, OK. If an artist is playing the Tulsa, OK area, we want to know & list it!
ole clear
#704 - 317 Adelaide St. W., Toronto, ON M5V 1P9
PH: 855-814-5404 FX: 416-850-1173
info@oleclear.com
www.oleclear.com
A one-stop, full-service Production Music provider for the Film, Broadcast, Gaming and New Media Production industries. We control both the publishing and the master recording rights of the catalogues that we represent. This streamlines the licensing process for the licensor as there is no need to negotiate terms for music-use with both a record company and a publisher.
Guguchu
www.guguchu.com
A powerful one-stop direct-to-fan platform. We've set out on a mission to enable every artist, band, manager and label to manage the relationship with their fans directly, provide data-driven unique insights and cut down on the overhead needed to build everything from scratch. We offer easy to set up, fully customizable and professionally looking band pages, a music store with instant and direct payments and some of the lowest fees around, a sleek mobile ticketing solution, a rich HTML newsletter composer with embeddable music tracks and much more!
MusicPro Insurance Agency
45 Crossways Park Dr. Woodbury, NY 11797-2002
PH: 800-605-3187 FX: 888-290-0302
Julie insurance@MusicProInsurance.com
http://www.musicproinsurance.com
Affordable and convenient insurance for musicians, including instruments, equipment, studio, tour, composer's liability, travel accident and health.
Festival Network Online
www.festivalnet.com
There's nothing like a live performance! FNO lists more than 7,000 events throughout the U.S. and Canada seeking performers, from local & regional to national & international. @_festivalnet Search by 22 different music genres, event attendance, zip code radius & more. Plug in festival dates with club dates.
Website Music Player
www.WebsiteMusicPlayer.com
A service that provides you with an easy way to sell your digital music. You get multiple MP3 player widgets that embed into home pages, blogs, MySpace/Facebook profiles and many other types of pages. At any time while listening to your music, your fans and customers can select individual songs or full albums that they want to buy. They click the 'Click Here To Order (or your own custom text) button that is prominently displayed on the bottom of your player and an order summary page will open in a new window.
6.2 RESOURCES - CD DUPLICATION
OASIS CD Manufacturing
7905 N. Crescent Blvd. Delair, NJ 08110
PH: 540-987-8810 FX: 540-987-8812
Mike Naylor
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.
CD Rollout
1222 11th St., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
PH: 800-811-7478
Mike Naylor
mike@cdrollout.com
www.cdrollout.com
We offer CD and DVD replication, CD and DVD manufacturing as well as a wide range of services to market and promote your CD or DVD at wholesale rates. It's our "one-stop-shop" convenience that sets us apart from other companies. Check out what we can do for you!
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.
Furnace MFG
2719-B Dorr Ave. Fairfax, VA 22031
PH: 888-599-9883
info@furnacemfg.com
www.furnacemfg.com
Discs packaged in Jewel Cases are still a favorite amongst musicians and labels looking for an inexpensive package that does the job and is retail friendly. Its uniform design fits a simple 2 panel insert up to a 32 page stapled booklet and tray card. Add top spine barcodes and a marketing sticker and you'll be ready to compete with the majors. Furnace has quick 9 day turns along with the best quality, customer service and value in the industry. And now, all orders of 500 units and up receive a FREE UPC BARCODE.
Intermedia Disc
7359 NW 34 St., Miami, FL 33122
PH: 305-392-9572 FX: 305-392-9574
www.intermediadisc.com
As a full service manufacturer, Intermedia Disc offers integrated or standalone services, including Audio CD, CD-ROM, CD-Text, CD+G, Business Cards and Shape CDs, DVD 5s, DVD 9s, and DVD 10s. We will also print and assemble, even help with your graphic design. We have a variety of innovative tools and the people that know how to use them to enable you to achieve your project objectives. With a personalized, courteous, and friendly customer service, Intermedia Disc is committed to learning your needs to constantly exceed your expectations. We know our future depends on our ability to help make our customers successful.
6.3 RESOURCES - MASTERING
Empire 2.0
PH: 702-409-1282
Jonas Vece jonas@empiremusicproductions.com
www.empiremusicproductions.com
We offer affordable music mastering and mixing services. We are backed by The Grammys and work worldwide.
Crazy Daisy Productions
PH: 541-517-1458
Erik Veach
info@crazymastering.com
www.crazymastering.com
Our state-of-the-art CD mastering provides high-quality professional sound at a price anyone can afford. Have all the tracks you can fit on a single audio CD (up to 80 min) mastered for only $279!
SongMastering.com
6904 St. Rt. 133, Blanchester, OH 45107
PH: 513-728-0769
Jim Mason
jimmason@songmastering.com
www.songmastering.com
I see songmastering.com as the final step in the recording process, it is a way to give yourself that extra bit of confidence before you post your tune on the net. I see my service as an audio Jiffy Lube, where you can get your song fine tuned for public consumption. I am an independent artist like you and know how important it can be to have the best sounding recordings possible.
Peerless Mastering
1085 Commonwealth Ave. #322, Boston, MA 02215
PH: 617-527-2200
info@peerlessmastering.com
www.peerlessmastering.com
Music mastering is often seen as a mystery. At Peerless, an important goal is to demystify the process to keep our clients involved and ensure that we achieve their sonic goals. We consider it of the utmost importance to work closely with our clients to make sure they are getting exactly the results they're looking for from the mastering process. Mastering requires a balance of skill and vision. We work hard to make sure your record achieves the warmth, depth and vivacity you're looking for.
Creative Visual Productions
4131 S. 89th St., Omaha, NE 68127
PH: 402-592-4410
rob@creativevisual.biz
www.creativevisual.biz
In today's fast paced environment it takes an organization with unparalled commitment to value and service willing to stake its reputation on the commitments it makes and keeps! Creative Visual Productions is just such a company with over 2 decades of successful fulfillment of our customer's multimedia needs. We offer audio and video authoring, editing, mastering, printing, CD duplication and film and video transfer to digital. MENTION THIS LISTING FOR A FREE BARCODE!
6.4 RESOURCES - MERCH
Moozikoo.com
119 Bowling Ave. Nashville, TN 37205
Anthony Bates
anthony@moozikoo.com
www.moozikoo.com
What do we do? Simply put ... we sell merchandise and art of all kinds. In addition, we create personalized promotional items and authentic swag for our clients who are building or expanding their brand. What makes us different? A few things???first, we offer artisans and artists of all mediums a platform to sell their wares without requiring any kind of fees or minimal inventory to be included in our community. Customers can join our community for free as well, and a Moozikoo membership allows customers to receive specific discounts and sales alerts reserved only for "MooMembers" (our sales and discounts are not offered to the general public).
Sinergy Merchandising Concepts (SMC)
PO Box 1908, Spring Hill, TN 37174
PH: 615-261-8592 (East Coast)
PH: 714-255-1000 (West Coast)
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 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.
Platinum Monarch Design
PO Box 922182, Sylmar, CA 91392-2182
PH: 888-889-2630
www.platinummonarchdesign.com
Offers innovative web and print solutions to a variety of clients. Whether your website will cater to the needs of a growing client base, or your business card will lead your introductions, PMD can help you reach your target audience and make a profound impact. PMD's unique interfaces attract web visitors while optimal web functionality keeps them on your site, while our creative designs make your cards memorable and in the pockets of prospective clients. Our dynamic production team offers you a variety services from copy writing and logo design to website hosting.
Imprint Indie Printing
3449 Technology Dr. #212, North Venice, FL 34275
PH: 941-484-5151 FX: 941-484-5154
Walter
walter@iloveimprint.com
www.iloveimprint.com
Since 1994 we've been helping people create projects to be proud of. We understand every step in the process of putting out records and CD's... We know this because we have done this ourselves... From 7 inch covers to posters, CD replication to custom print work, we take as much pride in your project as you do. We are equipped to give you the best quality at great prices. No matter how big or small your project is, we handle them all with the same attention to detail and care.
6.5 RESOURCES - MUSIC EQUIPMENT
WTSmedia
2841 Hickory Valley Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37421
PH: 888-987-6334 FX: 423-894-7281
Micah Boaz
mboaz@wtsmedia.com
www.wtsmedia.com
CD & DVD recordable media, CD & DVD duplicators, blank audio cassettes, video tapes, labels, professional audio/video recorders and a variety of pro-audio products WTS Media offers the very best. We carry a full line of well-known, professional-grade audio equipment including: Microboards, Shure, Graff, Fender Audio, Verbatim, Sennheiser, Nady, Tascam, Rimage, Marantz, Sony, and many others.
Allparts Music Corporation
13027 Brittmoore Park Dr. Houston, TX 77041
Phone: 713-466-6414 FX: 713-466-5803
www.allparts.com
America's Premier Guitar and Bass Parts Supplier. ALLPARTS has provided guitar parts and bass parts to manufacturers, wholesalers, retail stores and guitar repair shops all over the world since 1982. Over the years, we have seen the industry and our business expand and parts we provide to our customers become more varied. Our distributors have also enjoyed growth as the guitar continues to be the most popular instrument to play.
Magneto Audio Labs
PH: 617-623-5581 FX: 617-623-5857
Bob
info@magnetoaudiolabs.com
www.magnetoaudiolabs.com
We are dedicated to bringing the latest impedance technology to the audio market. Our scientific approach offers users a novel way to craft their creative projects in an affordable fashion. Our goal is to make impedance based tools as common in the audio world as microphones. Long recognized in technical circles, the impedance relationship between a microphone and preamp/interface affects sound greatly. Different mics and preamps/interfaces have a range of impedance values that contribute to sonic texture. It can affect warmth, sizzle, clarity, grit and many other aspects of sound. Many classic microphone and preamp combos work well together because of their impedances. By inserting the VariOhm between the mic and the preamp/interface, you now control this important relationship. Impedance values can be matched for maximum output or altered for additional tone settings for all kinds of microphones.
Audio Engineering Associates
1029 N. Allen Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104
PH: 626-798-9128 FX: 626-798-2378
stereoms@aol.com
www.ribbonmics.com
AEA currently manufactures a range of studio ribbon microphones, ribbon mic preamps, and tools to help you get your equipment held securely, right where you need it. The studio 4038 and ENG 4104B 'lip-mic', designed by the BBC in the '50s, still are unequaled. AEA is Coles' full service distributor, has written the 4038 manual, and manufactures accessories. AEA's matched pair package includes our SMT stereo mount and tutorial: "Basic Stereo Microphone Perspectives."
The Hook Studios
PH: 818-759-4665
Mike Frenchik
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.
6.6 RESOURCES - STUDIOS
Innovative Music Studios
PH: 646-670-8019
Joe Hernandez
innovativemusicstudios@gmail.com
www.innovativemusic.us
Our missions is to help musicians to reach their goals. We are a music production services studio offering an array of services such as studio time, mixing, mastering, demo and album packages, music production services as well as music courses such as pro tools 1 and 2, Reason 3.0 classes, MPC classes, mixing classes and much much more!
Soundmirror Recording
76 Green St., Boston, MA 02130-2271
PH: 617-522-1412 FX: 617-524-8377
www.soundmirror.com
Since 1972, Soundmirror has been the premier recording and post-production company of choice for countless orchestras, choral groups and solo artists. We pride ourselves on producing only the highest caliber of recordings with our state-of-the-art equipment, racking up more than 45 Grammy nominations and awards in the process. Please contact us to find how easy it is to make a great recording.
Muzik Studio
14 Chesler Sq. Succasunna, NJ 07876
PH: 973-927-7250
info@muzikstudio.com
www.amuzikstudio.com
We do full production Recording in a friendly, relaxed environment. Our Engineer is Pro-Tools certified and experienced in every phase of the recording and production process. Whether your project is ready to go or in pre-production; MuZik Studio will help you achieve your dream. In-house musicians available including drums and percussion. We are a modern equipped results oriented studio!
6.7 RESOURCES - EDUCATIONAL
COSMO - Coalition Of Songwriter & Music Organizations
PH/FX: 818-831-1704
Toni Koch
info@cosmocoalition.org
www.cosmocoalition.org
Our mission is to act on behalf of our community nonprofit and education-based member organizations as well as on behalf of independent music producers and publishing artists, to promote awareness, recognize achievement and to represent, support and assist in the success and advancement of us all. The purpose of COSMO is to be a resource to its music community members, to help raise funds for their efforts, to sponsor (non-competitive) events to promote and benefit all members and in general, to capitalize on our combined strengths. The nonprofit COSMO organization will be a public benefit corporation that will allow it to be a promotions and non-political advocacy organization that can act to the benefit of its songwriters, musicians and music organization members, by seeking major foundation grants, corporate contributions and advertiser sponsorships. COSMO does not have individual members nor will it compete directly with its member organizations or detract from their individual identity or independent operations. COSMO is not an "umbrella," not a quarterback; we're more like a sideline coach; we are not a superstructure; we do hope to be a part of the foundation.
Building the Better Band: The Emerging Artist's Toolkit
2600 W. Olive Ave. 5th Fl. Burbank, CA 91504
Jerry Dee
dee@925kyhy.com
www.betterbandpromotion.com
An educational seminar that will be conducted in our office & online. All of our combined expertise in all things promotion and what it takes to make each digital dowmload count and the basics of how to create a fanbase and build the brand. We have seen websites all over the place that offer tips to musicians how to submit, how to promote but ALL of them come up short when it comes to the marketing needed to penetrate the minds of the "Generation Y" Audience. Simple things like wearing your own bands shirts, labelling your pictures online, making sure demo packets have contact information on any part of the packet that might get separated, can mean the difference to get that call back. We will be offering the first classes to bands already on our playlist before we open them to the general public.
Female Musician Online
www.femalemusicianonline.com
An educational blog and podcast to help women succeed in the music business.
iWeb for Musicians
Roddy McKay
iwebformusicians@gmail.com
www.iwebformusicians.com
Are you a musician? Do you own a Mac? Do you want your music heard all over this planet? If you can answer "yes" to all the above then this website is for you! iWeb for Musicians came about from my involvement in the Apple iWeb Forum. A lot of the questions posted by those wanting to play music on their website were not easy to answer in a forum topic. There's a new section to help independent musicians release their tracks and and get them into iTunes. A free e-book is available with step by step instructions.
Musician Coaching
www.musiciancoaching.com
This site is a blog for musicians and music industry people. It is a free educational resource and it is also the way I advertise my music consulting services. I am an entertainment professional with deep roots in the music industry. Throughout my music career I have been a major label A&R representative, a music supervisor, an artist manager, a reality show producer, a bass player and the head of a digital record label.
Indie West Fest
PH: 805-320-4867
Michael Jones
Michael@indiewestfest.com
www.indiewestfest.com
This event is a national showcase for independent artists getting together to play for their fans by the beach, on the grass, under the palms, in sunny San Buenaventura, California at the Ventura County fairgrounds.
Seven Simple Strategies for Musicians, Bands & Indie Labels
PO Box 2385, Benicia CA 94510
PH: 707-567-3747
www.musicmarketingbook.net
An eBook that describes exactly what you have to do to capture the audience that is perfect for you and your music. It will help you understand the mind set as well as teach you some time tested strategies that work! The Workbook will walk you through the process of creating a targeted market Media Plan unique to your act. The videos will show you "How To" use some tools that professional marketers use.
Music Success in Nine Weeks
www.musicsuccessinnineweeks.com
A guide for musicians to define their brand, grow their fan-base, earn more income, and achieve success in the digital environment, whether they are new to the industry or longtime artists. Music Success in Nine Weeks provides the missing manual for musicians trying to make sense of the social media revolution and explains step-by-step how to create a profitable and sustainable business from their music. Just released in its second edition, the book can easily be deemed the "what to do next" bible for both new and established artists. Structured like a workbook, with room for exercises and notes, the book takes all of the guesswork out of where to start and how to achieve success as a musician in today's world.
Use COUPON CODE "INDIEBIBLE" and receive $5 off!
6.8 RESOURCES - TOOLS
Rocksure Soundz
25 Reeves St., Waikanae Beach 5036, Waikanae, New Zealand
support@rocksuresoundz.com
www.rocksuresoundz.com
Thousands of sound effects and hundreds of Royalty Free songs.
Anywhere Artist
contact@anywhereartist.com
www.anywhereartist.com
An iOS app platform designed to allow artists, established or new to the music scene, to promote themselves to over 160 million iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch users worldwide. Anywhere Artist is not merely a "media kit", but a complete social network of artists. With Anywhere Artist's "Discover" feature, every artist's app will cross-promote itself with every other Anywhere Artist app. What this means is that you will no longer have simply your fan base, but the fan base of every artist that is part of the service. Listeners find more great music, artists get discovered.
bandzoogle
www.bandzoogle.com
Build a band website that does more - sells music & merch, syncs with your social networks, and puts you in front of more fans. No web design skills needed!
Moontoast Impulse
PH: 888-223-7724
www.moontoast.com
This Facebook app is a DIY commerce solution for music artists. It's easy to implement and the perfect choice if you want a quick, no-fuss storefront for your Facebook fans. It's also a great choice if you're looking to test the social commerce waters without making an up-front investment.
Sayvee
wattup@sayvee.com
www.sayvee.com
Finally, a simple way for artists to build a killer website. Sayvee (pronounced "say-veee") is the easiest way for artists to create and edit a professional website with all the built-in tools you need to sort, sell, and share your creativity with the galaxy.
myvideorights
PH: +44 (0)20-7928-7604
producer@myvideorights.com
www.myvideorights.com
Simplifies the digital video landscape to create new profits for leading rights-holders throughout the world. With offices in the world's leading advertising markets, myvideorights is led by a team of experienced media professionals catalysing the developing world of online video for content owners. As an independent company in this space, our unique technology and relationships allow us to generate new, safe and powerful revenue opportunities for all of our partners. Let us help you control, protect and realise the value of your premium content - from clips through to finished programmes.
Megatrax Production Music
7629 Fulton Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91605
PH: 818-255-7100 FX: 818-255-7199
PERSON
info@megatrax.com
www.megatrax.com
The premier production music library for film, television, advertising and multimedia. With over 25,000 fresh new cuts in every style, plus sound f/x that features the freshest and most original sound in production music.
CDstands.com
30 Compton Way, Hamilton Sq. NJ 08690
PH: 609-689-1711
Scott Clark
info@cdreview.com
www.cdstands.com
We manufacture our own line of CD boxes for artists to sell their music at shows or in stores.
Hostbaby
5925 NE 80th Ave. Portland, OR 97218
PH: 888-448-6369
hostbaby@hostbaby.com
www.hostbaby.com
The best place to host your website/domain! Powerful artist tools including blogging, calendar, mailing list, selling merch, and streaming audio. Integrate your site with Facebook, Twitter and more! No design skills are needed. We have hundreds of professional design templates. Sell your music through CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon MP3, Napster, Rhapsody + over 15 other music sites!
Agentless
www.agentless.ca
Provides all the tools a touring artist needs to control time, money and communcations. Manage Less, Play More.
6.9 RESOURCES - FILM AND VIDEO PRODUCTION SERVICES
TuneVid.com
10153 1/2 Riverside Dr. #239, Toluca Lake, CA 91602
PH: 323-393-0634
Janet Fisher
sales@tunevid.com
www.tunevid.com
Video editing is complex and time-consuming. That's why we do it for you. Simply consult on the phone with our video producer, send us your song on a CD along with video footage you record on our camera, and our professional video editors will turn them into a high-quality, entertaining music video that you can share, post, or audition with.
6.10 RESOURCES - ORGANIZATIONS
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)
1 Lincoln Plaza, New York, NY 10023
PH: 212-621-6000 FX: 212-724-9064
www.ascap.com
A membership association of more than 390,000 U.S. composers, songwriters, lyricists, and music publishers of every kind of music. Through agreements with affiliated international societies, ASCAP also represents hundreds of thousands of music creators worldwide. ASCAP protects the rights of its members by licensing and distributing royalties for the non-dramatic public performances of their copyrighted works. ASCAP's licensees encompass all who want to perform copyrighted music publicly. ASCAP makes giving and obtaining permission to perform music simple for both creators and users of music.
The Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund
12001 Ventura Pl. 5th Fl. Studio City, CA 91604
PH: 818-755-7777 FX: 818-755-7778
ckuhrt@fmsmf.org
www.fmsmf.org
Provides support to film musicians and the entertainment community worldwide and assist in establishing recognition of musicians' work by ensuring the payment, processing and distribution of residuals generated by their talent and services.
We effectively track, collect and distribute residual payments from the motion picture and television film industries, assist participating musicians in receiving payment of residuals due and provide leadership, assistance and service to film musicians, film producers, the music community and the entertainment industry worldwide.
SECTION SEVEN: THIS MONTH'S ARTICLE
Top 5 Music Business Mistakes PART I
by Rick Goetz, MusicianCoaching.com
© 2011 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission
1. Waiting
Sounds innocuous enough, right? We should be good at waiting given all of the waiting that goes on with the craft of music.
Waiting on our fellow notoriously late collaborators, waiting on getting things tracked right in the studio, waiting to load in, waiting on sound check. There are a million things that we have to hurry up and wait for before we even get to the business side of things. This, of course, is not the waiting I am talking about.
The biggest mistake I have seen is that people wait on outside help to starting their businesses. Anyone who has tried to raise money can tell you that it is much easier to raise when you have momentum with a project than when you only have a blueprint and some high hopes. This is in no way saying I think people should do everything themselves. DIY, in my opinion, is a condition of last resort - but a condition that almost all of us are stuck with at some point or another.
Keep this in mind - when you are someone looking for outside help from someone like a potential manager or an agent, you are asking someone for their time. Given that time equals money, you are, in fact, asking someone to invest in you and your company. When you are preparing to approach someone for help of this kind, ask yourself "What would make me invest in an artist's career?"
When I ask myself this question, I almost always come up with "wanting to see that my time and money would be going into a business is already showing signs of life." I would want to see that, in spite of or in addition to what my eyes and ears tell me, that real consumers are responding to this musician's material. Generally speaking, those artists who have a spark and have a fledgling business are people who didn't wait on outside help to get those businesses going.
I'll let you in on a little insider secret - since the un-bundling of the album, EVERYONE is making things up as they go along. There is no hard science to the initial stages of breaking new artists - it is a series of best guesses. Since no one is ever going to care about your career more than you do (at least I hope not), you may as well give it a try for yourself. Even if you fail you will no more about the job and be better qualified to find the right person who complements your strengths and weaknesses.
There will be times when you are forced to wait for circumstances to change. It happens to all of us no matter what business we are in, but I urge you to find ways of making these periods productive. No matter what major event in your career is looming large - get out and play, meet people, and record as much as possible, and remember: there is never going to be a perfect time to start that next phase of your career. Something will always be in your way if you let it.
2. Unreasonable Expectations
Before I start on another rant about the top mistakes let me point out that I find these mistakes frustrating because I am often guilty of them myself from time to time. I am especially guilty of #2 - unreasonable expectations.
Roughly twice per day I get an email from a musician who tells me that he or she "just wants to get to the next level."
In my head my first response is usually "Oh that's easy just press Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right A B Select Start." (This got you many extra lives on the game Contra for Nintendo) For better or for worse - there is no special code for the elusive "next level" in the music business.
This kind of message is always a bit disheartening as I am pretty sure that when I ask people who send me these messages to clarify their needs they either will not have defined it for themselves or they have just started out promoting their businesses in the last 2-3 months and they want Jay-Z's phone number (Which I don't have by the way).
Yes, that is absolutely an extreme example and no- I'm not suggesting that everyone out there has such a warped perspective but I do find that people unfairly compare themselves to people who have become icons. If you look around long enough you will find that most overnight successes were not so overnight.
I was fortunate enough to work with Kid Rock in the 90s and most people remember when he arrived with his first big single "Bawitdaba". What most people forget (or never knew) is that ten years earlier he was signed and subsequently dropped from Jive Records, signed an indie label deal (with a label that went out of business), put out two records on his own (before such things were as turn-key as they are now) and built up a network of over 50 very active street team members all over the U.S.. Prior to "Bawitdaba" was also a single called "I am the Bull God" that only mid charted at radio and there were moments where one could feel that the culture of Atlantic Records could have gone either way in supporting (or not supporting) his career. There is an obvious lesson in such perseverance and I know many people who would have given up over any one of those setbacks let alone the whole string of them.
Perhaps Kid Rock is another example that is too large or too exceptional.
How about this?
The majority of people I encounter don't appreciate that it takes a long time (often many years) to get anyone to care about you or your music. Most people need the time to get better at what they do. It takes a ton of mistakes and gigs where you say to the crowd "Be sure and tip your bartend???Oh???. You are the Bartenders and waitresses???" I don't think people appreciate that those kind of gigs are the formative gigs where musicians get better at what they do.
I keep hearing the implication that the Internet was supposed to usher in this era where anyone and everyone could make a living at music. Really? So everyone is a rock star? That means there is no one in the audience because everyone is on the stage. That would all of a sudden makes my accountant a rock star??? God forbid!
This is what I've learned about expectations being around the business of music for the last eighteen years - I hope it takes you less time to learn these things than it took me:
1) The artists who seemed to make a living / become well known were simply the artists who were still artists ten years later
2) You can look around and compare and despair almost no matter who you are. I wonder if Chris Martin from Coldplay laments that he isn't Bono or if Bono laments that he isn't Elvis???
3) The awful saying "It's a marathon - not a sprint" really does apply. Far too often I see people blowing their budgets and wrecking their credit on high cost / short term promotional strategies over the course of weeks when better investments would be strategies that endure.
4) People who don't invest in their careers (with both their money and time) don't grow their careers.
5) Those who were consistent in their efforts tended to fare better than those who were sporadic.
3. Poor Planning
Once again, I don't mean to appear unsympathetic. I know first hand how difficult it is to remain objective once you have put your heart and soul into a project but I have to point out that I have seen far too many careers that have suffered greatly due to poor planning or even worse - no planning.
It sounds ridiculous but something as simple as writing out a list of goals for your business can force you to clarify that vague plan you have in your head - I highly recommend it as I have made the mistake of winging it one too many times when an organized written document would have saved me time, effort and expense. When I am at my best I find that I am often re-visiting revising such documents for my business because I am continually moving closer to my goals. When I am at my worst I am unable to carve out the time to extract myself from daily distractions to reflect on the big picture. I am certainly not saying it is easy but it can be done.
There are two main areas in which musicians seem to flounder the most. Probably not coincidentally they are two of the most important events in a musician's life - Music releases and Touring.
Music Releases
With regard to music releases I am always surprised to hear how many people will start looking for a promotion and marketing strategy after their album, single or E.P. has been released. While it is never too late for someone to start such efforts it is probably a good idea to start thinking of such things the minute you enter the studio or even the minute you start writing the next release if possible. I have said it before and I will say it again that websites have ceased being billboards and have become like 24 hour news channels. With this in mind it is important to collect as much content (Journaling, photos, videos, rough mixes, live takes etc) from the writing and recording process as possible. "Why?" You might ask. Simply because there are only so many ways you can say to the people who you hope will care about your music that you have a new record coming out. If you've collected no material about the making of your latest product you will not have nearly as many interesting ways to hype your release. Saying "New record coming next week" is not nearly as interesting as even a goofy video of you spilling Bong water on the console (not that I recommend it).
Another rookie mistake (and again - I empathize - I really do) is rushing a product to market. I watch artists record an album, master it, order a few hundred CDs and schedule a release so they can get it out to market as fast as humanly possible. Oh, I get it, you are excited and you have made sacrifices to create your latest work and you are anxious for the world to hear it. Resist this at all costs. If possible have advance copies of your CD or digital album in the hands of those who can expose it to more people than you can (Journalists, music supervisors, bloggers, morning TV shows, local radio, podcasters, promoters, club owners or even your most successful friends in music for a testimonial about your work). Make sure that you have all of your marketing and promotional materials in hand to the best of your ability - a bio, an EPK, compelling live footage, press clips, artwork, a video (even if it is just the album artwork synced up with your single). Make sure you have events lined up - a record release party, a listening party, a Ustream concert, a house party, some kind of album giveaway, a tie in with a local retail store - anything that gets people talking and anything that exposes your music to new people.
The longer you promote a record the better chances it has of doing something??? try your best to line up several months worth of marketing and promotional ideas if possible. The most obvious of these of course is???
Touring
Think about touring for a second. You have a new release or you finally got transportation to take your act on the road - what is your plan? I've watched countless acts bleed money on cross country tours before they have even built up their own home market, let alone several regional markets. I suppose that's okay if you're in your early 20s and just want to compare the taste of beer in New York to the beer in Los Angeles (it's the same as near as I can tell by the way. Pizza though? A different story - don't leave New York). Most of the good agents I know tell me that barring very exceptional gigs it is generally not worth touring in any market unless you can revisit that market every 3-4 months to maintain and build a following. What this means for most on a budget is concentric circles around your hometown. It is much easier to do several three day weekends or pull the occasional sick day on a regional build than it is to take two weeks off of work to visit a dozen markets that you won't revisit more than once per year.
It is generally not worth touring any given market unless you can find some kind of support in said market. This can be as simple as family and friends with a place to crash or a good opportunity like finding a local act that does well to trade gigs with. If you pick five markets to target there are only so many college radio stations, indie record stores and local readers you have to service and create relationships with. Yes- easier said than done but it is do-able. Prior to this step is of course making sure you mean something in your home town so you will have a crowd to trade on with other out of town acts.
This post turned into rather random musings about releases and touring but I urge you to write out a plan and think about having a long term strategy for record releases, tours and your career in general.
In next month's newsletter we will present mistakes 4 and 5.
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Rick Goetz is a music consultant and musician coach by way of a fifteen year career at major record labels and various online and television projects. For more articles like this you can visit his website
musiciancoaching.com .
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