tag:alistarrecords.com,2005:/blogs/cv-blog?p=5CV BLOG2020-05-17T18:51:27-05:00Alistar Recordsfalsetag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/63203532020-05-17T18:51:27-05:002023-10-16T09:44:51-05:00Top 10 Ways To Promote Your Music <p>Guest post by <a contents="Ronald Ross" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://loudbeats.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Ronald Ross</strong></a></p>
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<p>It’s not surprising that the internet and technology have made music marketing <br>much simpler. Not just that, you have several strategies and options to choose <br>from.</p>
<p> <br>The best part is, new or unsigned artists don’t require spending a fortune on <br>music marketing. </p>
<p> <br>In this article, I have listed a few effective methods for you to promote your <br>music successfully. </p>
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<p><span style="color:#f39c12;"><strong>1. Use Social Media </strong></span></p>
<p>The benefits of social media, from a business perspective, are plenty <a contents="when&nbsp;&nbsp;used correctly. " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://alistarrecords.com/blogs/cv-blog/posts/how-to-effectively-promote-your-music-video-on-facebook" target="_blank">when <br>used correctly. </a>It can help you gain a following, build contacts and allow word- <br>of-mouth marketing. </p>
<p><br>You should plan your content and post regularly, as people engage more with <br>active accounts. For instance, you could give a daily sneak-peek into your <br>recording studio, do an Instagram/Facebook live, upload vlogs on YouTube of <br>your events and so on. </p>
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<p><span style="color:#f39c12;"><strong>2. Build A Website </strong></span></p>
<p>Having a professional website is the key to your <a contents="online presence and growth." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://alistarrecords.com/blogs/cv-blog/posts/building-your-online-presence" target="_blank">online presence and growth.</a> <br>Creating an attractive website design is as essential as a smooth-running <br>website. </p>
<p><br>Not just that, you should plan weekly blogs or video diaries. Basically, anything <br>that your fans may find interesting. A website is also necessary for keeping <br>your fans updated with your events, ticket pricing, merchandise, albums, <br>details of the band members and so on. </p>
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<p><span style="color:#f39c12;"><strong>3. Create A Mailing List </strong></span></p>
<p>Your professional email is another valuable tool for promoting your music. Yes, <br>a website increases engagement from fans, but a <a contents="mailing list" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.crazyegg.com/blog/killer-email-list/" target="_blank">mailing list</a> gives you direct <br>access to the inboxes of your loyal fans. </p>
<p><br>If a fan subscribes to your mailing list, they get updates directly from you. Thus, <br>sending them emails, links about your new blogs, songs, albums will reach <br>them sooner than a social media story or post. </p>
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<p><span style="color:#f39c12;"><strong>4. Engage With Your Fans </strong></span></p>
<p>Posting content regularly isn’t enough to keep your fans satisfied. While <br>planning out content your fans could relate to could be a challenge, engaging <br>with your fans isn’t. </p>
<p><br>You must consistently engage with your fans by replying to their comments, <br>going live to answer fan questions, planning out fun contests, holding <br>giveaways of your merchandise and so on. This builds a personal connection <br>between you and your fans, allowing you to convert them into superfans. </p>
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<p><span style="color:#f39c12;"><strong>5. Make Music Videos </strong></span></p>
<p>Let me tell you a secret if your song doesn’t do expected numbers, a music <br>video has the potential to help you reach those numbers. Making an original <br>video with excellent videography is as essential as having the best music <br>programmes and a <a contents="top DJ software for your tracks" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://loudbeats.org/dj/best-dj-software/" target="_blank">top DJ software for your tracks</a>. </p>
<p> <br>Investing time, thought, effort in making a cohesive music video is a foolproof <br>way to go viral. for your tracks. Investing time, energy, effort in making a <br>cohesive and original music video is a foolproof way to go viral. </p>
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<p><span style="color:#f39c12;"><strong>6. Perform Live </strong></span></p>
<p>Live performance plays one of the most important roles in raising awareness <br>about your band and music to a large audience. Not only will you be able to <br><a contents="promote your music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://loudbeats.org/music/music-promotion-services/" target="_blank">promote your music</a>, but also monetise through these gigs. </p>
<p><br>So, take up as many gigs as you can. Make sure the event is playing another <br>band/musician of the same genre so you can connect with the audience. </p>
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<p><span style="color:#f39c12;"><strong>7. Turn To Music Blogs </strong></span></p>
<p>There are several <a contents="music submission sites and blogs" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://loudbeats.org/music/blogs-to-submit-music/" target="_blank">music submission sites and blogs</a> for artists to submit their <br>music and to help them reach their target audience? Music blogs are a sure <br>way to help you gain popularity. Do your research and choose a popular music <br>blog in your area which suits your music style. Also, be professional when <br>approaching music bloggers and produce original, unique and interesting <br>music. </p>
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<p><span style="color:#f39c12;"><strong>8. Upload On Streaming Services </strong></span></p>
<p>Music streaming services are the talk of the town, gone are the days people <br>bought albums. Being an artist in this day and age is a golden opportunity, as <br>you have multiple streaming channels to choose from. Research and pick the <br>streaming service, which could help you get connected with bigger artists. </p>
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<p><span style="color:#f39c12;"><strong>9. Work With A Publicist </strong></span></p>
<p>You can also work with a reliable publicist to promote your music. A good <br>public research team not only helps you in getting media attention, but <br>handles all your social media platforms and websites to drive traffic and target <br>specific audiences. It is necessary that you have a great relationship with your <br>publicist and that they know exactly what you want for your music promotion <br>to be successful. </p>
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<p><span style="color:#f39c12;"><strong>10. Build A Strong Team </strong></span></p>
<p>Lastly, you must have a strong and reliable team. If you are in a band, all the <br>band members must be on the same page in terms of band growth and <br>awareness. <a contents="Building a strong team" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/274001" target="_blank">Building a strong team</a> with equally distributed responsibilities is <br>extremely important regardless of your music. </p>
<p>Well, that's a wrap! I hope you find these 10 ways helpful in promoting your <br>music. </p>
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<p><strong><span style="color:#f39c12;">Author Bio:</span> </strong><br>Ronald Ross is passionate about music and also runs a blog <br>(<a contents="https://loudbeats.org/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://loudbeats.org/" target="_blank">https://loudbeats.org/</a>) for fellow music enthusiasts to share and learn more <br>about music and musical instruments.</p>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/37297282015-06-04T17:32:20-05:002018-02-05T21:44:54-06:00What I've Learned Composing For Film and TV<div class="clearfix" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><div class="row" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-right: -11px; margin-left: -11px;"><div class="col-md-18 col-md-offset-3" style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative; min-height: 1px; padding-right: 11px; padding-left: 11px; float: left; width: 871.5px; margin-left: 145.25px;"><div class="clearfix single " style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div class="blog-body" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 14px;">
<h1 id="blog-single-title" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; font-size: 50px; font-family: 'Bree Serif', serif; line-height: 1.1; color: inherit;">What I've Learned Composing For Film and TV</h1>
<div><a href="https://www.stage32.com/profile/58451/about" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 122, 183); text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; -webkit-transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; background-color: transparent;"><img src="https://d1we5yax8fyln6.cloudfront.net/sites/stage32.com/files/imagecache/head_shot_200/headshots/x719cf4e943e1c803bd75d97889468d0c_1395169178_l.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lZDadDNnNF.webp" class="size_orig justify_left border_" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 10px; max-height: 85px; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; height: auto; padding: 4px; line-height: 1.42857143; border-radius: 4px; -webkit-transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out;" /></a></div>
<h4 id="blog-single-author" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.1; color: inherit; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 4px; font-size: 16px;">By <a href="https://www.stage32.com/profile/58451/about" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 122, 183); text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; -webkit-transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; background-color: transparent;">Mathieu Karsenti</a>
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<div><time datetime="2015-06-04" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Thursday, June 4th, 2015</time></div>
<div id="socialCountsHolder" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 14px; margin-bottom: 14px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); position: relative;"><ul class="list-inline content-actions" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; list-style: none; padding-top: 14px; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);"> <li class="tt" data-original-title="14 Comments" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; display: inline-block; padding-right: 8px; padding-left: 0px;" title=""> </li>
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<div id="blog-intro" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 24px !important; line-height: 1.3em !important; margin: 25px 0px; padding: 10px 0px 10px 15px; border-left-width: 7px; border-left-style: solid; border-left-color: rgb(128, 0, 0); clear: both; color: rgb(102, 102, 102) !important; font-family: 'Bree Serif', serif !important;">
<div id="blog-intro-user" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; margin: 8px 18px 10px 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); width: 140px; text-align: center; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;"><img src="https://d1we5yax8fyln6.cloudfront.net/sites/stage32.com/files/imagecache/head_shot_200/headshots/x69ddca2b25d1311e38fe6f264bcfebf7_1332193049_l.jpg.pagespeed.ic.I9oWx_A4H_.webp" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Richard " /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; margin: 8px 18px 10px 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(245, 245, 245); width: 140px; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;">Richard "RB" Botto</div>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.3em !important;">Stage 32 member Mathieu Karsenti is a professional music composer for film, TV and media with over 20 years experience. Today, on the Stage 32 Blog, he not only shares his journey as a composer, but discusses why music is so important and vital to the framework of a film.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.3em !important;">Mathieu has studied at Poinblank College, Berklee College of Music online and at the Hollywood Music Orchestration Workshop under the tutelage of orchestrator Conrad Pope. For Intricuts music, Mathieu has composed and produced music for successful TV shows for BBC, ITV and Sky1 and for top TV production companies as well as UK celebrities. He truly knows the art of music in film and TV. </p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.3em !important;">I thank Mathieu for his contribution to the Stage 32 Blog.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.3em !important;">Enjoy,</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.3em !important;">RB</p>
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<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;">My journey as a composer of music to picture has been so far a non-straightforward one.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;">Whilst studying Applied Arts in France (graphic design, architecture, fine art, etc) I started off in my teens singing and playing guitar, writing songs, fronting a live band. I then started producing other artists on the UK Soul scene in my twenties and thirties, and eventually began editing music and composing on TV shows, short films and documentaries. I've worked on projects big and small, some very creative, others not so much.</p>
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<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;">And I came quite late into film, not knowing that I would be or wanted to be a composer. Being self-taught and not classically trained has given me a different look on the whole business of writing to picture. It also means I am aware of film scoring rules and that I am unconventional in my approach, thereby opening up a dialogue, aiming to create something fresh and new.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;">So let's take a look:</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;">Firstly, music to picture is functional. It is at the service of the film, it enhances a TV show and most of the time it gives it an identity. It's not meant to be heard on its own like concert music, but when it is played away from the film, it sometimes sounds as incredible as any concert music does!</p>
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<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;">Personally, I've always been a fan of films where the music blends in or subtly stands out in a very clever, non-invasive way. But most of the films we've grown to love and admire never really touched me because the music always stood out way too much for me: big romantic orchestral sweeps, bombastic drums, heroic trumpets … all telling me how to feel at a certain time, not giving me enough room to digest the film. And yet these formulas are still very much in use in most films worldwide because they work well.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;">But once in a while you hear a soundtrack that stands out without standing out, if it makes sense. It represents the essence, the soul of the film so well, it's like a perfect match! That reminds me why I love scoring.</p>
<table style="box-sizing: border-box; border-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: transparent;" width="100%"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <tr align="center" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"> <td class="full-width-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px 0px 16px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; border-collapse: collapse !important; text-align: left;" valign="middle"><img src="https://www.stage32.com/sites/stage32.com/files/uploads/x1170274320505645777.jpg.pagespeed.ic.7QR2DRZOef.webp" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" /></td> </tr>
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<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;">Secondly, I feel that music for film and TV is a bit of a dark art. Most TV execs and film directors or producers want music but they don't know what kind. So instead of involving the right composer in the creative process, they pick something they like and ask you to recompose it with some minor changes because they can't clear the rights to the original track. Fair enough. But this is where 'music to picture is functional' is taken literally. We're trying to get from A to B without really enjoying the journey!</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;">Hence, we're left with too many films with music that emulates other established composers, and too many predictable moments we've already experienced brilliantly in the original films.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;">On a smaller scale, in my work I was lucky enough to experience both sides: being asked to recompose existing music and being consulted as a composer to create something new that suits the project like a glove. Obviously, the latter case scenario is the best one! And it always baffles me why directors or execs would want it any other way, except for financial reasons.</p>
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<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;">This is your chance to add the cherry on the icing by having a bespoke score that enhances your project, that creates a true identity, that makes it stand out and…. well we want something like <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Inception</em>!</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;">But a good scenario that works for me is when I'm given tracks as a starting point of inspiration: the page is blank and the director gives you the colours they want you to use.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;">The other thing I've discovered is how little value or respect some people place in music. We need it. Without it, the film is weird, empty. And yet, people aren't willing to pay much for it, if anything at all.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;">They'll use affordable music libraries even though everybody else can get the same tracks, they'll ask you to work for free for your portfolio, and they'll cut the film to a temp track rather than involving the composer early on. In this case, music is more of a commodity than an ally in your project.</p>
<table style="box-sizing: border-box; border-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: transparent;" width="100%"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <tr align="center" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"> <td class="full-width-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px 0px 16px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; border-collapse: collapse !important; text-align: left;" valign="middle"><img src="https://www.stage32.com/sites/stage32.com/files/uploads/x1170276662655331056.jpg.pagespeed.ic.zuaXd7CbhW.webp" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" /></td> </tr>
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<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;">On a positive note, here's why I think music is so important and how composers can help with your film:</p>
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">It works in synergy with your concepts, with your script, with the actors.</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">It can add real charisma to your film, with the right music touches and arrangements.</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">It acts as an emotional support to enhance certain passages.</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Or it can represent the whole film in a more conceptual way rather than being tied down to specific scenes.</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Composing is a craft. Composers work at it and they constantly develop it. So when you work with a good composer, remember that you're working with a craftsman/woman not really an artist as such.</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Music should be recorded live - depending on budget of course! The fact we have all sorts of computer sounds nowadays doesn't mean it will sound great. Getting a musician to replay a part is always a bonus. It breathes life and soul into the film, it adds a human touch.</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">By trusting a composer, you are letting in creativity and enriching your project at the same time.</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Music is that extra voice that makes an aural commentary on the film.</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">By working directly with a composer and bypassing any 'middle' people, you establish an important creative connection that will yield some great results - on a human level as well as on an artistic one.</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">A composer is your soundboard, he is a person you trust with your 'baby' after it's been shot, edited, colour-corrected or in its infancy as a bare script. A composer gives it a voice, a persona, a character.</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Composers are on your side. They have in-depth knowledge of music and they know what they can do for you. They usually will find a way to make it work (temp score or not!) in order to achieve great results. They will pull the right arrangements, the right sound combinations, the right orchestration out of the bag to give you what you need or even try to exceed your expectations.</li>
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<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;">So this is music as seen from a composer's side of the table. I think the power of music is so strong, it really can save an average film, add creatively to an already brilliant one or it can also ruin a cinematic experience for the viewer.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;">These are my views and my own experiences, but generally speaking a little trust and respect in our craft and our creativity will go a long way, without costing the earth. And, working together, involving us into the process, understanding how important music is, can only be a good thing on a human and creative level.</p>
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<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Like this blog post? Please share it on social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, email etc) by using social media buttons at the top of the blog. Or post to your personal blog and anywhere else you feel appropriate. Thank you.</em></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em !important;">As always, Mathieu is available for remarks in the Comments section below!</p>
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</div></div></div></div></div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/37231972015-05-31T22:25:04-05:002015-05-31T22:25:04-05:00Entertainment Lawyers: Who? What? When? Where - and How Much?<div class="journal-entry-tag journal-entry-tag-pre-title" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-bottom-style: solid; line-height: 1.69em; padding-left: 6px; padding-top: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-bottom: 9px; color: rgb(205, 246, 121); border-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); background-image: url(http://www.musicthinktank.com/storage/sc_datebg.jpg); background-repeat: repeat-y;"><span class="posted-on" style="white-space: nowrap;">May 20, 2015</span></div>
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<h2 class="title" style="margin: 0px 0px 8px; padding: 0px; font-size: 21px; line-height: 1.3em; text-decoration: underline;"><a class="journal-entry-navigation-current" href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/entertainment-lawyers-who-what-when-where-and-how-much.html" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; line-height: 1.3em; padding-top: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; background-color: rgb(252, 253, 250);">Entertainment Lawyers: Who? What? When? Where - and How Much?</a></h2>
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<span class="post-snippet-3" style="float: left; padding-right: 12px;"><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/entertainment-lawyers-who-what-when-where-and-how-much.html&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=450&action=like&colorscheme=light&height=80" style="border-style: none; border-width: initial; overflow: hidden; width: 450px; height: 24px;"></iframe></span><span class="post-snippet-1" style="float: left; padding-right: 12px;"><iframe allowtransparency="true" class="twitter-share-button twitter-tweet-button twitter-share-button twitter-count-none" data-twttr-rendered="true" frameborder="0" id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets/tweet_button.d9c893c960e2d3574122a44beba13539.en.html#_=1433129068294&count=none&dnt=false&id=twitter-widget-0&lang=en&original_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.musicthinktank.com%2Fblog%2Fentertainment-lawyers-who-what-when-where-and-how-much.html&size=m&text=Music%20Think%20Tank%20-%20Entertainment%20Lawyers%3A%20Who%3F%20What%3F%20When%3F%20Where%20-%20and%20How%C2%A0Much%3F&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.musicthinktank.com%2Fblog%2Fentertainment-lawyers-who-what-when-where-and-how-much.html" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="Twitter Tweet Button"></iframe></span><span class="posted-by" style="white-space: nowrap;">BY: <a href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/author/wallacecollins" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);">WALLACE COLLINS</a></span> | <span class="post-comments" style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/entertainment-lawyers-who-what-when-where-and-how-much.html#comments" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);">1 COMMENT</a></span> | <span class="print-item"><a href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/entertainment-lawyers-who-what-when-where-and-how-much.html?printerFriendly=true" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);">PRINT ARTICLE</a></span>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> As an artist or creator in the entertainment industry you do not need to know everything about the business in order to succeed, but you should hire people who do. When I was a teenage recording artist back in the late 70’s, I can remember being intimidated by the “suits”. Now that I am on the other side of the desk, I have a broader perspective. I am here to tell you that those “suits” can help you; provided, however, that like any other aspect of your life, you use your instincts in making your selection.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> The best place for you to start building your “team” of representatives is with a competent lawyer who specializes in entertainment law, which is a combination of contract, intellectual property (copyright and trademark) and licensing law. Eventually, your team could possibly include a personal manager, an agent and a business manager/accountant. Your lawyer can assist you in assembling your team. He may then function as the linchpin in coordinating the activities of your team and insuring that these people are acting in your best interests.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> A good lawyer will navigate you safely through the minefield that is the entertainment industry. Entertainment contracts can be extremely complicated. Proper negotiating and drafting requires superior legal skills as well as knowledge of entertainment business and intellectual property practice. Your lawyer can explain the concepts of copyright and trademark to you and assist you in securing proper protection for your work. In addition to structuring and documenting a deal to maximize the benefits to you, some lawyers also actively solicit deals for their clients. Moreover, if you are not properly compensated in accordance with your contract, you may look to your lawyer to commence a lawsuit to enforce the terms of your contract.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> When looking for a lawyer, you should not be afraid to speak with a few before retaining one. Some lawyers are with large firms but many are solo practitioners. Lawyers have various personalities and legal skills and you should seek out a situation where the “vibe” is right. Although your first contact may be on the telephone or online, most likely you will have an initial consultation for which there may be a modest charge, although some lawyers may not charge for that first meeting depending on the circumstances. Remember, your lawyer’s time is money, so be prepared and be on time for your appointment.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> It is not necessary that your lawyer like or even understand your creative endeavors be it an app, a book, music, your film or TV pilot idea. It is more important that you feel he or she is a trustworthy and competent advisor. The lawyer/client relationship is known as a “fiduciary” relationship which means that a lawyer must always act in your best interest and not his own or that of anyone else. Your lawyer is also under a duty to keep your conversations with him confidential. It is often in your best interest that it stay that way.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> Keep in mind that a lawyer with other big name clients is not necessarily the best lawyer for you; if it comes down to taking your calls or those of a superstar, which do you think will get preference? </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> You are probably wondering, “How much will this cost?” Well, remember that the only thing a lawyer has to sell is his time. A lawyer, much like a doctor, is selling services, so if you go to him for advice you should expect to pay. With the odds of success in this business being what they are, very few lawyers will agree to work for you and wait for payment until you are successful and can pay your bills. A lawyer specializing in the entertainment field usually charges an hourly fee or a percentage of the money value of your deal. Hourly rates generally run from $300-$500 and up. Percentages on a pending deal are based on the “reasonable value of services rendered” in connection with a particular contract and generally run around 5-10% of the deal. A few lawyers may charge a set fee, such as $1,000 or $5,000, to review and negotiate certain documents. Check around to see if the fee arrangement proposed is competitive. Most lawyers will require a payment of money in advance or “retainer”, which can range anywhere from $500 to $10,000 (and more for litigation matters). Even those who take a percentage of the deal as a fee may require that you pay some amount as a retainer. In addition to the hourly fee or percentage, you are usually required to reimburse your lawyer for his out-of-pocket costs, including long distance telephone calls, photocopies, postage, fax, etc. </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> You should realize that in retaining a lawyer you are making a contract even if your agreement is not written. In return for a fee, the lawyer promises to render legal services on your behalf. However, some lawyers may want a fee arrangement in writing (specifically in connection with a percentage deal) and/or a payment direction letter. A cautious lawyer will advise you that you have the right to seek the advice of another lawyer as to the propriety of a percentage fee arrangement.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> You should consult a lawyer if you are asked to sign anything. Too many aspiring creative artists want to get a deal so badly they will sign almost anything that promises them a chance to do it. Even successful careers have a relatively short life span, especially when it comes to careers in music, movie and television. Therefore, it is important for you to get maximum returns in the good years and not sign away rights to valuable income.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> Do not rely on anyone else (or even their lawyer) to tell you what your contract says. Your lawyer will “translate” the deal for you and explain to you exactly what you are getting into. Do not let anyone rush you or pressure you into signing any agreement. There is really no such thing as a standard “form” contract. Any such contract was drafted by that party’s attorney to protect that party’s interests; your lawyer can help negotiate more favorable terms for you. Everyone needs someone to look out for his or her interests. That is why you need a lawyer. If you believe in yourself and your talents, give yourself the benefit of the doubt, invest in legal representation and do not sign anything without consulting your lawyer and making sure it is the right deal for you.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> As a final piece of free legal advice, never sign anything – other than an autograph - without having your own lawyer review it first.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">Wallace E.J. Collins III is an entertainment and intellectual property lawyer with more than 30 years of experience based in New York. He was a recording artist for Epic Records before receiving his law degree from Fordham Law School. Tel: (212) 661-3656; <a href="http://www.wallacecollins.com/" style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(136, 136, 136);">www.wallacecollins.com</a> </p>
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</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/37231912015-05-31T22:15:21-05:002017-01-15T15:09:19-06:00Dust off the boombox, cassettes are having a comeback<div id="story-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'McClatchy Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<h1 class="heading section-main-heading link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 24px; margin: 0px 15px 10px 0px; font-family: 'McClatchy Sans Cond', 'Roboto Condensed Medium', HelveticaNeue-CondensedBold, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); padding: 8px 8px 6px; border-bottom-width: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; border-radius: 5px; min-width: 100px; display: inline-block; text-align: center; background: rgb(0, 147, 208);"><a href="http://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration: none; display: block; background: transparent;">MUSIC NEWS & REVIEWS</a></h1>
<p class="published-date" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; color: rgb(173, 173, 173);">MAY 25, 2015</p>
<h1 class="title" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 52px; margin: 0px 0px 40px; font-family: 'McClatchy Serif', Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.3; color: inherit; padding: 0px;">Dust off the boombox, cassettes are having a comeback</h1>
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<div class="row" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: -20px; margin-right: -20px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'McClatchy Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><div class="wide-rail" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; min-height: 1px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; position: relative; width: 820px;">
<div class="toplines" style="box-sizing: border-box; border-top-width: 2px; border-top-style: dotted; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-width: 2px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 10px 0px 6px; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 8px; line-height: 1.6em; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-bottom: 6px;">In digital age, ’80s-style cassette tapes have a following</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 8px; line-height: 1.6em; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-bottom: 6px;">They’re cheaper, more portable and have a nostalgic appeal for bands, buyers</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.6em; border-bottom-style: none; padding-bottom: 0px;">Vinyl records still rule old-school music formats</p>
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<div class="story-gallery clearfix " style="box-sizing: border-box;"><nowrap style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div class="galleryWidget" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 40px; position: relative; background-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><div class="gallery carousel slide touchwipe overlay" id="galleryWidget-16194314" style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative; overflow: visible;"><div class="carousel-inner" style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative; overflow: hidden; width: 780px;"><div class="active item" data-slide-number="0" style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative; -webkit-transition: left 0.6s ease-in-out; transition: left 0.6s ease-in-out; left: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span data-picture="" style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative; display: block; height: 500px;"><span data-src="http://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/ptzl2d/picture22262595/ALTERNATES/FREE_960/audiotape_rawtone" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img src="//www.sacbee.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/ptzl2d/picture22262595/ALTERNATES/FREE_960/audiotape_rawtone" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Cassettes are undergoing a kind of renaissance that’s driven both by nostalgia and the simple economics of their low price. While cassettes have long been embraced by punk bands and others with a “do it yourself” aesthetic, even major recording artists are once again going Walkman-friendly by releasing music on cassette." style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; vertical-align: middle; max-width: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; right: 0px; bottom: 0px; left: 0px; margin: auto; width: 423.265625px; max-height: 500px;" /></span></span>
<div class="gallery-caption" style="box-sizing: border-box; bottom: 5px; left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 15px 8px; width: 780px; text-align: left; opacity: 1; border-bottom-width: 3px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(220, 220, 220); position: static; background: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><p class="gallery-caption-caption" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 4px; line-height: 1.2; padding: 0px;">Cassettes are undergoing a kind of renaissance that’s driven both by nostalgia and the simple economics of their low price. While cassettes have long been embraced by punk bands and others with a “do it yourself” aesthetic, even major recording artists are once again going Walkman-friendly by releasing music on cassette.</p></div>
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<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="ng_byline_name" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block;">BY CHRIS MACIAS</span></p>
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<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bust out that dusty old boombox and unearth the Walkman buried in the garage. Just when you thought vinyl records were the coolest old-school music format to collect, cassettes are making a comeback in the age of all-things digital.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">That’s right, cassettes – those rectangle-shaped cases of recorded music that rekindle images of car stereos from the Reagan era. Cassettes are undergoing a kind of renaissance that’s driven both by nostalgia and the simple economics of their low price. While cassettes have long been embraced by punk bands and others with a “do it yourself” aesthetic, even major recording artists are once again going Walkman-friendly by releasing music on cassette.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">Metallica recently released its 1982 demo tape, “No Life ’til Leather,” as a limited-edition cassette during national Record Store Day in April. Alternative-rock favorite Weezer offered its latest album, “Everything Will Be Alright in the End,” in cassette format through Burger Records of Southern California. Burger Records, which is issuing a cassette release for the Sacramento band Dog Party, will also be rereleasing Green Day’s first three albums on cassette, a nod to the group’s scrappy years on the punk scene.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">The owners of Burger Records, Sean Bohrman and Lee Rickard, say they’ve pressed more than 350,000 cassettes over the past eight years.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">“It’s been a slow build, one cassette at a time,” said Rickard. “But the hand-held thing is cool. They’re portable; you can put them in your pocket and trade with your friends. It’s a physical thing forever.”</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cassette might still seem like an artifact, the equivalent of a rotary phone or VHS tape, in the digital age. A 16-gigabyte iPhone, which easily fits in a back pocket, can hold more than 7,000 songs – hundreds of times the storage space compared to a standard 90-minute cassette.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">But rewind to the late 1980s and cassette tapes were everywhere, stuffed in car glove boxes and portable stereo players. By 1990, more than 400 million cassettes were shipped annually; releasing a major album on this format was a given. Yet, like reel-to-reel tape and even vinyl records, cassettes were rendered obsolete by emerging technology, including the rise of CDs. By the time MP3s and other digital forms of music became omnipresent in the early 2000s, cassettes had essentially joined the computer floppy disk in the great trash heap in the sky.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">But in some circles, the cassette tape never quite went away.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matt Hargrove of West Sacramento still has stacks of cassettes, and not just as novelty conversation pieces. He’s an avid cyclist who also DJs local cyclocross events, and when there isn’t enough time or space to set up turntables, Hargrove busts out a boombox. He says the magnetic tape cassettes have come out for events about 10 times in the last three months, blasting a soundtrack from The Jam, Sacramento’s own Kai Kln and other bands.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">“People love it,” said Hargrove. “They love looking at all the cassettes and talk about all the cassettes they used to have. Then you have some of the younger folks who’ve never seen a cassette before. It’s kind of funny.”</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cassettes still occupy a tiny niche of the recorded music market, though their numbers have risen in recent years. According to Nielsen, 50,000 albums on cassettes were sold in 2014. That number dipped from 60,000 albums on cassette sold in 2013, but sales have risen since 2010, when only 10,000 cassettes were sold. The overall numbers for cassette sales are considered to be higher, given that sales data from many mom-and-pop record shops aren’t reported to Nielsen. Many cassettes sold at shows and by other means also aren’t tabulated.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vinyl continues to rule in terms of old-school music formats. About 9.2 million vinyl records were sold in 2014, a 51.8 percent increase over the previous year, <a href="http://www.nielsen.com/content/dam/corporate/us/en/public%20factsheets/Soundscan/nielsen-2014-year-end-music-report-us.pdf" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(13, 118, 186); text-decoration: none; background: transparent;" target="_blank" title="">according to Nielsen</a>.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">But for those seeking albums on a budget, it’s tough to beat cassettes. Over at Phono Select Records, the independently owned record store on the edge of Sacramento’s Curtis Park, scores of cassettes can be had for as little as 99 cents each. Vinyl is generally more expensive by comparison, where even a used, dog-eared copy of Led Zeppelin’s first album can fetch $12 or more.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cassettes have their collectors’ market, too. That $10 Metallica cassette released in April on Record Store Day now fetches around $30 on eBay. An original 1984 cassette of Metallica’s “Ride the Lightning” can cost a collector upward of $40. Rare thrash metal cassettes from the 1980s and vintage rap demos on cassette also are coveted.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The interest in cassettes is definitely going up,” said Dal Basi, owner of Phono Select. “A lot of young people are buying cars that still have tape players. Then there’s the serious collectors who want to have that original Metallica cassette. But I think a lot of it is economics. Let’s face it: They’re cheap; you can place them in your car and they look cool, and they won’t scratch.”</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cost-effectiveness of cassettes can also be appealing to bands and small labels. While vinyl may be an overall more preferred format compared to cassettes, the price of pressing vinyl can be prohibitive for many bands. According to Bohrman, an album on cassette costs about $1 to $1.25 to press, which is then sold for $5 or $6. Compare that to a run of 300 vinyl records with full album art, which can cost upward of $10 each to press.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">“It makes it easy to take a chance on bands,” said Bohrman, about the low cost of producing cassettes. “For us, it’s an easy way to get music out, and the price is affordable. It’s tangible; they’re instantly collectable, and it’s fun stuff.”</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unlike vinyl, the cassette format isn’t touted as sounding better or “warmer” than MP3s or CDs. But there’s still a tactile experience with cassettes that’s missing in the binary world of digital music. Making a personalized mixtape via cassettes goes far beyond the autopilot-like experience of creating an iTunes or Spotify playlist, where mixes can be created with a few drags of the mouse.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I recently made my first mixtape in years, and it was awesome,” said Hargrove. “I’d have to just sit there and actually listen to the song play, then hover over the tape deck when it was about to end and get ready to hit ‘pause.’ Then I’d take the record off and put another on. It took me three hours to do, but it was worth every minute. It was fun.”</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">The catch with vintage cassettes is they can deteriorate over time. Some can develop white dust from chemical breakdowns. Like a bottle of wine, cassettes should be stored in a dark place without wide temperature swings for the longest shelf life.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I’ve even opened sealed cassettes (that were stored long term) that don’t sound right,” said Basi. “People don’t understand that you don’t have to do anything to a cassette for it to degrade. It’s a delicate format. One bad run through a cassette player and the heads aren’t aligned, you get that pinch in the tape and a weird squeak from there on out.”</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other quirk is that finding blank cassettes for making mixtapes can be tough in the Sacramento area. Phono Select and Armadillo Music in Davis are among the rare local shops that carry sealed blank cassettes.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the humble, often neglected cassette refuses to die. The third annual Cassette Store Day is slated for the fall, and similar to Record Store Day, will feature commemorative and collectable albums on cassette. Better keep the boombox and some size D batteries on standby.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px; font-family: Lyon, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Cassette Day is a way to show distributors that they can take more chances on carrying them,” said Rickard. “More labels have started doing them, and now it’s a regular thing.”</p>
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<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 16px;">Chris Macias: <a href="tel:916-321-1253" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(13, 118, 186); text-decoration: none; background: transparent;" title="">(916) 321-1253</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/chris_macias" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(13, 118, 186); text-decoration: none; background: transparent;" target="_blank" title="">@chris_macias</a></p>
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<br style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://twitter.com/chris_macias" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(13, 118, 186); text-decoration: none; background: transparent;" target="_blank" title="">Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/article22245705.html#storylink=cpy</a>
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</div></div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/37231902015-05-31T22:14:26-05:002023-12-10T10:59:09-06:0011 Mistakes Every Young Band Makes<header style="margin-bottom: 20px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><h1 class="article-title" style="margin: 7px 0px 10px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(73, 74, 75); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 43px;">11 Mistakes Every Young Band Makes</h1>
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<time datetime="2015-05-20" pubdate="" title="May 20, 2015">Wednesday, May 20, 2015 </time><br>by <address class="author" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 20px; font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/about/team/ari" rel="author external" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" title="Visit Ari Herstand’s website">Ari Herstand</a></address>
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<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;"><img src="//www.digitalmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/mistakesyoungbands.jpg?c943e0" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="mistakesyoungbands" height="313" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto;" width="640" /></h3>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">1) Wait To Be Discovered</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">If you want a career in music you have to MAKE your career in music. You can’t wait for “the powers that be” to come swoop you up and turn you into a star. You must put in the work. No one wants to work with someone with a great recording but absolutely no work ethic, no following, no buzz, can’t perform live and has no social media presence. You must build this on your own first. The days of “getting discovered” at a club in Hollywood are over. Build up your enterprise on your own first, and people will come a-knockin’ when you’ve become unstoppable.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">2) Expect People To Just Show Up To Your Shows</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">I can’t tell you how many young bands I see (with very little online presence) book huge tours and expect that people will just show up because they’re playing a cool club. This goes for local shows as well. Just because you’re on the venue’s calendar doesn’t mean anyone is going to come. You must have a purpose for every show you play. If you’re a super new band and you need performance experience, then fine, play open mics, jams, community centers, charity events, and low pressure environments. If you’re a professional outfit, you need to promote EVERY show you book. Otherwise why are you playing the show? If you do not promote the show, no one will show up. Plain and simple. And you can’t just make a Facebook event and pat yourself on the back. There are many more creative (and effective) ways to promote your shows than just Facebook. Do them!</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2014/01/23/7-reasons-empty-shows" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">+7 Reasons Why No One’s Coming To Your Shows</a></p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">3) Go On Tour Before You’re Ready</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Similarly, if you haven’t figured out how to get anyone out to your shows locally, what makes you think you’re going to get people out when you headline a tour? Unless you’ve been invited as the support act on a national headliner’s tour, don’t tour until you have figured out your audience. If you’re in a major city (200,000+ people) I promise you there are people in your town who like your kind of music. Maybe “the scene” doesn’t care for your music, but there are actual, ticket buying humans who do.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Want to test this out? Go on Facebook advertising and start to setup an ad (you don’t need to buy one) and type in similar artists in the Interests field and then make your location within 20 miles of your city. It will give you an exact number of people who like those bands. So target them!</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Don’t get discouraged if you can’t get any local media attention. I consistently filled the 800 cap Varsity Theater when I was living in Minneapolis without any radio or press coverage. I was completely ignored by “the scene’s” tastemakers, but drew more people to my shows than most other local bands they positively reviewed.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Once you’ve figured out how to draw locally, then take your show on the road. Not before then.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">If you’re in a tiny town, then it might be a good idea to move to a larger city to start your music career. Or start killing it online first.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">4) Move To LA Before You’re Ready</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">I’ve been living in LA for 5 years now. LA is not a town for beginners. Not to say there aren’t beginners here. There are WAY too many! If your band can’t get your hometown to care about you, it probably means that you aren’t good enough yet (no matter what your friends and family say). Cut your chops locally. Practice and perform your ass off. Move out to LA ONLY when you’re killing it regionally (or online). That’s when you’re ready to make the leap. No, you don’t need to be in LA to make your music career happen. Not at all. BUT don’t move out here before you’re ready. LA is not a very forgiving city. If you get a tastemaker or gatekeeper to one of your shows and you suck, they will blacklist you and never come again.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">5) Fake Social Media Numbers</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">The industry has caught on. You can’t fool anyone anymore. It’s now about engagement. People want to see that your fans are ENGAGED. It means nothing if you have 10,000 Facebook likes but you only get 2 Likes a post and can only get 10 people out to your shows. Everybody knows numbers can be bought. If you have 200,000 YouTube views and 6 comments, everyone knows those were paid views. They don’t count. You look foolish.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">If you’re going to buy numbers to just get started, buy a small amount. 1,000 is good. It at least gives you a starting point and off of a one second glance it looks like you’re doing something. But then you ACTUALLY need to start kicking ass. But if you want Facebook Likes I recommend using their ad platform (NOT a 3rd party Like-farm service) because Facebook weeds out fake Likes pretty frequently and Facebook only shows your posts to a tiny subset of your followers. If you have 1,000 fake Likes and 400 real ones, it’s very unlikely those 400 real people will EVER see your posts. If you’re going to spend money on Facebook promo, use their ad platform. But don’t pay to get fans before you’re ready.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">6) Belittle Merch</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Bands live and die on the road based on merch sales. Especially if you’re the opener getting a tiny guarantee for each show. You NEED great merch and a great merch seller at every show. Someone at the merch table from when doors open to when they close. But, of course, you need a fan base first. Don’t go buying thousands in merch inventory if you’re only bringing 40 people locally.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Make sure you accept credit (Square or PayPal have swipers with low fees) and make your display BRIGHT and BIG. You want everyone leaving your show making a conscious decision to either buy merch or not buy merch. Not knowing you have merch or not being able to purchase it when they want to (no merch seller) should not be an option. And always announce it from the stage. It may seem cheesy, but you can find a way to do it that’s not. Make it a part of your set.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2014/09/17/10-ways-sell-merch-shows" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">+10 Ways To Sell More Merch At Your Shows</a></p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">7) Ignore Video</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">In 2015, people are way more willing to watch a video than listen to a song (unfortunately). Make sure when making your album budget, video production is a part of it! No sense in making a kickass record if you can’t afford a kickass video to go along with it. You don’t need a $30,000 music video. But you do need very high quality video. Live videos and music videos. If you’re on a tight budget, find a friend with a DSLR camera to shoot performance videos. Learn Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premier or even iMovie will work. You should be putting out videos regularly.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">8) Neglect The Website</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Some of the most frustrating people I’ve ever worked with are web developers. They are unreliable. Overworked. Charge too much. And did I mention unreliable? Unless you have a huge budget to keep one on retainer who can turn around updates within hours (not weeks), then you should be using a template based service like Bandzoogle or Squarespace which you can update yourself. Make sure the template you choose looks super pro and keep it updated. Make sure your music player is on the home page and that you feature your best videos. Do not have a news section if you don’t update this every couple weeks. And do not have a blog if you aren’t contributing to it regularly.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">This is your calling card. In 2015, yes, it’s still important to have your own website that you OWN. Facebook will not do.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">9) Belittle The Email List</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">You need to OWN your fans. You rent them from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube when they follow you there. These sites can change their reach overnight (like Facebook did) and you lose complete access to the fans you worked so hard to get. Or they could start charging you to reach them (hello Facebook again). Or the site could die altogether (MySpace anyone?). Email seems super uncool to teenagers and even college kids. But it is how everyone in the real world still communicates. Email is still an incredibly effective way to reach your fans. It’s how you will run successful crowdfunding campaigns, get people out to shows, get fans to buy your music (if they still do that), and generally have a successful, <strong>long term career</strong>. Pass the clipboard around at small shows. Have a mobile friendly signup on your website and announce from the stage for everyone to go to your website on their phones and signup “RIGHT NOW to get this next song in your inbox before we finish it.”</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">1 email subscriber is WAY more valuable than 1 Facebook Like or 1 YouTube subscriber.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">10) Try To Appeal To Everyone</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">No matter what kind of music you make, some people will like it and some won’t. Get over it. Make the music you want to make and find your niche. Some niches are bigger than others. The worst thing you can do is change your sound to appeal to what you think “people will like.” Yes, make the best kind of music in your genre, but don’t change your sound because your uncle told you to sound more like The Eagles.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">11) Engage The Haters</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Once you have haters you know you’ve made it. Well, at least in your scene (be it online, locally, regionally, nationally, internationally). People don’t hate things they don’t care about. If they are taking time to hate you it is because people are paying attention to you. This is a good thing! Do NOT respond to personal attacks. As tempting as it may be. If you ignore the haters they will go away. Let your supporters defend you. You look small if you bring yourself down to their level to have it out on Facebook or Twitter. You will never win. If you must engage, take the <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/robinedds/james-blunt-twitter-comebacks#.fvMj28Xxj" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">James Blunt approach</a>.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><em><a href="http://ariherstand.com/" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ari Herstand</a> is a Los Angeles based singer/songwriter and the creator of the music biz advice blog<a href="http://aristake.com/" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ari’s Take</a>. Follow him on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/aristake" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@aristake</a></em><a href="http://twitter.com/aristake" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> </a></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Photo is by Chloe Muro from<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wearenotmeaningless/7432995566/in/photolist-cjQ3BY-cjQ2PL-cjQ2aN-cjQ1vC-cjPZYj-cjPZfW-cjPYEJ-cjPXNf-cjPWWb-cjPW7C-cjPVdm-cjPULU-cjPUbJ-bUGtWt-bVnhoQ-bUwSNY-bLEjf2-bwXguY-bKRVra-bKRU94-bBv7xR-boAaPy-bBsug8-boxyJL-boxyeh-bzVVXF-bzVVJ8-bn25Ho-bzVVhx-bzVV5F-bn253L-bn24PS-bn24D9-bzVUiD-bn23NE-bzVTme-bn23mW-bzVSQv-bn22Tu-bn22Fj-bn22Es-bzVS4a-bzVRBa-bzVRqV-bpg6UD-bpg5kn-bpg4ep-bpfWG6-bpfVkk-bpfTZM" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> Flickr</a> and used with the creative commons license</em></p>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/37231812015-05-31T21:54:24-05:002018-07-20T07:35:20-05:00A Simple Guide to Signing the Best Sync Deal Possible<header style="margin-bottom: 20px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><h1 class="article-title" style="margin: 7px 0px 10px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(73, 74, 75); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 43px;">
<em style="color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>SAMPLE CONTRACTS HERE: </strong> </em><br><span class="font_small"><a contents="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2015/05/25/a-simple-guide-to-signing-the-best-sync-deal-possible" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2015/05/25/a-simple-guide-to-signing-the-best-sync-deal-possible" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2015/05/25/a-simple-guide-to-signing-the-best-sync-deal-possible</span></a></span><br><br>A Simple Guide to Signing the Best Sync Deal Possible</h1>
<div class="byline vcard" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 20px;">
<time datetime="2015-05-25" pubdate="" title="May 25, 2015">Monday, May 25, 2015 </time><br>by <address class="author" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 20px; font-style: normal;"><a href="http://futureofthemusicbusiness.com/" rel="author external" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" title="Visit Steve Gordon’s website">Steve Gordon</a></address>
</div></header>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><img src="//www.digitalmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/contractblahg.jpg?c943e0" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="contractblahg" height="463" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto;" width="700" /></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><em>The following is from our ongoing series, ‘The 11 Contracts Every Artist, Songwriter, and Producer Should Know,” by music industry attorney <a href="http://www.stevegordonlaw.com/" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;">Steve Gordon</a>. The series includes <a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2015/03/19/contract-hell-never-sign-make-fair" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;">horrific contracts from hell that you should never, ever sign</a>.</em></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">_______________________________________________</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">This, the third installment of the 11-part series on basic music industry agreements, focuses on the use of music in audiovisual works such as movies, television, TV commercials and video games. The Introduction, below, explains fundamental concepts, provides examples of the amounts of money you can expect to make, explains the role of Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) in collecting additional income on behalf of songwriters, discusses the key provisions in standard licenses and finally, briefly describes the role of publishers, sync reps, and other licensing agents.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">This installment also provides comprehensive comments on the following three licenses. If you get a similar deal, you will know what to look out for, how to make the deal fairer, and, if the company that wants to use your music won’t negotiate, how to decide if it’s still worth it:</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 60px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">(1) <strong>MTV’s “Music Submission Form”</strong> – a terrible deal for any artist, songwriter or producer.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 60px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">(2) <strong>A very favorable deal</strong> for a producer/songwriter involving music for a national commercial campaign.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 60px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">(3) <strong>A fair, but not great, deal</strong> for a songwriter involving music in a made for TV movie.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">Introduction</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Two Copyrights: “Sound Recordings and “Musical Works”</em></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">“Sync” licenses are agreements for the use of music in audiovisual projects. Used in its strictest sense, a sync license refers to the use of a musical composition in an audiovisual work. The term “master use” license is sometimes used to refer to the use of a music recording (sometimes referred to as a “master”) in an audiovisual work. Sync and master use licenses can make money for songwriters, and master use licenses can make money for recording artists. It is possible for a license to include both a grant of rights in a song and a master if the same person wrote the song and produced the master.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">The copyright law protects “musical works” including songs and any accompanying words as well as orchestral works, librettos and other musical compositions. Copyright also protects “sound recordings,” that is, recordings of musical compositions. Indie artists/songwriters who record their own songs generally own the copyrights in their songs and masters. But once that artist/songwriter enters into a music publishing agreement, she generally transfers the copyright in her songs to the publisher, and the publisher pays her a royalty from the commercial exploitation of the songs including “syncs.” If the same artist/songwriter enters into a standard recording contract, any recording that she records during the term of the agreement is usually a “work for hire” for the record company. If that’s the case, as we explain below, the record company owns the copyright in the recordings, and pays royalties to the artist for both record sales and master use licenses.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">However, in this installment of the series, we are going to look at sync and master use licenses from the point of view of songwriters and artists who have not entered into any exclusive publishing or recording agreements. Because an indie artist/songwriter does not have a publisher or label to negotiate sync and<br>master licenses for her, she should have her own lawyer, or at least have enough knowledge to avoid bad contracts. My goal in writing this installation, as with the series as a whole, is to alert indie artists, songwriters and producers of what to watch out for, what questions to ask, what they can do to make the contract they receive fairer, and when they should just walk away.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">Indie Producers and Copyrights in Musical Compositions Contained in their Masters</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">For many years, producers generally did not create new music. They just recorded music created by songwriters and performed by artists. However, that has changed. Often in pop, R&B, and especially hip hop, producers do create new music by providing beats or even complete music floors over which an artist sings. In that case, the producer is creating two copyrights: 100% of the sound recording and a part of the musical composition.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Producers can and do sign publishing deals because the beats or instrumentals they create are musical compositions as well as sound recordings. In that case, the producer will generally have to transfer the copyright in any part of the musical composition that they contributed such as the beat.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">Sync and Master Use Fees</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Generally, but by no means always, the company that wishes to use an indie musician’s music for a movie, commercial, TV show or video game will offer an up-front, one-time payment generally called a “sync” fee (even if the songwriter is transferring rights in both the song and the master). The amount of the fee, if any, will depend on a variety of factors including:</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">The professional standing of the musician. For instance, if an ad agency regularly turns to certain producers to create music for a client’s ads, it probably will have worked out a standard fee with that producer.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">The nature of audiovisual work for which the music is sought and whether the song was a hit. For instance, a major motion picture will usually pay from $10,000 to $25,000 for a song or master by an indie writer, artist or producer.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">In contrast, a pop hit in major studio movie can easily fetch $100,000 or more. But an indie filmmaker may only be able to afford $5000 or less for any song or master. Don’t be surprised if they offer you no more than a credit.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">At the beginning of your career a credit on the movie and in IMDB (an online database of information related to films, television programs, and video games, including cast, production crew such as music composers and musicians, biographies, plot summaries, trivia and reviews) could be valuable.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Some other factors are:</em></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">(a) In the case of a movie, as discussed above, the most important issue with regard to fees is whether the movie is a major big-budget studio production or an indie, but other factors include how many times the song is played in a movie and if it’s used over the beginning or end credits. Also, there is usually an additional fee if the music is used in a trailer.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">(b) In the case of a TV spot, the biggest factor is whether the commercial is national (which may pay from several thousand to over $10,000 for an indie song or master) or will only play in one or several markets (which may pay less). But for a hit song, the fee could well be in the six figure range and even more for a hit by a superstar artist such as the Rolling Stones.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">(c) In the case of a TV program, the most important factor is whether the program is network, or basic cable. Usually, but not always, network shows will pay better than shows on basic cable. The money for an indie songwriter or producer could range from no more than the royalty payable to the songwriter by his Performance Rights Organization (see below) to $2,500 to more than $10,000 depending on how much the production company or network wants the music.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">(d) In the case of a video game producer by a major game maker, the synch fee could be a few thousand dollars. You can try to include a “most favored nations” ( “MFN”) clause, which states that, if the producer pays a higher fee for another song than you have negotiated, you will get the same (higher) amount.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">If the master and the song are owned by different parties–for instance, if you wrote the song but your producer owns the track–a license will be needed with each of you.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">Additional Income for Public Performance</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">When music is “publicly performed” — for example, when music is broadcast as part of a television show, or publicly performed online such as an online computer game), the songwriter may earn “public performance” income from the songwriter’s Performance Rights Organization or “”PRO” (i.e., ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, or the recently organized Global Music Rights or GMR). This income is in addition to the up-front sync fee, or it may be the only income that an indie songwriter receives.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Each PRO has rules that determine the amount of money that should be paid for a performance in an audiovisual work. The public performance income from a song in an audiovisual work can be substantial in some situations. For instance, if music is used in a national TV commercial which airs on network TV, the PRO royalty can exceed the sync fee. But the public performance income can be very small in other situations — for instance, when a small amount of a song is used in the background of a single scene in a basic cable program.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Where public performance income will be substantial, you may decide to accept a lower sync fee, rather than potentially losing the deal altogether. Note that we are only discussing the public performance income payable for the musical composition. The same considerations do not apply to the owner of the master recording -– i.e., an artist or a producer. Under U.S. copyright law, the owners of master recordings, unlike the owners of the underlying songs, are not entitled to public performance income for the broadcast of their recordings except via digital transmission such as Spotify, YouTube and Pandora, etc. If a commercial is intended to play on network TV, the commissioning company will generally try to get Internet rights for little or no additional compensation (see Media below).</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">SoundExchange, similar to the PROs for compositions, collects income for the public performance of music recordings but only for audio-only Internet Radio services such as Pandora. The situation is different in most foreign countries, where artists can earn performing rights royalties for the “public performances” of their master recordings on television as well as standard broadcast radio.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">In short, the owner of the master recording’s only source of U.S. income from the master use license will be the up-front master use fee which she receives from the company for a TV commercial, movie, or TV show.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">If the owner of the master is not the songwriter, he will not be receiving any public performance income from the PRO’s (or SoundExhange) so he may feel more of a need than the songwriter to negotiate the highest possible up-front fee.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">Proper Registration of the Song with the PRO is Crucial</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Each PRO has requirements that make writers responsible for properly registering their songs and for notifying them of any audiovisual projects that may generate performance income. I spent a year trying to get one PRO to pay for the theme song of a cable talk show because the writer did not provide a “cue sheet” before the broadcast of the series. A cue sheet is a schedule of the music contained in a film or television program or any other audiovisual work, and is the essential document for the PRO to distribute royalties for musical performances in audio-visual media. It is typically prepared by the production company, but the writer will not get paid unless the production company actually files it in a proper and timely manner.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><em>(<a href="http://ww.ascap.com/music-career/articles-advice/cue-sheets.aspx" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;">Here’s an example</a> of a cue sheet)</em></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Some licenses require a songwriter to yield all rights in a song to the company. In that case, the writer has no right to receive any PRO royalties. However, there are cases where the company requires the transfer of the copyright in the song, but allows the writer to receive the “writer’s share” of performance rights income (that is, 50% of the total amount payable by the PRO). In that case, the writer has to make sure the company is properly registering the song, providing cue sheets to the PRO, and complying with any other forms that have to be completed.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">Work for Hire vs. Non-Exclusive License</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">An issue as important and in some cases more important than money is whether a license is “work for hire”. In a work for hire agreement, the songwriter, artist or producer loses all rights in her music, including the copyright and the right to use the music again for any purpose. If, on the other hand, the grant of rights to the company is a non-exclusive license, the creator keeps the copyright in her music, retains the right to distribute it as a record and make other deals. Here is a typical work for hire clause:</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 60px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><em>WORK FOR HIRE: Artist [Songwriter and/or Producer] agrees that all of the results and proceeds of his services shall be deemed a “work made for hire” for the Company under the U.S. Copyright. Accordingly, the Artist further acknowledges and agrees that Company is and shall be deemed to be the author and/or exclusive owner of all of the Recordings and Musical Compositions contained therein for all purposes and the exclusive owner throughout the world of all the rights of any kind comprised in the copyright(s) thereof and any renewal or extension rights in connection therewith, and of any and all other rights thereto, and that Company shall have the right to exploit any or all of the Recordings in any and all media, now known or hereafter devised, throughout the universe, in perpetuity, in all configurations as Record Company determines, including without limitation [name of movie, TV show, TV commercial etc.] In connection therewith Artist hereby grants to Company the right as attorney-in-fact to execute, acknowledge, deliver and record in the U.S. Copyright Office or elsewhere any and all such documents pertaining to the Recordings if he shall fail to execute same within five (5) days after so requested by Company.</em></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">It’s always better that the artist, songwriter and producer retain their copyrights. However, sometimes the work for hire clause will be non-negotiable, and then the creator has to ask herself: does the up-front money (and in the case of a songwriter who retains the writer’s share, the potential PRO royalties) compensate for the loss of the right to use the music?</p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">Other Basic Contract Terms</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Assuming the license is not “work for hire,” other important terms in sync and master use licenses are as follows:</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>Duration (or “Term”)</strong>: The company will usually want the right to exploit the following durations of use:</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">1. Theatrical Films: Generally for the “life of the copyright.” In other words, the company’s right to use your music will last as long as the song is protected by copyright law: as long as you’re alive plus 70 years.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">2. Television: Generally, the same as above.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">3. Commercials: Typically an initial term of one year, often with the option for the company to renew for another equal term upon payment of an additional licensing fee (which is usually the same as the original term, although you can try to negotiate for a higher fee, for instance 125% of the original fee.)</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">4. Computer Games: Could be “life of the copyright,” or a briefer term such as 3 to 5 years. There are few games which will have a life span of more than a year or two, so in most instances the Company won’t consider it all that important to obtain a long term license.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>Media</strong>: The company will want the right to exploit the audiovisual work as follows:</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">1. Theatrical Films: Generally, a movie producer, production company or studio will want the right to use a song or master in festivals for one year, with an option to exploit the movie, including your music, in all media (“broad rights”).</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">2. Television: Generally, the network or cable service will want all media rights because a TV show can be recycled in any number of platforms such as streaming, downloading, home video, etc. Talent should, however, try to negotiate a separate fee for home video including downloading.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">3. Commercials: Typically limited to TV and Internet, but the songwriter/artist/producer can try to secure an additional fee use of the commercial on radio.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">4. Computer Games: Generally all media now or hereinafter developed.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>Territory</strong>: The Company will want the right to exploit the audiovisual work as follows:</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">1. Theatrical Films: Typically “worldwide.”</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">2. Television: The creator may be able to negotiate an additional fee for foreign use.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">3. Commercials: Local, multiple U.S. markets, national or worldwide.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">4. Computer Games: Worldwide.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">The Role of Music Publishers and Labels</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Once you enter into an exclusive recording and/or publisher deal, your label and publisher will negotiate sync and master use licenses on your behalf. The split is generally 50% payable to the label and 25% to 50% payable to the publisher after “recoupment” of any advances (including, in the case of a label, recording costs) that they paid you.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">Reps and Licensing Agents</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">If you are familiar with the “sync business” you know that there are many companies, such as http://pumpaudio.com/, that may be willing to represent your music for sync placements. Some are more selective than others, and some are more pro-active in shopping your music than others. For instance, music libraries such as http://www.apmmusic.com/ have steady clients such as cable networks and ad agencies that continually scan the library’s collection for interstitial or background music. The reps’ fees vary from 65% in the case of Pump Audio all the way down to 20% or less if a rep really loves your music.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">The biggest controversy in the sync licensing business is the exclusive vs. non-exclusive issue. The best argument to let a rep have exclusive rights is that they may be more motivated to shop your music. The best argument for non-exclusive is an exclusive rep may lose interest in your music and let it sit on a shelf for the duration of the agreement. The primary differences between a rep and a publisher are:</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">1. Reps rarely pay you an advance, but;</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">2. Rep deals are usually limited to the song or tracks you wish them to present. Standard publishing agreements cover any songs you create during the term of the agreement.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">Three Sync Licenses: The Bad, the Good, and the Not Too Ugly</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Re-printed below are three different sync licenses. The first is very pro-company. The second license is very pro-talent. The third is in between.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Each license covers a different situation. The first license, MTV’s Music Submission Form, is for use of music in any website, show or TV distributed by MTV or its parent company Viacom. The second is for use of new music in a single TV commercial. The third license is for the use of a relatively old song in a docudrama. In each case, the agreement was drafted by the network, agency and production company respectively.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">(1) MTV Music Submission Form</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">MTV’s submission agreement represents almost the worst possible deal for any creator. It basically allows MTV or its sister networks including BET and VH1, to use your music for any conceivable purpose including in its many reality shows, promos or any other program without paying you a penny. Note that the form is part of MTV’s terms of use, which hardly anyone reads.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><a contents="https://www.scribd.com/doc/266573594/MTV-s-Music-Submission-Form" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.scribd.com/doc/266573594/MTV-s-Music-Submission-Form" target="_blank">https://www.scribd.com/doc/266573594/MTV-s-Music-Submission-Form</a><br> </p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">(2) A Good Deal for Producer/Songwriter Involving Music for a National Commercial Campaign</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><a contents="https://www.scribd.com/doc/266574243/A-Good-Synchronization-Deal-for-Producer-Songwriter-Involving-Music-for-a-National-Commercial-Campaign" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.scribd.com/doc/266574243/A-Good-Synchronization-Deal-for-Producer-Songwriter-Involving-Music-for-a-National-Commercial-Campaign" target="_blank">https://www.scribd.com/doc/266574243/A-Good-Synchronization-Deal-for-Producer-Songwriter-Involving-Music-for-a-National-Commercial-Campaign</a></p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">(3) Fair, But Not Great, Sync Licensing Deal for Music In a Made-for-TV Movie</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><a contents="https://www.scribd.com/doc/266574533/Fair-But-Not-Great-Sync-Licensing-Deal-for-Music-In-a-Made-for-TV-Movie" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.scribd.com/doc/266574533/Fair-But-Not-Great-Sync-Licensing-Deal-for-Music-In-a-Made-for-TV-Movie" target="_blank">https://www.scribd.com/doc/266574533/Fair-But-Not-Great-Sync-Licensing-Deal-for-Music-In-a-Made-for-TV-Movie</a></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Steve Gordon gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Ryanne Perio in the preparation of this material. Ms. Perio is a graduate of Columbia Law School and a former legal intern at Atlantic Records and SAG-AFTRA. She is currently an associate at Wilmer, Cutler, Pickering, Hale & Dorr, where she focuses on intellectual property litigation.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Disclaimer: The information in this series has been prepared for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This series should be used as a guide to understanding the law, not as a substitute for the advice of qualified counsel. You should consult an attorney before making any significant legal decisions.</em></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Image by Filippo C, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC by 2.0).<br><br><strong>SAMPLE CONTRACTS HERE: </strong> </em>http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2015/05/25/a-simple-guide-to-signing-the-best-sync-deal-possible</p>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/37225222015-05-31T00:03:39-05:002017-01-15T15:09:19-06:003 Fulfilling Ways to Give Back as a Musician<div class="blog-post-wrapper cell-wrapper" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 30px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(115, 115, 115); font-family: archivo_narrowregular, 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><div class="section post-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 622.578125px;">
<h1 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Archivo Narrow', Oswald, 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 10px 0px 20px !important; color: rgb(12, 136, 177) !important; font-size: 32px !important; line-height: 38px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">3 Fulfilling Ways to Give Back as a Musician</span></h1>
<div class="meta-info" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; margin-bottom: 0px; width: 622.578125px; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(212, 212, 212); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(212, 212, 212); background: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<p id="hubspot-topic_data" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif, Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 1.2em; float: left; padding: 6px 12px 4px; border-right-width: 0px; max-width: 295px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255) !important; background: rgb(12, 136, 177);"><a class="topic-link" href="http://blog.sonicbids.com/topic/nonprofit" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(255, 255, 255) !important; text-decoration: none; font-family: ostrich_sansblack, Arial, sans-serif !important; letter-spacing: 1px; background: 0px 0px;">nonprofit</a>, <a class="topic-link" href="http://blog.sonicbids.com/topic/musician-success-guide" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(255, 255, 255) !important; text-decoration: none; font-family: ostrich_sansblack, Arial, sans-serif !important; letter-spacing: 1px; background: 0px 0px;">Musician Success Guide</a>,<a class="topic-link" href="http://blog.sonicbids.com/topic/motivation-inspiration" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(255, 255, 255) !important; text-decoration: none; font-family: ostrich_sansblack, Arial, sans-serif !important; letter-spacing: 1px; background: 0px 0px;">Motivation & Inspiration</a></p>
<p class="right" id="post-date" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif, Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; float: right; padding-right: 10px; border-right-width: 0px; padding-top: 6px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255) !important;">May 26, 2015 11:00 AM</p>
<p class="hubspot-editable right" data-hubspot-form-id="author_data" data-hubspot-name="Blog Author" id="hubspot-author_data" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif, Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; float: right; padding-right: 0px; border-right-style: none; padding-top: 6px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255) !important;"><a class="author-link" href="http://blog.sonicbids.com/author/christine-occhino" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 159, 194); text-decoration: none; background: 0px 0px;">Christine Occhino</a></p>
</div>
</div></div>
<div class="section post-body" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif, Arial, Helvetica; color: rgb(115, 115, 115); font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img src="//cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/245581/volunteer-musicians-on-call.jpg?t=1433006017704" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="volunteer-musicians-on-call" style="box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; border: 0px; margin: 0px !important; height: auto; clear: both;" /><span class="caption" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: none; width: 622.578125px; margin: 0px 10px 20px; padding: 5px 0px 10px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.3em; font-style: italic; display: block; clear: both;">Image via <a href="http://musiciansoncall.org/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 159, 194); text-decoration: none; background: 0px 0px;" target="_blank">musiciansoncall.org</a></span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="box-sizing: border-box;">There are plenty of reasons to give back to your community, but sometimes it can be extra special to give back through your music. Not only can this be fulfilling and really "feed the soul," but there are also added benefits that can help boost your personal career, too. Here are three great ways you can be charitable and help your community through your artistry.</span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em;"> </p>
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 10px 0px; font-family: 'Archivo Narrow', Oswald, 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 30px; line-height: 1.1;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1. Get involved in a charitable organization</span></h2>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="box-sizing: border-box;">There are many nonprofits out there that would appreciate your time and contributions, but having the opportunity to volunteer for an organization that uses music in its process is very special. Look up music-related charities in your area and see how you can get involved! If you're in a major city and want to work with a larger organization, you can check out a nonprofit like <a href="http://www.musiciansoncall.org/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 159, 194); text-decoration: none; background: 0px 0px;" target="_blank">Musicians On Call</a>. Their mission is to bring live and recorded music to patients in healthcare facilities to help promote the healing process. All you have to do is sign up to be a volunteer on their website, and they'll connect you to a facility near you where you can get started.</span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Local musicians are assigned rooms and go to the bedside of patients to share the joy of music. It not only distracts the patients from their illness, but going deeper into the music therapy arena, music can also help the healing and surgical processes. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">We always knew music was special to us, but it's infinitely more powerful when we can share it with others – especially those who really need it and appreciate it the most.</span></span></p>
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 10px 0px; font-family: 'Archivo Narrow', Oswald, 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 30px; line-height: 1.1;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2. Donate your time in public school music programs</span></h2>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Music programs are being cut from school budgets all over the country. I'm sure many of us feel very fortunate that we had the opportunities to get our start and first exposure to music at a young age through school. It's disappointing and truly detrimental to the art to think that many young people will never even have a chance to try out an instrument or discover their talents early on. Unfortunately, not all of our local government policymakers understand the value of music education, and therefore, money is taken from the programs to be used for other things that are deemed to be more important. There is no better time to volunteer to share your musical gifts with your local public school system than now.</span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="box-sizing: border-box;">If there's still a music or chorus class existing, get in touch with the teacher and offer to come in for a few periods to work with the kids. If there's no music offered whatsoever, contact the principal to express your interest in holding a special workshop for the students. You could even go as far as working with the PTO to arrange to hold a music event or fundraiser, or offer a semi-regular after-school music program. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Every little bit counts for these children, and you never know what could come out of it or who you might be able to inspire!</span> Furthermore, these kids will probably be chomping at the bit to tell their friends and parents about how much they're loving learning about music, and you may even gain a few private lesson students out of it, too!</span></p>
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 10px 0px; font-family: 'Archivo Narrow', Oswald, 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-size: 30px; line-height: 1.1;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="box-sizing: border-box;">3. Volunteer at healthcare or assisted living facilities</span></h2>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="box-sizing: border-box;">One of the most beautiful things about music is how it can connect people from all walks of life. No matter how young or old, from anywhere around the globe, music unites us all. And if you want to see the amazing power it has to bring joy to people's faces, there's something truly unique about playing at an assisted living facility. Many of these older folks find themselves going through the motions day to day, rarely getting the chance to do anything to stimulate their minds. It's truly incredible to see the smiles light up the room as they utter every last word to a song that brings them back to their younger years. The once crouched-over elders start snapping and tapping their toes and reciting along every lyric – even when sometimes the Alzheimer's is too powerful in their everyday lives to let them remember the basics of who they are.</span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">The power we have as musicians to help these people feel happiness and bring back good memories is really quite special. And not only is this genuinely a wonderful thing to do, but there are various tax write-offs that you can take advantage of through your charitable contributions as well.</span> For example, any expense associated with your performances at one of these facilities is tax-deductible, along with any equipment, meal purchases, or other basic costs required. Plus, the connections that you often make from doing this kind of work very often results in other paying opportunities, so always keep your contact cards on you!</span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="box-sizing: border-box;">In conclusion, even though volunteering is a gesture of kindness, there are still plenty of perks that come with giving back. Whenever you go to volunteer through your music, send out a quick press release to your local news outlets. Oftentimes, editors love picking up heartwarming stories of the do-gooders in the community, and the music angle is definitely an interesting twist! Charity work is good for the soul, good for the heart, and good for the opportunities and PR! Can’t really go wrong giving back as a musician. And as they say, "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away."</span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Before you partner with a charity, <a href="http://blog.sonicbids.com/the-big-give-back-how-to-work-with-a-charity-the-right-way" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 159, 194); text-decoration: none; background: 0px 0px;">make sure you're going about it the right way</a>.</span></em></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Christine Occhino</span></em></span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"> is the founder and artistic director of </em><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="http://www.thepopmusicacademy.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 159, 194); text-decoration: none; background: 0px 0px;" target="_blank">The Pop Music Academy</a> and has experience working at Columbia Records/Sony Music Entertainment, in addition to working as a performing artist for over a decade. She has a bachelors degree in music business and management with a concentration in entrepreneurship and vocal performance from Berklee College of Music, where she was a vocal scholarship recipient and former editor-in-chief of </em>the Berklee Groove.</em></span></p>
</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/37206692015-05-29T10:11:47-05:002017-01-15T15:09:19-06:00Three Ways Musicians Can Stand Out On Social Media<h3 class="entry-header" style="font-weight: 400; text-align: center; font-size: 19.0666675567627px; margin: 0px; line-height: 19.0666675567627px; font-family: 'Pontano Sans', sans-serif; text-transform: capitalize; padding: 0px 0px 8px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Three Ways Musicians Can Stand Out On Social Media</h3>
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<div class="entry-body" style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 19.7999992370605px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important;"><p style="line-height: 19.7999992370605px; margin: 0px 0px 11px; clear: none;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a class="asset-img-link" href="http://a6.typepad.com/6a016766638dee970b01b7c790e39e970b-popup" style="color: rgb(110, 105, 176); text-decoration: none; float: left;" target="_blank"><img src="//a6.typepad.com/6a016766638dee970b01b7c790e39e970b-300wi" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Pixababy-1" height="113" style="border: 0px; width: 150px; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" /></a><strong>Social media has become one of the most powerful self-promotional tools for all artists</strong>. But while many acts use social media like Facebook and Twitter to advertise new releases and upcoming shows, <strong>a few go the extra mile, upping their statuses as fan-friendly by interacting with others or posting clever content</strong>. </span></p></div>
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<p style="line-height: 19.7999992370605px; margin: 0px 0px 11px; clear: none;"><em><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Original Post By <strong>Bobby Moore</strong> on <strong><a href="http://blog.sonicbids.com/3-ways-musicians-can-stand-out-on-social-media" style="color: rgb(110, 105, 176); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sonicbids</a></strong> Blog</span></em></p>
<h2 style="font-size: 16.5px; margin: 10px 0px 5px; font-family: 'Pontano Sans', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Get comical</span></h2>
<p style="line-height: 19.7999992370605px; margin: 0px 0px 11px; clear: none;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the most popular social media accounts run by musicians gained traction through humor. While there are plenty of examples, the gold standard for this is the Twitter account of veteran drummer and notorious funny man <a href="https://twitter.com/jonwurster" style="color: rgb(110, 105, 176); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">John Wurster</a> (Superchunk, Mountain Goats, Bob Mould). For Wurster and others, online activity seems to spike during tours. <a href="http://blog.sonicbids.com/5-van-etiquette-tips-to-ensure-sure-your-bandmates-wont-hate-you-on-tour" style="color: rgb(110, 105, 176); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">All of that downtime on the road</a> is used to share quips and photos with fans. In the process, existing fans get a good laugh, while some who see these jokes retweeted may discover a new band in the process.</span></p>
<h2 style="font-size: 16.5px; margin: 10px 0px 5px; font-family: 'Pontano Sans', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Expand your platform horizons</span></h2>
<p style="line-height: 19.7999992370605px; margin: 0px 0px 11px; clear: none;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><img src="//cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/245581/Wurster-1.jpg?t=1432676341352" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Wurster-1" /></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 19.7999992370605px; margin: 0px 0px 11px; clear: none;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">While nearly every artist has Facebook and Twitter, what about some of the lesser utilized sites? Though it may seem like a ghost town when it's not "<a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/myspace-attracts-51m-users-month-thanks-throwback-thursday-n286786_" style="color: rgb(110, 105, 176); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">#ThrowbackThursday</a>," Myspace strives to be artist-friendly, and it's still easier to share songs on the site than it is on many other platforms. But the band that really takes the cake when it comes to using early aughts social media is Massachusetts indie rockers Speedy Ortiz, as the group's <a href="http://speedyortiz.livejournal.com/" style="color: rgb(110, 105, 176); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">official website</a> is hosted by LiveJournal. While many of their peers in their late 20s or early 30s probably don't remember their LJ password and would likely be embarrassed reading journal posts from eight years ago, the band uses the site to share information about the band and also publish a detailed tour diary.</span></p>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Go above and beyond with fan interaction</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
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<div data-href="https://www.facebook.com/thosedarlins/posts/10152709372266059:0" data-width="500">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This seems like a no-brainer, as social media by nature is a way to share data with others and receive feedback. Still, some acts use social media mostly to share show invites, if they use their accounts at all. Others, like country-tinged Nashville rockers </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thosedarlins" style="color: rgb(110, 105, 176); text-decoration: none; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Those Darlins</a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">, have gone above and beyond interacting with fans by holding giveaways, constantly posting images, and taking other measures to get the most out of their social media pages. For artists just starting their journey to success, or those uninterested in leaving the underground, fan interaction is key to building a following. As the smiling faces at the merch booth and social media pals of their supporters, new artists can easily establish themselves as fan-friendly.</span>
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<div data-href="https://www.facebook.com/thosedarlins/posts/10152709372266059:0" data-width="500"><strong> </strong></div>
<div data-href="https://www.facebook.com/thosedarlins/posts/10152709372266059:0" data-width="500"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Bobby Moore</strong><em> is a freelance writer and historian with an MA in public history (University of West Georgia, 2011). He's got a Dead Milkmen tattoo on his chest, and his three-year-old calico is named after the band Tacocat, so he’s pretty shameless about his music fandom.</em></span></div>
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</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/37206682015-05-29T10:10:05-05:002015-05-29T10:10:05-05:00Artist Merchandising Made Simple<div class="journal-entry-tag journal-entry-tag-pre-title" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-bottom-style: solid; line-height: 1.69em; padding-left: 6px; padding-top: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-bottom: 9px; color: rgb(205, 246, 121); border-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); background-image: url(http://www.musicthinktank.com/storage/sc_datebg.jpg); background-repeat: repeat-y;"><span class="font_large"><span class="posted-on" style="white-space: nowrap;">May 26, 2015</span></span></div>
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<h2 class="title" style="margin: 0px 0px 8px; padding: 0px; font-size: 21px; line-height: 1.3em; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="font_large"><a class="journal-entry-navigation-current" href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/artist-merchandising-made-simple.html" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; line-height: 1.3em; padding-top: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; background-color: rgb(252, 253, 250);">Artist Merchandising Made Simple</a></span></h2>
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<br><br><span class="font_large"><span class="posted-by" style="white-space: nowrap;">BY: <a href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/author/llupton" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);">LIZ LUPTON</a></span> | <span class="post-comments" style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/artist-merchandising-made-simple.html#comments" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);">POST A COMMENT</a></span> | <span class="print-item"><a href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/artist-merchandising-made-simple.html?printerFriendly=true" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);">PRINT ARTICLE</a></span></span>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large"><em>By Dan Servantes from Berklee’s Music Business Journal, <a href="http://thembj.org/" style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">thembj.org</a>.</em></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large">With recorded music sales in free fall and touring being a very expensive gamble to try to end up in the black, it has never been more crucial for up-and-coming artists to find non-traditional revenue streams to keep their art alive. There are many ways for musicians to make money – private lessons, doing session work, or even writing jingles. However, none of these are actively helping build an artist’s career, and the time spent working on those endeavors will ultimately take time away from their own art.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large">As all artists know, it takes a while to become profitable. Many hours and dollars are spent recording, performing shows for little or no money, and perfecting their craft. Even when money does start flowing in, it can take some time to earn enough to live off of it. Savvy artists may come up with ways to earn extra money using the same tools they already have. Still, it is worth outlining a way forward for artists that are less experienced at monetizing their craft. A word of caution: the following strategies require having at least a small, dedicated fan base. If people are emotionally invested in an artist and their music, there are numerous ways to capitalize on that connection and make fans feel even more special.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Marker Pens and Notebooks</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large">One of the easiest strategies for an artist to earn additional revenue is to increase the value of items they already sell. Many artists sell CDs, vinyl, and posters. The simple efforts of signing (and personalizing) a handful of each offering can increase the value of the product by as much as 50%. This leads to a significant increase in marginal profit for the artist. Physical items are generally expensive to manufacture and ship. Permanent markers, however, are incredibly inexpensive. The additional revenue generated from signing merchandise can go a long way in covering manufacturing and shipping costs.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large">Moreover, many times there are posters left over after tours or album releases. Once the tour or album release is over, these items become useless. They can no longer be hung in venue windows promoting shows. Signing these posters gives them new relevance as memorabilia items and can increase demand in the product.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large">Artists can also offer limited merchandise from items they’ve used in the studio or on stage. Fans have a way of romanticizing the idea of the recording studio or a band on the road. This sentimentality can bring up the value of an order piece of gear substantially. For example, a notebook used to take notes on different takes, arrangement ideas, or others during the recording session would have a high monetary value to a super fan of the artist. Part of it is the one-of-a-kind exclusivity of the notebook. It is a complement that becomes uniquely tied in the mind of a fan to the recording of a favorite album. The artist may have only paid $5 for the notebook pad, but to a super fan, it could be worth much, much, more.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large">For bands that are known as “live acts”, something used live could have tremendous value to a fan. A set list that was used on stage, a drum stick used during the encore, and the laminate passes from old tours all have value to fans. These items are commonly discarded after a show or tour, yet represent the opportunity for fans to get an exclusive piece of memorabilia and for the artist to make additional income without spending any money.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Old Recordings and Specials</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large">Often neglected by artists, unreleased recordings, demos, and live bootlegs have long been considered a treasured find by fans. While these are rare recordings for fans, artists often find themselves with computers full of unrealized demos, iPhone voice memos, unreleased tracks, and live recordings from shows. Occasionally, these recordings find their way onto the Internet and get leaked. Artists can take advantage of these miscellaneous recordings by releasing them as a B-side album. Naturally, only the most dedicated fans will be enticed by this offer, but they will rally behind it and bring in a spike of revenue without the artist having to spend any money on additional recordings.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large">Offering fans other forms of special treatment is becoming popular. VIP tickets and passes are the most classic example of an experiential offering for fans that works well on many levels. VIP tickets give the fans better seats, the opportunity to meet the band, and perhaps even a chance to listen to a sound check. Except for brief interactions with fans, there is little additional expense and only marginal revenue loss for the aspiring artist.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large">Similar to VIP passes are studio visits. Just as a VIP pass lets a fan see what goes on behind-the-scenes in a music venue, a studio visit allows a fan to go behind-the-scenes in the studio. This is the most intimate and vulnerable experience an artist can offer, and fans know this. That means that artists can offer these studio visits at a hefty price, well above the cost of a concert ticket. Studio visits are also a fantastic way to offset the costs of recording in a studio. If an artist has the ability to record in a home studio, income from studio visits is pure profit.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Face-to-Face Streaming</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large">The advent of streaming technology also brings with it a host of possibilities for artists to connect with their fans. Sites such as Ustream, Concert Window, and Livestream allow artists to stream performances to fans for free, or privately for a charge. Online experiences can also include one-on-one video chats with fans. Skype, Facetime, and Google Chat do that like never before. Now, a fan can pay to have their favorite artist perform a song over Skype, do a Q&A across the country, or get a music lesson covering their favorite songs. This costs the artist nothing other than free time, allows them to build a stronger relationship with their fan, and brings in an additional source of income.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large">The major concern when employing these strategies is fan fatigue. If a fan has access to this kind of merchandise and experiences consistently, it no longer becomes special. With many of these offerings, exclusivity is key. To avoid fan fatigue, there are a couple ways to release these offerings and make it special for both the artist and fan. The first is through a pre-sale interactive marketing campaign that revolves around a landmark event for the artist such as an album release. Sites such as PledgeMusic, Kickstarter, and Indiegogo are specifically used for pre-ordering and selling exclusive merchandise and experiences for a limited time.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Flash Sales</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large">Another option is a flash sale. Unannounced and only available for a brief amount of time, flash sales are a great way to push unique and discounted products to fans and keep them on their toes, waiting for the next one. Direct-to-fan web stores such as Bandcamp and Bandpage are ideal for these events, because they allow the artist to work completely autonomously, with no set time, and no targeted sale amount or restrictions.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large">There are significant differences in how artists connect with fans during interactive pre-sales and flash sales. Interactive pre-sales allow fans to feel like they are a part of whatever career stage the artist is in. It deepens the connection between artist and fan and allows the fan to become more emotionally invested in the artist’s success. The flash sale comes across as more of a favor to the fan. With unique items and special deals, the flash sale is a way to keep fans regularly checking in for updates. What both of these strategies accomplish is conversation. Fans will get excited. They will tell their friends. By doing something out of the ordinary, artists are inspiring their fans, and standing out in a saturated market place.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large">* * *</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="font_large">Each artist is different and, indeed, the marketplace relates to talent individually. This has not changed and goes back to the dominant era of the record labels: at end of the day, the majors managed a multiproduct roster business. So the way artists will employ some of the methods suggested above today depends on their personality, their own sense of their brand, the point at which they are in their career, and last but by no means least, their connection to their public. It has never been more important for artists to think out of the box and find ways to both earn additional income and make a deeper connection with fans for, alas, reliance on the record labels of old is a thing of the past.</span></p>
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</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/36882192015-05-03T10:28:10-05:002017-02-04T17:32:59-06:0025 ways to optimize your YouTube channel25 ways to optimize your YouTube channel<div class="author" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: italic; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px;">By <a href="http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/author/chris-r-at-cd-baby/" rel="author" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" title="Posts by Chris Robley">Chris Robley</a>
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<div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_21067" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; float: left; width: 326px;">
<a href="http://wp.me/p4fLAY-5tJ" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;"><img src="//diymusician.cdbaby.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Screen-Shot-2015-04-24-at-10.46.16-AM-1.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="YouTube channel for Walk Off the Earth." height="209" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;" width="316" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="margin: 15px 0px;"><small style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-size: 11px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">YouTube channel for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9PEibgWOqZ-1I1JdxRmr6g" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">Walk Off the Earth.</a></small></p>
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<h3 style="margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(32, 59, 78); line-height: 24px;"><strong>A YouTube channel checklist for musicians</strong></h3>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">What do all successful YouTubers have in common? They create great videos.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">That’s Step #1, at least.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">Beyond that, you’ve probably noticed how smart video creators are using some of YouTube’s tools and features to harness the power of those videos and their intended viewers.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">Is your channel optimized? Here’s a simple checklist you can reference to make sure you’re doing everything you can to boost views, build a loyal audience, and earn more money through YouTube.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(32, 59, 78); line-height: 24px;"><strong>A quick-start to optimizing your YouTube channel</strong></h3>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>1. Choose your channel name —</strong> The channel name is different from your channel URL, so this name CAN be edited. But it’s best to pick a name and stick with it for consistent channel branding. Choose something that is short and memorable (like your band or artist name), and that also lets viewers know what to expect from your channel. Go here <a href="https://www.youtube.com/account" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">https://www.youtube.com/account</a> and clik to edit on Google+.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>2. Choose your channel icon —</strong> Upload a square, high-res (800×800) image that is recognizable and looks great when displayed at smaller resolutions (so use text sparingly). This image will be your channel’s icon throughout all of YouTube. If your channel is linked to G+, you can use an image you’ve previously uploaded to your G+ account. You can access this from your YouTube account page.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>3. Upload your channel art —</strong> Channel art is the banner/header that appears towards the top of your channel when viewed on a desktop. Upload a large image (2560×1440) with the most important visual elements located in the inner 1546×423 area (so they’ll still appear when the image is scaled for mobile and tablet). See the image below for various display dimensions.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">Make sure your channel art reflects your personality and doesn’t just come off as some kind of boring brand logo. Check out YouTube’s channel art tips and template <a href="https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2972003?hl=en" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><img src="//diymusician.cdbaby.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Screen-Shot-2015-04-24-at-10.18.16-AM-1.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Dimensions for YouTube channel art" height="365" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;" width="639" /></p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>4. Write a channel description —</strong> Move your cursor to the top right of the channel art section, and click “edit links.” Be sure to highlight the most important content you create, use relevant keywords, and include your upload schedule to set expectations for your audience.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>5. Add website and social media links to the <em>About</em> tab —</strong> Corresponding icons will be displayed as overlays on your channel art. Include links to your official website, store or product page, social accounts, newsletter signup form, or promotional campaign pages.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>6. Set “Featured Channels” —</strong> On the right hand side of your channel, you’ll see the “Featured Channels” header. Add any related or similar channels, including channels for other creative projects you’re involved in, your record label, etc.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>7. Enable browse view and discussion —</strong> In the section of your YouTube channel homepage that contains the channel name and tab names, hover your cursor in the right-hand corner until the pencil icon appears. Click “edit channel navigation” and then enable both the browse view and discussion settings.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>8. Select or upload a channel trailer — </strong>Once the browse view has been enabled, select a channel trailer video for your channel. A Channel trailer is a short video that will autoplay whenever an unsubscribed viewer visits your channel, so here’s your opportunity to get them hooked!</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">Your trailer should be informative and fit the overall vibe of your channel (oh, and did we mention it should be brief?). Also, you should ask viewers to subscribe. The trailer will automatically display a card at the end of the video giving viewers an easy way to subscribe.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>9. Add sections to organize your channel — </strong>Sections are a great way to organize videos (by theme, style, series, genre, etc.) and give viewers an easy way to explore your content from the Home/Browse page. Sections can consist of videos, playlists, or channels, and can include your own videos as well as content uploaded by other YouTube users.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">For most viewers, only your top section will be visible without scrolling — so make sure your most important videos are included in the section at the top of your channel page. Also, because sections can contain content from other channels, you have a great opportunity to cross-promote with other artists and curate an interesting viewing experience for your audience. To add a section, just click the “Add a Section” button from the bottom of your channel home page.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>10. Customize your channel URL —</strong> YouTube.com/MyName is a lot easier to remember than YouTube.com/GigglyWiggly123CuzItWasMyEmailAddressBackIn2007, right? For information on how to customize your channel URL, click <a href="https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2657968?hl=en" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">Your channel must be at least 30 days old, have 500 subscribers, channel art, and a channel icon to access this feature.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(32, 59, 78); line-height: 24px;"><strong>Optimizing your YouTube channel with advanced features</strong></h3>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>11. Verify your YouTube channel —</strong> Go to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/account_features" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">https://www.youtube.com/account_features</a>. If your account status has not already been verified, click “Verify” and select to verify by Voice Call or SMS.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>12. Select your default video category —</strong> Go to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/account_defaults" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">https://www.youtube.com/account_defaults</a> and change the category to the one that most closely reflects your type of channel, such as “music.” You can always change these manually for each video once that video has been uploaded.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>13. Compose a default footer for your video descriptions — </strong>Add links to your website and social media accounts as a standard footer in your default video description field. It’ll save you lots of extra typing later on. To do so, go to<a href="https://www.youtube.com/account_defaults" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">https://www.youtube.com/account_defaults</a>. Again, you can always change these manually once a video is uploaded.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>14. Add tags that will apply to most of your videos —</strong> Tags help people find your video when searching on YouTube. Proper tagging can help increase monetization of your videos. Some suggested tags would include your artist name, any common misspellings, and popular keywords associated with your genre. Make sure tags with more than one word are enclosed in quotations, and don’t use commas. Avoid overly generic tags or tags that are not relevant to your video. Create your default tags here <a href="https://www.youtube.com/account_defaults" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">https://www.youtube.com/account_defaults</a>.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong> 15. Grow your fanbase with Channel Ad, aka Fan Finder — </strong>With Fan Finder, YouTube will display your channel ad to viewers (as a skippable TrueView ad) at no cost to you — giving fans of other channels the chance to discover your videos!</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">To get started with a Channel Ad, go to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/featured_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">https://www.youtube.com/featured_content</a>. Click the button that says “select your channel ad” and choose a video to feature as your Fan Finder video. For tips on what makes a great Fan Finder video, visit <a href="https://www.youtube.com/yt/fanfinder/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">https://www.youtube.com/yt/fanfinder/</a>.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>16. Feature a video or playlist with Featured Content (formerly know as “InVideo programming”</strong><strong>) —</strong> This feature allows you to highlight your most relevant content as an Annotation that appears when viewers watch your videos. To select content for InVideo programming, go to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/featured_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">https://www.youtube.com/featured_content</a>.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>17. Add your logo as a watermark —</strong> This is another great branding opportunity, as your logo will appear in the lower right corner of your videos as a clickable link leading back to your channel page. To upload your logo, go to<a href="https://www.youtube.com/branding" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">https://www.youtube.com/branding</a>. The image for the watermark should be a PNG or GIF file (1MB max) and ideally have a transparent background.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>18. Add keywords for your channel –</strong> Many of these keywords will be the same or similar to your default video tags. That’s ok. Use words that best describe the kind of content you are uploading to YouTube. To add keywords for your channel, go to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/advanced_settings" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">https://www.youtube.com/advanced_settings</a>.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>19. Tell YouTube about your associated website</strong><strong> —</strong> What’s your official website? You can help YouTube improve the quality of their search results by entering in that URL at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/advanced_settings" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">https://www.youtube.com/advanced_settings</a>.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">Warning: it helps to have some familiarity with Google’s Webmaster tool. If you’re kinda new to all this stuff, associating your official website with your YouTube channel can be a little frustrating. But it’s worth it. So keep trying, or just find an expert and ask for help.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>20. Enable channel recommendations — </strong>This will allow YouTube to recommend your channel to viewers outside of your existing audience. To do so, go to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/advanced_settings" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">https://www.youtube.com/advanced_settings</a>.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>21. Include your Google Analytics property tracking ID — </strong>If you’re already using Analytics, you can dive deeper into traffic stats by entering your Analytics ID into your YouTube account at<a href="https://www.youtube.com/advanced_settings" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">https://www.youtube.com/advanced_settings</a><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: underline;">.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>22. Allow advertisements on your videos</strong><strong> — </strong>Go to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/advanced_settings" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">https://www.youtube.com/advanced_settings</a> and make sure to check the checkbox to allow ads.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>23. Set your sharing preferences —</strong> Share, share, share! Go to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/account_sharing" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">https://www.youtube.com/account_sharing</a>.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>24. Check your privacy settings — </strong>Modest? Go to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/account_privacy" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">https://www.youtube.com/account_privacy</a>.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>25. Create your own compelling video thumbnail</strong> – The thumbnail is a quick snapshot that will represent your video on YouTube. In order to attract the most viewers, the thumbnail should be eye-catching. If your channel has been verified and is in good standing, you can (and should) upload your own custom image to make sure the thumbnail is as intriguing/exciting as possible. To upload your own custom thumbnail, click the “edit” button for the corresponding video in the Video Manager section of your account.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">According to YouTube’s guidelines, your custom thumbnail should:</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">* Have a resolution of 1280×720 (with minimum width of 640 pixels).</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">* Be uploaded in image formats such as .JPG, .GIF, .BMP, or .PNG.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">* Remain under the 2MB limit.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">* Try to use a 16:9 aspect ratio as it’s the most used in YouTube players and previews.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">For more info, go to <a href="https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72431?hl=en" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72431?hl=en</a>.</p>
</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/33838932014-12-10T14:50:27-06:002014-12-10T14:50:27-06:00Are You Eating Plastic for Dinner?<div id="fb-root"></div> <script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script>
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Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/32359292014-10-16T14:20:47-05:002017-02-04T04:15:46-06:00How to play a successful – and profitable! – virtual showHow to play a successful – and profitable! – virtual show<div class="author" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: italic; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px;">By <a href="http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/author/guest/" rel="author" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" title="Posts by Guest Blogger">Guest Blogger</a>
</div><span class="date" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 11px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(83, 83, 83); text-transform: uppercase; line-height: 20px;">OCTOBER 9, 2014</span><span class="comments" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(32, 59, 78); text-transform: uppercase; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/2014/10/play-successful-profitable-virtual-show/#comments" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(32, 59, 78); text-decoration: none;" title="Comment on How to play a successful – and profitable! – virtual show"><span class="dsq-postid" rel="19833 http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/?p=19833" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">{ 1 COMMENT }</span></a></span>
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<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><a href="http://wp.me/p4fLAY-59T" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;"><img src="//diymusician.cdbaby.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Screen-shot-2014-10-09-at-6.56.09-AM-1.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="Screen shot 2014 10 09 at 6.56.09 AM 1 How to play a successful – and profitable! – virtual show" height="232" style="margin: 0px 15px 2px 0px; padding: 4px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; display: inline;" width="232" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">[This article is a guest post written by Matt Thomas of <a href="http://www.concertwindow.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;" target="_blank">Concert Window</a>.]</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">Whether you’re an emerging artist or a seasoned professional, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of online resources out there these days, all claiming to be the best way to either engage with your fan base, reach new audiences, or make money. The virtual concert is a relatively new concept, but one that is growing rapidly and is proving hugely successful on every level.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>A virtual concert is basically a show you broadcast online, allowing people to tune in from anywhere by mobile device or computer</strong>. It’s as easy as opening up your laptop and performing from your own home. Music fans around the globe can tune into the live show, pay for tickets, give tips, buy merch and chat with you, all in real time. Best thing about it is you only need to get dressed from the waist up.. . . . we’re joking…. No really, please cover up!</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">Below is a guide to help you create the best experience for fans and cash in at the same time! To skip the guide and jump straight in <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(16, 85, 204);"><a href="http://www.concertwindow.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;" target="_blank">CLICK HERE.</a></span></p>
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<b>Tech</b>:</h3>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">Broadcasting a live show on the Internet might sound like the biggest undertaking you have ever faced, and you may be thinking you will need to hire a team of pros equipped with cameras the size of Belgium. Truth is, broadcasting a live show doesn’t need to be that difficult. You’re encouraged to use the simplest setup you can. In the video below, Concert Window addresses how to go about setting up a broadcast using a USB microphone and an external webcam. This enables you to capture high quality audio and video without the hassle of plugging in lots of equipment.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(32, 59, 78); line-height: 24px;"><b>Location:</b></h3>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m7ToL70K_lw?rel=0" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">By playing a concert on the web, you’re essentially getting the chance to be as creative as you want for the duration of your show, so take advantage of that. Yeah, it’s probably easiest to broadcast from your living room, and that’s pretty neat, but if you get the opportunity to do something a little different, go for it! Artists have done shows from a house, backyard, backstage, to even a baggage claim terminal. Invite a few friends over and give fans a view into your world that they’ve never seen. And better yet, you’ll get a copy of the full show afterwards for your own private use and YouTube.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(32, 59, 78); line-height: 24px;"><b>Interaction:</b></h3>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">Do it! Do it! Do it! By interacting with your audience, you are making them feel special and letting them be a part of the fun. Ask your viewers where they are watching from, ask them for requests, ask them anything you like, dedicate songs to them. The more you can do to make your audience feel special and valued, the more they will take away from the show and be inclined to watch your next performance. The revenue goes way up when you interact with fans in a unique and personal way.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(32, 59, 78); line-height: 24px;"><b>Making Money:</b></h3>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">Tip rewards are a great way to engage your audience and reward them for tipping a little higher. In many cases, we have seen that setting a tip reward has increased show revenue by 30%. When a viewer tips the required amount, you can send them a special reward. For example:</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><img src="//diymusician.cdbaby.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Screen-shot-2014-10-09-at-6.33.47-AM-1.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Screen shot 2014 10 09 at 6.33.47 AM 1 How to play a successful – and profitable! – virtual show" height="386" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;" width="695" /></p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">● Tip $3 and get two mp3’s of previously unreleased tracks.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">● Tip $8 and I’ll send you my latest album in mp3 format.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">● Tip $30 and I’ll send you a personal handwritten lyric sheet to any song of your choice.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">● Tip $60 for a video Skype hangout</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">● Tip $200 and get my entire back catalogue in mp3 format and a signed photo & T shirt.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(32, 59, 78); line-height: 24px;"><b>Promotion:</b></h3>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">Your fanbase won’t know to tune into your show if you don’t tell them! Treat it as if you are promoting a typical gig. The difference, of course, is that fans can watch from anywhere.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">● Tweet the URL of your show</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">● Create a Facebook event and invite fans</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">● Make a poster for Instagram to advertise the show</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">● Send an email blast</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">Interested in playing a virtual show? Concert Window was built by a team of musicians based out of New York City. We all have years of experience in the industry and take great pride in helping other musicians connect with existing fans, reach new fans, and make money from playing music online. With hundreds of shows played every month on our platform (and growing!), we are dedicated to supporting our community of artists and fans.</p>
</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/32183672014-10-05T11:11:45-05:002017-01-15T15:09:19-06:00Social Media Pre-Planning For Busy Musicians<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><em>By <a href="http://blog.sonicbids.com/author/hugh-mcintyre" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" target="_blank">Hugh McIntyre</a> from the <a href="http://blog.sonicbids.com/why-pre-planning-your-social-media-is-essential" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" target="_blank">Sonicbids Blog</a>.</em></p>
<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">When <a href="http://www.hypebot.com/ask-a-publicist-5-social-media-dos-and-donts-for-bands" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">social media</a> first appeared and spread around the world several years ago, it was billed as a fun way to keep in touch with family and friends. In the decade or so since, however, it’s taken on a life of its own. Social media has become incredibly important for everyone, whether it's used for up-to-the-minute news on <a href="http://www.hypebot.com/9-strategies-your-band-should-use-to-gain-and-keep-twitter-followers" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Twitter</a>, companies communicating with their customers, or bands promoting their shows. Like it or not, <strong>social media is inescapable, and staying on top of your game is paramount</strong>.</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><strong>Making sure your social media accounts are active is a good idea</strong>, as it shows everyone watching that you're paying attention, and lets followers know what you’re up to and what’s going on in your world. We’ve all see pathetic pages on Twitter or</span> <a href="http://www.hypebot.com/6-tips-to-stay-relevant-in-your-facebook-fans-news-feeds" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Facebook</a> <span style="color:#808080;">that haven’t had any activity in weeks, and it’s not a pretty sight. Even if you’re not especially social or personable on social media – which is an option, though not one I suggest – it’s good to keep things up-to-date by announcing new shows, singles, etc. It used to be okay to go a few days without saying anything, but, these days, a few hours of silence looks odd.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;">While it's important to be active on social media, that’s not to say it’s easy. Sure, writing a tweet isn’t difficult, but coming up with dozens of them, making sure to post them at the right time, and trying not to forget everything that’s going on can be tough. Social media shouldn’t be exhausting or too troubling. One thing you can do to make your digital life (and your real life) a bit easier to manage is <strong>plan as much as you can in advance</strong>.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;">Planning posts for social media is incredibly easy, and can help relieve some of the stress of being a musician. Say you’re going to be playing in Denver next month, and you want to announce the show and remind your fans about it as the date approaches. You can either try to remember to frequently send out posts on all of your channels, or you can plan them in advance.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><img src="//cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/245581/file-370885594-png/Quote_blog.png?t=1412166989546" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="Quote_blog" /><span style="color:#808080;">Getting social media right is one of the best things you can do for yourself.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;">For your Denver show, announce it manually, <strong>then plan several subsequent reminders to go out on specific days at different times</strong>, which can be particularly helpful for your fans. Once you finalize the plans for the show, you can immediately write and pre-plan something to go out two weeks before the show, one week, a few days, a few hours, even a few minutes before you go on. <strong>Also, make sure to post immediately afterwards and the next morning</strong>. Updating all of this yourself is where social media becomes tiring. I bet when I first mentioned tweeting about your show, many of you thought about the first announcement, but not the subsequent seven reminders, right? Hence why pre-planning is a must.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;">It’s also good to</span> <a href="http://blog.sonicbids.com/how-to-make-sure-fans-see-new-content-without-being-annoying" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" target="_blank">share some items on social media more than once</a> <span style="color:#808080;">and at different times of the day for fans around the world. This idea might not apply to your show in Denver next week, but works when promoting something like a new single, or for encouraging people to buy your new album. While it’s not hard to write a quick</span> <a href="http://www.hypebot.com/how-to-make-your-old-social-media-content-new-again" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Facebook</a> <span style="color:#808080;">post and link to your new</span> <a href="http://www.hypebot.com/4-iconic-music-videos-and-what-indie-artists-can-learn-from-them" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">music video</a> <span style="color:#808080;">at noon in New York, do you want to stay up all night to remind your fans in Sydney to watch? Pre-planning posts (each one worded differently, of course – have to keep things interesting) to reach everyone possible is easiest with a bit of technological help.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;">There are several apps or websites you can use to easily set photos, videos, or simple text to post at specific times, but I personally like to use</span> <a href="http://hootsuite.com/" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" target="_blank">Hootsuite</a>, <span style="color:#808080;">as I find it’s the best aggregator. I've run social media for several companies and organizations, and it was invaluable during those campaigns. I also use it for my own purposes, making sure to tweet or post on Facebook more often than I’d be able to if I were writing things in real time. </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;">Social media is where everyone and everything is these days, so getting it right is one of the best things you can do for yourself. There are many ways to ensure you’re making the most of your online presence, and posting on time every time is essential. As one of my favorite informercials back in the day preached, “Set it and forget it!”</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><em><strong>Hugh McIntyre</strong> is a freelance pop music journalist in NYC by way of Boston. He has written for Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and MTV, as well as various magazines and blogs around the world. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of the blog "Pop! Bang! Boom!" which is dedicated to the genre of pop in all of its glory. </em></p>
</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/31866462014-09-14T16:49:39-05:002017-01-15T15:09:19-06:00The Music Industry Has 99 Problems. And They Are…<h1 class="article-title" style="margin: 7px 0px 10px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(73, 74, 75); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 43px;">The Music Industry Has 99 Problems. And They Are…</h1>
<div class="byline vcard" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 20px;">
<time datetime="2014-09-02" pubdate="" title="September 2, 2014">Tuesday, September 2, 2014 </time><br>by <address class="author" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 20px; font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/about/team/paul" rel="author external" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" title="Visit Paul Resnikoff’s website">Paul Resnikoff</a></address>
</div>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<center style="color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><img src="//www.digitalmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/trainwreck.jpg?2d6e9b" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="trainwreck" height="563" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; border: 0px;" width="700" /></center>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 24.5px;"> </h3>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">1. The music recording is failing. Across the board, artists are experiencing serious problems monetizing their audio releases.</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">2. Recording revenues have been declining for more than 10 years, and they continue to decline precipitously year-over-year. This has dismantled the label system, once the <strong>most reliable form of artist financing</strong>.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">3. Digital formats continue to grow, but not enough to overcome broader declines in physical CDs.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">4. Even worse, the evolution of formats keeps pushing the value of the recording downward. Streaming pays less than downloads; downloads paid less than CDs. And the next thing after streaming will probably be even worse.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">5. There is little evidence to suggest that this downfall is being made up by touring, merchandising, or other non-recording activities.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">6. Streaming is rapidly becoming the dominant form of music consumption. <strong> It also pays artists the worst of any formats before it.</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">7. Post-album, artists and labels have failed to establish a lucrative, <b>reliable bundle</b> to monetize their recordings.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">8. Most consumers now <b>attribute very little value</b> to the recording itself, and most consumption (through YouTube, ad-supported piracy, or BitTorrent) happens at little-to-zero cost to the listener.</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">9. A generally <b>uncertain economic climate</b> only adds to consumer resistance against paying for music.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">10. A massive, decades-long shift towards free (or near-free) music means that entire generations have <strong>never paid anything</strong> for recordings. And will continue to resist any requirements to pay for music.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">11. Streaming has largely failed artists and independent labels.</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">12. The leading streaming music companies — YouTube/Google, Spotify, and Soundcloud — are also the most duplicitous and damaging towards artists.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">13. Streaming services like Spotify offer <b>very little transparency</b> on their payout structures, which makes it a low-trust partner for artists.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">14. Even worse, Spotify is suspected of completely misrepresenting its per-stream payout structure, based on discrepancies with extremely low rates publicly published by actual artists (usually on Digital Music News, <a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2014/04/03/streamingstatements" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;">here</a>, <a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2014/02/24/successful2014" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2013/11/26/spotifypremiumadsupported" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;">here</a>.)</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">15. Indies and smaller artists also complain that <b>their rates are lower </b>than bigger, major labels. Some have pointed to different tiers of compensation, though few have a concrete idea on exactly how payouts are structured (see #13).</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">16. Payouts to artists are not only hard to figure out, they are almost <b>universally low and cannibalistic </b>towards other, more lucrative formats. Which is why artists like Rihanna and Taylor Swift have opted not to license Spotify. And why Taylor Swift’s label, Big Machine Records, has indicated that no future, frontline releases will be licensed to Spotify.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">17. Spotify actually pays the labels, often with huge, multi-million dollar advances and/or equity positions attached. But labels frequently <b>don’t pay their artists</b>, either for legitimate (ie, the artist is unrecouped) or illegitimate (ie, they’re screwing the artist) reasons.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">18. The priorities of streaming services like Spotify skew towards <b>acquisitions, IPOs, and other liquidation events</b>, not towards the interests of content holders and artists. And if you doubt that, just ask Goldman Sachs (a $50 million-plus Spotify investor). Which means artist payout issues may improve somewhat, but probably not dramatically.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">19. Even worse, the interests of the major labels are very similar, which explains the massive percentage shares awarded to major labels by streaming services. These percentages are awarded in exchange for content licensing (just recently, Universal Music Group received <a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2014/08/01/universal-music-makes-330-million-beats-acquisition-artists-make-0" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;">$404 million</a> from the sale of Beats).</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">(And why major labels are pushing for a Spotify sale <a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2014/06/11/major-labels-trying-sell-spotify-10-billion-sources-say" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;">north of $10 billion</a>…)</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">20. Even worse than than, labels <strong>pay nothing from these cash-out windfalls to their artists</strong>, based on artist contract terms that have now been published (on Digital Music News).</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">+<a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2014/07/28/heres-another-way-major-labels-screw-artists-streaming-royalties" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;">Here’s Another Way That Artists Get Screwed Out of Their Streaming Royalties…</a></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">21. Google, the most influential company in the music industry, is actively resisting any efforts to reduce piracy across its key platforms, Search and YouTube.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">22. Google is also working against the interests of indie labels, and has recently used its market power to force unfavorable licensing terms upon them.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">+<a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2014/06/23/fk-heres-entire-youtube-contract-indies" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;">F*&K It: Here’s the Entire YouTube Contract for Indies…</a></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">23. Streaming has caused piracy to wane, though free MP3 and torrent sites remain a serious problem for many rights owners.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">24. The number of people actually paying for streaming services remains relatively low, especially when compared to the broader population of music fans. Part of the problem is that music fans are often extremely reluctant to upgrade from free, ad-supported, or carrier-bundled services.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">+<a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2014/07/15/exclusive-spotify-crosses-11-million-paying-subscribers" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;">Exclusive: Spotify Crosses 11 Million Paying Subscribers…</a></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">25. Downloads remain <b>a more lucrative purchase</b> for artists (and labels), despite rhetoric indicating otherwise. Sorry, most fans aren’t streaming songs thousands of times, even on their favorite tracks.</p>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;"> </h2>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">26. It’s harder than ever for a newer artist to get noticed.</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">27. The artist has greater and more direct access to fans than ever before in history. Unfortunately,<strong>so do millions of other artists</strong>.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">28. Indeed, the typical music fan is <b>flooded with music</b>, not to mention videos, games, ebooks, and porn, all of which makes it extremely difficult to win and retain the attention of future fans.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">29. This also puts pressure on the artist to <b>shorten the release cycle</b>, and pump out content at a quick pace.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">30. The artist currently <b>lacks a centralized hub online</b> that is a default for music fans, thanks to the erosion of MySpace Music. Facebook was once viewed as a replacement for MySpace Music, until the major shift to Timeline.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">31. Even worse, Facebook is now charging artists to reach their own fans, a move it defends as necessary given massive increases in Facebook posts that are overwhelming users.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2014/05/08/artistasksfacebookwhydoihavetopay" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;">+An Artist Asks Facebook: “Why Do I Have to Pay to Reach My Fans?”</a></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">32. All of which sort of makes the Facebook ‘Like’ a necessary win, but a difficult victory to celebrate.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">33. <b>99.9%</b> of all artists <strong>cannot make a living wage</strong> off of their music, based on stats gleaned from TuneCore.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">34. In fact, David Lowery, a top thinker in the space and an artist himself, feels that artists are <b>worse off now</b> than they were in the analog era. And, he points to lower payments, less control, a shift in revenue towards tech companies, and less secure copyright protections to prove his case.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">35. Most artists are <b>overwhelmed with tasks</b> that go far beyond making music. That includes everything from Tweeting fans, updating Facebook pages, managing metadata, uploading content, interpreting data, managing Kickstarter campaigns, and figuring out online sales strategies.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">36. The average musician is <b>underemployed</b>. According to a musician survey conducted by the Future of Music Coalition (FMC), just <strong>42 percent</strong> of musicians are working full-time in music. The rest are complementing their music with day jobs that have little or nothing to do with music.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">37. Musician <b>salaries are low</b>. Also according to the FMC survey, the average musician makes $34,455 a year from music-specific gigs, with overall incomes (music+non-music) averaging $55,561.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">38. Musicians are increasingly <b>playing free shows</b>, in the hopes of getting paid work down the line. According to a recently-released report from the UK-based Musicians’ Union, more than 60 percent of artists have played at least one free gig in the last year.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">39. Even monstrously-large video superstars like <b>OK Go</b> can have trouble generating significant revenue (based on their own admission). And, big sponsors like State Farm can only attach themselves to so many videos.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">40. Artists live under the <b>constant threat of leaks</b>, especially popular artists. And the worst result is the leak of an unreleased, half-baked recording, an issue recently experienced by both Skrillex and Ryan Leslie.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">41. Information overload and massive media fragmentation have made it very difficult for music fans to even notice releases exist — even if they are dedicated fans.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">42. Crowdsourcing worked for Amanda Palmer, though there are serious questions about whether it can work systematically for smaller artists who have never been signed to a major label or experienced significant financial support in the past.</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">43. Vinyl LPs are surging year-over-year, but still represent a tiny fraction of recordings purchased.</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">44. The production infrastructure around vinyl continues to ramp up slowly, and producing vinyl can be incredibly difficult. Some facilities are expanding, though production delays are often the norm and hurting this market’s growth.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">45. Vinyl is bad for the environment. That also goes for other revenue-generators like t-shirts and merchandise.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">46. Actually, <strong>so is digital</strong>: some environmentalists theorize that the digital transition may actually be <b>more damaging to our Earth</b> than physical. Part of the reason is that cloud-hosting requires massive server facilities while consuming massive amounts of energy and pumping out lots of waste.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">47. On top of that, digital formats only coexist alongside physical devices like iPads, iPhones, laptops, and sophisticated headphones, all of which gets thrown away and replaced after a few years (or shorter).</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">48. Traditional record stores have largely imploded, with holdouts like <b>Amoeba</b> now relics of an earlier era. </h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">49. Record Store Day has helped stem the decline among smaller record stores, though many complain that major labels are now flooding RSD stores with crappy products. Others regard RSD as a mere band-aid against the inevitable.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">50. Either way, the biggest releases always go to the biggest brick-n-mortar stores: Target, Best Buy, or Wal-Mart.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">51. Yet these larger, ‘big box’ retailers are accelerating the downward spiral in CD sales, both by<a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2014/04/08/walmarthalf" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;">dramatically reducing shelf space</a> and by pushing pricing aggressively downwards (often to $5 or less). This is happening even though older demographics are often still receptive to the format.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">52. Major labels, once the most reliable form of financing for new and established artists, are now a fraction of their former selves.</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">53. And thanks to heavy financial pressures, the creative process at major labels has become <b>increasingly formulaic</b>, overly refined, and often unsatisfying to the artists involved.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">54. A large number of legacy artists are now suing their major labels, arguing that downloads should be classified as ‘licenses’ instead of ‘sales’. And, thanks to a monumental victory by <b>F.B.T. Productions</b>, this shift will create a massive financial obligation for labels.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">55. Most people who work at major labels have <b>very low job security</b>. Which makes it difficult for them to develop longer-term artist careers, not to mention those of the artists they represent.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">56. Younger people are not generally not interested in working at labels anymore, which makes it harder for those companies to innovate.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">57. Instead of enjoying some theoretical resurgence, <b>indie labels</b> are mostly getting squeezed by devalued and declining recordings, piracy, and far greater leverage from artists themselves.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">58. A once-promising shift towards <b>360-degree models</b> never quite generated enough money for major labels, even though major labels generally insist on broader rights deals with all new artists.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">59. Established music companies often <b>overpay their executives by a wild margin</b>, despite massive and ongoing losses. That may have the effect of skewing the executive focus towards personal enrichment, while sending red flags to investors. Glaring examples of this include Warner Music Group, Live Nation, and Pandora, among others. The RIAA also suffers from this convoluted compensation problem.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">60. Very little innovation now comes from inside the industry. Instead, it is now dictated by non-industry players like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">61. A broader ‘brain drain’ in the music industry, across both traditional and technology sides, has dampened innovation in the space.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">62. A large percentage of live music fans are frustrated with high ticket prices at concerts, and gouging on in-venue items like beer.</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">63. All of which means that fans now regard live concerts as a one-off, infrequent ‘event,’ instead of a regular outing. In fact, the average consumer goes to just <b>1.5 shows a year</b> (per Live Nation Entertainment).</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">64. Despite rhetoric to the contrary, touring is actually extremely difficult and expensive for most artists. Even for more established artists like <b>Imogen Heap</b>, who stopped touring despite solid crowds.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">65. And, the secondary ticketing market is often fed <b>before the actual market</b>, thanks to bots, aggressive scalpers, or the artists and ticketing providers themselves.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">66. Fans frequently miss shows from their favorite artists, even when these artists roll into their hometowns.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">67. But wait: despite an on-rush of apps and services like Songkick and Bandsintown, attendance at shows <b>hasn’t really increased that much</b>.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">68. And, attempts to monetize live streams (or previously-recorded gigs) remains a speculative bet that has yet to pay off.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">69. Meanwhile, <b>service fees</b> continue to outrage fans, even though artist guarantees and advances are often a culprit (but it’s complicated…)</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">70. Classical orchestras and ensembles <b>continue to struggle</b>, thanks to a continuing problem invigorating younger audiences. That has forced lots of smaller-market orchestras to downsize or discontinue, while applying plenty of pressure to bigger-city orchestras as well.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">71. <b>Merch table CDs</b>, once a very solid source of on-the-road revenue for developing bands, has now evaporated.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">72. Traditional radio tends to play the <b>same 14 songs</b> in heavy rotation, with mind-numbing regularity and lots of commercials.</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">73. And, this repetitive playlist is often cloned throughout the United States, thanks to <b>formatting homogeneity</b> and heavy ownership consolidation.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">74. Even worse, a lot of listeners don’t seem to mind. Which means very little music actually gets into rotation and discovery becomes harder.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">75. Traditional radio <b>doesn’t pay for the performance of recordings</b>. And, if they’re ever forced to, they’ll probably play fewer songs, or sign more direct deals with labels like Big Machine Records.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">76. Internet radio has failed artists and publishers.</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">77. Songwriters are increasingly getting screwed by digital formats, including internet radio. In one disclosure, songwriter Desmond Child reported more than 6 million plays on Pandora for “Livin’ On a Prayer,” only to receive a check for <strong>$110</strong>. Ellen Shipley, a songwriter whose biggest hit was “Heaven Is a Place on Earth,” <strong>received $39</strong> for more than 3.1 million plays.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">78. Yet Pandora, the largest internet radio provider, still can’t make a consistent profit.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">79. But that hasn’t stopped Pandora executives like Tim Westergren from cashing in tens of millions in stock.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">80. Meanwhile, Pandora has burned the IPO prospects of companies like Spotify, thanks to endless profitability problems and massive executive cashouts.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">81. And, Pandora still can’t effectively license in most countries outside of the US. Most notably, that includes the UK (though the company recently found a way to enter Australia and New Zealand).</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">82. But this isn’t just Pandora’s problem. <strong>Last.fm</strong>, for example, was forced to severely curtail their internet radio services based on licensing costs.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">83. All of which is why in the US, Pandora is asking Congress to <b>lower the royalties it pays to labels</b> (via SoundExchange). But artists already feel like they’re getting screwed, which is why they<strong>now hate Pandora</strong>.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">84. Meanwhile, the royalties that are being paid to SoundExchange often end up in massive, unpaid piles. That is, hundreds-of-millions-large piles of unpaid collections. Which of course, SoundExchange doesn’t like to talk about but collects interest on.</p>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">85. A good music education is now a difficult, risky investment.</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">86. And the costs are becoming exorbitant: conservatories and music schools like Berklee charge exorbitant amounts for their programs, though post-graduation job and income prospects are generally dim. Indeed, the cost of attending <b>Berklee College of Music</b> for one year is<strong>$62,319</strong> according to the school, which is actually on-par with institutions like Julliard and Oberlin.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">87. Music fans have access to more music than ever, but are often completely overwhelmed. This often results is less interest in music that isn’t heavily promoted, already established, or somehow ‘viral’.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">88. The Long Tail was mostly a fantasy, and so is the concept that <b>great music naturally finds its audience</b>. Buried gems remain buried in the digital era, while the most successful artists still seem to be those with the best backing and money.</p>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">89. Music conferences are often expensive, both in terms of time and money.</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">90. There are also too many of them. Which is why music conferences frequently <b>repeat the same information</b>, over and over again.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">91. Music conferences are sometimes held in far away, difficult-to-reach places, and last for days. Which also means that music conferences can be giant distractions from work that needs to get done <b>back at your office</b>.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h3 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 24.5px;">92. Non-stop, on-the-go music listening could be killing the ears of an entire generation.</h3>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">93. The world has progressed past the white earbud. The only problem is that lots of users are blasting headphones non-stop, with little regard for near-certain ear damage ahead. Which is why numerous reports continue to ring the alarm on future hearing loss.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">94. Piracy didn’t go away. It merely wears a new disguise.</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">95. The <b>DMCA</b>, once considered a reasonable method for flagging and removing infringing content while protecting online companies from liability, has now become an unmanageable and dysfunctional process for most content owners.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">96. Even worse, the DMCA has become a highly-profitable, aggressive, and artist-unfriendly loophole for companies like <b>Grooveshark</b>.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">97. Yet Google also remains a huge part of the problem. Searching for torrents and pirated material is not only easy, it’s <b>frequently auto-completed</b> for the user in Google’s searchbox. Or, worse, delivered in email as part of a <strong>Google Alert</strong>.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">98. The <b>RIAA</b>, a group with only limited success fighting piracy and more powerful tech, radio, and other lobbies, remains a <b>questionable luxury</b> for major labels. In fact, top RIAA executives like CEO Cary Sherman are still somehow pulling multi-million dollar salaries from their major label constituents, despite questionable effectiveness.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">99. The RIAA has also burned endless amounts of money chasing defendants like Jammie Thomas, who was initially fined millions for downloading 24 songs to the Supreme Court. That case lasted for more than 7 years after endless challenges, with a near-zero impact on file-sharing and piracy levels. In fact, a lot of that stuff <strong>simply doesn’t matter anymore</strong>.</p>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/30879732014-07-20T18:52:28-05:002017-01-15T15:09:18-06:00Building your online presence<h1 class="entry-title" style="padding: 0px 0px 5px; margin: 0px; color: rgb(39, 45, 57); font-size: 2.2em; line-height: 1.364em;">Building your online presence</h1>
<p class="headline_meta" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; font-style: italic; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.8em; color: rgb(136, 136, 136);">by <span class="author vcard" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; font-style: normal; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px;"><a class="url fn" href="http://blog.discmakers.com/author/acalilhanna/" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); border: none;">ANDRE CALILHANNA</a></span> on <abbr class="published" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; line-height: 1em; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px; border-bottom-style: none; cursor: help; font-style: normal;" title="2014-02-14">FEBRUARY 14, 2014</abbr> · </p>
<p class="headline_meta" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; font-style: italic; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.8em; color: rgb(136, 136, 136);">in <span style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; font-style: normal; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px;"><a href="http://blog.discmakers.com/business-forum/" rel="category tag" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); border: none;" title="View all posts in Business Forum">BUSINESS FORUM</a>,<a href="http://blog.discmakers.com/fast-forward/" rel="category tag" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); border: none;" title="View all posts in Fast Forward">FAST FORWARD</a>,<a href="http://blog.discmakers.com/promotion/" rel="category tag" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); border: none;" title="View all posts in Promotion">PROMOTION</a></span></p>
<div class="format_text entry-content" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1.667em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<h2 style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0.625em; color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-family: 'Arial Black', 'Arial Bold', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.333em; line-height: 1.25em;"><span style="color:#808080;">As a music artist, you need to identify your demographic, target your strengths, and develop and execute a plan to gain traction with your online music marketing</span></h2>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.667em;"><span style="color:#808080;"><img src="//blog.discmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/MichaelShoup-300x300.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="online music marketing advice" height="240" style="padding: 0px; margin: 15px 0px 1.667em 1.667em; " width="240" /></span></p>
<p><em><span style="color:#808080;">Two years ago, singer/songwriter Michael Shoup started </span><a href="http://12southmusic.com/" title="12South Music"><span style="color:#808080;">12South Music</span></a><span style="color:#808080;"> to help his artist friends with music publishing. Today, 12South Music creates websites, videos, and marketing plans tailored to the artist based on genre, demographics, and all the things that make a music artist unique. I spoke with Michael to get some insights and specific examples of what he means when he talks about a holistic approach to online music marketing.</span></em></p>
<h4><span style="color:#808080;">You operate under the assertion that artists should look at their online presence as a holistic entity. What do you mean by that exactly?</span></h4>
<p><span style="color:#808080;">I’m sure you guys get this, when people call you up and they want CDs – they know they want CDs, but that’s about as far as it’s been thought through. We had people come to us when we first opened business saying, “I’ve been told by my manager or by this person or another that I need a website, and it needs to have a tour page and a photos page, and all of this other kind of stuff.”</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#808080;">While that’s all great, and I think all that information is good to have, I think people don’t think critically enough about it. I know I didn’t when I was first starting out as an artist. I was like, “Yeah, I need to have this giant footprint on the Internet, even though I only have two songs and no fans.” So we try to go about it in almost a backwards way and honestly, talk people out of hiring us to do stuff for them to start with, if that makes sense.</span></p>
<h4 style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; font-family: 'Arial Black', 'Arial Bold', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1em;"><span style="color:#808080;">You want them to wait to talk to you until they have something going on and enough artifacts and songs and things to talk about so they can have success with online music marketing?</span></h4>
<p><span style="color:#808080;">Well, it’s more that I talk people down from this large amount of development to a smaller starting point because that’s going to serve them best. I want to have somebody succeed, and once they succeed, they can come back and we can help them succeed some more and build on top the platform we’ve helped establish for them.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#808080;">For example, I’ll have people come to me that have a single or a record ready, and they want to release it out to the world, and they’re like, “We’re going to release this tomorrow and it’s going to be fantastic and we just need a website to promote it on.” And I go, “Whoa, hold on a sec. You have a record finished, and you haven’t promoted it at all and you want a website to put it on?” Let’s take a couple of steps back, let’s make a six-month marketing plan for how we’re going to start building momentum for this record before we release it. Then let’s release little pieces of it and get you guys fans of each little piece before we actually come out and say, “BOOM! Here’s the record!” It’s hard to see that path when you’re excited about the fact that you just recorded a record.</span></p>
<h4 style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; font-family: 'Arial Black', 'Arial Bold', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1em;"><span style="color:#808080;">Let’s say I’m a new artist, I’ve got a few songs, I’m trying to build a name for myself, where do I start? I mean, a website is one of the first things I should have online, right? Is that a given for any artist at this point?</span></h4>
<p><span style="color:#808080;">Yes, though I would say “website” as a broad term. I don’t think the first thing you need to do is hire somebody like us and blow out something enormous. I think the first thing you need is a presence online, whether or not it’s a website. We sometimes help people put together a Tumblr profile, or a single page where a single or a video lives and we can track email addresses. For somebody who’s just starting out with a digital recording, I would say the first step is figuring out who your fans are. And there are some interesting ways you can do that, from simply posting something up on Facebook and asking your friends – which sometimes works, but not really – to services where you can get your music played on digital radio stations to folks who are fans of other artists. You can get feedback from them, this was played on a Tim McGraw station and they liked it or it was played on a Five For Fighting station and they didn’t like it. You can start to build a decent demographic profile of who likes and doesn’t like you music from doing things like that. Then you can establish a digital direction you can take to get your music to the right ears.</span></p>
<h4><span style="color:#808080;">Would you say it’s a combination of figuring out who your fans are, where they’re likely to be, and playing to your strengths so you’re in a comfort zone where you can produce content that’s going to resonate?</span></h4>
<p><span style="color:#808080;">Precisely. I like to think about it as “un-marketing.” If you’re a new artist on Facebook and all you do is sit around saying, “Hey, come listen to my track!” and you’re just pushing and pushing, your friends and potential friends are going to hate it because you’re shouting all the time. The idea is to make your stuff available and put it in the periphery of those people you already know are going to enjoy it.</span></p>
<h4><span style="color:#808080;">I hear you, but a lot of times when I’m hearing or reading this sort of advice, it all sounds great, but trying to figure out how to implement it is the real trick.</span></h4>
<p><span style="color:#808080;">Sure. Well, I can give you an actual digital PR scheme that worked really well.</span></p>
<h4><span style="color:#808080;">I’d love to hear it.</span></h4>
<p><span style="color:#808080;">The first time I put out a record I was still in a 9-to-5 job, so I didn’t have all this time to tour and play shows and that kind of thing. So I started to think about how I could get my content out there. I decided I was going to do video covers and see if I could find people who would dig the videos and then maybe look back at my stuff. But I didn’t just cover whatever I wanted to, I decided to find some of the top songs in my genre that were doing well, cover those, come up with my own arrangements, and post them on my blog. My blog at the time was on Tumblr, and Tumblr is a fantastic resource to be able to find people of specific demographics because it’s a network of blogs that people post on based on hashtags, and all those hashtags are searchable.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#808080;">So let’s say I post a cover of me doing a Lord Huron song. That day, or possibly the day before, I’m going to go and follow as many Lord Huron fans as I can. Just follow them, so that once they see that they have a new follower, they’re pretty likely to come click back on my blog. And the first piece of content they’re going to see is my cover of a Lord Huron song. So your return rate on that is going to be decently high because you’re already targeting somebody that you know likes this group. They may not like your cover of it, and that’s fine, but you’re going to make way more fans than if you’re just out there shouting. So I did that for probably three months, and every time I did it I ended up with 400-600 fans and a couple thousand at the end of a couple of months.</span></p>
<h4 style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; font-family: 'Arial Black', 'Arial Bold', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1em;"><span style="color:#808080;">So you picked different artists and applied the same formula to them over these months?</span></h4>
<p><span style="color:#808080;">Exactly, and the beautiful thing about that is once I had maybe 3,000 people following my music blog, I used interactive techniques to start talking directly to them instead of putting out this content. So I started a campaign called “Song A Week” and I said “I want to know your ideas now, I don’t want to just cover songs by artists that you like, I want to know what your ideas might be. Then once a week, I’m going to take one of these ideas, write a song about it, record it, put a video up about it, and then it’s yours, you can have it for free.” So I tried to get connected to those people I had just brought over to the website.</span></p>
<h4><span style="color:#808080;">Did you figured this out as it went along? Like you had the initial plan, and once you got the fans you asked, “What can I do next?”</span></h4>
<p><span style="color:#808080;">Well, I’m telling you about the success story. I’m not telling you about all the other things I tried that didn’t work. I’m a big experimenter, and the beauty of </span><a href="http://12southmusic.com/" title="12South Music"><span style="color:#808080;">12South Music</span></a><span style="color:#808080;"> as a company is that 90 percent of the folks who work here are artists as well. So we take ourselves as out own guinea pigs. We experiment on our own careers, on the careers of our friends, to see what’s going to work and what isn’t going to work, and then we implement those strategies into online music marketing plans for clients.</span></p>
<h4 style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; font-family: 'Arial Black', 'Arial Bold', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1em;"><span style="color:#808080;">Do you see any absolutes you need for online music promotion? Some sort of baseline that as an artist, you’re not going to get anywhere without?</span></h4>
<p><span style="color:#808080;">For me that’s some version of a dot com. Some version of a standalone “this is where I live on the Internet.” I even hate to say this, but even if it’s forwarding off to something else like ReverbNation or Facebook. Again, not my favorite thing in the world, but I think you need a calling card like that. That has to lead to where you establish your hub on the Internet.</span></p>
<h4><span style="color:#808080;">It also has to start with some kind of material, clearly. Do you think it imperative to have songs online, images? Apart from a hub online, what’s the next minimum requirement?</span></h4>
<p><span style="color:#808080;">Content, and you would think that would be music, but it doesn’t actually have to be, and that’s the weird world that we’re in. I’ve seen bands go out and play shows and not release digital music and just live off their live show, and even have an online presence that is images and video and not contain their music. It’s weird, and you need the right demographic to make that happen, but the concept of leaving your fans wanting more can work to your benefit.</span></p>
<h4 style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; font-family: 'Arial Black', 'Arial Bold', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1em;"><span style="color:#808080;">Is there an artist that comes to mind who exemplifies a different approach that succeeded?</span></h4>
<p><a href="http://elizabethhuett.com/" title="Elizabeth Huett"><span style="color:#808080;">Elizabeth Huett</span></a><span style="color:#808080;"> was on Dancing With the Stars for a good long time and then became popular as one of Taylor Swift’s backup singers. When she went to do a solo project, she ended up landing a publishing deal and figured, “Alright, I’m going to be writing for a long time, I might not have too much material to put out there, but I need to keep things moving, I can’t lose momentum from having been out with Taylor all this time.” Well, Liz is fantastic with Twitter and she had great traction on Twitter. We wanted to make a hub that would make her fans feel close to her and allow Liz to deliver new content, so we built a single page, which is responsive. At the bottom there’s this little box called “Talk to Liz.” All anyone has to do is fill it out and click a button and it will connect to Twitter for them and tweet out a message to Liz, and 9 times out of 10, she replies directly back to them. That’s not going to work for everybody, but it’s a really unique way for her to stay connected on her phone wherever she is with her fans who want to connect directly with her.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#808080;">Learn more about 12South Music at </span><a href="http://12southmusic.com/" title="12SouthMusic.com"><span style="color:#808080;">12SouthMusic.com</span></a><span style="color:#808080;"> and hear Michael’s music at </span><a href="http://michaelshoup.com/" title="MichaelShoup.com"><span style="color:#808080;">MichaelShoup.com</span></a><span style="color:#808080;">.</span></p>
</div><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;">Read more: </span><a href="http://blog.discmakers.com/2014/02/building-your-online-presence/#ixzz383WkX1pK" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 51, 153);"><span style="color:#808080;">Building a presence with online music marketing – Disc Makers</span></a><span style="color:#808080;"> </span><a href="http://blog.discmakers.com/2014/02/building-your-online-presence/#ixzz383WkX1pK" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 51, 153);"><span style="color:#808080;">http://blog.discmakers.com/2014/02/building-your-online-presence/#ixzz383WkX1pK</span></a></span>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/30839162014-07-17T22:06:19-05:002017-02-04T01:04:12-06:00GREAT ARTICLE - “Fifteen years of utter bollocks”: how a generation’s freeloading has starved creativity<h1 class="node-title" datatype="" property="dc:title" rel="nofollow" style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: 300; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: none; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 38px; font-size: 25pt; background: transparent;">“Fifteen years of utter bollocks”: how a generation’s freeloading has starved creativity</h1>
<h1 class="subheadline" style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; font-weight: 300; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 18px; font-size: 16px; background: transparent;"> </h1>
<div class="field field-name-field-subheadline field-type-text-long field-label-hidden view-mode-full" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent;"><div class="field-items" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent;"><div class="field-item even" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent;"><p style="margin: 0.6em 0px 0.8em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent;">Arguments for digital piracy are drivel – it's high time we steered away from this cultural cliff, argues author Chris Ruen.</p></div></div></div>
<p class="submitted" style="margin: 0.6em 0px 0.8em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent;"><span class="submitted" style="float: left; display: block; width: 511.390625px; border-width: 1px 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(196, 196, 196); border-bottom-color: rgb(196, 196, 196); margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 10px 0px; line-height: 14px; font-size: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; position: relative;"><span content="2014-07-16T12:14:01+01:00" datatype="xsd:dateTime" property="dc:date dc:created" rel="sioc:has_creator">BY <a about="/users/chris-ruen" class="username" datatype="" href="http://www.newstatesman.com/writers/146111" property="foaf:name" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(203, 56, 72); text-decoration: none; outline: none; background: transparent;" title="View user profile." typeof="sioc:UserAccount" xml:lang="">CHRIS RUEN</a> <span class="published_date" style="width: auto; margin-left: 6px; padding-left: 6px; border-left-width: 1px; border-left-style: solid; border-left-color: rgb(196, 196, 196);">PUBLISHED <time datetime="2014-07-16T12:14:01+0100" pubdate="pubdate">16 JULY, 2014 - 12:14</time></span></span></span></p>
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<p><br><br><span class="font_regular">Driving down civilisation road, it takes effort to grapple with the ramifications of our choices along the way. Out of basic self-interest, we often ignore our own effects upon the world. You throw your rubbish out the window as you drive on by, thinking "I’m just one person, so why worry?"</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Such was my mentality as a college student during what we might call the Napster Boom, where suddenly recorded music was digitised and transformed into free content via one “file-sharing” service after another. And yes, those are ironic quotation marks. Because describing exploitative digital piracy sites as though they are benign swap-shops where one can ‘share’ ‘files’ is just one of the many kinds of bollocks that pepper this debate.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">But I’ll admit that back then, I willingly took part in this free-for-all, as I’m sure many of you did and probably still do, for films software, games and ebooks. Things changed for me when I got a job in a Brooklyn café in the late 2000s. Many of the most <a href="http://blog.yeasayer.net/">respected </a>and <a href="http://mailto:http//pitchfork.com/artists/4313-tv-on-the-radio/">critically-praised</a> bands of the day were customers there, but my excitement at getting to know them was dimmed when I realised that rather than enjoying the fruits of their success, they were, well, just as broke as I was - a lowly part-time barista living in a shoddy NY rental.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">I was troubled by the knowledge that millions of music fans were freeloading music from these artists without a second thought, and more so that I was one of them, hypocritically claiming to “love” music all the while. Once I realised that the great majority of artists and musicians actually needed their legal rights enforced under copyright just to have the chance to break even, the usual excuses for digital piracy started to look like sophomoric drivel.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">It’s true that some of the classic excuses for piracy had their brief moments of seeming credibility. In 2000, when the debate over digital piracy sprung to life, we didn’t have content providers like Spotify or Netflix, much less iTunes. The fact that there were so few legal options for consuming digital content was one of the main rationalisations for taking a soft stance toward piracy. The legitimate digital market was either too inconvenient or nonexistent, and piracy filled in these gaps in the developing web.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">But as time went on, the arguments for allowing mass distribution of unlicensed content, offered by activists and bloggers like Cory Doctorow and Mike Masnick, took on some familiarities of the Iraq War. First we were there for WMDs, and then it was to spread democracy, and then it was to simply to honor the soldiers who had fought and died there, before we finally got the hell out.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Similarly, when iTunes and other services for legally purchasing content came to market, dulling the availability argument, apologists for digital piracy advanced one fantastic new rationalisation after another—that artists would actually be helped by their rights getting trampled; that old-timey models like touring and merchandise would magically become a cash cow; that you could solve the whole problem by just letting fans “pay what they want;” that identifying digital black market sites like Megaupload and cutting them off from search results and millions in illicit advertising revenues was an attack on free speech (owner Kim Dotcom even <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MokNvbiRqCM">compared</a>his legal plight to the struggles faced by Martin Luther King Jr).</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Any desperate excuse was good enough, so long as it justified the original campaign. Otherwise, the people who fought against copyright in this battle would have to confront the fact that they were never carrying the flag for freedom or “openness”, but for aggression, entitlement and selfishness masked by superficial delusions of grandeur.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">When made today, the argument that availability is the problem is even more boneheaded. Legal, reasonably priced options for digital content are spreading throughout the globe. Arguably there is also whole new generation of consumers out there who, although they might once have believed the drivel about piracy being OK, have now, like me, realised it is nothing more than stealing. Some of those people have even started bands of their own and had the epiphany about artists’ rights first-hand.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">And yet, depressingly, digital piracy continues to grow. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFB7T1HCfk8">A study by NetNames</a>examined the popularity of infringing content in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions in January 2013. They found 327 million unique users in these regions seeking infringing content, which represented 25 per cent of all internet users, with over 23 per cent of total bandwidth devoted to infringing content. They found that absolute infringing bandwidth increased by 160 per cent from 2010 to 2012 and the absolute number of users seeking infringing content increased by 10 per cent from 2011 to 2013. More recently, GigaOm <a href="http://gigaom.com/2014/05/28/file-sharing-is-alive-and-well-to-the-tune-of-300-million-users-a-month/">reported </a>on an analysis by the “media intelligence startup” TruOptic, which found over 300 million users using BitTorrent alone to download free content each month. Most downloads were coming from developed nations with legal options, like the UK, US and Australia.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">So why does freeloading remain so popular?</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">For one, people are habituated. I was at a party in Manhattan last month when the fact that I hadn’t seen Wayne’s World prompted an attempted intervention. One of the people in attendance, a lawyer who didn’t seem especially hurting for cash, helpfully suggested "seriously man, just like, torrent it when you get home tonight".</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Also, freeloading is easy as hell. I was checking the release date of an album recently, and when I entered its name as a Bing search query, “torrent” popped up after it thanks to autocomplete. Out of curiosity, I clicked through to find a full page of search results for advertising-laced pirate sites that all pointed me to my free unlicensed copy.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">And don’t make the mistake of thinking the torrent-indexing websites that popped up in my search results are just rambunctious, boundary-challenging adolescents swapping files with their friends, as Napster disingenuously spun themselves (whilst meanwhile receiving millions in investment and employing copyright protections when it suited them). A report by the <a href="http://www.digitalcitizensalliance.org/cac/alliance/default.aspx">Digital Citizens Alliance</a> released earlier this year found that pirate sites took in nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in revenues in 2013, with the largest 30 sites averaging $4.4 million in ad revenues and even the smallest sites pulling in $100,000 annually, all on the backs of uncompensated artists. As these sites need not bother with licensing fees, their profit margins are estimated to range between 80 and 94 per cent.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Piracy may feel like victimless “free culture” to the user, but they are in fact participating in a digital black market. It’s not about information wanting to be free, but rather it’s about exploitative black marketeers and willfully blind tech companies wanting to get rich. They are simply capitalising on loopholes in the regulatory framework. In this sense, mass digital piracy is a symptom of underdevelopment. It’s the Internet Third World, with outdoor markets hawking counterfeit goods and purveyors bribing the local cops to look the other way.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Tech companies will go on skimming profits off the top of this black market until enlightened governments cooperate to squeeze out these illicit profiteers in an effective and transparent manner. As Google’s own Chief Economist Hal Varian has written, "all that is required is the political will to enforce intellectual property rights".</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">The big question is: how would things look if the illegal free option weren’t as convenient, if the internet took a leap in “development”? Would Hollywood not be quite as dependent upon comic book blockbusters and take a few more chances on new stories? Perhaps American culture wouldn’t be quite as dominant globally, with local creative industries having a better shot at investment and growth to better compete with American film and music? With stable promotional budgets for record labels and studios, a few more daring artistic voices might find an audience, and charge their way onto the pop culture radar, and even change the way some of us think about the world.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">It’s only common sense that the devaluation creative industries face is having a sustained negative effect on the investment available for sustainable artistic careers. Through new groups like the <a href="http://www.contentcreatorscoalition.org/">Content Creators Coalition</a>, artists have begun to advocate for themselves. But forging an internet that takes individual rights (including privacy), cultural diversity and sustainable progress seriously also requires that consumers get on board.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Especially those, like me, for whom digital freeloading was commonplace, but can now admit that we are all entitled to fair compensation for our work. No one is entitled to nonconsensual ‘free’ labor from artists, or anyone else for that matter. This should not be a controversial proclamation in 2014. The fact that it is greeted with self-righteous indignation from Silicon Valley’s true believers indicates a retrograde, sociopathic mindset that masks itself in self-serving rhetoric of “innovation” and “disruption”. Punching someone in the face and breaking their nose is also “disruptive” and “innovative,” but probably not something we want to incentivise and scale.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Take away the digital black market and, yes, prices for creative work will likely inch up for consumers (especially for those who are used to paying zero). But, just as US Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr said of taxes, consider it “the price we pay for civilisation” - a civilisation we hold the collective keys to.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Chris Ruen is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1921844299/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1921844299&linkCode=as2&tag=newstatesmanc-21">Freeloading: How our insatiable appetite for free content is starving creativity</a><img src="//ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=newstatesmanc-21&l=as2&o=2&a=1921844299" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /> (Scribe, £12.99)</span></p>
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</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/30667582014-07-09T16:37:06-05:002017-01-15T15:09:18-06:00The New Meaning of DIY for Independent Musicians<h1 class="entry-title" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 62px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; font-family: Quicksand, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.1; color: inherit;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">July 8, 2014</span></span></h1>
<div id="_atssh" style="box-sizing: border-box; width: 1px; height: 1px; border: 0px !important; visibility: hidden; position: absolute; z-index: 100000;"><span style="color:#808080;"><iframe id="_atssh905" src="http://ct1.addthis.com/static/r07/sh164.html#iit=1404941734084&tmr=load%3D1404941731184%26core%3D1404941731494%26main%3D1404941734076%26ifr%3D1404941734090&cb=0&cdn=1&chr=UTF-8&kw=&ab=-&dh=caricole.com&dr=&du=http%3A%2F%2Fcaricole.com%2Fnew-meaning-of-diy-for-independent-musicians%2F&dt=The%20New%20Meaning%20of%20DIY%20for%20Independent%20Musicians%20%7C%20Cari%20Cole%20Music%20Co.&dbg=0&md=0&cap=tc%3D0%26ab%3D0&inst=1&vcl=1&jsl=161&prod=undefined&lng=en-US&ogt=image%2Csite_name%2Curl%2Cdescription%2Ctitle%2Ctype%3Darticle%2Clocale&pc=men&pub=ra-52156a1f46b1c2c0&ssl=0&sid=53bdb5a30cbc0e29&srpl=1&srcs=1&srd=1&srf=1&srx=1&ver=300&xck=0&xtr=0&og=locale%3Den_US%26type%3Darticle%26title%3DThe%2520New%2520Meaning%2520of%2520DIY%2520for%2520Independent%2520Musicians%2520-%2520Cari%2520Cole%2520Music%2520Co.%26description%3DDIY%2520is%2520not%2520really%2520Do-It-Yourself%2520anymore%2520for%2520independent%2520musicians.%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcaricole.com%252Fnew-meaning-of-diy-for-independent-musicians%252F%26site_name%3DCari%2520Cole%2520Music%2520Co.%26image%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcaricole.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2014%252F07%252Fdiy-e1404873375312.jpg&aa=0&csi=undefined&rev=1404214985&ct=1&xld=1&xd=1" style="box-sizing: border-box; height: 1px; width: 1px; position: absolute; z-index: 100000; border-width: 0px; left: 0px; top: 0px;" title="AddThis utility frame"></iframe></span></div>
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<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img src="//caricole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/diy-e1404873375312.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="257" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: inherit;" width="387" /></span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;">By Cari Cole</span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">DIY is not really Do-It-Yourself anymore.</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">What it really means is this:</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">1. You run your own business.</strong></span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">You are not waiting for anyone else to come along to</span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">rescue you. You are hard at work every day building your</span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">foundational business systems, and marketing pieces. You</span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">know exactly what to do to build your business and you take</span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">action. </span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Smart Musician Tip:</strong></span> Every Sunday sit down to prioritize your</span></em></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">week ahead. What are the top 3 things that need to be done?</span></em></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color:#808080;">Schedule them in your calendar. </span><a href="http://www.caricole.com/fastforward" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(149, 114, 77); text-decoration: none; background: transparent;" target="_blank"><span style="color:#808080;">Click here to hit Fast</span></a></span></em></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="http://www.caricole.com/fastforward" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(149, 114, 77); text-decoration: none; background: transparent;" target="_blank"><span style="color:#808080;">Forward</span></a><span style="color:#808080;">.</span></span></em></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">2. You have a team (even if it’s only 2)</strong></span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">You know that success is not built by a team of one. It takes at</span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">least a team of two to get things rolling. Wondering who that</span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">second team person should be? And how you can afford them</span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">on a budget? You can – but you’ve got to do it right.</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Smart Musician Tip:</strong></span> Start with an intern in music business</span></em></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">school looking to get credit who is social media savvy to help</span></em></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color:#808080;">you. </span><a href="http://www.caricole.com/fastforward" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(149, 114, 77); text-decoration: none; background: transparent;" target="_blank"><span style="color:#808080;">Click here to hit Fast Forward</span></a><span style="color:#808080;">.</span></span></em></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">3. You have a plan.</strong></span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Nothing happens without a plan – period. Too many artists stab</span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">at their success thinking the music will speak for itself. Nope.</span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">You’ve got to know how to navigate this new “DIY industry”.</span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">But what no one tells you is that you can’t do it well without</span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">a serious plan. It’s not just about having the money – cause that</span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">can fail too.</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Smart Musician Tip:</strong></span> Start with your goals and then create a</span></em></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color:#808080;">to do list for how to reach them. </span><a href="http://www.caricole.com/fastforward" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(149, 114, 77); text-decoration: none; background: transparent;" target="_blank"><span style="color:#808080;">Click here to hit Fast Forward</span></a><span style="color:#808080;">.</span></span></em></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><a href="http://www.caricole.com/fastforward" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(149, 114, 77); text-decoration: none; background: transparent;" target="_blank"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Want help building your brand and business? Click here for a </span></span></a><br style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="http://www.caricole.com/fastforward" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(149, 114, 77); text-decoration: none; background: transparent;" target="_blank"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">10 step system for Smart + Resourceful Musicians Who Want </span></span></a><br style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="http://www.caricole.com/fastforward" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(149, 114, 77); text-decoration: none; background: transparent;" target="_blank"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">to Build Their Brand and Grow Their Artist Business.</span></span></a></p>
</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/30623472014-07-07T19:33:12-05:002017-01-15T15:09:18-06:00Do Not Release Your Record Without This<span style="color:#808080;"><time class="published" datetime="2014-07-01T23:03:45+00:00" style="box-sizing: border-box;">July 1, 2014</time></span>
<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style" style="box-sizing: border-box;" addthis:title="Do Not Release Your Record Without This" addthis:url="http://caricole.com/do-not-release-your-record-without-this/"><div class="atclear" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both;"> </div></div>
<div id="_atssh" style="box-sizing: border-box; width: 1px; height: 1px; border: 0px !important; visibility: hidden; position: absolute; z-index: 100000;"><span style="color:#808080;"><iframe id="_atssh260" src="http://ct1.addthis.com/static/r07/sh164.html#iit=1404779443271&tmr=load%3D1404779439372%26core%3D1404779439736%26main%3D1404779443263%26ifr%3D1404779443277&cb=0&cdn=1&chr=UTF-8&kw=&ab=-&dh=caricole.com&dr=&du=http%3A%2F%2Fcaricole.com%2Fdo-not-release-your-record-without-this%2F&dt=Do%20Not%20Release%20Your%20Record%20Without%20This%20%7C%20Cari%20Cole%20Music%20Co.&dbg=0&md=0&cap=tc%3D0%26ab%3D0&inst=1&vcl=1&jsl=161&prod=undefined&lng=en-US&ogt=image%2Cimage%2Csite_name%2Curl%2Cdescription%2Ctitle%2Ctype%3Darticle&pc=men&pub=ra-52156a1f46b1c2c0&ssl=0&sid=53bb3baf4e921806&srpl=1&srcs=1&srd=1&srf=1&srx=1&ver=300&xck=0&xtr=0&og=locale%3Den_US%26type%3Darticle%26title%3DDo%2520Not%2520Release%2520Your%2520Record%2520Without%2520This%2520-%2520Cari%2520Cole%2520Music%2520Co.%26description%3DDon%25E2%2580%2599t%2520release%2520your%2520record%2520without%25E2%2580%25A6A%2520strategy.%2520Here%25E2%2580%2599s%2520a%2520few%2520tips%2520for%2520how%2520to%2520create%2520one.%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcaricole.com%252Fdo-not-release-your-record-without-this%252F%26site_name%3DCari%2520Cole%2520Music%2520Co.%26image%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcaricole.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2014%252F07%252Fto-do-list.jpg&aa=0&csi=undefined&rev=1404214985&ct=1&xld=1&xd=1" style="box-sizing: border-box; height: 1px; width: 1px; position: absolute; z-index: 100000; border-width: 0px; left: 0px; top: 0px;" title="AddThis utility frame"></iframe></span></div>
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<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img src="//caricole.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/to-do-list.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="285" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: inherit;" width="384" /></span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;">by Cari Cole</span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">I see so many artists rush the gate to release their records and end</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">up with their precious hard won albums hitting a wall.</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Don’t release your record without…</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">A strategy</strong></span>.</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Here’s a few tips for how to create one. And if you’re ready to dive</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">in see my offer at the bottom of this article. Find out how you can</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">get a music marketing package worth over $4500 for fraction of the</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">cost, but hurry, it’s a time sensitive offer.</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Quick + Simple Tips to Create a Strategy for Your Next</strong></span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Record Release</strong></span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">1. <span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Know where your record fits</strong></span>.</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Throwing your record out there for everyone to see is not a marketing</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">strategy. Best to aim for putting it where it belongs. Where do you hear</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">your record being played? Go for that market/placement solely. Don’t</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">waste your precious time, money + efforts. Target market.</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">2. <span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Brainstorm</strong></span>.</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Think – a lot. Brainstorm. Have brainstorm sessions with friends who</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">are musicians, music biz coaches and consultants you like and trust.</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Get all the ideas out on the table and then – don’t do them all. Pick the</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color:#808080;">ones that are in your wheelhouse (</span><a href="http://www.caricole.com/store" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(149, 114, 77); text-decoration: none; background: transparent;" target="_blank"><span style="color:#808080;">schedule a Cole </span></a></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="http://www.caricole.com/store" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(149, 114, 77); text-decoration: none; background: transparent;" target="_blank"><span style="color:#808080;">Power Hour</span></a><span style="color:#808080;"> and</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">I’ll work on your record strategy here).</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">3. <span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Create a marketing campaign around the message of your</strong></span></span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">record</strong></span>.</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">You will want to market the <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">message</em> of the record – not the record</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">itself (no one cares about a free song download anymore), i.e., if your</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">record is a “feel good” record then do a #feelgood campaign. People</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">want to be a part of something that speaks to them. It’s all about them.</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">4. <span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Make a timeline with deadlines and goals reached</strong></span>.</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Create a timeline for the 9-12 months you are going to market your</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">record (and don’t forget about your 3-6 month pre-release schedule).</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Make an actual release schedule, put it on a timeline and include the</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">goals you want to reach as a result of your marketing efforts (i.e.,</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">how many new fans, units downloaded etc.).</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">5. <span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Engage</strong></span>.</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Reaching fans and marketing your record needs your constant</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">love and attention. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get to</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">work. Respond to every fan. Be available. Don’t ignore social</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">media, but point everything to your website and your free offer.</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Giving away your record for a period of time will grow your list</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">if you market it right.</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">There’s obviously <em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">so much more</strong></em> to it than just this list. That’s</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">why I created a program to walk you step-by-step through how</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color:#808080;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">to release your record ~ the smart way.</span></span></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> </p>
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</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/30211152014-06-17T10:14:27-05:002014-06-17T10:14:55-05:00121 Things Not To Do In The Music Industry<span class="posted-on" style="white-space: nowrap;">February 25, 2014</span>
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<br><span class="posted-by" style="white-space: nowrap;">BY: <a href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/author/dylanlott" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);">DYLAN LOTT</a></span> | <span class="post-comments" style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/121-things-not-to-do-in-the-music-industry.html#comments" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);">3 COMMENTS</a></span> | <span class="print-item"><a href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/121-things-not-to-do-in-the-music-industry.html?printerFriendly=true" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);">PRINT ARTICLE</a></span>
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<p dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">All too often, we get wrapped up in new tactics, new ideas, new plans and new ways of getting bigger and better as musicians. With social media and the internet, there’s so much information that it’s almost become immeasurable.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">This is great and all, but maybe we sometimes lose sight of what we shouldn’t be doing.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">There’s lots of stupid shit you shouldn’t be doing.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><em>Here’s a quick guide to what you shouldn’t be doing.</em></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> </p>
<h1 dir="ltr" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THE PERSONAL ELEMENT</h1>
<ol> <li>Don’t ever stop practicing your instrument.</li> <li>Don’t be an asshole.</li> <li>Don’t WANT <strong>WANT</strong> <strong>WANT</strong> <em>WANT</em>. Learn to give back first.</li> <li>Don’t get defensive. Learn to take constructive criticism.</li> <li>Don’t forget to learn how to take destructive criticism, too. You’ll get a lot more of it than you think.</li> <li>Don’t forget that everyone’s an asshole.</li> <li>Don’t stop learning.</li> <li>Don’t lose your ambition.</li> <li>Don’t lose touch of where you came from and who helped you out.</li> <li>Don’t stop reading. Read more. Read a LOT more.</li> <li>Don’t ever stop trying to meet new people and fans.</li> <li>Don’t stop practicing. I fucking meant it.</li> <li>Don’t make excuses.</li> <li>Don’t make commitments you can’t keep.</li> <li>Don’t say what you can’t back up.</li> <li>Don’t exaggerate, everyone will see right through it.</li> <li>Don’t be afraid to get into it.</li> <li>Don’t owe anyone money. Pay it off as soon as you can.</li> <li>Don’t think that they won’t fuck you over just because they’re a friend.</li> <li>Don’t shit on the few friends that you do have.</li> <li>Don’t be the guy who just floats along. Actively help your band out as much as you can.</li> <li>Don’t rely on everyone else, make it happen yourself or lend a hand in getting it accomplished.</li> <li>Don’t forget that you can’t change certain things, and bitching about it won’t help either.</li> <li>Don’t forget how fucking stupid you are.</li> <li>Don’t be afraid to listen to those who are smarter and more experienced than you.</li> <li>Don’t forget that sometimes you’re wrong. In fact, more often than not, you’re wrong.</li> <li>Don’t pretend you’re innocent.</li> <li>Don’t pretend to be above something. Get your hands dirty. Hurt your back. Get scraped up and some real work.</li> <li>Don’t live in the past or the future. Learn to love the moment and what you’re doing. You’re in a band. Love that fact.</li> <li>Don’t lose sight of what you started your band for to begin with.</li> <li>Don’t lose faith in yourself or your friends. They’ll help you out more than you think when you need it.</li> <li>Don’t be naive. Believe it when you see it.</li> <li>Don’t forget what it’s like to just be starting out in the industry. Explain things to people. Take on someone under your wing; teach someone something good.</li> <li>Don’t blame the label. As a fan, you have no idea what the circumstances were. As an artist on that label, there’s always something you did that was probably shitty, too.</li> <li>Don’t blame the manager, either. Same goes for them.</li> <li>Don’t think bands are these innocent angels. They rarely are as good as they make themselves out to be. They’re people just like everyone else, and that means they can be just as shitty as anyone else.</li> <li>Don’t be afraid to lend a helping hand.</li> <li>Don’t get into arguments with people on social media. Stay away from it. It’s pointless.</li> <li>Don’t judge a situation before you’ve heard both sides. This means you should basically never judge a situation or someone.</li> <li>Don’t forget that everything is a joke and that you shouldn’t ever be too serious. No one gets out of life alive.</li>
</ol>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> </p>
<h1 dir="ltr" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">THE GENERAL BAND STUFF</h1>
<ol> <li>Don’t assume anyone will care about your band. They won’t.</li> <li>Shit talking doesn’t get anyone anywhere.</li> <li>Don’t be that band that starts to do it for the money. It’s not that money’s bad, it’s that we can all tell you’re forcing it and no one appreciates a forced art form.</li> <li>Don’t ask too much for your merch. It’s just a damn t shirt.</li> <li>Don’t order too many CDs. It’s not worth having tons of them laying around.</li> <li>The same goes for merch. Don’t order more merch than you reasonably think you can sell on a tour or in a small timeframe such as a month or two.</li> <li>Don’t spend your money on stupid stuff. Spend it where it counts.</li> <li>Don’t buy likes on Facebook</li> <li>Don’t try to buy your way to the top.</li> <li>Don’t skimp on gear, either.</li> <li>Don’t forget to practice with a click. Drummers and guitarists, this goes for both of you.</li> <li>Don’t ever stop interfacing with the people that buy your music. No matter how big or small you are.</li> <li>Don’t forget to do cool little things for fans while you’re on tour. a small note or a signed drumstick will go a lot farther than you think.</li> <li>Don’t expect respect.</li> <li>Don’t forget that you have to do your time.</li> <li>Don’t assume. Make everything as clear as you can, and get it in writing at every chance you can get.</li> <li>Don’t stop creating. Not just music, either. Create in every format you can. You are a creator, after all. Photos, blog posts, new music, share music, share ideas, just put out content.</li> <li>Don’t forget just how many ways there are to reach out to your fans.</li> <li>Don’t forget to post on every social media network every single day.</li> <li>Don’t forget to engage with your fans. If you master this, you’ve mastered the music industry.</li> <li>Don’t stop trying to improve your sound and tone, both live and recorded.</li> <li>Any publicity is good publicity.</li> <li>And, additionally, people will hate you for anything and everything. Don’t worry about it.</li>
</ol>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> </p>
<h1 dir="ltr" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">BOOKING & TOURING</h1>
<ol> <li>Don’t ask for too much.</li> <li>Don’t book a tour for your band unless you have the emergency fund to support it</li> <li>Don’t book a tour with too little notice. You’re just shooting yourself in the foot.</li> <li>Don’t turn down a door deal because you think you can do better.</li> <li>Don’t blame the promoter when you haven’t helped promote the show, either.</li> <li>Don’t blame the promoter when you haven’t helped, period.</li> <li>Don’t expect to play to 100 kids a night. Be grateful for 5.</li> <li>Don’t forget to say thanks to the sound guy.</li> <li>Don’t forget what it feels like to be the opening band.</li> <li>Don’t forget what it feels like to be shit on by the touring band.</li> <li>Don’t get a rockstar attitude.</li> <li>Don’t kiss ass, but don’t forget when to say thank you, either.</li> <li>Don’t forget that the touring band usually needs a place to stay.</li> <li>Don’t forget that they could use a place to shower, too.</li> <li>Don’t think people will help you out just because. You have to give them a reason.</li> <li>Don’t pretend to be better than the local bands you used to play shows with.</li> <li>Don’t stop booking or helping to book your tours. Just because you have an agent doesn’t mean you can’t help out.</li> <li>Don’t be the diva in the van.</li> <li>Don’t be too cool to say sorry. Come on, dude, you and I both know you were being an asshole.</li> <li>Don’t let what someone said get to you. Keep your cool.</li> <li>Don’t forget to have fun on tour. That’s what it’s really all about, anyway.</li> <li>Don’t skimp on buying your van. Quality counts when it’s the only thing getting you to your next show.</li> <li>Eat at cool places and do cool things on tour. Those memories are just as good as the rest of tour.</li> <li>Don’t stop drinking water on tour. Dehyrdation causes fatigue and you’re dehydrated before you even know it.</li> <li>Don’t pass up the chance to shower. Ever.</li> <li>Don’t buy anything that can go bad in the van. Meats, dairy, anything that’s perishable is a no-go in the van unless you eat it immediately. If it can’t sit for more than 30 minutes, don’t bring it in to begin with.</li> <li>Don’t leave your dirty laundry everywhere in the van. Keep it in a sealable bag.</li> <li>Don’t step without looking. You’re gonna break some shit.</li> <li>Don’t gas up without checking the gas prices with the GasBuddy app. Find the cheapest gas.</li> <li>Don’t get under a half tank of gas if you can help it.</li> <li>Don’t pack too heavy, and I’m not talking about just your bag. Cut everything out of your life that you don’t need. Emotions and unnecessary clothes alike.</li> <li>Don’t forget to call your loved ones back home. Family loves to hear where you’re at. Girlfriends love to hear that you’re not kissing another girl.</li> <li>Don’t spend all your money on stupid stuff on tour. You don’t need that sombrero, homie, your money can go to better places while you’re being poor on the road.</li> <li>Don’t forget to wipe a couple extra times. You can’t afford any leftovers, man.</li> <li>Don’t forget to masturbate. That shit relieves stress. You’re a god damn musician, get creative and find a place.</li> <li>Don’t forget to experience the locations you go to on tour. Find good food to eat, visit a national monument, go the Grand Canyon, check out Mount Rushmore, and take pictures.</li> <li>Don’t forget to stop at cool places along the road on tour.</li> <li>Don’t be a dick to the person who gives you a place to stay. Say thank you at every chance and try to do something in return for them. Clean the room you stayed in a little bit, help them do dishes.</li> <li>Don’t be loud and obnoxious at 3:08 in the morning when you’re staying in a stranger’s house.</li> <li>Don’t be the band who only cares about getting drunk or high after the show. Learn how to have a good time sober.</li> <li>Don’t try and get out of driving duty.</li> <li>Don’t stop talking in the van. Late night talks are food for thought and soup for the soul.</li>
</ol>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> </p>
<h1 dir="ltr" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">RECORDING</h1>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> </p>
<ol> <li>Don’t expect your drums to sound like Lars off the Black Album when you haven’t tuned them and put new heads on.</li> <li>Don’t expect your sound engineer to work magic. This goes for live shows, too. Your instruments must sound good first.</li> <li>Don’t show up to the studio without extra guitar strings, drum sticks, guitar picks, and drum heads.</li> <li>Don’t forget to bring a source of entertainment. Studio time is 90% of waiting-for-someone-else time.</li>
</ol>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> </p>
<h1 dir="ltr" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">LOCAL SCENE AND SUPPORT</h1>
<ol> <li>Don’t talk shit on your scene when you’re not doing anything to help it.</li> <li>Don’t be an asshole, okay? Do you fucking get it? Stop that shit.</li> <li>Don’t think you’re band is the best. You’re not.</li> <li>Don’t stop trying to improve your live show.</li> <li>Don’t shit on local bands because they’ll hurt you more than you think.</li> <li>Don’t steal from other bands; Learn the subtle difference between paying homage and stealing.</li> <li>Don’t show up late for the show. This goes for touring bands, too.</li> <li>Don’t dip out before the show is over. Stay for all the bands.</li> <li>Don’t be an elitist. If a band is doing well, then they’re doing something right, whether you agree or disagree with it.</li> <li>Don’t stop supporting local music. If you start to get big, help out the local bands that you used to play shows with. They’re the same as you, and as much as you don’t want to admit it, they might deserve it just as much, if not more than you do.</li>
</ol>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> </p>
<h1 dir="ltr" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">AND FINALLY….</h1>
<ol> <li>Don’t forget why you got into this.</li> <li>Don’t stop putting your entire heart and soul into every show. It’s cliché, I know, but it’s true.</li>
</ol>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">And there we have it. A cumulative list of 121 things to <em>completely avoid.</em></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><strong><em>Post written by Dylan Lott of <a href="http://www.bandhacks.com/" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">BandHacks</a> You can follow Dylan on Twitter @DylanLott</em></strong></p>
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</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/30199802014-06-16T18:41:16-05:002022-05-21T20:42:12-05:00WHY ONLY OBSESSING ABOUT MUSIC SALES IS HOLDING YOU BACK<div class="title parbase"><div class="span10" style="float: left; min-height: 1px; margin-left: 11px; width: 700px; color: rgb(106, 106, 106);"><h1 class="page-heading" style="font-size: 28px; margin: 40px 0px 20px; font-family: brandon_grotesque_regularRg; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; color: inherit; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; text-transform: uppercase;"><a href="http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/newswire/2014/why-only-obsessing-about-music-sales-is-holding-you-back.html" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51) !important; text-decoration: none; outline: 0px;">WHY ONLY OBSESSING ABOUT MUSIC SALES IS HOLDING YOU BACK</a></h1></div></div>
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<a href="http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/newswire/2014.html?sortbyScore=false&tag=Category%3AMedia+and+Entertainment" style="color: rgb(0, 157, 217); text-decoration: none; outline: 0px; float: left; margin-right: 5px;">MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT</a><span class="nielsen-dgray" style="color: rgb(84, 89, 98);">| 03.13.2014</span>
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<p style="margin: 0px 0px 30px; width: 700px;">When it comes to measuring success in any industry, there’s no better indicator than sales. The music business is no exception, as companies continue to worry about the sales cycles associated with specific music singles for their artists. When companies focus solely on sales, however, they may miss other opportunities to engage with music fans, build awareness, drive discovery and ultimately affect sales. And that means they should be looking at radio audience, on-demand streaming and Web/social activity when they plan their marketing strategies.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 30px; width: 700px;">A recent study from Nielsen, presented at SXSW*, highlights how driving success in today’s digital world has evolved as music has become more multi-dimensional. For example, 68 percent of U.S. consumers said they streamed music in 2013, and music on mobile devices has become as ubiquitous as the car radio.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 30px; width: 700px;">To get a sense of what makes a song successful in today’s music industry, Nielsen looked at some of the most commercially successful songs of 2013. The study found that, in many cases, it’s important for music marketers to build a strong Web/social presence for a new music single <i>before</i> the song’s official release date.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 30px; width: 700px;">The eight-12 weeks after a song is released often present opportunities for more traditional outreach efforts, such as artist appearances on TV appearances. This time period is when consumption for the song escalates, before eventually peaking around week 12. Once consumption begins to decline, artists should look for crossover opportunities to engage new audiences and reignite overall consumption.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 30px; width: 700px;">Radio is still vital in the overall success of a song, and often drives sales and on-demand streaming activity. Meanwhile streaming can extend revenue opportunities in the long term. Nielsen revealed two case studies that generated different outcomes. For Lorde’s “Royals,” streaming drove both awareness and consumption. For Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky,” featuring Pharrell, Web and social activity drove awareness, while radio drove consumption.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 30px; width: 700px;">“Understanding how touchpoints work both independently and interdependently to drive commercial success for artists is the cornerstone of commercial growth for the industry,” said Julanne Schiffer, SVP Insights & Analytics for Nielsen Entertainment. “The journey may be unique for different songs, artists and genres, but maximizing consumer engagement across various channels from pre-release through to commercial peak in week 12 is the common denominator.”</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 30px; width: 700px;">*Nielsen’s music panel was entitled “The Insights Evolution: Why Only Obsessing About Music Sales is Holding You Back.”</p>
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</div></div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/30138052014-06-13T10:57:18-05:002017-01-15T15:09:18-06:00The #1 problem with your music promotionThe #1 problem with your music promotion<div class="author" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: italic; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px;">By <a href="http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/author/chris-r-at-cd-baby/" rel="author" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" title="Posts by Chris Robley">Chris Robley</a>
</div><span class="date" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 11px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(83, 83, 83); text-transform: uppercase; line-height: 20px;">JUNE 2, 2014</span><span class="comments" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(32, 59, 78); text-transform: uppercase; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/2014/06/1-problem-music-promotion/#comments" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(32, 59, 78); text-decoration: none;" title="Comment on The #1 problem with your music promotion"><span class="dsq-postid" rel="18855 http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/?p=18855" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">{ 5 COMMENTS }</span></a></span>
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<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><a href="http://wp.me/p4fLAY-4U7" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;"><img src="//diymusician.cdbaby.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Untitled.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="Untitled The #1 problem with your music promotion" height="165" style="margin: 0px 15px 2px 0px; padding: 4px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; display: inline;" width="351" /></a>You’ve finished your best album yet. You’re excited to get your CDs or vinyl back from the manufacturer. You book an album release party. You tell all your fans about the new recording and your upcoming concert. You pack the house, put on an unforgettable show, and sell a bunch of merchandise. Good for you.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">But wait, is that it? What about trying to get press? What about preparing promo materials to support your new album? What about promoting your music beyond your existing fanbase? What about a… <em>[get ready for some business lingo]</em>… “promotional campaign?”</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>The #1 mistake musicians make when promoting their newest album or single is to wait until the music is available before trying to promote it.</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">The day your album goes live on iTunes or CD Baby is NOT the time to start thinking about music promotion. By then it’s too late, especially because in the eyes of the music media (who thrive on newness), a launched album is old news. Bloggers, critics, podcasters, journalists, TV and radio producers, program directors, DJs — they want the first taste, the early scoop. They want to break the news, not simply report it. They want to be setting the trends, not simply abreast of them. In order to do that, they need to know about your music well in advance of its release.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>Early promotion isn’t just about getting advance reviews, press coverage, and radio play though; it’s about widening your fanbase — and oftentimes that begins with engaging your existing fans.</strong> You want to give them enough time to anticipate your release, hear a single or two from the album, and share the music with their friends. You want them to be galvanized so they’ll purchase your music as soon as it’s available (or even a pre-order through iTunes or Amazon), thus boosting your chance of ranking on sales charts. You want them to be excited not just about your CD release party, but about your videos, your interviews, your Instagram feed, your web content, and all the other ways you might interact with your fans.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">That excitement amongst your fanbase will give additional energy to your promotional efforts, whether you’re doing something as intensive as a national PR campaign, or something as low-impact as a series of live-chats on Twitter. But in order for their excitement to become contagious, your fans need to be included in the process long before the album launches, not just the weeks or days leading up to the release party.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>The lesson here is simple: get started on your music promotion long before your album comes out.</strong> Don’t rush to release your music. Just be patient. Think things through. Whether you want to do a couple regional tours, a series of music videos, some in-studio radio appearances, or secure a cover-story in your local weekly, get your promotional ducks in a row. THEN release your new songs to the world. Those extra months of planning will mean extra listeners once the music is available.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px; text-align: center;">—</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">Have you ever rushed to release new music and then found it difficult to promote that music after-the-fact? What do you think a music promotion strategy should look like? Let us know in the comments below.</p>
</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/29947752014-06-05T06:43:06-05:002017-01-15T15:09:18-06:00Do traditional tours still make sense for independent artists?Do traditional tours still make sense for independent artists?<div class="author" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: italic; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px;">By <a href="http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/author/guest/" rel="author" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" title="Posts by Guest Blogger">Guest Blogger</a>
</div><span class="date" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 11px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(83, 83, 83); text-transform: uppercase; line-height: 20px;">APRIL 28, 2014</span><span class="comments" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(32, 59, 78); text-transform: uppercase; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/2014/04/traditional-tours-still-make-sense-independent-artists/#comments" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(32, 59, 78); text-decoration: none;" title="Comment on Do traditional tours still make sense for independent artists?"><span class="dsq-postid" rel="18604 http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/?p=18604" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">{ 32 COMMENTS }</span></a></span>
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<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><a href="http://wp.me/p4fLAY-4Q4" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;"><img src="//diymusician.cdbaby.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/shutterstock_180210833.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="shutterstock 180210833 Do traditional tours still make sense for independent artists?" height="245" style="margin: 0px 15px 2px 0px; padding: 4px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; display: inline;" width="367" /></a>[<em>This article is written by guest contributor Jason Schellhardt, writer for the live entertainment concierge service <a href="http://rukkus.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">Rukkus</a></em>.]</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">Few things in the music industry are more romanticized than the image of the battle-tested road warrior. The old rock and roll narrative suggests that being a musician means going out on tour for months at a time, hitting any and every market along the way.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">This used to be the most effective way to build a fanbase outside of your local scene, but like most other things in the music industry, the internet has changed that. <strong>Booking cross-country tours no longer makes sense for newer independent artists.</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">The advantages of social media have been well documented as it pertains to independent musicians. It has provided an unprecedented connection between artists, fans, media, labels and so on. Artists can record a track at home, post it on their SoundCloud account and share it via Twitter or Facebook without any other means of production or distribution.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">While this has been a major coup for the independent artist, there is another major advantage to new media that is often overlooked. <strong>While it is great to know <em>who </em>is listening to your music or following your band, it is just as important to know <em>where </em>these people are</strong>.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">Brett is a D.C.-based indie-pop band with a unique perspective on this issue. Though Brett is a fairly new band, all of its members have had experience touring the country in previous projects. They have seen the pros and cons to the lengthy, expensive traditional tour and the more cost-effective, targeted approach.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">In an interview with DMVicious last year, guitarist Kevin Bayly and vocalist Mick Coogan explained how traditional tour schedules have become somewhat counterproductive for new artists.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">“The whole concept of promoting your band by hopping in a van and touring the country is ridiculous. It’s backwards now. It used to be that way,” said Bayly. “We did that when we were younger, that’s how you had to get out there and meet people. Now it’s all online. It’s cheaper and you end up playing quality shows instead of Duluth, MN, on a Tuesday.”</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">“For the next year we plan on hitting [D.C.], New York City and Los Angeles. Those are the most important markets for us,” added Coogan.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">By paying careful attention to the band’s online presence, Brett has pared down its most important markets and focused its attention squarely on audiences that have shown that they are receptive to the band.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">The pros to this approach far outweigh the cons for a newer band looking to establish itself. Once a band has built a following online and in its targeted markets, national tours make a lot more sense. But, until then it is most often a massive drain on the band’s resources.</p>
<h3 style="margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(32, 59, 78); line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><strong>Here are a few geo-specific strategies to help you target your band’s prefered markets:</strong></h3>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>1. Build a strong social media presence and pay attention to every single one of your followers. </strong>This one sounds like a no brainer, but it is an invaluable resource. Figure out where your followers are located and if there is any obvious trend among them. If you notice a handful of fans in the same region, you are probably onto something.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>2. Maintain your website and monitor the analytic data. </strong>Similar to the social media idea, using Google Analytics, or similar tools, to monitor your web traffic can tell you where each view is coming from. Many young bands forego their own websites in favor of maintaining their Facebook and Twitter accounts, but they are all equally important.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>3. Keep track of any media coverage you may get. </strong>Another major factor in your band’s web presence is the amount of coverage you are getting from online media. Keep track of any blog or website that posts your music and find out if they target a specific geographic location. You can set up a <a href="http://www.google.com/alerts" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(213, 119, 2); text-decoration: none; display: inline;">Google Alert</a> to make this easy to track.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>4. Develop relationships with media in areas you intend to target. </strong>In addition to the last item, you should seek out blogs that are prominent in certain markets and try to arrange coverage for your band. This step would be most helpful once you have established a couple of areas you intend to target.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;"><strong>5. Pay attention to similar artists.</strong> Imitation is an age old tradition in the music industry. Find a more established band that is similar to your own, and look at the markets where they have had success. Chances are, you could find some success there as well.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px;">Every band is different, and what works for some may not work for others, but this geo-specific strategy is a great jumping off point for any band looking to expand its audience beyond the hometown crowd.</p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px; text-align: center;"><strong>If nothing else, this strategy will keep you from burning a ton of money and playing empty rooms in “Duluth, MN, on a Tuesday.”</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 15px 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">What do you think about touring? Is it still essential for young bands? How have your ideas on touring changed over time?</span></p>
</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/29888932014-06-02T23:43:16-05:002022-05-18T15:35:28-05:00Merlin's CEO Charles Caldas on Indies, Streaming and the Market Share Issue (Op-Ed) | Billboard<a contents="Merlin's CEO Charles Caldas on Indies, Streaming and the Market Share Issue (Op-Ed) | Billboard" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/indies/5901234/merlins-ceo-charles-caldas-on-indies-streaming-and-the-market-share" target="_blank">Merlin's CEO Charles Caldas on Indies, Streaming and the Market Share Issue (Op-Ed) | Billboard</a>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/29888902014-06-02T23:39:30-05:002017-01-15T15:09:18-06:00What Is Really Cannibalising Download Sales<div class="entry-meta" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); clear: both; line-height: 18px; position: absolute; top: 0px; left: 0px; z-index: 1;">
<span class="sep" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Posted on </span><a href="http://musicindustryblog.wordpress.com/2014/02/07/what-is-really-cannibalising-download-sales/" rel="bookmark" sl-processed="1" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(41, 137, 188); text-decoration: none;" title="12:50 pm"><time class="entry-date" datetime="2014-02-07T12:50:00+00:00">February 7, 2014</time></a>
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<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">As 2013 music sales figures come in, the picture of streaming growing while download sales slow is coming sharply into focus. It is one of a clear phase of transition/cannibalization (delete as appropriate depending on your point of view) taking place because <a href="http://musicindustryblog.wordpress.com/2014/01/13/how-streaming-will-impact-music-sales/" sl-processed="1" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(41, 137, 188); text-decoration: none;">the majority of paying music subscribers were already download buyers.</a> But that is not the whole picture. There is an even fiercer form of competition for spend that, as far as the music industry is concerned, is inarguably driving cannibalization.</p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The iTunes Store accounts for the majority of the global music download market and has done so since its inception eleven years ago. Back when it launched, the iTunes Music Store helped transform the iPod from a modestly performing device into a global hit. Music was the killer app, music was what Apple used to sell the device and music is what iTunes customers spent all of their money on. But all of that changed. As Apple’s devices have done progressively more, Apple has introduced new content types into its store that better show off the capabilities of its devices. When Apple launches a new iPad it doesn’t have a label exec holding up the new device playing a song with static artwork displayed…that simply would not showcase the device’s capabilities. Instead an EA Games exec gets up on stage with a new game that fully leverages the capabilities of the iPad’s graphics accelerator, the accelerometer, the multi touch screen etc.</p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Music may still be the single most popular entertainment activity conducted on iDevices but it is no longer the app that fully harnesses the devices’ capabilities. In fact because music products and services remain stuck in the rut of delivering static audio files – YouTube notably excepted – it is increasingly failing to compete at the top table in terms of connected device experiences. Crucially, this is not just a behavioral trend, it is directly impacting spending too (see figure).</p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://musicindustryblog.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/itunes-spending-shift.png" sl-processed="1" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(41, 137, 188); text-decoration: none;"><img src="//musicindustryblog.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/itunes-spending-shift.png?w=584&h=440" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="itunes spending shift" style="border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 0.4em auto 1.625em; clear: both; display: block; max-width: 97.5%; height: auto; width: auto; padding: 6px;" /></a></p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Back in 2003 music accounted for 100% of iTunes Store revenue because that was all that was available. Over the years Apple introduced countless new content types, each of which progressively competed for the iTunes buyer’s wallet share. The step change though occurred in 2008 with the launch of the App Store. The impact was instant and by mid 2009 music already accounted for less than 50% of iTunes revenue. By the end of 2003 the transformation was complete with Apps accounting for 62% of spending and music less than a quarter. Quite a fall from grace for what was once the undisputed king of the iTunes castle.</p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Now it is clear that the app economy is a bubble that is likely to undergo some form of recalibration process soon (80%+ of revenues are in app, 90%+ of those are games, and the lion’s share of those revenues are concentrated in a handful of companies) but the damage has already been done to music spending.</p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If music industry concerns about download cannibalization should be addressed anywhere it is first and foremost at apps. At least with streaming services consumer spending remains within music rather than seeping out to games. Though the bulk of the app revenue is ‘found’ incremental revenue, apps are additionally competing for the share of the iTunes’ customers wallet i.e. growth is coming both from green field spend and at the expense of other content types.</p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">So what can the music industry do? It would be as foolish as it would be futile to try to hold back the tide. Instead, music product strategy needs to do more to embrace the app economy. That means, among other things:</p>
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<b>More fully leverage in-app payments</b> (and that means labels will have to take some of the hit on the 30% app store tax)</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b>Learn to harness the dynamics of games</b> (that does not mean ‘gamify’ music products necessarily – though it can mean that too – but to understand what makes casual app games resonate)</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b>Develop digital era, multimedia products </b>(<a href="http://musicindustryblog.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/music-format-bill-of-rights.pdf" sl-processed="1" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(41, 137, 188); text-decoration: none;">see this report for some pointers on where music product strategy should go</a>)</li>
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<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Though we are nowhere close to talking about the death of music downloads, apps have turned the tide for music spending. The music industry can either sit back and feel sorry for itself, or seize the app opportunity by the scruff of the neck.</p>
</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/29887672014-06-02T21:59:47-05:002017-02-03T23:09:42-06:00YouTube sensation Lindsey Stirling on how the Internet can shape the music industry<div class="light-grey no-underline padB10" style="padding-bottom: 10px; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><ul class="cf no-bullet" style="margin: 0px; list-style: none; padding-left: 0px;">
<li class="left marR5" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px;"> <h6 class="byline uppercase franklin-bold" style="font-family: FranklinITCProBold, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">BY <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/pb/hayley-tsukayama" rel="external" style="color: rgb(0, 88, 139); text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; border: none; background: transparent;" title="Visit Hayley Tsukayama’s website">HAYLEY TSUKAYAMA</a>
</h6> </li> <li class="left marR5" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px;"> </li> <li class="left" style="float: left;"> <h6 class="franklin-thin grey" style="font-family: FranklinITCProThin, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(106, 106, 105);"><time datetime="2014-05-29T12:02:32+00:00">May 29 at 12:02 pm</time></h6> </li>
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<img src="//www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/files/2014/05/494226321-1024x819.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 28: Violinist Lindsey Stirling performs during the " height="819" style="border: 0px rgb(238, 238, 238); max-width: 100%; height: auto; width: auto; display: block; margin: 0px auto;" width="1024" /><p class="wp-caption-text" style="color: rgb(106, 106, 106); padding: 10px 0px 0px; line-height: 18px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px 0px 0.6em; position: relative;">Violinist Lindsey Stirling performs during the "YouTube OnStage Live from the Kennedy Center" concert Wednesday to celebrate the video site's ninth birthday. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)</p>
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<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">YouTube threw itself a big birthday bash at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday to celebrate nine years of making crazy online videos. The show featured singer John Legend, as well as several successful dance and music artists who got their start on the video-sharing site.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">Ahead of the show, violinist <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyC_4jvPzLiSkJkLIkA7B8g" style="color: rgb(0, 91, 136); text-decoration: none; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(212, 212, 212); background: transparent;">Lindsey Stirling</a> chatted with The Switch's Hayley Tsukayama to talk about her career, her fans and how using YouTube gave her a way to break into a tough industry. Stirling, who first came onto the national stage in 2010 by reaching the quarter-finals of "America's Got Talent," now has 4.8 million subscribers on YouTube and just released a new album, "Shatter Me."</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">This interview has been edited for length and clarity.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">Thanks for making time to chat with me today. ... Can you start by explaining all that you do and the unusual path you took to get there? Because you do a lot.</span></p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">Well, I’m a dancing, electronic-style violinist. I’ve released two albums over the past two years. I’m a touring artist. I direct a lot of my own music videos. I come from the roots of a self-made artist.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">And I’m very grateful to YouTube. I was told "no" by every other platform — I auditioned for talent agencies; I went to agents — and no one could capture the vision I saw in my head. Thankfully, I found YouTube. And I thought, "Wow, I can do this myself on this platform." I can be the kind of artist I want to be. It was amazing that by doing that, suddenly, while yeah, I was different...but that became the best thing possible. Because everyone was turning into my channel.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">I know there's a lot of talk about how online video sites can do that, sort of provide a side door into the industry. </span><br> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">YouTube really allows for artists to be leader of their careers. I’d been told "no" by so many people, and I was reading books on how to make it in the music industry. I remember at one point being so discouraged by hearing that it's likely going to take several hundred thousands of dollars, if not more, to make it.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">I was a college student. I was working a job to pay my way through college, thinking, "How is this ever going to work?" So I put up my first video, and suddenly people were listening to my music, my music that had just been sitting there on iTunes. And this lightbulb went on in my head. And I decided that I [was] going to work with all my might because I've come upon a gold nugget here.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">I started to put all my energy into learning to market yourself on YouTube, and I talked to people. I learned from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/devinsupertramp" style="color: rgb(0, 91, 136); text-decoration: none; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(212, 212, 212); background: transparent;">Devin Graham,</a> other YouTubers, and really learned how to market myself. It was a very empowering feeling, because for the first time I could do what I wanted. And I could do it my own way.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">Part of what makes your music so unique, particularly for a YouTube audience, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHjpOzsQ9YI&list=PL0805FB61D7503BC2" style="color: rgb(0, 91, 136); text-decoration: none; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(212, 212, 212); background: transparent;">are the visuals.</a> I was just kind of wondering, when you sit down to make a song, do you think about the visuals first? Or the music? How does all that come together?</span></p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">It works both ways. Sometimes I will think of a video idea and I'll specifically write a song to fit in with an idea that I fell in love with.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">In high school, I was always making videos. First I'm a violinist, but I was also studied film, and I think about that a lot, too. So other times I'll be writing a song in the studio and say, "This feels like a pirate song." So then I'll give it a temporary name that fits the pirate theme.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">Sometimes the video idea comes first, sometimes it doesn't. For me, the music and videos feed off each other interchangeably.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49tpIMDy9BE" target="_blank"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/49tpIMDy9BE" style="max-width: 100%;" width="560"></iframe></a></p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">Well, whatever you're doing is working. I probably should have kicked off by congratulating you — your most recent album debuted at <a href="http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6077608/frozen-spends-lucky-13th-week-at-no-1-lindsey-stirling-bows-at-no-2" style="color: rgb(0, 91, 136); text-decoration: none; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(212, 212, 212); background: transparent;">#2 on the Billboard charts.</a></span> <span style="font-weight: 700;">Congratulations. That must feel great.</span></p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">It's really exciting, because I think the music industry is changing, and one of my goals was that I want to be one of the artists that bridges the gap. There is a connotation to being a YouTuber: that you’re a cover artist, or you're not legit. I'm very proud that I came through YouTube. It's exciting to be a part of this wave and to say, "Hey, this is a legitimate platform."</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">When [the album] came out and did better than I thought it would, I realized that this is really happening. And this little baby album of mine is one of the products of it.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">And now you're going to be onstage at the Kennedy Center. What does that feel like? How did you react when YouTube asked you to be a part of this?</span></p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">Of course it's exciting being able to play at the Kennedy Center, representing YouTube to our country. It shows that not only am I proud to be a YouTuber, it shows that YouTube is excited to have me as one of their representatives. Which is always nice. And it's such an important event that speaks directly to politicians.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">Speaking of our unique Washington audience, are there any issues that face YouTube or artists that you'd like to see politicians pay more attention to?</span></p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">Hmm. Let me think about that.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">I think that the Internet is an amazing thing, because it's one of the best representations of freedom of speech that the world has. And that's been lost in a lot of countries. I tour around a lot of places, and I was recently in China. You can see the effect that it's had -- the government controls so much. And if I lived there, I couldn’t get on YouTube, on Facebook, on Dropbox, anything. And the way that's affected the people there ... it was eye-opening.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">I'm so grateful that I live in a place where freedom of speech is still expressed through the Internet. I know some politicians are trying to gain more control over that, and they could pay more attention to what happens to culture when that freedom is taken away.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">Shifting back to the music industry, you’ve already talked a bit about how YouTube is changing it. How do you see that continuing in the next three to five years? </span></p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">I think there's going to be a lot more artists that jump into this do-it-yourself platform. It is changing: The traditional methods of the record industry are crumbling away. And they will learn to adapt to this new program where people can kind of do it themselves. I think they will team up, with people building themselves and then creating themselves into the artists they want to be. But I see it as a fusion of the two, rather than one beating out the other.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">Thanks so much for your time today. Is there anything else that you want to get out there before I let you go?</span></p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">One of the things I love to stand for and to say is that you can't fake authenticity. People ask, "Why are people drawn to your music?" And I think it's because I genuinely love what I do. And I'm so grateful that I didn't let everyone else who wanted to change me.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;">I love to do motivational speaking and to point out that the reasons everyone told me that I would fail was because I'm different. I don't think anyone should be afraid to be different and to share it. It took me a while to learn that, but I'm so grateful. It's worth it.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px 0px 24px; line-height: 26px; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin: 0px;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNyzWagLcJE" target="_blank"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="341" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pNyzWagLcJE#t=1m22s" style="max-width: 100%;" width="606"></iframe></a></p>
<div class="entry-footer" style="color: rgb(44, 44, 44); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 16.25px;"><div class="borB1S borT1S cf padBT15 single-bio" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(212, 212, 212); border-top-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(212, 212, 212); padding-bottom: 15px; padding-top: 15px;">
<div class="left marT3" style="float: left; margin-top: 3px;"><img src="//www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/files/2014/03/Tsukayama.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Hayley Tsukayama" height="80" style="border: 0px;" width="80" /></div>
<div class="col520 right" style="float: right; width: 520px;"><h6 class="blue-link" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-weight: 700;"><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/pb/hayley-tsukayama" rel="author external" style="color: rgb(0, 88, 139); text-decoration: none; border: none; background: transparent;" title="Visit Hayley Tsukayama’s website">Hayley Tsukayama</a> </span>covers consumer technology for the Washington Post. A Minnesota native, she joined The Post in 2010 after completing her master's degree in journalism. She lives in Washington, D.C., where she sings alto with a local choir and plays video games in her copious free time.</h6></div>
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</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/29887582014-06-02T21:56:18-05:002014-06-02T21:56:18-05:006 Things Every Indie Artist Needs To Know In 2014<span class="posted-by" style="white-space: nowrap;">BY: <a href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/author/muzooka" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);">JESSICA BLANKENSHIP</a></span> | <span class="post-comments" style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/6-things-every-indie-artist-needs-to-know-in-2014.html#comments" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);">POST A COMMENT</a></span> | <span class="print-item"><a href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/6-things-every-indie-artist-needs-to-know-in-2014.html?printerFriendly=true" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);">PRINT ARTICLE</a></span>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><em>We’re halfway through the year. If you haven’t been paying attention to the following ideas, it’s time to start.</em></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><strong>1. </strong><strong>Stop trying to do everything yourself</strong></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">Think of your career like your social life: you need to get different things from different friends. You have certain friends for when you feel like partying, certain friends for when you want to be coddled, and others who are always good at giving out tough love. And you need all of these people to feel balanced and well-rounded. It’s the same thing with any artist’s music career – no one is good at <em>everything. </em>The most successful artists aren’t the ones who can do it all themselves, but rather the ones who appreciate the value of really smart collaborations and partnerships. Let 2014 be the year that you <a href="https://muzooka.com/" style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">put a lot of energy into working with amazing, smart, talented people</a> who will make your music better and your career more mobile.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><strong>2. </strong><strong>Get out and play shows</strong></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">You can’t sit on Twitter or Facebook or Muzooka all day and expect things to happen. I mean, they’ll happen on those platforms too, but for an artist, the most important “social media platform” remains the Stage. You must get out there and play music for actual humans and let those humans form an actual emotional connection to your songs, and feel a personal connection to you – that’s how loyalty and love is created, and those are the things that drive people to spread the word. The internet is here to supplement the fundamental music industry bottom line: nothing replaces a great live performance and good word-of-mouth.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><strong>3. </strong><strong>Make a plan – but don’t get married to it</strong></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">Very few artists can just make music and play shows aimlessly and see quantifiable progress in their career. It just doesn’t happen, unfortunately. It would be like a writer just hanging out on their own blog and wondering why the <em>New Yorker </em>doesn’t come banging on their door. The “But I’m so talented! They <em>should </em>come to me!” mentality is not getting anyone anywhere – partially because industry people have so many people banging down <em>their </em>doors, and partially because the internet has made it too daunting to sort through all the noise.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">Unless you have a solid plan for moving your career forward, you are part of the noise. So this is the year: Set goals about shows you would like to play, projects you would like to finish, people you would like to collaborate with, or have meetings with – all the things that are going to push you in the next phase of your development. Get organized about it, figure out the steps you need to take. But always stay flexible and open to adjusting your plan as your needs and goals change. Easy, right?</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><strong>4. </strong><strong>Your “lifestyle” isn’t convincing anyone</strong></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">Okay, we’re all on the same page with this by now, right? People who are running around putting forth an image of success without having any actual success to back it up aren’t kidding anyone anymore, right? The whole “fake it til you make it thing” is over. It’s been over for a while, but now you’ve officially been told it’s over so you have no excuse to think it’s a valid career strategy. In 2014 and beyond, the new motto is “work really hard, network like crazy, and make good music til you make it.” Not as catchy, but way more useful.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><strong>5. </strong><strong>The time to sacrifice is now</strong></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">You should never devote your life to something you don’t love enough to give things up for it – especially music. A lot of people say they want a career in music, but fail to think about what that might really look like, or what they might have to give up to get it. What these people <em>really </em>mean is, “I want to be a <em>super successful, rich, famous </em>artist.” – which is a totally different thing from a “career in music”. Are you willing to work your ass off? Are you willing to be broke and throw all your money into your career? No one is going to invest in you before you invest in yourself – and that might mean giving up extras like booze and weed and vacations and time with your girlfriend or boyfriend. There are people who love music enough to give those things up, and people who only want to be in the business as a way to <em>get </em>those things – the difference is crucial. This is a good time to figure out which side you’re on.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><strong>6. </strong><strong>You aren’t different</strong></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">I’m not saying your talent isn’t exceptional, or your skill isn’t hard-earned, or that your sound isn’t wonderfully unique – all of those things could be true. But in terms of your position in the music industry as an indie artist, you are pretty much on the same level as everyone else – for now. And I don’t point that out to make you feel bad about yourself. Not at all. Just to remind you that, in the eyes of listeners and the industry in general, you aren’t automatically special. You just have to work a little harder to make them see that.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><em><a href="https://twitter.com/muzooka" style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">@Muzooka</a></em></p>
</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/29782922014-05-28T22:28:54-05:002017-02-03T22:56:42-06:007 Most Common Mistakes Touring Musicians Make<h1 class="article-title" style="margin: 7px 0px 10px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(73, 74, 75); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 43px;"><span style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 20px; color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Thursday, March 6, 2014 </span></h1>
<div class="byline vcard" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 20px;">by <address class="author" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 20px; font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/about/team/ari" rel="author external" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" title="Visit Ari Herstand’s website">Ari Herstand</a></address>
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<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;"><a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/7mostcommonmistakes_main.jpg?7ce4e4" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;"><img src="//www.digitalmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/7mostcommonmistakes_main.jpg?7ce4e4" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="7mostcommonmistakes_main" height="313" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></h2>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">1. Running Out Of Merch</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">On the road, merch is your #1 income generator. Many times turnout is light or the guarantee or door cut is low. Musicians make up for this loss of revenue in merch sales. The arena shows I’ve played I received a respectable guarantee, but I made almost an equal amount in merch sales. Likewise, club dates that had very light turnouts where I made very little from the door, I made up for in merch sales because the few people at the show had the time of their lives (in an intimate setting) and all bought something – nearly quadrupling what I made from the door.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Make sure you have a merch seller at the table from when the doors open to when they close. Find a fan in each city to do this if need be (in exchange for free admission). If fans leave early (because they have to wake up early for work) and they really want a T-shirt, but don’t see anyone at the merch table, you just lost $20.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">If you’re going to survive on the road, you need merch. Similarly, make sure you do not run out. On extended tours I sometimes have to re-order T-shirts multiple times. And <a href="http://aristake.com/?post=83" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">yes, you need T-shirts.</a></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Make sure the merch companies you order from can rush orders if need be and ship anywhere. Fast.</p>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">2. Not Getting Musician’s Insurance</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">One night after returning from a local gig I pulled into my apartment late and was exhausted. I carried in all the gear I could manage in one trip and passed out. I left my trumpet in my back seat. You know the ending. The next morning my back window was smashed and my trumpet gone. Dumb. I know.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">I called State Farm who was my rental insurance provider. I explained to them what happened and they said:</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 30px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">“Ok, yup we have your trumpet covered here. So Mr. Herstand, what do you use this trumpet for?”<br>“Uh, taking massive bong rips from. What do you think? I play it like a trumpet.”<br>“Ok Mr. Herstand, do you perform with it?”<br>“Yeah.”<br>“Do you get compensated for these performances?”<br>“Well, last night’s turnout was a bit rough, but typically yeah I do ok.”<br>“And what kind of music do you play?”<br>Here I thought she was just making conversation.<br>“Well, I do a looping thing where I mix acoustic guitar, beat boxing, keys and trumpet. It’s kind of like acoustic pop/rock with some….”<br>“I’m going to stop you right there Mr. Herstand. We don’t cover professional rock musicians. Only classical musicians.”</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Whaaaaaaa?!</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Luckily I had the serial number registered and got a call from the police dept a week later letting me know it had been discovered at a local pawn shop. I got it back. I was lucky.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">But I learned. Regular insurance doesn’t cover us. I found <a href="https://www.musicproinsurance.com/" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Music Pro Insurance.</a> They cover up to $25,000 in gear for $150 A YEAR.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">When my laptop was stolen out of a venue in Minneapolis while on tour, I called up MPI, explained what happened (without having to discuss my looping technique or lying about my genre) and 2 weeks later had a check for the laptop and all software: Logic, Final Cut, the works.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Get it before going on any tour.</p>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">3. Towing A Trailer</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Sometimes this is unavoidable. But if you can, get a larger vehicle and stuff your gear in it. Towing a trailer drastically reduces gas mileage and gas is what kills most tours. It’s also a bitch on your transmission and reduces the life of your vehicle.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">I know 4 piece rock bands who tour in vans or large SUVs and stuff all of their gear (drum kit, amps, instruments and merch) in the back.</p>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">4. Not Exercising</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Life on the road can be exhausting. And monotonous. Getting free drinks night after night eventually loses its appeal, and may turn into a dangerous remedy for road fatigue and loneliness.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Make it a priority to exercise at the start of every day. It will keep tensions low and energy high. Everyone will feel better embarking on those day-long drives and you’ll perform better.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">One tour I did with another singer/songwriter (just two of us in an SUV) we made it a goal to wake up early and run every day. Neither of us were runners before the tour. Not only did it keep us (get us) in shape (and reduced the desire to kill each other), but we got to see every city from an entirely new perspective.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Many times when all you get to see of a city is the highway, the venue and the hotel, getting a nice long morning run in can drastically increase your overall enjoyment of the journey.</p>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">5. Showing Up Late</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Make sure you confirm with each venue (or promoter) a week in advance your load in and sound check time. And make sure you show up for it on time. The sound guy will most likely be there waiting for you. The quickest way to start off the night on the wrong foot (with THE most important person for the evening), is to make the sound guy wait for you, rush through sound check and force the club to hold the doors.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Review the <a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2014/01/06/sound-guy" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">9 Things Every Musician Needs To Know About The Sound Guy.</a></p>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">6. Not Counting The Money</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">If you don’t have a tour manager, make sure you dedicate the most responsible band member to handle all of the money on the road. It’s best if this band member is sober – at least for the tour.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">I played a show where a venue handed us a sealed envelope of cash along with a lit joint. Startled, we didn’t even count the money. Wouldn’t you know it, they shorted us $300. The most expensive joint of our lives.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Make sure when settling up with the club you have the agreed upon deal printed out. It can be the final email confirmation or the contract. Make sure they explain all numbers to you: Attendance, ticket price, advance ticket sales, day of sales, and your cut or guarantee.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Do not leave the club until you are sure you’ve been paid every dollar you are owed.</p>
<h2 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 40px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; font-size: 31.5px; padding: 8px 0px 0px;">7. Forgetting About The Email List</h2>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Your long term success rests on the shoulders of your most dedicated fans. Not hits on the radio. You may get a hit and sell out tours for a couple years, but what happens when your next album flops? You need to be able to call on your loyal fans to prop you up.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Independent and DIY artists especially need to keep a mailing list up to date.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Aside from having a clipboard at the merch table, have a splash page on your mobile website with a mailing list signup form (<a href="http://ariherstand.com/" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">like this – click from your phone</a>). Announce from the stage for people to signup RIGHT NOW on their phones to get “this next song in your inbox by the time we finish playing it.”</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">I’ve also seen computer monitors and keyboards setup at merch tables that serve one purpose: email sign up. There’s no worse feeling than importing 50 mailing list names after a show and discovering 30 of them bounced because you couldn’t read the handwriting.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Offer free stickers for everyone who signs up (they can show you their email confirmation from the phone at the merch table).</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Make sure you import these names RIGHT AWAY. If you wait 3 months after the tour finishes, your fans will be less engaged and more likely to unsubscribe.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Did I leave any out? Let me know in the comments!</p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Image by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/23155134@N06/" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">inkknife_2000</a> from Flickr used with the Creative Commons license.</em></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(70, 72, 72); font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;"><em><a href="http://ariherstand.com/" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ari Herstand</a> is a Los Angeles based DIY musician who has played over 550 shows around the world and is the creator of<a href="http://aristake.com/" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ari’s Take.</a> His record release show is Saturday March 29th at the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood. <a href="http://bit.ly/arirelease" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Get tickets here.</a> Listen to his new single <a href="http://bit.ly/keepfightingsc" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a>. Follow him on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/aristake" style="color: rgb(0, 136, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@aristake</a></em></p>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/29779552014-05-28T19:12:04-05:002014-05-28T19:12:04-05:0010 Steps to Turn Your Music Into A Brand Worth Following<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family:helvetica;font-size:12pt">By Cari Cole</span><br><br>One of the key things I spoke about at Jo-Na Williams <strong>Create Your Own </strong>
</div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Industry</strong> Event last week in New York, is a subject that is seriously</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">overlooked in today’s indie artist world. Everyone is shouting out about</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">marketing and social media but no one is talking about the most important</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">thing of all – your music and the importance of knowing your message</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">and brand before you release your record. Matter of fact there is a formula</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">to follow during the inception of your record that will quadruple your</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">results (see below).</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Now, whether you have found your sound and are climbing the charts, are</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">just now finding your sound, or you want to grow your fan base, you may</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">have skipped a few steps that with your attention will skyrocket your brand</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">and have followers tripping over each other. Who doesn’t want that – right?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Use these 10 steps to turn your music into a brand worth following. </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Leave out one ingredient, and you’ll miss the magic formula.</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">1. <strong>Your Why</strong>. Why do you make music? What’s at the heart of it? To help you</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">find your “why” think about what got you into music in the first place?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">2. <strong>Your Passion</strong>. What is your passion in life? What floats your boat? Your</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">passion. Now, how can you work that into the message of your songs? I help</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">artists bring their core passion and message and their music together – learning</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">how to brand to match your true calling.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">3. <strong>Your Mission</strong>. If you could change one person’s life, what message would</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">you hope to inspire in them? Are you saying that in your songs (in the backdrop</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">and/or foreground). How can you bring your mission more powerfully into your</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">songs without preaching?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">4. <strong>Your Story</strong>. When I am branding an artist the first thing I do is to get the</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">overview and then the details of their life. In order to make the brand fit right,</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">we have to pull out the themes and viewpoint that life has inspired for good or bad.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This is a big piece of the branding later on, but we want to weave threads of your</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">experiences into your songs. What’s your story?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">5. <strong>Your Muse</strong>. There are two pieces to this. One: What’s happening in your life</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">right now? This is key to making great music. It’s not about putting on an act or</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">slipping into a character, it’s about making who you are a character. And Two:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where are you headed business-wise? In order to brand effectively I want to know</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">the next steps business-wise for where you should go. Then aim to hit that target</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">with the song material and theme. Sometimes an artist needs a muse, a period of</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">intense reflection or a book or movie that inspires them to write. These are all the</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">threads of great branding.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">6. <strong>Your Message</strong>. What is the Message of Your Music? Most music has a message.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Think about it. Heartbreak, “Someone Done Me Wrong” songs (the blues), Social Justice</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(Jay Z), “Love Gone Wrong” or Relationship issue songs (Rihanna), Empowerment</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(Sara Bareilles, Beyonce) etc. What is your core message? Don’t rush to answer this.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s a process of discovery because it should match who you are over the long term,</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">not just the phase you’re going through.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">7. <strong>Your Songs</strong>. Now that you have identified your core message, do your songs reflect</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">that? If not, get to work. If so, keep refining until it communicates it even better (that’s</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">great marketing btw).</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">8. <strong>Your Music</strong>. Your music itself (the instruments, melodies, drums, production) needs to be</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">relevant to what kind of music you are aiming to create. It’s important that you aim your arrow</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">early on once the path becomes clear. A producer can help with this, but it’s best to do your</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">own research to know where you are headed, or work with someone like myself who can</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">help you figure this out. You also want your music to be relevant to now and not stuck in</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">some time warp no matter how tempting it may be. If it’s vintage, then do it deliberately, but</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">be sure that the drums and production modernize it.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">9. <strong>Your Image</strong>. This is an area we all need help with. No matter how creative and clever you</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">are with your image and fashion, do your research. Just like your music has to have a relevancy,</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">so does your music. Research and work with a top team. It doesn’t have to be mega bucks – it’s</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">about finding the right talent. Start with a stylist or fashion forward friend and then look for your</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">photographer, hair and makeup artist – and look for the best you can find who regularly shoot</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">musicians. Remember, you are in charge of the overall project – don’t leave the big decisions up</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">to anyone else no matter how much they insist, but listen to everything everyone says – then filter it.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">10. <strong>Your Presence</strong>. If you are successful at branding, your image speaks for your music. Just one</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">glance and we know exactly what we’re going to hear. It’s as critical as each prior step. Most people</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">work with professionals who help them do this – but if you’re super visual and computer savvy you</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">might be able to pull it off. In most cases I would say, work with professionals – a year from now you’ll</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">be glad you did.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <br>Of course executing this is deeper than just this list. Come work with me in my programs or in my individual</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">coaching programs where I’ll kick your boot-ay and insist on your own excellence (summer is sold out,</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">but get on the list for Fall 2014)!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In the meantime, get started with the formula above and get ready to grow! I hope this helps you gain</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">10,000 new fans, and make $100,000 and play for 1,000,000 people this year!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Share your brand ideas in the comments below. You KNOW I love to hear from you!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Want more? Be sure to <a href="http://caricole.com/events/" target="_blank">check out our Events Page</a></strong> for our upcoming programs to take part in to</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">sharpen up your brand and marketing – the smart way!</p>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/29696502014-05-24T15:34:25-05:002017-01-15T15:09:17-06:00Smart Decisions: What Artists Need to Know…<h1 class="article-title"><time datetime="2014-05-12" pubdate="" title="May 12, 2014">Monday, May 12, 2014 </time></h1>
<div class="byline vcard">by<address class="author">Tommy Darker</address>
</div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/fork.jpg?7ce4e4"><img src="//www.digitalmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/fork.jpg?7ce4e4" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="fork" height="350" width="640" /></a></p>
<p><em>The following guest post comes from independent musician and ‘musicpreneur’ Tommy Darker. A whitepaper excerpt from his latest book, The Indecisive Musicpreneur, can be found <a href="http://eepurl.com/T6GXj">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/quotation-marks.jpg?7ce4e4"><img src="//www.digitalmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/quotation-marks.jpg?7ce4e4" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="quotation-marks" style="margin: 10px;" width="75" /></a>It’s impressive to think about it, but the biggest problem that separates greatness from failure, playing small from going big, and unhappiness from joy of life has nothing to do with knowledge, technical skills, or personality!</p>
<p>When it comes to the reason why some people get what they want from life, I found just one answer: <strong>better decision-making.</strong></p>
<p>While some struggle with procrastination, indecisiveness and getting stuck in the same old game (although they don’t really enjoy it), others decide to better accelerate their progress and solve one problem after another, as if it’s a piece of cake.</p>
<p>As an artist of the digital era, you are prompted to make a series of decisions in order to achieve your goals and live a happy life. As a common denominator, we’ll agree that the artists I’m referring to:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Have music as their passion and love making art<br>• Aim to make a living out of it (or already do)<br>• Are ready not to stick to the default decision and conform<br>• Have a vision in mind and want to stand out</p>
<p>With these in mind, let’s go through a set of common decision each artist will soon-or-later have to make.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>1. Time</strong></h2>
<p>Nobody has more than 24 hours per day. Let’s start from there. Also, there’s no creative person I know that wants to be ‘busy’ for no reason (that is unproductive time management, procrastination etc). Every creative person would love to spend more time creating and expressing themselves than doing ‘stuff’. <strong>Living my life as a full-time artist, it soon became obvious that time-related decisions are vital for a career in arts</strong>. Here are some decisions that could save you time.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Filter your tasks in 3 categories: what you can do and want to do, what you can’t do but could learn how to, what you can’t do and wouldn’t like to. Delegate the last category to professionals you trust, spend time learning the skills required for the middle column, keep enjoying the tasks of the first column (if they’re of creative nature) or automate them and make them your habits (if they are non-creative stuff).</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Clarify your vision and set goals. Do you aim to achieve a state of independence, money, fame, legacy or something else? Choose what the most important thing for you is and make it the default standard for each decision. Every time you’re prompted to decide, think whether it gets you closer to the vision and follows your main goal. If yes, consider deciding positively and see how it corresponds with the rest of your priorities.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Creating is lovely, but some tasks need to get done anyways, in order to keep you and your creative business in operation. It’s better to spend one day doing the ‘boring chores’ than doing 1-2 of them each day. Get out them of the way and stay focused on your creations the rest of the days.</p>
<h3>Think: time is valuable. Saving time by avoiding unnecessary decisions and action is essential and brings balance.</h3>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>2. Creation</strong></h2>
<p>Creating is your life. So is mine. There is a weird satisfaction that springs out of every new creation, whether you find it perfect or plain stupid. All creations have one thing in common: they are results of ‘doing’. You decide to invest time in pursuing an intangible visualization that’s in your brain, with the intention of entertaining people, making them relate and find themselves, storytelling love and its remarkable effect on people, whatever your source of inspiration might be. Creativity and decision-making have a lot of things in common. Here’s what we can learn:</p>
<p>• <strong>The more you create, the better you become in creating.</strong> Decision-making becomes better the same way.</p>
<p>• Artists should have the analogy of creativity in mind: you would never create something in order to hate it – then why decide with the potential negative results in mind? You could create a commissioned piece of art that you don’t completely love, in order to create a new money revenue and keep fueling your artistic vision – that’s why it won’t hurt to make a wrong decision, if you have the end vision in mind. Intrinsic motivation and action is always there for you, because art creation is a lovely thing you’re passionate about – passion about the outcome of your decisions is essential to get you motivated for action.</p>
<p>Most of the times your creations are made for the sake of creation, without taking into regard other people’s expectations, because you enjoy the process and it brings interesting results that help you explore the world – that’s why you should think of decision-making as an intrinsically enjoyable process that brings joy to you, the people around you and, ultimately, the universe, making the world a more interesting place.</p>
<h3>Think: creating brings joy, it is a medium for connection and helps discover interesting things about life. Proper decisions have exactly the same utility.</h3>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>3. Business</strong></h2>
<p>My book follows the premise that every artist is a business (‘<strong>Musicpreneur’</strong>). Art and commerce are inextricably connected, help each other, and should not be separate. Like every business, a music business is based upon the right decisions. Despite their creativity when it comes to decision-making in life, most musicians are really conventional when it comes to deciding about their business.</p>
<p>Here are some basic points that will create a foundational layer to build your business upon:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Most artists are not natural salesmen. The statement is true about myself, too. How did I overcome the fear of ‘selling my art’? I make sure that every creation I make available for sale is made with the intention of bringing pure value and joy to the recipient (whoever they might be). This builds a strong foundation of quality and authenticity upon my work and also minimizes my regrets when letting people know I sell something. I don’t shove it down people’s throat in a salesy way. “This creation will bring value in your life and here it is, it’s available for purchase.” People can smell the confidence that accompanies genuine intentions.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• <strong>If you believe it’s totally not about money, then you probably won’t make a living. </strong> If you anticipate sustaining a living with art, then one of the observable outcomes is indeed ‘make money’. I’m sure you’ve visualized it many times before. If the last two arguments are true, then you should be relentless when you think about it: it IS also about money. Make it part of your intention (but not the sole intention).</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• I’m pretty sure most musicians follow the pricing systems that others decided for them. Not you. A price is a useful mechanism that sets an exchange standard for the market value of your creations. It also sets an expectation for the potential buyers and also defines the perceived value of what you create.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">The subjective value of your art is different for each person (hardcore fans would happily pay more for what you do, while strangers would rather get it for free and give it a couple of listens before they engage economically with you). Then why set the same price for everyone and preclude this from happening? One of the best decisions you’ll make is to open up your pricing model and offer pricing tiers for each level of fandom, along with different offers. Conduct a survey, see what people would happily pay for and how much, get creative ideas from others and experiment as a true artist that you are. When you offer one art product with one fixed price, sets the question: “buy or leave?”.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Most people will go for the default: not decide at all. Pricing tiers sets a different question: “which one would you like to buy?” See the difference?</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Conduct business as if you don’t need the money and you have only pure value to offer. Feeling confident that people will see the value and will pay for it is going to be reflected in the way you communicate the business message around. Such a mindset shows clearly that you care more about people and are not desperate for a sale. Before you shoot off your next message, think ‘would I do it this way, if I had already achieved the sales I wanted?’ It will transform your business.</p>
<h3>Think: conducting business is conducting an exchange. You exchange value. Be proud to make proper business decisions.</h3>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>4. Priorities</strong></h2>
<p>I feel it, do you feel it too?</p>
<p>The amount of information we receive daily increases exponentially. I would rather not mention numbers, since they change all the time exponentially. What doesn’t change, nevertheless, is the need for filtering and prioritizing. Let’s get a few ideas on how we can manage such decisions:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Priority setting is all about filtering what you got. After clarifying my vision and intentions, my first activity layer (and immediate course of action) would be: decisions and actions that directly contribute to both my vision and intentions. This ensures you feel happiness every day, progress towards the materialization of your dream and contribute to the balance of the universe.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Secondly: decisions related to tasks that bring me closer to the long-term goals. There are activities that have to be done daily, in order to stay in operation and achieve goals. Actually, if done correctly, this should not even be called ‘decision-making’, since it should be done in a frictionless and automatic fashion without any resistance (that is to say, habits). Finally, decisions related to ‘spicing up life’: every decision should be a fun undertaking that doesn’t cause stress. Most of our daily decisions don’t impact the final outcome as much as we might think they do, since life drains mistakes like a sponge and uses them to spice up. I prefer to make a random decision just to change the route of things and diverse from the default.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Life is a game and an exploration; we explore it further through decisions.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• The notion of ‘urgency’ is often subjective and depends on various conditions around us. Usually we feel urgency because of bad planning on our side. Just to test this argument out, next time you’re about to do something because it’s ‘urgent’, think of the following questions: ‘Is it urgent because someone else said so or because I personally rated it as urgent?’</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Be skeptical when people label ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunities, most of the times they’re not (but it’s a cool marketing trick to get you do something). ‘If I don’t do it, will it affect my immediate priorities? Can I avoid doing it at all?’ <strong>If urgency could be avoided, avoid it.</strong> ‘Had I planned my actions properly, would it still have been urgent? I f I had plenty of time, would I still do things the same way?’ If yes, go for it. If not, let the opportunity go this time; it’s more than sure that you’ll perform poorly and the opportunity, despite the common belief, will re-appear soon.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Take a step back and see what you can learn instead, but next time nail it. You should think of the aforementioned advice as rules of thumb, but not as determinants of your final decision. Look for a lesson every time you do something because of urgency. <strong> Most of the time things are not really that urgent.</strong></p>
<h3>Think: if you had to save your loved ones from a fire, it would have been your priority no matter what. Having a clearly stated intention and strong vision of the outcome makes priority-setting that easy.</h3>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>5. Humans</strong></h2>
<p>Think of doing everything without other people involved. There is not much we can do. We should be conscious about how we approach decisions involving humans. <strong>Thinking of human staff, collaborators, contractors or volunteers as ‘assets’ is the wrong start.</strong></p>
<p>Think of the following:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Humans and nature are part of the divine bit of our decision-making process. It should be already clear that each human is to be loved, respected and unharmed during each decision we make, even if that compromises the final outcome. Without this notion as a starting point (intention), the observable outcome will be of diseased nature (for you, the others and the universe).</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Take into regard that other people are not flawless and most of the times they don’t make the best decisions possible. This should not keep you away from making your decisions on your own good merit. Showing by example was always the best way to teach.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• When you work with people on a professional level, make sure you judge them according to the work they produce, not their character. If you can do that switch, you can have a balanced professional (human-made) and human life (divine). It is more difficult to switch when working with friends and loved ones. If you can’t switch, choose not to work with them at all; it will work against you (both personally and professionally).</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• The optimal way of working in a group (band, project etc.) is when all decisions are made organically, as if it’s one organism. This is why most corporations die slowly when they grow bigger; their decisions are not made in an organic way and one department’s decisions work against another department’s health. Then the situation becomes cancerous and, eventually, the organization dies. Make sure you keep that organic structure in everything you do. Work and learn like a healthy child that becomes a mature adult.</p>
<h3>Think: work needs to get done, in order for the vision to be fulfilled. Humans and nature need respect and love. Decisions should not bring conflict between those two. In short, personal and professional life should be separate.</h3>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>6. Conduct</strong></h2>
<p>Stress, anxiety, bad manners, rush, and cloudy brain are all an aftermath of wrong decision management. I know you think it’s impossible to avoid them completely. Next time you feel one of these sentiments, do consider the following; they might help:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Most problems come because of our own faults – we let the ego side take over. As mentioned before, train your human-made side and don’t let it dominate your divine side. <strong> The first step is to acknowledge that it’s your fault entirely.</strong> Failing to do so is creating a portfolio of excuses and delegating the blame to others.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• The intention is the most important brick of every decision. Intentions of positive nature help you be calm and reassured that everything is happening for a good reason. On the contrary, decisions based on insecurity, fear, and egoistic intentions are most likely to fail in the long-term: they bring accumulative unpleasant feelings along the way.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Taking things personally is our tendency to react in order to protect our ego from others ‘threatening’ us. People behave in reflection of their own thoughts (led by insecurities or inner beauty). When insecure, they tend to ‘attack’ others in order to get rid of that feeling by passing it on. Don’t take it personally; they would do that with everyone. Stay calm and talk with them as a human to human. Ego gets fed with chain reactions and soothes when someone breaks the chain. Next time you argue with a bad venue owner, think about it and don’t take things personally: they have their own insecurities to solve.</p>
<h3>Think: when behaving poorly (and you acknowledge it), ask yourself – Do I want this to happen again? (No) – What can I make better next time? (Have more divine than human-made intentions)</h3>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>7. Vision</strong></h2>
<p>Each new vision we have is an imminent creation, an exciting birth soon to be celebrated. Visions are always built upon or based on existing creations (there’s no parthenogenesis), but their outcome is never identical, because of the complex decision system they’re comprised of. Here are some clues on how to make sure you stick to your vision:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Listen to people’s advice and keep the information in the back of your head. Advice and help should be welcome, they mostly come with the intention to help, but they are also diverse and nuanced, thus they can only have a positive impact when they manifest on the right timing and way. A good piece of advice on the wrong timing can change the route of the vision completely. Take your time and evaluate.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Going from point A (intention) to point B (vision) is not a straight line. It’s beautiful to diversify your route towards the vision, lean right or left (or even backwards), as it spices up your life and makes for an interesting story. Bearing in mind that decisions are a tool to experience life, diversity of decisions means diversity in life. Have an interesting life, but never lose touch with the vision. It’s like driving towards a mountain – you never drive straight and sometimes you even makes stops, but every minute brings you closer to the mountain, which you can see all along the way.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Visualize the vision and make it real in your mind. Just like saving your loved ones form the fire, you cannot imagine them other but alive next to you. This is how vivid your vision should be. If you cannot visualize the outcome or feel difficulties doing it, it’s probably because you haven’t experienced it before. Find a way to come close to the outcome, before you make it a realistic goal. Hanging out with people you admire, reading stories of people that had similar goals, trying things you’d like to own etc. are ways of doing it.</p>
<h3>Think: whether others see your vision as ‘rather boring and usual’ or ‘a major music innovation’, only visions that get fulfilled matter. This makes every single effort of yours precious.</h3>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/29571592014-05-19T16:19:36-05:002023-12-10T11:09:02-06:00Make Money On the Small Screen<div style="text-align: center;">Sites like SquareSpace let you to package any kind of digital files that you want, as well as add in extras that make your media more attractive for fans to buy.</div>
<p> </p>
<p class="p2" style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><span class="font_xl">Make Money On the Small Screen</span></span></p>
<p class="p3" style="text-align: center;">Sell high-definition music videos to your fans<br> </p>
<p class="p1">BY RANDY CHERTKOW AND JASON FEEHAN<br><br> </p>
<p class="p4"><span class="s1">CREATING MUSIC </span>videos is one of the best ways to get exposure for your music. For one thing, <strong>YouTube is the number one search engine for music</strong>; it’s where the party is. In addition, video is the most viral media there is, and YouTube comes with sharing tools and social media built-in. And most importantly, there are many ways to monetize the videos you create.</p>
<p class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Don’t just think of music videos in terms of potential advertising revenue; you can</strong></p>
<p class="p4">sell your videos direct to fans from digital download stores or platforms such as iTunes. Of course, people can figure out ways to download your videos from YouTube (or other services such as Vevo or Vimeo), but there’s no reason you have to upload the highest-quality versions to your channel. By saving the HD (high-definition) version for online sales, you reserve the ability to sell something better than what your fans can stream for free on YouTube.</p>
<p class="p4" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Consider following these steps, so you can sell your music videos and create another income stream for yourself:</strong><br> </p>
<p class="p4"><strong>1. Create two versions of each music video: SD and HD.</strong> <u>One version should be SD (standard definition)</u>, and should include end cards: extra material after the music video ends with information about where to buy the song and the video. End cards should also include a request for subscriptions and comments, and promotional information about your other videos or materials on YouTube or the web. This ensures that the downloaded version of your video is different from the one that you want your fans to buy. <u>The second version of the video should be HD</u>, and should simply contain the music video—no promotional footage. This is the version you will sell.</p>
<p class="p4"><strong>2. Upload the SD version of your video with promotional footage to YouTube.</strong> Once your HD music videos and digital tracks are available for sale through digital music stores, you can upload the SD version of the video to YouTube. Be sure to add your promotional footage/end cards. Add buy links to the video and digital track to the video description and include spotlight annotations and links within the video. Doing so will help you capture impulse buys for your videos and music.</p>
<p class="p4"><strong>3. Participate in all of the money- making aspects of YouTube.</strong> Make sure to become a YouTube partner to get ad revenue, and upload all of your audio and video to ContentID so that you can make the most money from your videos. See our 74 emusician.com 06.2014 <span class="s2">How to</span>Electronic Musician article <strong>“Five Ways to Make Money on YouTube”</strong> at emusician. com to make sure that you’ve covered everything to make the most from your channel.</p>
<p class="p4"><strong>4. Sell your HD versions of your videos yourself, or use a digital aggregator to sell on iTunes, Amazon, and other video stores.</strong> To sell your music videos yourself, use Wordpress plug-ins such as Easy Digital Downloads (wordpress.org/plugins/ easy-digital-downloads), services such as Payloads (payloadz.com), or digital storefronts such as SquareSpace (squarespace.com). These allow you to package any kind of digital files that you want, which lets you add in extras that make it more attractive for fans to pay for it.</p>
<p class="p4">Once you have enough videos to make a collection (so that you can set a price to make enough to cover the initial conversion costs), sign up with digital aggregators like CDBaby (cdbaby.com) to get your music videos on iTunes, Amazon, and other stores. Prices vary and depend on the length of video you’ll be selling. Also, be sure to carefully follow the formatting requirements as the conversion services charge extra if the original material doesn’t meet their specifications.</p>
<p class="p4"><strong>5. Make a print-on-demand DVD. </strong>You can also make a print-on-demand DVD out of your music videos. Print-on-demand costs nothing up-front, so you can make money on every sale. Also consider adding bonus material, such as behind-the-scenes footage and/or interviews, so the DVD collection offers more than what you’ve released via digital stores or on YouTube. Services that specialize in print-on-demand music videos include Lulu (lulu.com) and CreateSpace (createspace.com).</p>
<p class="p4">Finally, remember that you’re not just limited to music video. You can follow these five steps to sell any video material you own, such as live performance video, raw backstage footage, interviews, or any other videos that you shoot. Using this method, you can create a new, additional income stream from your music videos rather than simply releasing them for free on YouTube and other video platforms. <span class="s3">n</span></p>
<p class="p6">Randy Chertkow and Jason Feehan are authors of The Indie Band Survival Guide (St. Martin’s Griffin), now in its second edition.</p>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/29571532014-05-19T15:36:09-05:002017-01-15T15:09:17-06:00How To Effectively Promote Your Music Video on Facebook<div class="journal-entry-tag journal-entry-tag-post-title" style="font-size: 0.8em; text-transform: uppercase; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 19.559999465942383px;">
<br><span class="posted-by" style="white-space: nowrap;">BY: <a href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/author/kelland" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);">KELLAND DRUMGOOLE</a></span> | <span class="post-comments" style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/how-to-effectively-promote-your-music-video-on-facebook.html#comments" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);">POST A COMMENT</a></span> | <span class="print-item"><a href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/how-to-effectively-promote-your-music-video-on-facebook.html?printerFriendly=true" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);">PRINT ARTICLE</a></span>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="full-image-inline ssNonEditable" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.sosoactive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Facebook-logo.jpg" style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><img src="//www.sosoactive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Facebook-logo-300x200.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Facebook-logo" height="200" style="border: 0px none;" width="300" /></a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">Being an up and coming musician can be both a delightful and dreadful gig. You’re always writing music, recording, performing in bars and/or clubs, and trying to sell yourself on social media platforms. Selling yourself also means shooting a music video for your best song. You can always just upload the video to YouTube and engage with trolls, or upload to Vimeo and engage with trolls. But you want to, not only sell your music video, you want to engage with your growing audience and earn more fans. Facebook is the answer for that.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><strong>Create a Page</strong></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">It seems like a no brainer to create a page for your music video but most musicians seem to overthink it. You’ve encountered pages on Facebook before but they’re usually for products, films, or some cause to have you donate money to. You can create a page for yourself (or your band) to garner an online following and inform people of events, concerts, and more. Creating a page for a music video seems kind of redundant but it’s a great step forward for you.</p>
<div class="aligncenter wp-caption" id="attachment_29888">
<a href="http://www.sosoactive.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Screen-Shot-2014-04-11-at-10.57.11-PM.png" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);"><img src="//www.sosoactive.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Screen-Shot-2014-04-11-at-10.57.11-PM-300x187.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="For a music video page, go to 'entertainment' and locate 'music video'" height="187" style="border: 0px none;" width="300" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">For a music video page, go to ‘entertainment’ and locate ‘music video’</p>
</div>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">Like a film, a music video is a story with an arc and a message to tell but set to music. It’s not a novel idea since music videos have been around for about forty years but you need to treat each one of your videos like a huge premier set to be seen by millions. The process of creating and maintaining the page is just the same as maintaining your musician or band page; you can update on the filming and editing of the video.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">When your music video is complete you can upload it directly to the page and inform those followers. The uniqueness of the music video page is that you can round up more than just fans of your music. I mention before that music videos should be treated like movies because, in a nutshell, that’s what they are. By posting behind the scenes clips and updating on the status video itself will generate a whole new audience. It’s all about the music video to help you sell it and all about how you sell it to generate likes.</p>
<hr>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><strong>Utilize Your Page</strong></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">Another no brainer; you have to utilize your band page in order to let your audience know about your new entry in your video catalog. You are not just selling your music video to fans but you’re also reestablishing your persons as a musician and your product (music). After the editing of your music video has completed, then it is time to post the work of art to your band page. The process here is the same as your music video page. Sell, sell, sell.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><strong>Ads</strong></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">You can quite literally <em>sell </em>yourself on Facebook and take out an ad to be seen by millions, or to who ever your genre of music appeals. Ideally, you would want to create an ad from your music video page. The reason: it makes the time spent on crafting the ad much simpler. All the time you spent crafting how you want to showcase you impending music video can be ‘transferred over’ into an ad. Just find the ‘Build an Audience’ button at the top of the page.</p>
<div class="aligncenter wp-caption" id="attachment_29890">
<span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable" style="display: block;"><a href="http://www.sosoactive.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Screen-Shot-2014-04-12-at-1.25.26-AM.png" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);"><img src="//www.sosoactive.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Screen-Shot-2014-04-12-at-1.25.26-AM-300x229.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="When you initially create an ad, you can set up the underlying goal. Here I chose to obtain more page likes." height="229" style="border: 0px none;" width="300" /></a></span>
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">When you initially create an ad, you can set up the underlying goal. Here I chose to obtain more page likes.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">You can customize the ad the way you like, like the name, the description and demographics. You’ll want to narrow down your target audience and demographics. Only you know what your demographics are and it isn’t <em>everyone. </em>You don’t want to have your campaign reach be too broad nor too specific; you run the risk of not reaching the people you need or not reaching enough people. If you make hip-hop songs about 1950s classic noir films, then you can choose the lifestyle and interests of your fans.</p>
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<a href="http://www.sosoactive.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Screen-Shot-2014-04-12-at-1.31.01-AM.png" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);"><img src="//www.sosoactive.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Screen-Shot-2014-04-12-at-1.31.01-AM-300x240.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="File out your demographics and be honest about who you appeal to." height="240" style="border: 0px none;" width="300" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">File out your demographics and be honest about who you appeal to.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">Ads can become very expensive if you don’t know how they work. Most people try to wrap their heads around it and try to buy ads and it ends up costing them more than they could afford. You’ve identified your campaign name now you need to establish a budget. You could make use of a daily budget or a lifetime budget (you also have control over the duration of the schedule). In addition to this you also have bidding and pricing or ways to utilize your budget to its maximum potential.</p>
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<a href="http://www.sosoactive.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Screen-Shot-2014-04-12-at-1.34.09-AM.png" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(141, 141, 141);"><img src="//www.sosoactive.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Screen-Shot-2014-04-12-at-1.34.09-AM-300x191.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="This is your money and ultimately, you have to manage it. Set a specific budget plan for your ads." height="191" style="border: 0px none;" width="300" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">This is your money and ultimately, you have to manage it. Set a specific budget plan for your ads.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">You can bid for page likes, for clicks, and for impressions. If you select Bid for Page Likes then you will be charged every time someone sees your ad, yet you’re restricted by the amount of cash you put in for your budget. If you select Bid for Clicks, then you will be charged for every time someone clicks on your ad (with the same restrictions on budget aforementioned). Lastly, if you select Bid for Impressions, you will be charged every time someone is shown your ad per every 1,000 impressions. I recommend Bid for Clicks but it depends on your strategy.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><strong>Create an Event</strong></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">Why not channel Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin’ Eve and make a countdown for the world premier of your new music video. Like I mentioned before, music videos are like movies; movies have events to mark the premier of said film, you can emulate that notion. When you schedule out a shoot, you should have a release date in mind on a specific date, more or less. Do not sell yourself short and create an event on Facebook to hype up your work. If you think you’re the next big musician, treat yourself like you are.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">Just fill out the credentials like you normally would. Just add, for location, the Facebook URL or the site to where the music video is to be hosted. You can edit the events details even after it’s been created.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;">These are just a few tips to how you can sell your music video on Facebook. However, you shouldn’t be using Facebook for all your needs. You need to be using multiple social media platforms to sell yourself and your music.</p>
<p class="enclosureWrapper" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><a class="enclosure" href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/how-to-effectively-promote-your-music-video-on-facebook.html" style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-image: url(http://www.musicthinktank.com/universal/images/core-resources/icons/dark/file.png); padding-left: 24px; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">How To Effectively Promote Your Music Video on Facebook</a><br><br><br><a contents="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/how-to-effectively-promote-your-music-video-on-facebook.html" data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/how-to-effectively-promote-your-music-video-on-facebook.html" target="_blank">http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/how-to-effectively-promote-your-music-video-on-facebook.html</a></p>
</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/27926002014-03-22T10:57:14-05:002014-03-22T10:57:14-05:00Art and Music Are Professions Worth Fighting for<div class="comments_datetime_new border_none relative v05" data-beacon='{"p":{"mnid":"entryByline"}}' style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 9px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(219, 219, 219); position: relative;"><span class="arial_11 color_696969" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 11px; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(105, 105, 105) !important;">Posted: 12/18/2013 5:57 pm</span></div>
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<p style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Earlier this year, I was invited back to my high school to participate in their annual career day -- a day where during school hours, students learn about different professions and vocations. I was asked to join a panel about the arts, and to share some insight on what I've experienced as an artist and musician.</p>
<p style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">It was great seeing all the bright young faces, reconnecting with teachers I'd had, searching for my old locker. There were classmates of mine I hadn't seen for a long time as well, each representing their own careers in medicine or law, human resources or computer programming, marketing, advertising.</p>
<p style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Each of us went into separate classrooms, and I was met by my fellow panelists -- an animator, an actor and a singer -- along with the teacher who would moderate the panel, and perhaps a dozen or so students. I'd been thinking about what I could share, and about what I would have found helpful to hear when I was just such a student and so hopeful, excited and scared.</p>
<p style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">I watched the faces of the high-schoolers as they listened to the other panelists, and I found myself marveling at the courage these kids were showing just to sit in this room. To choose this room, and not the others. They'd answered a calling from deep inside themselves -- however loud or soft -- and done so at least enough to show up here on this day, in this room and give these possibilities a chance.</p>
<p style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">When my turn came, I said something different than what I'd planned.</p>
<p style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">I told the students that I'd bet each of them had experienced something specific right up to the moment they'd arrived in that room. And most likely, they'd continue to experience it the moment after they left. I said I'd bet they were already hearing the murmurs from countless voices about how pursuing art or music isn't practical. It isn't realistic. That maybe it isn't even a worthy pursuit. Or possible.</p>
<p style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">I said, "Unfortunately, in one way or another the world is going to tell you every day that you shouldn't try to be an artist. But for three minutes here today, I want to tell you that you should. I hope you do it. With everything you have."</p>
<p style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">The students' faces lit up with curiosity. I added, "I hope you don't listen to those other voices. I hope instead you listen to your own. That voice from inside you that guided you here today. I hope you go for it, with abandon and furious joy, and that you do so without a Plan B."</p>
<p style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Immediately, the teacher stood up and said, "No, no no...that's wrong. You should always have a Plan B. Don't listen to him, that's not right." She walked towards me to cut me off from speaking, and I said, "You see? Even here, in the arts and music room on career day, you're being discouraged from answering your calling. From fully and freely going for this as a career choice." I looked at the teacher and asked her, "Do you think the kids in the 'doctor room' are being told to have a Plan B? Or the kids in the 'lawyer room?' Or the 'marketing room?' No, they aren't. And by doing so here, you're telling these kids that this is a profession less deserving of pursuit. Less deserving of hope. Or necessity. Or respect."</p>
<p style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Every profession has daunting risks. And yet I've never heard of anyone who's been successful in any profession who went for it half way. We artists and musicians have the right to expect from our profession what others expect from their professions. That through hard work and determination, perspiration and inspiration, we'll have the same fair shot to realize our dreams, answer our callings, support our families. With commitment and respect, for Plan A.</p>
<p style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">In music specifically, 2013 has been a year unlike any other in recent memory. It's been a year that has seen musicians <a href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2013/12/02/artistspiracy" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; color: rgb(111, 111, 111); outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">stand up and speak out</a> on behalf of their profession like never before. And the results have been historic. Internet radio giant Pandora <a href="http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/digital-and-mobile/5800772/pandora-stops-internet-radio-fairness-act-legislation" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; color: rgb(111, 111, 111); outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">has announced</a> it's abandoning its pursuit of legislation that would lower artists' royalties. Congress is now<a href="http://futureofmusic.org/blog/2013/11/20/copyright-hearing-recap-content-delivery-methods-digital-age" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; color: rgb(111, 111, 111); outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">taking another look</a> at copyright reform. Spotify has <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/dec/03/spotify-analytics-musicians-streaming-music-artists-earn" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; color: rgb(111, 111, 111); outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">responded</a> to broad criticism and made their operations more transparent. And perhaps most significant, music lovers are now standing with music makers to help push these issues forward.</p>
<p style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">For the first time in a long time, there's a lot to be hopeful about if you're a musician. There are tremendous fights ahead, against powerful forces, on many fronts. But we have something those forces don't have. We have something worth fighting for.</p>
<p style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">A few weeks after that career day, one of the students who'd attended came to a concert of mine in New York City, accompanied by her mother. She found me after the show, and proudly handed me her newly-completed five-song CD. She said, "I wanted you to know that I'm going for it. I'm going to do it." And smiling tearfully, her mother added, "Yes. We're going to do it."</p>
<p style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">I deeply admire and respect that young artist. And her mother, for standing with her.</p>
<p style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">My New Year's resolution is to stand up more, and speak more.</p>
<p style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">I respect my profession. I respect artists.</p>
<p style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">I respect music.</p>
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<p style="list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;"><b style="list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Follow Blake Morgan on Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/theblakemorgan" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; color: rgb(111, 111, 111); outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;">www.twitter.com/theblakemorgan</a></b></p>
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</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/27639812014-03-17T22:32:39-05:002022-03-17T23:17:04-05:00I Created Sons of Anarchy. Here’s Why I Hate Google’s Stance on Copyright.<div class="container"><div class="main">
<div class="titles centered-titles"><h1 class="primary centered-primary">I Created <em>Sons of Anarchy</em>. Here’s Why I Hate Google’s Stance on Copyright.</h1></div>
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<div class="page" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><article class="main"><header class="article-header" id="article_header"><div class="meta">
<div class="prop-desc">Innovation, the Internet, gadgets, and more.</div>
<div class="pub-date">March 14 2014 4:30 PM</div>
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<h1 class="hed">Not-So-Zen and the Art of Voluntary Agreements</h1>
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<h2 class="dek">Google’s anti-copyright stance is just a way to devalue content. That’s bad for artists and bad for consumers.</h2>
<div class="byline" id="main_byline">By <a href="http://www.slate.com/authors.kurt_sutter.html" rel="author">Kurt Sutter</a>
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<div class="parbase image slate_image section"><figure class="image inline " style="width: 590px;"><img src="//www.slate.com/content/dam/slate/articles/technology/technology/2014/03/sons_of_anarchy_creator_kurt_sutter_google_s_copyright_stance_is_bad_for/175328719-creator-executive-producer-kurt-sutter-speaks-onstage.jpg.CROP.promovar-mediumlarge.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="175328719-creator-executive-producer-kurt-sutter-speaks-onstage" /><figcaption class="caption">Kurt Sutter talks <em>Sons of Anarchy</em> at the 2013 Summer Television Critics Association tour on Aug. 2, 2013, in Beverly Hills, Calif.</figcaption><p class="credit">Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images</p></figure></div>
<div class="text text-1 parbase section"><p>Hollywood and its activists always make for a convenient and easy punching bag. Public opinion gets wildly distorted, so folks perceive us as decadent spendthrifts who drive to work in gold Maybachs, where we dabble in our “art,” while minions massage our feet and feed us the marinated roe of endangered species. Other than Diddy, that’s just not the case.</p></div>
<div class="text-2 text parbase section"><p>And man, this manipulation is getting fucking dangerous.</p></div>
<div class="text-3 text parbase section"><p>Let’s consider the <a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2014/03/10/sopa_copyright_voluntary_agreements_hollywood_lobbyists_are_like_exes_who.html?wpisrc=burger_bar">March 11 anti-copyright rant</a> in <strong><em>Slate</em></strong> by Marvin Ammori, a lawyer working for Google (which somehow he forgot to mention in the article). He compares Hollywood to that insidious “ex who won’t give up” pursuing you and making your life miserable. As a guy with more than a few exes, I have to tell you, Marv, the most insidious ex is the one who hides the truth, steals your money, and lies to all your friends. That’s what Ammori and Google are doing.</p></div>
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<div class="text parbase text-4 section"><p>Clearly, I’m not a lobbyist. I don’t think you’re allowed to say “fuck” in lobby school. Or at least, I’m sure there’s a fuck cap, which I’ve already exceeded. I’m a writer who makes his living in television and film (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AO2ZMB6/?tag=slatmaga-20"><em>The Shield</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0041C09Y0/?tag=slatmaga-20"><em>Sons of Anarchy</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0083GXIPC/?tag=slatmaga-20"><em>Outlaw Empires</em></a><em>.</em>) I create dramatic content. I’m blessed. I get paid a lot of money to do something I love. I wouldn’t trade the 80-hour weeks, the psychiatrist bills, the death threats, the hostile-work-environment claims, or the fact that I have to reintroduce myself to my children every hiatus for anything. But make no mistake: I work hard to create my content. So do the hundreds of people I employ who work with me every day.</p></div>
<div class="text parbase text-5 section"><p>So does every other writer, producer, director, actor, musician, tech developer, and artist out there. We all commit and burn to do what we love.</p></div>
<div class="text text-6 parbase section"><p>Everyone is aware that Google has done amazing things to revolutionize our Internet experience. And I’m sure Mr. and Mrs. Google are very nice people. But the big G doesn’t contribute anything to the work of creatives. Not a minute of effort or a dime of financing. Yet Google wants to take our content, devalue it, and make it available for criminals to pirate for profit. Convicted felons like <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kim-dotcom-megaupload-piracy-steve-jobs-kanye-west-kim-kardashian-318376">Kim Dotcom generate millions</a> of dollars in illegal revenue off our stolen creative work. People access Kim through Google. And then, when Hollywood tries to impede that thievery, it’s presented to the masses as a desperate attempt to hold on to antiquated copyright laws that will kill your digital buzz. It’s so absurd that Google is still presenting itself as the lovable geek who’s the friend of the young everyman. Don’t kid yourself, kids: Google <em>is</em> the establishment. It is a multibillion-dollar information portal that makes dough off of every click on its page and every data byte it streams. Do you really think Google gives a shit about free speech or your inalienable right to access unfettered content? Nope. You’re just another revenue resource Google can access to create more traffic and more data streams. Unfortunately, those streams are now pristine, digital ones of our work, which all flow into a huge watershed of semi-dirty cash. If you want to know more about how this works, just Google the word “parasite.” And if you think I’m exaggerating, ask yourself why Google spends tens of millions of dollars each year to hire lawyers and lobbyists (like Marv) whose sole purpose is to erode creative copyright laws.</p></div>
<div class="text parbase text-7 section"><p>Do they do this because they hate artists? No. They do it because they love money.</p></div>
<div class="text parbase text-8 section"><p>Every writer, producer, actor, musician, director, tech wizard, and fine artist working today needs to be aware of what this all means for our future—we will lose the ability to protect and profit from our own work. Every kid out there who aspires to be an actor or musician or artist: This is your future that’s at stake. More importantly, everyone who enjoys quality entertainment: This impacts you most of all. Content excellence cannot sustain itself if it loses its capacity to reward the talent that creates it. Consider this clunky analogy: If your local car dealership started selling your favorite luxury car for $1,000, then $100, then started giving it away, what do you think would happen to the quality of that vehicle? Before long, the manufacturer would be forced to let go of the skilled laborer, the artisan, and the craftsman, and eventually cut back on everything in the production process. And before long, that fabulous, high-end car you so enjoyed will be a sheet of warped plywood on top of two rusty cans.</p></div>
<div class="text parbase text-9 section"><p>Yep, it’s cheap, and it’s shit.</p></div>
<div class="text parbase text-10 section"><p>Look, whether you think I’m an idiot or a prophet (ironically, that’s the name of my new autobiography: <em>The Idiot Prophet</em>), at the very least, I hope you take away a few things from this, whatever the hell this is.</p></div>
<div class="text-11 text parbase section"><ol>
<li>At this point, we are not talking about legislation or throwing handcuffs on any single party. We don’t want blood. Voluntary agreements are simply a place to start. It means sitting down to begin a fair, open dialogue to find a solution that gives consumers the access and tools they need, while still protecting the livelihood and rights of content creators. This means that everyone is welcome to the table—artists, corporations, consumers, Google … hell, bring along Marvin and all his exes!</li> <li>Voluntary agreements can bring strange bedfellows together. The creative industry is now <a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303365804576432270822271148">working with ISPs on the Copyright Alert System</a>, a voluntary, cooperative effort to let subscribers know when their network might be used for illegal downloading. And it was created with input from public interest groups, including Public Knowledge, the Future of Privacy Forum, and others.</li> <li>No one benefits from piracy except the criminals and the portal that opens its doors to them. Stealing content may feel like a win, but supporting piracy will ultimately diminish the quality of the content you’ve come to love and depend on. Google and the other copyright killers will tell you the opposite to assuage your burden of guilt and theirs, but again, it’s in their best interests to do everything and anything that serves their current bottom line.</li> <li>Diddy drives a solid-gold Maybach, never wears the same Rolex twice, and his boxers are made of the fur of baby pumas he kills with his bare hands.*</li>
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<div class="text-12 text parbase section"><p><em>*This intel may not be accurate; I found it all on Yahoo.</em></p></div>
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<p>Kurt Sutter is a writer-creator, producer, and director.</p>
</div></section></footer></article></div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/26314902014-02-23T13:45:45-06:002020-06-10T21:44:27-05:00Starving Artist Syndrome: The Modern Epidemic for Artists and Creators<a contents="Starving Artist Syndrome: The Modern Epidemic for Artists and Creators" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2014/02/starving-artist-syndrome-the-modern-epidemic-for-artists-and-creators.html?utm_content=buffer9c977&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer">Starving Artist Syndrome: The Modern Epidemic for Artists and Creators</a>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/25459482014-02-08T19:41:26-06:002017-01-15T15:09:17-06:00Here’s How Much You Can Earn from a Mega-Hit Song<div style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 1px 0px 0px; border-width: 1px 0px 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(212, 212, 212);"><h3 style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 10px 0px 1px; border: 0px; height: 24px; overflow: hidden; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; font-family: 'Open Sans Condensed', Calibri, Candara, Segoe, 'Segoe UI', Optima, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(41, 34, 33); float: left;"><a href="http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 10px 0px 1px; border: 0px; color: rgb(41, 34, 33); text-decoration: none; outline: 0px; height: 24px; overflow: hidden; float: left;">Music News</a></h3></div>
<article class="single-article" data-story="448195" id="singleArticle" style="margin: 0px 20px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; position: relative; float: left; width: 590px; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><header style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;"><h1 style="margin: 0px 0px 22px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: normal; font-size: 40px; line-height: 46px; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; color: rgb(41, 34, 33);">Pop songs that pay the pension</h1>
<h3 style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: normal; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; color: rgb(41, 34, 33);">IN THE film version of Nick Hornby's best-selling novel, About A Boy, Hugh Grant plays a character who lives off the royalties of a Christmas song called Santa's Super Sleigh that had been written by his late father.</h3>
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<time datetime="2013-12-12T04:53:00Z" pubdate="" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; float: left; clear: left; color: rgb(181, 161, 158);">Published: Thu, December 12, 2013</time>
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</div></header><div class="ctx_content" style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><div class="clearfix hR new-style" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; height: auto; overflow: hidden;">
<section class="photo" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; position: relative;"><img src="//cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/35/590x/slade-448195.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Slade performing the well known Christmas hit Merry Xmas Everybody in 1973" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 590px;" /><span class="photo-caption nointellitxt ctx_blocked" style="margin: 0px; padding: 3px 10px; border: 0px; position: absolute; z-index: 2; background-image: url(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/page/caption_t_fix.png); background-attachment: scroll; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); bottom: 0px; left: 0px; right: 0px; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat;">Slade performing the well-known Christmas hit Merry Xmas Everybody in 1973 [BBC]</span></p></section><section class="text-description" style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;"><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">It may sound a rather improbable way of keeping the bank manager happy but the truth is there are dozens of rock stars and songwriters whose hits have become pension plans.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Take Noddy Holder, frontman of Seventies glam rockers Slade. This week it was revealed that he was one of a select group of performers who are making a fortune every year from Christmas songs they wrote decades ago. Holder's 1973 hit Merry Xmas Everybody has earned him more than £500,000 in royalties so far this year and that total could rise by another £300,000 by the 25th.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">The Pogues (Fairytale Of New York) and Maria Carey (All I Want For Christmas) have also earned significant six-figures sums from their vintage showstoppers so far this year. And they're not alone.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">DON McLEAN'S AMERICAN PIE</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">When asked what American Pie meant, McLean once replied: "It means I don't ever have to work again if I don't want to." How right he was. To this day the song that spent four weeks at No1 in the US in 1972 and reached No2 in the British charts, rakes him in an estimated £180,000 a year.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Part of this is due to its length. In the US for example a songwriter earns 9.1 cents or 1.75 cents per minute of playing time - whichever is the higher - on every sale. Most pop songs come in at around three minutes but as American Pie clocks in at a lengthy 8 minutes 33 seconds every sale earns McLean a hefty 15 cent royalty.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">He is also coining it on performing rights as he recently revealed that American Pie is still played at least 500 times a day on radio stations around the world.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">GERRY RAFFERTY'S BAKER STREET</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Few can forget the swirling saxophone solo on this hit - the saxophonist who played it was reportedly paid only £27 for his performance - though he has since denied that even the cheque for that sum bounced. For Rafferty as songwriter, however, the track proved a goldmine. Following its release in 1978 it has received more than four million radio plays and provided him with an income of £80,000 a year. Its lyrics - which dwelt on alcohol and unhappiness - proved to be worryingly autobiographical. Rafferty died in 2011 after a long battle against the bottle and depression.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">STING'S EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">This one hit from The Police is said to be responsible for 25 per cent of the band's entire earnings from its catalogue. Sales rocketed when it was sampled by P Diddy on the Grammy Award-winning I'll Be Missing You, his homage to murdered rapper Biggie Smalls. It is said to earn Sting £1,200 a day or £440,000 a year.</p></section><section class="photo" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; position: relative;"><img src="//cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/35/590x/secondary/107450.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt=" " style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 590px;" /><span class="photo-caption" style="margin: 0px; padding: 3px 10px; border: 0px; position: absolute; z-index: 2; background-image: url(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/page/caption_t_fix.png); background-attachment: scroll; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); bottom: 0px; left: 0px; right: 0px; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat;">The song Every Breath You Take makes up 25 per cent of Sting & The Police's entire earnings [GETTY]</span></p></section><section class="text-description" style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;"><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">ROY ORBISON'S OH, PRETTY WOMAN</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Written in 1964 Orbison's song was given a boost in 1990 by the success of the film Pretty Woman, starring Richard Gere and a young Julia Roberts. The film featured Orbison's track prominently and the soundtrack album of the movie went triple platinum. This was good news for his estate rather than for Orbison. He died in 1988. It is estimated to be the ninth most lucrative song ever written (see above).</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">HAPPY BIRTHDAY</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">The song happy birthday, which dates back to the 19th century, was written by the Hill sisters, a pair of kindergarten teachers. And it may come as a surprise to hear but every time you serenade a colleague at an office birthday you are in breach of copyright.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">The song was first copyrighted in 1935 and the rights were acquired by music giant Warner Chappell in 1988 for £9million.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Warner is said to claim copyright "for every use in film, television, radio, anywhere open to the public and for any group where a substantial number of those in attendance are not family or friends of whoever is performing the song." It costs £15,000 to use the song in a movie or TV show and in 2008 alone Warner collected £1.2million. The good news for British birthday boys and girls is that the copyright expires in the EU in 2016.</p></section><section class="photo" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; position: relative;"><img src="//cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/35/590x/secondary/107451.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt=" " style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 590px;" /><span class="photo-caption" style="margin: 0px; padding: 3px 10px; border: 0px; position: absolute; z-index: 2; background-image: url(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/page/caption_t_fix.png); background-attachment: scroll; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); bottom: 0px; left: 0px; right: 0px; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat;">Singing Happy Birthday is technically in breach of copyright of the song made up by the Hill sisters [POSED BY MODELS/GETTY]</span></p></section><section class="text-description" style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;"><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">HOW PAUL McCARTNEY (AND JOHN LENNON'S WIDOW) MISSED OUT ON HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Paul McCartney and John Lennon penned The Beatles' greatest hits but the bad news for Macca and Lennon's widow Yoko Ono is that they signed away the rights to all their work years ago. Even more galling they rejected repeated offers to buy them for a song.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">The late Michael Jackson was more shrewd. In 1985 he successfully bid £29million for the entire Beatles catalogue, including classic hits such as Yesterday and All You Need Is Love. Two years later Jackson licensed the song Revolution to Nike for use in an ad for £300,000 much to the displeasure of McCartney who resented the song being put to commercial use.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">In 1995 Jackson merged his music publishing business with Sony's and today his estate's 50 per cent stake in the joint venture is worth an estimated £600million to £1billion. Not bad for a £29million investment.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">THE MONEY TRAIL</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">The first rule about making serious money in the music business is get yourself a songwriting credit. Everyone in a band earns something from recording and performing but the real long-term value of a hit lies in the songwriting royalties.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">These come in four different forms: mechanical licences (eg: sales of CD, downloads and - to the retro consumer - vinyl); performing (radio airplay); synchronisation (film soundtracks); and print (sheet music). To make things even more complicated the songwriting rights are often divided between those responsible for the tunes and those who wrote the words.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">When it comes to U2 for example the music is credited to the band as a whole but lead singer Bono has rights to all the words. "We always call the songwriting royalty 'the pension'," Ann Harrison, author of Music: The Business, once said.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">"If you write a song that is recorded umpteen times the income will last your lifetime plus the copyright, which is 70 years."</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">THE ALL-TIME TOP 10</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">1. Hill Sisters - Happy Birthday (1893) - £30.5million</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">2. Irving Berlin - White Christmas (1940) - £22million</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">3. Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Phil Specter - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' (1964) - £19.5million</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">4. John Lennon and Paul McCartney - Yesterday (1965) - £18million</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">5. Alex North & Hy Zaret - Unchained Melody (1955) - £17million</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">6. Ben E King, Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller - Stand By Me (1961) - £16.5million</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">7. Haven Gillespie & Fred J Coots - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (1934) - £15million</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">8. Sting - Every Breath You Take (1983) - £12.5million</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">9. Roy Orbison & Bill Deeds - Oh Pretty Woman (1964) - £12million</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">10. Mel Tormé - Christmas Song (1944) - £11.6million</p></section><section class="box related-articles clear" style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 1px 0px 0px; border-width: 1px 0px 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(212, 212, 212); position: relative; z-index: 1; clear: both;"><header style="margin: 0px 0px 1px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; background-image: url(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/page/box-header.png); background-attachment: scroll; position: relative; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat;"><h3 style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 10px 0px 1px; border: 0px; height: 24px; overflow: hidden; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; font-family: 'Open Sans Condensed', Calibri, Candara, Segoe, 'Segoe UI', Optima, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(41, 34, 33); float: left;">Related articles</h3></header><ul style="margin: 0px; padding: 10px; border: 1px solid rgb(212, 212, 212); list-style-type: none; background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249); position: relative; top: -1px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
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<strong><span class="font_large">1956 Film on How Records Are Made</span></strong><br> </div>
<p style="line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 1.08333em; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif;">A nice find by<a href="http://boingboing.net/2014/01/14/how-vinyl-records-are-made-19.html" sl-processed="1" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); -webkit-transition: 0.8s ease-in-out; transition: 0.8s ease-in-out; font-weight: 700;" target="_blank"> Boing Boing</a>. This educational film made by RCA in 1956 may seem ancient, but vinyl is still produced in much the same way today.</p>
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<p style="line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 1.08333em;"><a href="http://ajournalofmusicalthings.com/author/alan-cross/" rel="author" sl-processed="1" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration: none; transition: 0.8s ease-in-out; -webkit-transition: 0.8s ease-in-out; padding: 0px 4px; font-weight: 700; font-size: 12px; background-color: rgb(255, 186, 0); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;" title="Posts by Alan Cross">Alan Cross</a> is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 30+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.</p>
</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/25459302014-02-08T19:26:42-06:002017-01-15T15:09:17-06:00The Secret to Successful Crowdfunding<h1 class="entry-title" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 30px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; line-height: 30px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">The Secret to Successful Crowdfunding</h1>
<div class="entry-meta" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; text-transform: uppercase;">POSTED ON <a href="http://www.grassrootsy.com/2014/01/15/the-secret-to-successful-crowdfunding/" rel="bookmark" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;" title="3:23 am"><time class="entry-date" datetime="2014-01-15T03:23:29+00:00" pubdate="">JANUARY 15, 2014</time></a><span class="byline" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; display: inline;"> BY <span class="author vcard" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="url fn n" href="http://www.grassrootsy.com/author/admin/" rel="author" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;" title="View all posts by grassrootsy">GRASSROOTSY</a></span></span>
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<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img src="//www.livetradingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/crowdfunding.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="346" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto; width: auto;" width="624" /></p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Today’s post comes from well-known music strategist and music business writer, <a href="http://schwillyfamilymusicians.com/" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Carlos Castillo</a>. We’ve written a number of articles on crowdfunding, Kickstarter, and getting your fans to be part of the process. But we love this post because Carlos re-emphasizes some important points while offering a fresh perspective.</em></p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">________________________________________________</span></p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I know how exciting it is to hear a secret, so I’ll get right to the point and then offer some additional insight. The secret to successful crowdfunding is perspective. “What perspective?” You may ask. Well, here’s the key: <strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">CROWDFUNDING IS NOT CHARITY. CROWDFUNDING IS PRESALE.</strong></span></p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pretty simple, right?</span></p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">When the concept of crowdfunding first circulated it was presented as a way for people who didn’t have any money to raise funds to complete their projects. Now don’t get me wrong, it still serves that purpose. But you don’t have to be broke to take advantage of crowdfunding. Therefore, you shouldn’t approach it from the perspective of being a charity.</span></p>
<h2 style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 22px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; line-height: 26px;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">DON’T MAKE THESE CROWDFUNDING MISTAKES</span></h2>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Other than approaching the idea as if you were on the street corner with a cardboard sign, there are some pitfalls that musicians tend to fall into that I’d like to point out in order to help you avoid them.</span></p>
<h4 style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; line-height: 20px;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Putting crowdfunding before fan building:</strong></span></h4>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Although there is a discovery element to most crowdfunding platforms, you’re gonna end up very disappointed if you try starting a campaign without a significant fanbase with which to start.</span></p>
<h4 style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; line-height: 20px;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Buying followers:</strong></span></h4>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Just because you bought them doesn’t mean they’re gonna buy your crap. You don’t need a huge fanbase to run a successful campaign. You just need an active group of loyal fans. The kind you earn one at a time and interact with regularly.</span></p>
<h4 style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; line-height: 20px;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Failing to give your fans an experience:</strong></span></h4>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You’re not just selling downloads and t-shirts. You are including your fans in the creative journey. (See:</span> <strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(128, 0, 0);"><a href="http://www.grassrootsy.com/2013/11/11/asking-your-fans-for-stuff/" rel="bookmark" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;" title="Permalink to The Art of Asking Your Fans For Stuff"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(128, 0, 0);">The Art of Asking Your Fans For Stuff</span></a></span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">) </span></strong><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">More on this in the next section…</span></p>
<h4 style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; line-height: 20px;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>Troubles with fulfillment:</b></span></h4>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Make sure to get all the pertinent information as you take orders for the perks and exclusives you are offering. One of the most commonly overlooked pieces of information is the size preference for t-shirts. But also, make sure not to offer the house concert option to people in Thailand if you’re not going to be able to follow through.</span></p>
<h4 style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; line-height: 20px;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>Disappearing after the campaign is over:</b></span></h4>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">There is often a gap between when all the money is collected and the final product is released. Don’t leave your fans hanging like a prom date that might not show up. They spent a lot of money on that dress. Make sure they know your still taking them to the dance. Keep them updated as to your progress.</span></p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">________________________________________________</span></p>
<h2 style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 22px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; line-height: 26px;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Give Your Fans What They Want</span></h2>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you really do want to get the most out of your music career and have a genuine connection and reciprocal relationship with your audience, you’ve got to give them what they want. Well what do they want? Here’s an easy way to figure that out: Think of someone you admire. What would you want from them? Here are some examples:</span></p>
<ul style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em 3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Fans want</b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 19px;"> to participate in the creative process. They want pics and stories from the studio. They want to vote on the album cover. They want to see their name in the credits.</span></span></li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Fans want</b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 19px;"> to share the exclusive updates. And when they do so on social media it will generate more traffic back to your campaign.</span></span></li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Fans want</b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 19px;"> acoustic versions of their favorite songs. And when you play them live it’s a great opportunity to pitch your campaign and let them know that acoustic downloads are available for contributors.</span></span></li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Fans want</b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 19px;"> options other than just the album. They want test presses, signed CDs, vinyl, handwritten lyric sheets, house concerts, and all the intangible stuff that the traditional consumer experience leaves out. You are a creative person. Here’s an opportunity to use your artistic side as your business acumen.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<h2 style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 22px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; line-height: 26px;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How This All Benefits You</span></h2>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You’re making an album for people who have already bought it. This way you don’t have to feel pressured to be a salesman. And we <i>all</i> know that an artist is more interesting when he is an artist than when he is a salesman.</span></p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You have so much more to offer than a $12 album download. Connecting with your fans gives you all that much more opportunity to generate income. Even after the campaign is long over, every time a fan listens to your music they will reminisce about the experience they shared with you. That’s how you turn fans into <i>superfans</i>. See</span> <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(128, 0, 0);"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.grassrootsy.com/2011/01/05/5-tips-for-making-true-blue-fans/" rel="bookmark" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;" title="Permalink to 5 Tips For Making True Blue Fans"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(128, 0, 0);">5 Tips For Making True Blue</span></a></strong><a href="http://www.grassrootsy.com/2011/01/05/5-tips-for-making-true-blue-fans/" rel="bookmark" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;" title="Permalink to 5 Tips For Making True Blue Fans"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(128, 0, 0);"> <strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Fans</strong></span></a></span>.</p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And finally, isn’t it so very liberating to be able to walk into the studio with everything already paid for so that all you have to think about is making music? And this goes for musicians at absolutely any level of success at any point in their career!</span></p>
<h2 style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 22px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; line-height: 26px;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fun Stats from Benji Rogers of PedgeMusic</span></h2>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Well, anytime I write an article like this, people ask me which service I would most recommend. So as the above title indicates, I’m going to take this opportunity to give the Schwilly Family Stamp of Crowdfunding Excellence for Musicians to PledgeMusic.</span></p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Not only is this platform built for musicians by musicians, but also Benji and his excellent staff are there to guide you through the process every step of the way. I’ve never waited more than a few hours for a response to an email. And I’ve never seen higher success rates for musical crowdfunding campaigns. So the last thing I want to do is share with you a few interesting statistics I got from the founder himself:</span></p>
<ul style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em 3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">22% of PledgeMusic site traffic comes from fans sharing pledgers-only updates.</span></li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">75% of pledgers contribute to a campaign without knowing the band personally. Ergo, they are the email subscribers, Facebook fans, Twitter followers, etc..</span></li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The average pledge is $55-$70.</span></li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">37% of pledges are over $250.</span></li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">37% of the income comes after the 30-60 day campaign on other platforms would have ended.</span></li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">PledgeMusic boasts an 86% success rate of reaching funding targets.</span></li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On average it takes 17 pledges-only updates to hit your financial goal.</span></li>
</ul>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I am in no way compensated for endorsing PledgeMusic, so let me just finish by saying that whatever platform you choose, crowdfunding truly is a great new way for musicians to get the most out of their careers as quickly as possible. So GO GET YOURS!</span></p>
<h2 style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 22px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; line-height: 26px;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">My special gift to Grassrootsy Readers</span></h2>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I help musicians identify key niches, connect authentically to passionate fans, and turn them into paying customers. So I put together a Music Marketing Strategy Guide that I would like to share with Grassrootsy readers, just because I love Grassrootsy (and you!) so much. Check out <a href="http://schwillyfamilymusicians.com/grassrootsy/" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">this Schwilly Family Musicans page</span></a>, drop your email and I’ll send you over some awesome stuff I’m preparing especially for musicians like you.</span></p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Here’s what you’ll get:</span></p>
<ol style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em 3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">An 11-page Strategy Guide for Marketing your Music online.</span></li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Regular updates and tips on how to make the most of your music career.</span></li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The opportunity to open a one-on-one dialogue with me about your musical journey, goals, and strategies about how to accomplish them.</span></li>
</ol>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thanks so much for reading my stuff and don’t forget to check out</span> <strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://schwillyfamilymusicians.com/grassrootsy/" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(128, 0, 0);">Schwilly Family Musicians</span>.</a></strong></p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">______________________________________________________</span></p>
<p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><a href="http://schwillyfamilymusicians.com/" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img src="//www.grassrootsy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Captian1.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="Captian1" height="102" style="border: 0px; display: inline; margin-right: 1.5em; max-width: 100%; height: auto; width: auto;" width="135" /></a>Carlos Castillo is a music marketing strategist, live performance recordist, international road-tripper, lap steel player, and Captain of the Schwilly Family. Find him at <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(128, 0, 0);"><a href="http://schwillyfamilymusicians.com/" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(128, 0, 0);">SchwillyFamilyMusicians.Com</span></a></span>, tweet him at<a href="https://twitter.com/CaptainSchwilly" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;">@CaptainSchwilly</a>, or email him at <a href="mailto:Carlos@SchwillyFamilyMusicians.Com" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;">Carlos@SchwillyFamilyMusicians.Com.</a></i></p>
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<footer class="entry-meta" style="clear: both; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Bitter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">This entry was posted in <a href="http://www.grassrootsy.com/category/crowdfunding/" rel="category tag" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;" title="View all posts in Crowdfunding">Crowdfunding</a>, <a href="http://www.grassrootsy.com/category/uncategorized/" rel="category tag" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;" title="View all posts in Uncategorized">Uncategorized</a>, <a href="http://www.grassrootsy.com/category/your-fans/" rel="category tag" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;" title="View all posts in Your Fans">Your Fans</a> and tagged <a href="http://www.grassrootsy.com/tag/carlos-castillo/" rel="tag" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;">Carlos Castillo</a>,<a href="http://www.grassrootsy.com/tag/crowdfunding-2/" rel="tag" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;">crowdfunding</a>, <a href="http://www.grassrootsy.com/tag/fundraising/" rel="tag" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;">fundraising</a>, <a href="http://www.grassrootsy.com/tag/kickstarter/" rel="tag" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;">kickstarter</a>, <a href="http://www.grassrootsy.com/tag/pledge-music/" rel="tag" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;">pledge music</a>, <a href="http://www.grassrootsy.com/tag/schwilly-family-musicians/" rel="tag" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;">Schwilly Family Musicians</a>. Bookmark the<a href="http://www.grassrootsy.com/2014/01/15/the-secret-to-successful-crowdfunding/" rel="bookmark" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(71, 117, 143); text-decoration: none;" title="Permalink to The Secret to Successful Crowdfunding">permalink</a>.</footer>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/25458622014-02-08T18:49:59-06:002017-01-15T15:09:16-06:0010 habits of successful musicians10 habits of successful musicians<h4 style="margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 25px; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">American cellist David Finckel embarks on a series of seminars – entitled Being a Musician – at Stony Brook University, New York on 3 February. Here, he identifies the important habits of those musicians who have built and maintained successful careers</h4><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Friday, 07 February 2014</i>
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<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;">All musicians, especially those soon to emerge from formal education, wonder what path their careers will take and whether they can control their artistic destinies. While there are no proven methods for career control, it is possible to identify the traits common among those who enjoy successful lives in music. These 10 habits of successful musicians are drawn from my course at Stony Brook University entitled <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://sb.cc.stonybrook.edu/happenings/uncategorized/grammy-winner-gives-grad-students-career-guidance/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(117, 30, 30); opacity: 1; transition: all 0.2s ease-in; -webkit-transition: all 0.2s ease-in;" target="_blank">Being a Musician</a></strong>. While they can’t guarantee a successful career, at the very least they identify what a hopeful musician should not be without.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. Know thyself</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;">Being a musician begins with you. Knowing and being able to articulate why you love music, and why you must make a life of it, are the first steps to convincing the world that you are in the business to stay. Understanding how you stack up in the music world, and knowing what you have yet to learn, is equally important. If you are tougher on yourself than others, you’ll be ready for anything.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2. Be an artist</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;">There are many musicians, but few real artists. True artists remake and replenish themselves perpetually, and are the ones followed by a loyal public. Decide what you need in order to honestly call yourself an artist and go get it. Study the people you consider to be great artists and emulate them. You can’t go wrong by spending a day as Mendelssohn, Picasso or <a href="http://thestrad.com/latest/editorschoice/charlie-chaplin-the-violinist" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(117, 30, 30); opacity: 1; transition: all 0.2s ease-in; -webkit-transition: all 0.2s ease-in; font-weight: bold;">Charlie Chaplin</a>. Put yourselves in their heads and you’ll see the world differently.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3. Keep learning</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;">Artists never stop absorbing knowledge and ideas that enrich their minds. Read, listen, watch, ask questions and surround yourself with interesting people. Don’t discount unconventional sources of knowledge. People who are constantly learning are the most interesting, always changing and always growing. Be one of them.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">4. Work on your performance</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;">Don’t be afraid to compare your performance to your own ideal. Be relentless in your determination to improve. Tape yourself on your mobile phone. Ask your friends for honest opinions. Listen and watch those musicians you admire most. Ask to play for the best musicians you know. You will only show yourself to be more dedicated than others.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">5. Make friends</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;">Careers are not made in isolation. Your friends, colleagues, mentors and industry contact list should be large, ever-growing and well-maintained. It will likely be one of these people who opens opportunities for you, recommends you, or shares a new idea that changes your life. A large musical family is not a bad thing to have.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">6. Visualise possible lives</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;">Keep an open mind as to the variety of ways you could be a musician. There are many.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">7. Ask not what the industry can do for you…</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;">Everyone who works in the arts industry faces enormous challenges on a day-to-day basis. The best thing a musician can do for them is to offer solutions, not present problems. These people appreciate all your ideas about programming, creative ways to appeal to the public, and help you can offer to run their organisations more powerfully. Ask what you can do for them.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">8. Lead by example</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;">The ideas and ideals of an artist are often beyond the comprehension of most around them. As a rule, the most effective way to stand out in the field from the rest is to live the life you believe in. Inspire others through your own work, and opportunities will surely come your way.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">9. Give back</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;">It is never too soon to begin sharing your experience, knowledge and inspiration with those poised to become classical music listeners, supporters and practitioners in the near and far futures. As an artist and a musician, you always have something to share. That you are perceived as thoughtful, generous and forward-thinking is completely in your favour.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">10. Stay the course</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;">Commitment to your art – respecting your initial reasons for becoming a musician and rejecting all unprincipled derivations from the course of integrity – is essential for ultimately commanding the respect of your colleagues, public, supporters and the entire industry. Today there are numerous temptations in the music world to stray from the highest standards of a pure course of study and practice of great music. Musicians, educators and administrators desperately employ short-lived ideas for getting engagements, creating opportunities for students and selling tickets. At the end of the day, not being among those who doubt the staying power of our art is the only safe way to ensure that you will be trusted and taken seriously.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;"><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">David Finckel was cellist for the Emerson String Quartet from 1979 to 2013. He is currently the co-artistic director of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, founder and co-artistic director of Music@Menlo, co-artistic director of Chamber Music Today and The Mendelssohn Fellowship in Korea, professor of cello at The Juilliard School, and visiting professor of music at Stony Brook University.</em></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;"><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Photo: Lisa-Marie Mazzucco</em></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; font-family: arial;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.escosubs.co.uk/newsquest/promotion.asp?code=STWSUB12" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(117, 30, 30); opacity: 1; transition: all 0.2s ease-in; -webkit-transition: all 0.2s ease-in;">Subscribe</a> to The Strad or <a href="http://www.thestrad.com/apps/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(117, 30, 30); opacity: 1; transition: all 0.2s ease-in; -webkit-transition: all 0.2s ease-in;">download</a> our digital edition as part of a 30-day free trial. To purchase back issues <a href="https://www.escosubs.co.uk/newsquest/backissue.asp?title=334" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(117, 30, 30); opacity: 1; transition: all 0.2s ease-in; -webkit-transition: all 0.2s ease-in;">click here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/25102052014-02-02T22:54:50-06:002014-02-02T22:54:50-06:00Pandora’s Westergren Offers Odd Valuation of Music<div class="rpuEmbedCode">
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Last week, Pandora CEO Tim Westergren, appearing on a forum called PandoMonthly, said a strange thing while defending against criticisms streaming services received in 2013 from name-brand artists. He said the following: “The industry has for…
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</div>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/11352312013-07-15T15:20:00-05:002013-07-15T15:20:00-05:00Tour - Day 15Yes, I know, it has been a while since I wrote anything about the tour. Visiting Central and South America is amazing, but internet has been spotty and the dates very close to each other so I've not had much time to write in between. I've been posting little bits on Facbook, though, so if we're connected on FB check them out.<br><br>
Anyhow, we are in Curacao now. Let me say this has been a really nice tour, first class all the way. I'm very grateful that the band asked me to sub on drums. Everyone has been great from our sound guy to our handlers and tour manager. We have our own plane and the pilots are awesome - everyone has become like family on this tour.<br><br>
I will post pictures of the places we have been visiting. I have so much to write about, very little time right now, but will be back on here soon to update everyone. <br><br>
Cheers, everyone!!!<br>
Carlos<br>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/10585932013-07-02T20:34:06-05:002013-07-02T20:34:06-05:00New TOUR - Day 1 - El SalvadorSo I picked up a gig playing drums for an all female rock band. We flew in to El Salvador last night. Long flight, nothing eventful. <br><br>
I slept pretty well last night. VERY hot and humid here right now. Rain storm last night but it was mild. Woke up, went to the gym here and then down to the restaurant for breakfast buffet (that was free ;). 2 band members and our handler were there, so we all ate together. The hotel is nice, they do have a pool but I won't have any time to use it. :( We fly to Cuba tomorrow morning for another show, playing for the military. This should be really cool. Word is we're flying in a C12 airplane. Seats 9 people so weight is an issue. Good thing I packed lighter than the required weight allowance. ;) Bahamas show is after that - I will post as often as I can. We have Sunday off in the Bahamas so that will be nice!<br><br>
Next week is Honduras and then military show in Greenland before going to Curacao. We are flying mostly military planes and a few commercial airlines. <br><br>
So that's it for now. Gotta get cleaned up and then go meet everyone downstairs for setup, sound check and quick rehearsal. This will be my first time playing with the whole band at once so let's hope the show goes well tonight. ;)<br>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/9896762013-06-21T07:56:08-05:002013-06-21T07:56:08-05:00Kid Destroys Monsanto In TED Talk!Too good not to post this:<br><br>
Birke Baehr is eleven years old, and gave an eye-opening inspirational talk at TED that’s so good, we’re sure that if Monsanto and the Koch brothers could – they would ban it.<br><br>
"What’s Wrong With Our Food System? And How Can We Make A Difference?” <br><br>
http://youtu.be/F7Id9caYw-Y<br><br>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/7709102013-05-18T07:25:57-05:002021-02-08T02:31:01-06:007 Steps to a Happier, Healthier, and Longer LifeI actually think this is a great read and very important:<br><br><a href="http://www.realage.com/mood-stress/7-ways-to-train-your-brain?eid=1010683894&memberid=25800109" target="_new">http://www.realage.com/mood-stress/7-ways-to-train-your-brain?eid=1010683894&memberid=25800109</a><br>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/7709092013-05-18T07:24:16-05:002013-05-18T07:24:16-05:00CD Baby Pro vs. TuneCore Publishing (The Full Report)Recommended read of the week:<br><br><a href="http://aristake.com/?post=76" target="_new">http://aristake.com/?post=76</a><br>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/6756082013-05-04T11:20:44-05:002013-05-04T11:20:44-05:00Been a while... but lots going on!!! Hey everyone,<br><br>
Yep, I've been busy and not keeping up with my blog. As you can see I've now created a new web site so that everyone can be engaged and participate in my music creations along the way. I'm also getting ready for some summer shows with various bands. I'll actually be sitting in playing drums with AC/DC cover band THUNDHERSTRUCK in July, traveling to a bunch of countries - will keep everyone posted with news and pictures as they progress.<br><br>
For now, I'm back in LA this week until end of May, working on something new. Hope everyone is well and will be in touch more often as this new music gets uploaded. ;)<br><br>
Best,<br>
Carlos<br type="_moz">Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/4424912013-03-31T08:25:00-05:002022-03-22T09:34:20-05:00JACK and DSRTF<p>I'm posting this letter from my sister regarding my nephew, Jack, who has Down Syndrome. I am involved in helping support and raise funding for DSRTF as well and plan on releasing a cd where 100% of sales will go to the DSRTF Foundations. Please take a moment to read this.<br><br>Thank you -<br>Carlos Villalobos, Jr<br> </p>
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<p><br>Dear Family and Friends:<br><br>Since his birth, as Jack’s parents, we have tried to expose Jack to as many classes, therapies, and experiences as possible in order to expand his world and enrich his life. Over time, however, it has become increasingly clear that he, like others with Down Syndrome, needs real science in his corner to help him integrate successfully at school or work. This is why I am seeking your support for a fundraiser I have organized to benefit Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation (“DSRTF”). The mission of Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation is to stimulate biomedical research focused on improving cognition in individuals with Down Syndrome (“DS”). The goal is to improve learning, memory, and speech to enable those with Down Syndrome to participate more actively in school, lead more independent lives, and avoid early onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. Although Down Syndrome is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability, affecting one in every 800 births, the National Institutes of Health’s funding for DS research amounted to only $55/person last year.<br><br>As recently as 2004 there were no defined biological mechanisms known to have a direct correlation with cognitive impairment in Down Syndrome. Since DSRTF’s founding in 2004, there has been dramatic progress. There are now five independent studies showing the promise for improving cognitive function for individuals with Down syndrome. Clinical trials are underway on two drugs to improve cognition and one treatment to halt the development of the plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Since a majority of persons with Down Syndrome will show the neuropathology of Alzheimer’s disease by age 40, a drug that will prevent or halt Alzheimer’s disease means preserving all the gains they worked so hard to accomplish during their lifetimes. This research also underscores the fact that research that will benefit persons with Down Syndrome will also benefit persons without Down Syndrome. Moreover, since persons with Down Syndrome have a lower incidence of solid tumor cancers and coronary heart disease than the<br>rest of the population, studying the physiological mechanisms in Down Syndrome will help scientists explore these medical conditions which will benefit the general population. For all these reasons, I am organizing a charity concert in Wilmette, Illinois to benefit DSRTF. While I expect that you will not be able to attend the concert, I urge you to make a donation.<br><br>As recently as 10 years ago, it was thought that Down Syndrome was too complicated to understand.<br><br>A revolution in neuroscience, however, has brought new possibilities. We cannot lose hope now. Your contribution helps ensure the continued progress of this groundbreaking research. Go online to www.dsrtf.org and make a gift in honor of “Jack Pirrie”. If your company, or one you know, would like to make a corporate contribution, please contact DSRTF at dsrtf@dsrtf.org. In whatever way you can, join the DSRTF movement and help bring us closer to our goals.<br><br>Sincerely,<br>Barbara M. Villalobos<br>Jack’s mom<br>bar.vil05@yahoo.com</p>
<p> </p>Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/2946642013-01-31T06:55:00-06:002013-01-31T06:55:00-06:00LAWow, I can't believe I'm finally just about finished with this new web site. Been working on the new material, new albums and new projects since Oct 2012 and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Will be great to have this done.<br><br>
On another note, I'm in LA house hunting. I plan to set up a second home here for work and new projects. It's been great catching up with old friends, meeting new ones and hanging out in warmer weather. We shall see what the year brings. First thing's first - finish the new albums and release them asap!<br><br>
I hope everyone is off to a great 2013!!! I plan to be on here more often now that the web site is very close to completed.<br><br>
Best,<br>
CV<br type="_moz">Alistar Recordstag:alistarrecords.com,2005:Post/2552172012-11-21T09:45:55-06:002012-11-21T09:45:55-06:00Tell Congress: Don't Slash Music Creators' PayPandora's proposal is just downright criminal. Lower our royalty rate? Hold on - a multi million dollar company that makes it's money from music creators wants to lower the current rate? - Currently, a fraction of a penny per play? The sick part is that if you search for "current royalty rate Pandora pays artists" you will find nothing, zero, zip. They won't even specify the EXACT amount that they pay. RIDICULOUS!<br><br>
Please read and sign the petition below if you support a musicians right to make a decent living and pay his bills.<br type="_moz">Alistar Records