Music Promotion, Marketing and Distribution Newsletter

May 2015

The contacts listed are sorted into FIVE sections:

1. Publications, Review Websites and Music Blogs that will REVIEW your music
2. Radio Stations, Shows and Podcasts that will PLAY your songs
3. Labels, Vendors, Distributors and Promotional Services that will help you to SELL your CD
4. Websites 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

Overthrust Metal Magazine
Beth Clemens bec.overthrust.mm@gmail.com
www.overthrustmetal.com
Based in Botswana Africa and Seattle, WA., a magazine that reports on all of the countries and focuses on the bands who are out there kicking ass and doing the work on their own dime while trying to get noticed by the fans and sponsors to make their dreams come true. We are here for the bands and the fans who love music all music and create an international magazine that will reach not only USA artists or African artists but all of the global artists that make music a community with no borders!

Power Popaholic
www.powerpopaholic.com
A premier music blog that focuses on the genre of Power Pop and Melodic Rock. We also report on live shows, tour dates, gossip, MP3s, videos and just about anything a Power Pop fan could want. If you would like to submit material to Powerpopaholic for review or posting, please contact me with your information through our contact page. If it's a CD - I will then send you the address to send your CD to. Keep in mind, we will NOT review your album if it doesn't relate to the Power Pop or Melodic Rock & Roll in some way. Also, it takes about a week or so to get through the pile before it's posted online.

Shine On Hollywood Magazine
PH: 323-426-9472
Arnold Garcia editor@shineonhollywoodmagazine.com
www.shineonhollywoodmagazine.com
A politics and gossip free publication with its focus on, Real People, Real Stories, from the Arts and Pop Culture Community who make a difference by giving back, and we are delighted to share their heart-felt stories with you. We will continue to provide the industry’s foremost creative meeting place with monthly showcases, news, opinions, analysis, and audience feedback. No other magazine can give you a profound presentation with 8 to 15 pages of photos, positive intro's, video(s), Q&A's and social media friendly recognition that also includes IMDb and other platform credits. These elements offer a well rounded history of your accomplishments and your story can be told to the world without impediments. No other magazine nor publication will go the extra mile to share your story.

Metal Master Kingdom
Ingrid Newton management@metalmasterkingdom.com
www.metalmasterkingdom.com
A webzine based in Ontario, Canada with a number of journalists and contributors throughout North America. We are seeking more connections in Europe, South America and around the globe. Our mission is to deliver the best quality reviews, interviews, band news, vids, tunes, and promos! Let us help your band get the attention and focus you deserve!

Music Emissions
Brian Rutherford reviews@musicemissions.com
www.musicemissions.com
We have a free review service and a paid service that guarantees a reviews. If you're willing to leave it to fate, register for a free USER account. Then you can add any artist and albums to the website you like. There will be an option to leave a link for a full album download. If you do that, the album will show up in the review queue and hopefully an editorial reviewer will pick it up and write about it.

Jamsphere Indie Music Magazine
www.jamsphere.com
An independant music Rock and Hip Hop magazine and social network that aims at discovering, promoting and divulging whom we consider top indie acts, as well as tending a watchful eye towards major music artists of particular interest. We look into and beyond the music, especially at Reverbnation, Soundcloud and Bandcamp, checking out whom we consider the top players. We also watch the software and hardware markets that help create the sounds that we love. We publish and promote articles dealing with indie artists that our staff repute to be of special interest to us and our readers. However artists are free to solicit interest in their music by liking us on Facebook and leaving links to their accounts on either Reverbnation or Soundcloud. It should be clear however that this does not certify guaranteed publication, as Jamsphere reserves the sole right to decide which artists will be published in our magazine. It is however guaranteed that we will listen to your music. We offer review, radio play and music rating services very cheaply through Fiverr and Musicxray putting media exposure in reach of any artist.

New Age Music Reviews
PO Box 147, Adams, MA 01220
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck khannaleck@yahoo.com
www.newagemusicreviews.net
Focuses on New Age Music from primarily independent artists from around the world.If you would like your music reviewed by our site or to be considered for a feature you can send a CD or a EPK in a zip format via High Tail, Dropbox or any service that does not require downloading software such as Bandcamp and a code to get your album. If you would like to request a review please send an e-mail. CDs can be sent to my mailing address.

SECTION TWO: RADIO STATIONS, SHOWS AND PROMOTERS

2.1 RADIO - STATIONS AND SHOWS

Now Hear This Entertainment
2825 Pankaw Ln. Valrico, FL 33596
PH: 813-854-8000
Bruce Wawrzyniak bruce@now-hear-this.net
www.NHTE.net
A podcast that features Singer/Songwriter, Pop, Country, Blues, Christian, Rock, Folk, Indie and Americana artists. The podcast also features interviews with guests who have achieved success in the music business, with the content presented in a way that not only entertains fans of that guest and fans of good music interviews in general, but in a manner that educates musicians, singers, songwriters – entertainers who want to learn from those who are being interviewed each week by Bruce Wawrzyniak, president of Now Hear This, Inc.

Fat Cat Music Showcases - Fat Cat Radio
PH: 866-485-0066
Big Lou BigLou.CeCe@Frontier.com
www.spreaker.com/show/fat-cat-music-showcases
We are raising the "Bar" one note at a time!! This show is a great collection of local/indie musician showcases from around the World. All musicians and listeners are welcome to participate in the show by calling in. If you would like your music showcased send me an e-mail.

Women Of Substance Radio
Bree Noble womenofsubstanceradio@gmail.com
www.wosradio.com
An online radio station garnering fans from all over the world. WOSRadio plays the BEST female artists, both label and indie, in all genres. We take submissions from indies and our review board selects only the best quality artists and songs that can stand up next to female superstars of yesterday and today. Listen at www.rdo.to/wosradio or download our FREE branded Mobile App on Apple & Android Devices. Search for "Women of Substance" in your App Store.

Below The Ground Sound - Fat Cat Radio
BelowTheGroundSound@gmail.com
www.spreaker.com/show/below-the-ground-sound
Based in Bergen County, NJ. We primarily play raw Underground Hip Hop. Are you an upcoming Hip Hop artist that makes dope music? E-mail us your tracks!

Skunk Radio Live
SRL Networks London, 3 More London Riverside, London Bridge, London, SE1 2RE UK
PH: 02032860210
studio@SkunkRadioLive.com
www.SkunkRadioLive.com
Features undiscovered music from around the world. We are ALWAYS looking for new artists to work with.

Yall Betta Recognize Radio Show
PH: 443-842-7030
B. M. DuBB sendtrax@gmail.com
www.wdsrradio.com
Playing nothing but the hottest independent Hip Hop tracks ... with a splash of mainstream. The show airs on WESER 90.7 Bremerhaven Germany. Submit your tracks to the above e-mail address.

The Flower Power Hour - KMUD
PO Box 135, 1144 Redway Dr. Redway, CA 95560-0135
BeTh isBell TheFlowerPowerHour@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/theflowerpowerhour
A Psychedelic Rock, Psychedelic Folk and Neo-Psychedelia radio show, airing every week on Friday mornings to the entire North Coast of California & Southern Oregon on KMUD 91.1FM (Redway, CA), KMUE 88.1FM (Eureka, CA), KLAI 90.3FM (Laytonville, CA) & 99.5FM (Shelter Cove, CA). Submit your band's Psychedelic song MP3s and band bio/epk info by e-mail or to our physical address.

Light Without Heat
Stuffer White stuffer412@yahoo.com
www.lightwithoutheat.info
Progressive Music for the Progressive Mind ... The format is basically Progressive Rock / Jazz Fusion. While we do play SOME nationally known acts we concentrate HIGHLY on independent artists and bands and try to expose our listeners to all the best new music we can. When I play music from an independent project during the broadcast, I try to announce as much information about them as possible including personnel, history, website and of course, where people can buy the album! I started this show because I love this genre of "musician's music" and more importantly because there are FAR too many talented artists out there getting grossly overlooked and buried by the never ending cesspool of "mainstream" music heard on FM radio... ESPECIALLY in the Prog genre. Radio airplay is virtually non-existent. We try to help get these people heard provided their material is somewhat professionally recorded and it fits the musical format of the show.

New Driven Radio
Sherry Sabine NewDriven@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/NewDrivenRadio
The NEW DRIVEN shows bring the hottest professional level independent rock to syndicated radio. Our weekly shows feature the best in emerging Soft Rock, Hard Rock, Alt Rock, Pop, Acoustic, Folk Rock, Punk & Melodic Metal. NEW DRIVEN also produces a weekly talk show that focuses on professional independent artists and a live show with call-in interviews and guest co-hosts. Artists on our shows are full-time musicians, (or nearing that step) with a rigorous touring schedule We spin newer release original music. @NewDriven

Fuego Beats Radio
Fuego info@fuegobeats.com
www.fuegobeats.com
Broadcasts a distinctive blend of talk radio interviews with a mix of Hip Hop, Pop and R&B music from emerging musicians. Topics range from celebrity gossip to controversial issues relevant to a modern society, as well as pop culture. Submit your music via our ONLINE FORM. Send us an e-mail if you would like to be considered for an interview. @WFBS981

2.2 RADIO PROMOTERS

CIMG, LLC
119 Bowling Ave. Nashville, TN 37205-2357
Tony Bates contact@cimgllc.com
www.cimgllc.com
Our Radio Promotion work focuses on relevant radio stations (terrestrial and online), especially college radio stations, in the U.S., Canada and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Our staff works daily to build relationships with radio stations, regional promoters, music/entertainment publications and websites, and media outlets throughout North America as well as in eastern and central Europe. We work mostly with Rock, Pop-Rock, Americana and Alt-Country artists. facebook.com/cimgllc

Howard Rosen Promotion
521 W. Channel Islands Blvd. #15, Port Hueneme, CA 93041
PH: 805-382-2200 FX: 805-201-7816
info@howiewood.com
www.howiewood.com
Since 1985 We have been helping artists reach their goals of obtaining radio airplay, expanding their fan base, and creating awareness throughout the industry. @Howiewoodpromo

SECTION THREE: SERVICES/VENDORS/LABELS THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC

3.1 SERVICES - PROMOTION/PUBLICITY

Jukester PR
PH: 609-270-4646
Jim Santora inquiry@jukesterpr.com
www.jukesterpr.com
We provide press, radio and social media promotions, music distribution and more. We can cater to any size project and work with any size budget. Genres include Hard Rock, Metal, Progressive Rock, Punk, Hardcore and Modern Rock.

Now Hear This
2825 Pankaw Ln. Valrico, FL 33596
PH: 813-854-8000
Bruce Wawrzyniak bruce@now-hear-this.net
www.NowHearThis.biz
We provide a wide range of services including image/branding, evaluating (and helping with) your stage presence and stage show, evaluating (and helping with) your internet presence (website and social media), story placements in the media, create a media kit (write or edit your bio, coordinate a photo shoot etc.), developing PR materials, including for your live shows (flyer, newsletter sign-up, merch, etc.), distribution for your music (iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc.), secure copyrights for your original music, make sure you have sufficient video (quality- and quantity-wise) ...and other duties as requested. Remember, you are our boss. ABOVE ALL ELSE, everything Now Hear This does is done after discussing each and every detail of the PR plan with the talent, and all efforts are only done with the client's best interests at heart. Each client is different and so are their needs. That's why the work we do for you is the work you want us to do. We work with the following genres: Singer/Songwriter, Pop, Country, Jazz and Christian.

Cigar City Management
PH: 813-230-2728
Randy Ojeda info@cigarcitymanagement.com
www.cigarcitymanagement.com
A full service management company from Tampa, FL. We work with a diverse range of talented artists, musicians, writers and entertainers from all over the country. We assist our talent with a variety of services, including marketing, promotions, web-development, graphic design, photo, film, recording, booking, touring and merchandising. Preferred genres are Indie Pop/Rock, Indie Electronic, Singer/Songwriter and Hip Hop.

Dolce Belletto
PO Box 632, Antioch, TN 37011
PH: 615-375-6483
Contrecia Tharpe Trecie@dolcebelletto.com
www.dolcebelletto.com
A boutique brand strategy and image consulting firm based in Nashville, TN that services clients all over the nation. Dolce Belletto prides itself on developing brands and images for clients that carry their message, showcases their passion, is appealing to their demographic and transitions with the changes of time. A clear, cohesive and consistent brand and image completes, what Dolce Belletto has coined as, the trifecta to success...brand, image and offering!

Xhail
Market Square, Gorey, Co. Wexford, Ireland
PH: +353-1-5542401
info@xhail.com
www.xhail.com
Through non-linear practices and deconstructive techniques we have pioneered a wonderful and innovative software platform that delivers an unparalleled unique music licensing solution to TV/Film production, advertising and the gaming sectors. We are looking for professional composers, single instrument specialists and producers to compose high quality music across a wide range of genres and styles.

CIMG, LLC
119 Bowling Ave. Nashville, TN 37205-2357
Tony Bates contact@cimgllc.com
www.cimgllc.com
We provide Social Media Marketing and Social Commerce Solutions for our clients, in addition to Artist Management and Record Label Services. We work with artists, record labels, agencies, events, and brands of all kinds that want to effectively engage their supporters and fans via social media. Considering the global marketplace and international appeal, we offer our services in several languages as well, when appropriate to meet your goals. We work mostly with Rock, Pop-Rock, Americana and Alt-Country artists. facebook.com/cimgllc

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

Serge Media Group
PO Box 5147, Canton, GA 30114
PH: 678-880-8207
Sandy Serge sergeent@aol.com
www.sergemediagroup.com
Social media, networking and publicity solutions for musicians backed by a trustworthy and diligent work ethic.

3.2 SERVICES - LABELS, DISTRIBUTORS AND ONLINE VENDORS

CD Baby
13909 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97230
PH: 503-595-3000 FX: 503-296-2370
cdbaby@cdbaby.com
www.cdbaby.com
We will expose your CD to 10,000 customers a day. In addition we have an amazing digital distribution service that is available to all CD Baby members. CD Baby will also make your CD available to over 2400 CD stores worldwide (mostly US).

SECTION FOUR: SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3s OR VIDEOS

Songtradr
2001 Wilshire Blvd. #302, Santa Monica, CA 90403
support@songtradr.com
www.songtradr.com
Provides music creators and owners with an intuitive, simple and free content management system where all of your music assets can be stored, discovered, curated and monetized. On Songtradr, you have complete control of your rights, as our mission is to empower creators and owners with the flexibility they need to run their business the way they want to! Music supervisors, brands, film makers and other creatives can now benefit from licensing and acquiring the music they want directly from our incredible selection of users who include some of the world's best composers, producers, songwriters as well as artists, bands, publishers, labels and rights estates. You can enjoy our simple licensing system which accommodates the way you need to work, not the way we need to!

Tunii
www.tunii.com
Our mission at Tunii is to revolutionize the music industry by giving artists the best possible opportunity to have their songs go viral, build their fan base, increase sales and be successful. Fans that help share and promote those songs can get rewards and share in the proceeds of that success. Tunii's patent-pending technology platform manages all of this and is 100% free to join for both artists and fans. Join us in making Tunii the future of the music industry where together we can all share in the success for connecting artists and fans around the world. Use the Add My Song link at the top and the bottom of the page. We will review your submission and get back to you if we are going to accept the song.

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

mydiveo
www.mydiveo.com
The place where professional A&Rs, managers, labels, artists, musicians & brands discover talent from across the world. We are a global talent discovery platform & creative network fostering creative collaborations and new connections between artists, music lovers, music industry professionals, talent scouts and brands. Dream. Record. Share. Connect.

SECTION SIX: HELPFUL TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAND

6.1 RESOURCES - GENERAL

Unsigned Only Music Competition
3940 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216
PH: 615-251-4441
info@unsignedonly.com
http://www.unsignedonly.com
Unsigned Only 2017 has reopened entries for a three week special promotion called Triple Play. Each week will offer a different promotion and benefits to entrants, including 100 free spins per entry to Radio Airplay to all entrants just for entering. For more information or to enter your songs now, visit http://unsignedonly.com/enter

Songwriter Connect
Kingston House, 64 Patrick St., Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland
info@songwriter-connect.com
www.songwriter-connect.com
Created to enable talented songwriters gaining access to high quality placement opportunities with established performing artists, music publishers, film and TV. Songwriter Connect never has more than 500 members to insure high quality pitches to the opportunities. Members go through an application process and only get accepted if their material is radio friendly, high quality and well written. We are here to help songwriters, not to feed off of songwriters. Our site is dedicated to songwriting. Hence, you will not find any opportunities such as label deals or gig requests. We are happy to receive applications by songwriters, bands and performing singers/songwriters that have the goal to place their music with other artists or in film and TV. We don't charge for the application, nor for pitches once accepted as a member. No frills, no unnecessary expenses. We are not here to entertain, we are here to help.

Festival Network Online
PO Box 18839, Asheville, NC 28814
PH: 828-658-2779 FX: 828-645-3374
Julie Cochrane julie@festivalnet.com
www.festivalnet.com
Lists more than 10,000 events throughout the U.S. and Canada seeking performers, from local & regional to national & international. @_festivalnet

6.2 RESOURCES - EDUCATIONAL

How to Build a Music Website That Sells
PH: +372-566-07691
Mihkel Raud mihkelraud@gmail.com
www.musicwebsitethatsells.com
Start selling your music by building a killer website - the right way! I sold over 3000 CDs and downloads in just 3 months using the secrets I share in this book - and now you can do it too. Get the ultimate step-by-step guide for turning your music into steady income - for the price of one venti coffee at Starbucks! You can be a best-selling act without being signed to a major record label. Selling thousands of CDs and downloads on the internet is easier than ever - if you know what you are doing!

Musonomics
www.musicwatchinc.com
A twice-monthly podcast about the business of the music and culture industries.

Music Marketing Manifesto Blog
John Oszajca john@musicmarketingmanifesto.com
www.MusicMarketingManifesto.com
Advanced strategies, secrets, tactics and tips on selling your music online. @JohnOszajca

6.3 RESOURCES - TOOLS

ZynLinks
PH: 404-855-1897
office@zynlinks.com
www.zynlinks.com
A powerful collaborative marketing tool that allows you to create and share rich content on venue websites with ease to help boost foot traffic and ticket (or cover) sales for live shows. ZynLinks is a web-based, embeddable application that allows you to share extensive amounts of content through other websites inside of a dynamic iframe. You "package" your content (text, images, YouTube videos, widgets, and more) using an Editing Environment, and then offer your embed code for collaborative and/or reciprocal sharing. Whenever you update your ZynLinks content, your updates cascade in real-time to every website where your ZynLinks are embedded.

ShoutOmatic
Norm Levy feedback@shoutomatic.com
www.ShoutOmatic.com
Think of each Shout as an "audible-tweet." Rather than typing a 140 character text message, ShoutOmatic allows you to record and send audible Shouts so you can be heard across your social networks and web spaces.ShoutOmatic offers Artists their own Social Media Phone Numbers to give out to their Fans as if it were their own cell number. When Fans call (or text) the Artists Number they hear a current and relevant Voice Message from the Artist; typically promoting a new track, album or tour dates. They can encourage the Fans to reply back in their own voice answering marketing questions (or sing their favorite verse of a new song, vote etc.). After the Fan hangs up the phone, they receive an automatic Text Message from the artists' Number with any call-to-action, bonus content or sponsored content.

MusicWatch
PH: 631-470-4982
Russ H. Crupnick info@musicwatchinc.com
www.musicwatchinc.com
Music consumer research and analyst services. We cover the spectrum of fan engagement with music from how it is purchased to where it is listened to, and everything in between. MusicWatch is not just about research and reports. We work very closely with our clients to translate our research into actionable and insightful findings. We help go beyond the numbers and provide in-depth analysis and recommendations.

QRATES
150-0002,Kurusu Bldg., 3F 2-2-5 Shibuya, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
contact@qrates.com
www.qrates.com
A platform for artists and labels to sell their music on vinyl and digital formats. Artists and labels can promote their music online to fund vinyl pressings, deliver exclusive content and items, make their music streamable and offer free downloads and bonus tracks to their fans. We also offer statistics and reports services.

UnlockTHIS
contact@unlockthis.net
www.unlockthis.net
A platform that takes like-to-download and content gating to a whole new level. Whether you produce music, make videos, blog or write, UnlockTHIS allows you to exchange your content for followers on your social platforms of choice. We’re a platform made by creators, for creators.

StoryAmp
PH: 415-322-8863
Dmitri Vietze dmitri@storyamp.com
www.storyamp.com
Reach journalist e-mail Inboxes for free! Running your label or music career just got easier. Create a gorgeous music press kit for your release or tour so we can send it to relevant journalists by e-mail for free.

Meerkat
www.meerkatapp.co
A live video streaming app available on iOS and Android. Meerkat allows you to live stream video from your phone to all of your Twitter followers at once. Press 'Stream', and instantly your live video stream shows up in your follower's Twitter feeds.

MyNewsletterBuilder
comments@mynewsletterbuilder.com
www.mynewsletterbuilder.com
A user-friendly, feature-rich, online newsletter management program for novices and professionals alike.

6.4 RESOURCES - AUDIO

Peerless Mastering
1085 Commonwealth Ave. #322, Boston, MA 02215
PH: 617-527-2200
info@peerlessmastering.com
www.peerlessmastering.com
Dedicated to providing the highest quality restoration. We offer the highest quality stereo and 5.1 pre-mastering, CD, CD Enhanced, and DVD-A authoring and full audio restoration. Our staff is exceptional at giving our clients the best quality and service, guiding them through the final phase of their sonic process with ease and expertise. We are uniquely equipped to provide the highest quality mastering available anywhere. We have the expertise, equipment, and skills to achieve the full sound potential of your album. As more and more artists are choosing to record in project and home studios, high-quality professional mastering in an acoustically accurate room has never been more important. Working at Peerless' state-of-the-art studios with our highly trained engineers, you can realize your sonic vision and make your recording sound as full, warm, punchy, and clear as possible. We will guide you through every step of this final phase of your project, and you will be truly amazed when you hear how incredible your music can sound. @PeerlessMaster

6.5 RESOURCES - ORGANIZATIONS

The Musicians' Union
60-62 Clapham Rd. London, SW9 0JJ UK
PH: 020-7582-5566 FX: 020-7840-5505
info@theMU.org
www.musiciansunion.org.uk
A globally-respected organisation which represents over 30,000 musicians working in all sectors of the music business.

SECTION SEVEN: THIS MONTH'S ARTICLE

13 Things Every DIY Musician Should Know How to Do
by Aaron Tian, Amir Abbassy, Confusion, Constant Gardner, Gianni Lee of Pigeons and Planes Blog. Edited by Chris Robley, DIY Musician Blog
© 2017 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission

If you're one of those artists who thinks it's enough just to be a good musician, check out Pigeons and Planes' recent article "Things Every Indie Artist Should Know How to Do."

It's a good kick-in-the-pants for anyone clinging to the very 20th-Century fiction (because it wasn't true then either) that musicians can get by on talent alone.

Work ethic and attitude have always been important for success in the music industry (particularly for independent artists). They just might look a little different today than they did 15 years ago.

Check out Pigeons and Planes' full article here or check out my quick summary below.

What you should know how to do if you want to be a successful musician today:

1. Manage your expectations

Amir Abbassy says, "Set a goal. You want to be Kanye? Realize Kanye played the cut for over a decade before he became Mr. West. Then it took another decade to become Yeezus. Things take time. Get. That. Chip. Off. Your Shoulder. Anything that comes too easy, isn't real. And anything you put time and effort into, will come back to you."

2. Create memorable music videos

Videos are IMPORTANT these days, not just to fans, but also to talent buyers who want to hear and SEE what your shows are like before they book you at their venue. Thankfully, videos don't require a bunch of $$ to shoot anymore. You have a camera on your phone, and editing software is pretty affordable.

3. Submit your music to your favorite blogs and websites

Don't wait for a publicist to take you to the promised land. Be your own publicist.

4. Stop trying to get a record deal

The P&P article says: "Instead of rushing into a deal, develop yourself first. If it takes a couple of years, so be it-by the time you do sign with a major, you'll be ready. And you'll be in a much better position to negotiate for creative control, ownership, and whatever else you want from a partnership."

5. Develop a sense of fashion

This one always hurts, since I'm the type of person who'd rather just find a uniform, buy 7 of them, and wear the same thing every day. But alas…

P&P says, "We all had that golden moment freshmen year when we looked in a mirror and thought, "Oh God, I look awful." As an artist, it's best you have that moment sooner rather than later. Developing a unique style can help set the tone for your music by making for compelling press photos and visually pleasing live performances."

6. Carefully consider your album artwork, posters, etc.

Check out what's out there today, what's hitting, what's hip. If your artwork looks shoddy, no one will want to listen to your music or check out your show.

This seems like it should be a no-brainer, but we see new albums every week with art that screams "amateur" or worse. We also see brilliant album art that catches us and makes us want to listen right away. Hopefully you're in the second group. After putting so much time into the music, don't skimp on the design.

7. Communicate via social media

Facebook. Twitter. G+. Snapchat. Instagram. Meerkat. YouTube. Vine. Etc. Etc. Etc.

You do NOT need to be active on all of them. But find where your fans are and communicate with them effectively on at least one or two of those platforms.

8. Put together a marketing plan

P&P says, "It should come as a surprise to none of you that if you want to make some money with your music, you need a business model. What are you selling? Who's your target audience? Who's your competition?"

Putting together a plan that considers these factors will make you better able to maneuver in your music marketplace, and to make career adjustments based on actual data.

9. Create interesting content

I've been hesitant to embrace the notion of musician-as-content-creator because I feel like it shifts the attention away from what's most important (the music).

But I I like how P&P puts it: "Take advantage of the internet-not just as a way of promoting your music, but as a way of creating a world for that music to live in."

10. Be an effective public speaker

Developing this skill will help you better describe your music when someone asks you what you sound like. It'll help you give better interviews. It'll help you when you're networking with managers, labels, and agents. And it'll help you become a better live performer with better in-between-song banter.

11. Code

Basic HTML is pretty much required at this point, especially if you're managing your own website, posting frequent blogs, etc.

But the P&P article takes it a step further: "For an artist, learning how to code early on will provide a distinct advantage. Remember when Raury released Indigo Child through an online video game? Or when Mac Miller made you make him a sandwich to download Faces? People love new and fun ways to interact with the internet. Code is just one more way you can reach them. Most artists eventually hire an expert to take over the tech, but being self-sufficient from the start can put you way ahead of the competition."

12. Talk to your fans directly

Megastars of yesteryear were all about living in the limelight beyond the reach of fans. Those days are over. The more direct, honest, and engaged you are with your audience (and with the individuals who comprise your audience), the more loyal your fanbase.

13. Make good music

Here's that bit of advice I hope is the assumed starting or ending point of any blog post or tutorial for musicians: you have to make good music!

P&P says, "You can only get by on good looks, interesting content, and a fire social media strategy for so long. Eventually, it all comes down to whether or not you have compelling music."

This article originally appeared in the April 7, 2017 Pigeons and Planes blog. www.pigeonsandplanes.com/2017/04/indie-artist-how-to-guide Pigeons and Planes is a music discovery site. It is a place where you can keep up with new music across all genres, from mainstream hip-hop to experimental pop, and from all corners of the globe. They put you on to good music made by good people, whether they’re pop stars or burgeoning acts building a name performing in local bars.

The edited version of this article appeared in the April 2017 DIY Musician Blog diymusician.cdbaby.com/2017/04/13-things-every-diy-musician-should-know-how-to-do CD Baby's DIY Musician Blog gives independent artists direct access to the advice of industry experts and successful musicians. Updated daily, the DIY Musician Blog covers topics as diverse as music marketing, songwriting, social networking, recording, copyright, building a YouTube presence, and booking - so you'll want to check back often for another dose of do-it-yourself inspiration.

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