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Music Promotion: How The Shifting Paradigm of The Music Industry Is Benefiting Artists and Labels (starting with some much-needed advice for music fans).

admin — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:41:05 +0000

Music fans are notoriously political regarding their tastes (and rightfully so, but ONLY to a certain degree). After all, music is often a huge part of a person’s personal identity. What’s most important to keep in mind if you are a die-hard music fan is that, if there is music of a certain style or genre that you do not enjoy, don’t take it out on the people who do, or the Artist or Band. The love of musical diversity should be celebrated and appreciated instead of being turned into a political war against music fans who do enjoy the musical style that you don’t. I have found that, almost 100% of the time (through personal experience) that, even though music fans and their tastes can differ between night and day, if they’re willing to communicate with each other (clothing styles aside!), they almost always find some type of music, Band, Artist, or single song that they BOTH enjoy! We have more in common with each other than we think. Music is not a world of fragmentation. Differences still flow with one-another, even at microscopic levels. There is only ONE infinite, never-ending ocean of a symphony beyond space and time that music comes from. You might have to be a Musicians or Songwriter to fully embrace the previous sentence, but serious music fans can “get it” too. Finally, DO NOT disrespect ANY Artist or Band if you don’t like them. Do not disrespect ANY music or art. If you don’t like it, TURN OFF the radio or TV and don’t listen to it or watch it. The Band or the Artist you don’t like STILL has the right to be there just as you have the right to tune them out.

***Barnes & Noble has the ONLY music promotion book that will show you how to launch a successful music career, REGARDLESS of your age. Don’t want to wait for the book, and don’t own a Nook? You can ALSO order an Instant Download by clicking here.

The task of promoting music is more competitive than political, though Artists and Bands pursuing music promotion only need to be aware of the corporate audience (no matter how big or small the company is) so that they don’t push the wrong music to the wrong people. When in doubt, leave it out, but take the music somewhere else and bring it back in again.

I’m not one to get involved in the discussion of any type of “politics.” However, in recent days, I have been reminded of the very first article I posted to this site when it was finally up and running. You can click here if you’d like to read it, but please finish reading this first so you can get a sense of where I am at now regarding the Music Industry as a collective whole in terms of music promotion.

The paradigm of the Music Industry has changed in such a way that anyone who goes against the tide is asking for a real backlash in terms of “getting ahead.” This is GREAT NEWS! When online gateway “giants” like itunes began pushing a lot of independent music, that was just the beginning. What ensued though, in my opinion, was the cementing two “parties” not unlike “Democrats” and “Republicans.” Independent Music became a political movement of sorts (and often still is), and Major Label Music became a political movement as well (and again, often still is). Drawing a line in the sand is the WORST thing that either side can do. Music promotion and marketing should not be political. It should be about “selling” to the right music fans, and from a business stand-point, “working together.” The good news? It is DEFINITELY happening more and more, UNARGUABLY so. MTV has jumped on the band-wagon (no pun intended) to include ALL Artists in marketing and sales of their music (and I will UPDATE YOU as more information becomes available about MTV and its exciting new program for Independent Music). I ALWAYS knew MTV was going to do this eventually. www.ReverbNation.com is a company that allows Artists, Record Labels, Managers, Venues, Promoters, AND Music Fans a complete online arsenal of music promotion tools, viral marketing tools, videos, music downloads and sales (just to name several opportunities). The platform is SLEEK and so many people are using it. Think about it; would a serious Record Company or Production Company use it if it wasn’t top-caliber?

MTV and www.ReverbNation.com alone are just two examples of how the political “offense and defense” of Independent Music versus Major Label Music is beginning to completely dissolve. Both sides are seamlessly working alongside one-another in music promotion efforts. There is a silent merger occurring, whether either side is willing to admit it. It’s as if the Independent Music Promoters “versus” the Major Label Music Promoters is getting “thinner.” Keep the faith. It’s only getting better.

More to come.

Music Promotion: Music Marketing Wisdom From My Film: “How to Make it In Music” (A True Story) by: Paul Spencer Alexander

admin — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 20:49:49 +0000

“How To Make It In Music.” (A True Story) from Paul Alexander on Vimeo.

There is a message in my film about band promotion within my website that I don’t want my viewers and readers to miss. Band promotion ideas I researched ended up fostering the (almost) greatest accomplishment in my career as a Singer, Performance Artist, Writer, and Film Maker. As a singer and writer, I was awarded with a 1st place international singing award/trophy by the IMTA (Ashton Kutcher, Katie Holmes). The trophy broke into two pieces. During a period of down-time, coinciding with a necessary “spring cleaning” at my (then) apartment in Studio City, CA, I considered throwing the broken trophy in the trash. I wanted to start a slew of free band promotion websites, and ended up founding: www.MusiciansCompanion.net. I was “down” on my self-esteem and felt awards and accomplishments meant nothing. I needed inspiration by inspiring others to pursue their dreams in music. Plus, I had a broken piece of material that I was hoping to get rid of to lessen the amount of (unnecessary) objects I had placed away in a cabinet. Still, I wanted to teach Artists how to sell songs.

As I made trips to the dumpster with various objects I was willing to part with, I pondered “fixing” the problem of my broken trophy with super-glue (it’s still mine, da&* it, I earned it, plus it’s my only proof!), I came across a wicker basket carefully placed on a wide cinder block directly next to the dumpster. The whole “scene” humorously came across to me as an intentionally visual sarcastic statement. In the dumpster was an “Emmy.” It was, however, to the (former) owner, a “lesser Emmy,” or more appropriately, a perceived “slap in the face” from Hollywood (I’ll explain in just a moment). Not unlike the difficulty of independent music promotion, the only other item in the wicker basket (NOT featured in this film) was an empty container of cat food (RRaaaaar…hissssss); “Hilarious,” I thought to myself, as I grabbed the “lesser” Emmy (for no particular reason at the time), and bolted from the sight. This was where the IDEA for this very short film was born, as the dual incidents of “one person repairing a trophy and another person throwing out a perfectly good one,” aligned in a most noteworthy way with my creativity.

While the Emmy in the film is not a “real” Emmy, it IS in its own right, since it was a “lesser, inside Emmy” given to someone who performed on-the-job but was not presented with the trophy “on television,” and did not have his/her (individual) name on it (talk about the difficulties of the business in general, not to mention independent music promotion). The Emmy was (likely) manufactured as a well-meant gift from the network to say: “you matter,” (believe it or not). I checked Souvenir Shops around Hollywood to compare the quality, and this was superior (much like the courageous challenge of marketing independent music). In many ways, it was not unlike the trophy I had received, and I had a celebrity performing with me as my “sidekick.” In the world of music and marketing, he instead became a Soap Opera Star.

I got to thinking about the emotional state of whoever left the basket there. In terms of music and marketing and other entertainment jobs, I thought to myself: “why be so hard on yourself and take away all your accomplishments? WHY DID YOU THROW THIS OUT, and why do you think your story is over? Where is your pride and sense of self-worth? You EARNED this (measly) little trophy, and how many years did it take you? You would HAD TO have been good, and I’ll bet you can earn FAR more than this (maybe even some money). You have MANY years left too, so why throw out the (lesser Emmy) with the cat water? (Okay, it was cat food, but I just wanted to sound more like the original quote). Then I started to think about a whole universe of music business advice and education I had behind me. I wanted to give away music business marketing advice and web resources for FREE.

I had a broken trophy from a first place international singing competition, and instead of throwing it out, I glued it together (with an attempt to re-glue my spirits). In terms of music marketing, this was the crux behind the invaluable resources, advice, and information I decided to offer Musicians and Songwriters, regardless of where they were at within their careers. I was already MORE than established with multiple publishing awards, excellent press for my albums, honors, live shows, CD sales, and plentiful online sales of MP3s. Music marketing and promotion are constant responsibilities that I firmly believe can be SIMPLIFIED by doing a MINIMUM of “1 task a day.” The problem is, most people don’t know what to do. This is where I decided to come in. Automation of your music promoting efforts is key.

Music promotion is a much easier (luxury?) today, thanks to the Internet, itunes, Amazon, etc. Hence, I created: www.MusiciansCompanion.net as a FREE music promotion site, along with the book: The Musician’s Companion, which offers EVERYTHING you need for online and real-life music promotion tips and web resources for the development of a SERIOUS music career, ON YOUR OWN SCHEDULE & TERMS. My music promotion website and book will give you EVERYTHING you need for a successful career. Musician Marketing does not require you to “reinvent the wheel.” Promoting your music should be as easy now as “The Jetson’s” had it in their own lives (believe it or not). I guarantee it. The wisdom and the advice I continue to offer is from the heart and from a multitude of REAL-WORLD successes.

P.S. I hope you enjoy my film!

P.P.S. I also got to show off, though briefly, a piece of artwork I did in the film. What’s wrong with showing off your skills if YOU are multi-talented? I highly recommend that you do. PEACE.

Artist Spotlight: Donna Cristy, Recording Artist/Performer.

admin — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 17:02:24 +0000

Donna Cristy is a Recording Artist and Performer who deserves regular “standing ovations,” regardless of whether or not you get to attend ALL of her numerously amazing shows throughout Los Angeles (although you should go to ALL of them)! You NEED to go see this woman live to hear what I am talking about.

At the very least, Ms. Cristy deserves these “ovations” at regular intervals throughout music press and various media outlets, especially if you are a Music Producer, Music Writer, or Record Label looking for a FINISHED and POLISHED, working Act who is “ready to go” and “professional-to-the-tee.” Here’s why; for starters, she has one of the most POWERFUL set of live vocals I have had the privilege of hearing at a show of her’s at a hugely well-packed club (not so far back in history when she played the valley for a wildly dancing crowd where no one was caught “sitting”). She is a natural singer who can perform anything on-the-spot. Her vocal integrity and “range” reminds me of a cross between Whitney Houston and Shakira with a passionately soulful and RICH blend of edgy rock & roll, along with the type of pure energy that will leave you “spell-bound.” What’s most admirable and intriguing about Donna Cristy is that, behind the blinding white lights of the stage, she transforms herself from a hard-working and educated original Songwriter (the off-stage person I’d first originally met, who has been recognized with quite prestigious mentionings/awards for her soulfully original rock songs and television shows too numerous to mention), into that of a strikingly high-caliber “Star” on-stage, with amazing looks, presence, and visual style that would leave prospective Labels and Production Companies with very “little” (if anything) to alter. This is a high-class performer who is “down to earth with the music lovers.” To the devoted Los Angeles music fans and music scene, you should ALL visit this link for more information about this wonderful “talent” of a woman who stops at nothing to put on a PERFECT show, every single time.

http://www.donnacristy.com/About.html

More to come.

Whitney Houston: Encouragement For Solo Artists and Bands on the Death of a Music Icon and Vocal Legend.

admin — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 09:40:06 +0000

With all of the statements made about Ms. Houston since the late 1990’s regarding drug and alcohol abuse, I believe the MOST foul of ALL plays came when those pictures of her bathroom and home surfaced in the tabloids, exposing a real mess of leftover beer and soda cans, ashes, lighters, trash, (possible) drug paraphernalia, and other horrific items of garbage surrounding (yet fading out) the gold faucets and top-of-the-line construction of her bathroom. What an invasion of privacy. What gets me most is that the statements regarding those horribly embarrassing photographs suggested, over and over and over again, that this was how Whitney Houston “lived,” and this is “who she was.” Is it at all possible that this was just an unfortunately embarrassing stint of photos to snap after an unusually wild, over-the-top and, yes, messy party, ultimately “violating Ms. Houston’s privacy?” Is the home not still “sacred” and “untouchable?” Bottom line; the most embarrassing revelation that Whitney Houston had to carry with her was the fact that various press were saying: “This is how Whitney lives. This is her life everyday. She is so badly on drugs and alcohol that she lives like a slob.” That is some pretty heavy stuff to have to carry around. The most important consequence is that this truly “flawless legend” (in her own right), who added depth, precise timing, and a theatrical emotion to each song she performed (not to mention an earth-shatteringly powerful and spiritually uplifting set of pipes she was so-very-blessed to have been born with), was hit with a CHEAP-SHOT in the form of an invasion of privacy in her home that put an undeserved “dent” in the image of a physically and vocally beautiful woman of class, demeanor, and poise during a personal time of struggle with substance abuse in her life. It also likely put a “dent” in her psyche. I would want to ask those involved in this, regardless of whether Ms. Houston was ready to get well or not, do you believe that when it actually became her time and her calling to attempt to “get well,” that living with the lasting stigma of those photographs would actually “help her?” Were you trying to help her or harm her?

Given the amount of struggles that Whitney Houston went through, music fans should actually be grateful and (a tad inspired) that she was able to make (at least) a brief comeback in 2009, while having the gumption and the guts to appear with Oprah Winfrey in an interview that same year (appearing “in-control” and, visually, like the legend she ALWAYS had been) to talk about her substance abuse issues, her rehab attempt(s), and the problems of her (by then, former marriage). Whitney Houston talked in-depth and detail about her uncompromising love for her daughter, and it is clear by pictures alone that the daughter TRULY loved her mother. Amen.

Still, I think that photo stint of her home was too much for her or anyone else to bare. Whitney, I don’t believe you advocated living that way, and I don’t believe that’s what you ever stood for. Your home (or one bad night “or several nights” of partying) was NO ONE’S business (especially the public’s). It was a low blow to you, my dear.

Whitney Houston’s interview in 2009 with Oprah Winfrey (I have seen, I believe, the majority of it) revealed a spiritually wise, “connected” side of Whitney Houston’s psyche (that could only be developed through her history as a young Choir singer at a Church that was surrounded with spiritual energy). Add music and singing to the prayer and, bam, you have a level of uplifting spiritual energy the likes of which you might never be fortunate enough to know of. Whitney knew of and felt this energy from her earliest history. How or why she disconnected with it, time (and an autopsy) will certainly reveal. Those photos of her home were a lynch-mob, regardless of whether or not Whitney Houston was in the process of trying to get well or not. Jealousy is oh-so-often the hidden motive in peoples’ behaviors. Even in the VERY late 1990’s when I was singing, performing, and winning video and publishing awards (myself) in New York, I was present for the filming of Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey’s triumphant song: “When You Believe.” This was supposedly during the peak of Whitney’s drug issues, though nobody knew this yet. With the exception of a questionable scar on her face, her voice was MAGNIFICENT (and, of course, so was Mariah’s). They both had to perform that song over and over again (15 times?) in front of a hugely “live crowd” in order to get the “visuals” correct for the music video. Ms. Houston did not falter once, and neither did her voice. When the rumors kicked in about Whitney Houston and that invasion of privacy, she took a fall from dignity and grace. If people criticize her for singing spiritual songs of personal human idealism, despite her own turbulent and troubled life, the one thing I can say in her defense is that we “sing” and/or “teach” what we MOST want to learn.

In an effort to try and create some “good” for present and future Independent Solo Artists and Independent Bands (I’m sure Ms. Houston would want this; she publicly praised multiple Artists who possessed not even half of her own vocal abilities, and had a deep love for other Artists and people in general), I’d like to provide a useful insight that was (perhaps) unintentionally revealed by Whitney Houston herself during her 2009 interview with Oprah Winfrey. Then, I want to talk about your VOCALS and your future as a performer.

Whitney Houston mentioned to Oprah that she didn’t even know what an Icon was when she first started singing in a Church choir. This was despite her famous relatives. She “did her thing” without any expectation (or perhaps PREPARATION) of what was to come (career-wise) and what would result from her genuine talent and gift. It appears that she simply did what came naturally to her (argue if you must). The reality is, she started modeling in her teens to start a career, and was not pushing the singing. This is an exceptionally important lesson for Artists who have been following my advice throughout this blog as well as my book: The Musician’s Companion: Everything you need for a successful music career.

I have ALWAYS stated that your success should be automated, formulaic, and above all, ON YOUR OWN TERMS. Whitney Houston’s numerous industry followers wanted dibs on her amazing talent (perhaps a bit too much and too soon for her). This might have spun her out of control after she got FAR, FAR more than the original “brass ring she earned,” though more accurately in her case, “a multi-platinum ring.” A bad marriage didn’t help matters either, and many people (somewhat) suggest that it was the “nail in the coffin;” no comment here, I was not present for her marriage. This is an ideal time to REEMPHASIZE the importance of creating a music career “on your own terms” and “not biting off more than you can chew.”

Now let’s move on to VOCALS (specifically YOURS’), but with a brief further explanation on how various press unfairly tried to permanently DAMAGE the vocal reputation of Whitney Houston based on her problems with substance abuse. This is useful if you want to learn to sing, “relearn” to sing, or how to sing properly. Here we go, and I hope I don’t sound corny. There’s a daring bit of humor and sarcasm to drive my point across. In Whitney’s own highly validated words: “I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.” With this said, I also believe in my OWN words that “adults are our present, so teach yourself well despite errors in judgment, and lead the way for the children, regardless.” Why am I saying this? I want to talk about possible substance abuse issues with Independent Solo Artists and Independent Bands.

In addition to Whitney Houston’s embarrassing photos and the permanent label she was given as a drug addict, she was ALSO labeled as somebody who permanently ruined her voice. This is arguably NOT true. In reality, years and years of cigarette smoking, smoking other dangerous substances, and drinking alcohol WILL ruin your voice. However, if you’ve been down this road, but still believe in your music and your vision, it’s not going to do you ANY good to think that you are permanently damaged goods or, more specifically, that your voice is. Coming from a family of many physicians, I happen to know that the general “creed” is that “the body heals.” If I sound idealistic, it’s because I’m a Visionary when I write. When I’m not writing, I’m a practical Realist. If you want to start singing again, quit smoking and start drinking PLENTY of water, ideally with lemon (which amazingly helps to “clean” the vocal chords of toxic build-up), drink herbal teas, do breathing exercises as your lungs clean themselves, and constantly strive to keep those vocal chords moist. Take out the mp3 player and download some (GOOD) vocal warm-ups for singers, and do them daily. Your vocal chords are moist flesh, and like any other part of the body, they can heal (especially if the psychology of the brain directing those vocal chords is ALSO cleaner, happier, and more confident due to self-discipline). Your spirit will provide a better performance. Most importantly, do not become fixated on the idea that if you’re not doing 30-minutes of exercise daily (as is so often recommended), then it’s pointless to do any exercise at all. You MUST raise the pulse and keep it going. The “big thing” here (ESPECIALLY for your lungs) is to do at least 15 minutes of cardio. Do it daily, or every other day, if that’s all you can handle. Use a treadmill, get some running shoes and go jogging or power-walking, take a bike ride, and raise your pulse for as many minutes as you can to feel a difference. Do NOT be fooled by the highly published “expectations” regarding what “constitutes” a complete workout. A 110-pound woman’s body is different than the needs of a 175-pound man’s. Yet, either sex can do the same if it means raising the pulse. Does 15 minutes sound too difficult to start out with? Fine; you can handle at least 12 minutes. Just make sure you are exercising. Put the headphones on, and listen to some MUSIC.

Unlike the tragic story that befell Whitney Houston, you don’t have the stigmatized notion from the public that your voice is “ruined” before you even arrive on the stage. That would be some serious pressure to have to live with. We’d all be a bit foolish to believe that Ms. Houston did not have to live under this pressure. The GREATEST gift you can give a deceased legend is to follow your own dream and sing with your own voice on behalf of those who NO LONGER CAN. In short, keep going, keep going, keep going.

RIP Whitney Houston. You are loved.

Music Promotion: If All You Got From Santa Was A Brand-New Muffler.

admin — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 10:46:42 +0000

I want to start by wishing all of you a happy new year! These past few weeks have found me INUNDATED with projects. I hope the same goes for you. While the holidays are fairly distant to the mind by this point, I do want to suggest that, if all you got from Santa was a brand-new muffler, then I hope you were CELEBRATING instead of (possibly) frowning. Here’s why. I had, in the past (upon movin’ to California), humorously come across a book about how to make it in Hollywood. It was written by a college professor and counselor. It tried to sell me some neurosis. I decided not to buy. I’d already owned some.

While I miss New York, I also love to drive. People like me took the subway. We stayed down with the people. Do you? New York was my home when I really started playing live. In Hollywood, we drive to our shows and get to avoid lugging equipment on the subway. Despite this convenience, Artists in Hollywood often have to put up with the problematic social disease known as: “It’s All About The Car.” Artists don’t want to pull up to the loading dock in a “piece of s&%t,” but it can be unavoidable. Most Artists don’t really care, but if it is Hollywood, and it is valet, the strictest of the VIP and managerial staff (in addition to on-lookers), might be judging something as superficial as what type of car you drive as part of your perceived “packaging” and, above all, “the first impression of you.”

Unlike the suited job interview for work in a boring office, where the “Powers That Be” (thankfully) don’t get to see what you pull up in (since you likely get to park in an underground structure 50 floors down from the interviewers, or at the very least, park on the street), when you’re an Artist or Band pulling up to the loading dock with equipment, you are seen and having to greet Staff the very moment you pull up. Make sure your car is CLEAN. Disagree with me if you must, but I am (mostly) only including Hollywood here in the quarantine. Make sure your car is PRESENTABLE, no matter what you drive. Or, grab a limo and go in style, no matter what city you live in. You’ll have more fun, especially if it’s not your best performance. The problem is that a limo is so often a complete waste of money that you should be SAVING. Your actual physical appearance should be polished. In Hollywood, you must be a “Star.”

If you drive an older Ford Focus, that’s FINE. Focus on having that “sledge hammer of a dent” running from the left front grill across your entire left door “repaired or pushed back in somehow,” even if it’s done by a Mickey Mouse Mechanic made in Anaheim. That trusty little yellow bubble on wheels now needs to be WASHED, because the last time you washed it, George Bush Jr. was in office. Yellow bananas turn brown when they are ripe. Your automobile is not a banana and, while it might very well be a lemon, wash it squeaky-clean anyway and dump out all the empty fast food bags that have piled up on the front and back seats. The “interview,” or more specifically, “your first day at work,” in many ways starts the moment you pull up to the club. A car that is visually sloppy might suggest that you don’t take pride in your packaging and appearance. You might look unprofessional (even if YOU look GOOD). Don’t get caught off-guard.

Obviously, it doesn’t matter what you drive. But you do want to try and start living impeccably, no matter where you are at with your music career and your finances. It’s about self-respect. It will do wonders for your self-esteem when you start to fine-tune and MORE OFTEN UTILIZE the daily objects and artifacts you have in your life that, when used, make you more productive in creating, promoting, performing, and distributing your music. Things can flow more freely this way. If you’re in Los Angeles or anywhere else where you drive to your shows, then your car is PART of your productivity and appearance. Get your car fixed, no matter what you drive. It’s cheaper than buying a new one. Save the money for your survival and your music, especially during these times. Keep doing what you love during the process, and the money (should) follow.

More to come.

Music Promotion: The Importance Of Living A Legacy(?)

admin — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 09:02:03 +0000

I have often humored myself with a notion that, the greatest mistake any man might make is to view his own life as a “story” at all. In terms of making a decision as to whether or not you should pursue a music career (as opposed to downgrading to a hobby), you need to get absolutely clear in your head what is fact and what is fiction, regarding your decision. If you have chosen to be a professional music Artist, your songs might very well tell a great story, but perhaps, so should you if you want people to pay attention to your songs or your music. This includes Instrumentalists as well as the pens they should all be using to write about what the music they create means to them. I understand that not everybody likes to speak, especially when we all want so badly for our work to speak for us. Unfortunately, those songs aren’t able to instruct people to push the play button on the ipod. They may not even be in the ipod if you are not doing your part to push them in some way so that people will know they exist and, perhaps, push the play button themselves. You will have to include your music in the marketplace.

Life (in the esoteric) has no need for a story, since it should be filled to capacity with living. That doesn’t mean that if you’ve chosen to pursue a music career, you should be afraid of success either because, if you are, you won’t get anywhere. To get too caught up in a story (especially if it’s one’s own) can be a complete waste of time, I realize. It can also be quite a lot for others to have to deal with. Yet, if you are looking for a happy ending to your story, you had still better realize that you are worth the creation of one. You will get to leave something truly invaluable behind: your music.

To be fearless in the face of success, one must keep in mind that none of us knows the ending to the larger story (the one that includes all of us). No matter how it ends, we were fully living and love was the only meaning. Sorry if I sound corny, but for everybody’s sake, I hope I’m correct. Go ahead and write a story, write your career, and don’t be afraid. At the end of the day, it’s sometimes helpful to keep the idea that all words might be meaningless, but the words or music you created might very well end up a needed (and even healing) portion of another person’s daily existence.

The idea that there is no real meaning grants you the opportunity to create some without any fear of success. The idea might also free you up a bit (along with your productivity when pushing your material), as unconventional as it might sound. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there musically for fear of a consequence to your story. It can often manifest as success from A LOT of hard work. Those that go the very farthest in this world probably have the wisdom that their own “lives” (at least in the esoteric sense), have no real need for a story. This gives them the FREEDOM to create one without fear of consequence (again, mainly of success). Let this idea free you up to create something too, particularly a successful music career. The “story” is nothing more than any (successful) person’s by-product from fully living and participating, being present to do so, and not getting caught up in any story line, especially one’s own. This idea might keep an ego in proper check too, which should also lead to success. Humility is often a storyline that is, by far, most admirable to all, at least in my own book.

More to come.

Home Recording Studio: The Simpler Your Home Recording Studio Equipment Is, The Better.

admin — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:53:03 +0000

Let’s move onto the subject of having a home recording studio that is your’s, and at your complete disposal. Musicians, Artists, and Songwriters often play the “avoidance game” when trying to accomplish setting one up, but this need not be the case. You might very well regard the concept of “proper” home recording as a daunting task. I am a firm believer that following the KISS method (i.e. “Keep It Simple, St#*id”) is the best route to take when choosing a home recording studio.

**For example, you might understand what I mean about having a SIMPLE-TO-USE home recording studio by clicking here: Tascam DP-03 Digital Portastudio (SD/CD)

When I think about software programs for laptop recording, and how convenient many can be, I also think about “frozen screens, pops, hisses, and cracks” that can occur. This does not mean you shouldn’t use them, when appropriate. HOWEVER, I also think it is wiser to own a home recording studio that is self-contained and separate from your computer.

When you think about it, all you really want to do is record GREAT songs that sound as professional and ready for pressing as possible. The ideal situation would be to invest in a multi-track home recording studio that is EASY TO USE, and most importantly, will burn a CD of your session right within the actual recording console (without the need for a computer’s separate CD burner). Doing this will prevent you from having to “reinvent the wheel” by pursuing months and months of (time-consuming, technical, and frustrating) learning that would equate in time and stress to a music engineering degree when ALL you want to do is record your OWN great songs, right now. Best of all, so many new digital recording studios come complete with drums and samples to enhance your recordings and create a more full-bodied sound.

The bottom line is that, however you decide to record, make sure that you follow the rule of “simplicity.” Don’t complicate the recording process and don’t procrastinate over silly (perceived) technical issues that you yourself create and that ultimately waste more time and prevent you from completing the recording of your songs…It’s ALL about the music!!

More to come.

Music Promotion Books: Some Words About Creating Your Press Release.

admin — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 23:00:24 +0000

You can enhance your music promotion and music publicity efforts by distributing news-worthy stories of your Act or band to sources that are interested in your particular topic or musical style. It is a key strategy when promoting your music. All information you publish about your music should have a GENUINE news angle.

While the main goal of distributing a press release is to get your music exposure, your press release must not sound like you are trying to “sell something.” Prospective publications will not publish you if it sounds like you are “advertising something.” They are likely bombarded on a daily basis with these “spam-like” types of press releases that never end up getting any news coverage. Music promotion requires something “newsworthy.” Is there a message in your music that you would like to get across? Explain it “in writing.”

In terms of creating your press release of your Act or band, you might want to think about having an experienced journalist write the press release for you. He/she will likely find a slant within your music )for use when creating a news story) that you or your band haven’t thought of yet. If he/she can’t, find someone who can or, better yet, diversify your musical activities and events.

The most important primer that you should have completed before making an official news announcement to media is having all pertinent (and current) information about your music published on your website. This includes music available for sale (and available as a sample for streaming), as well as how to contact you. If you are not out playing live, you can still distribute press releases about your projects if they are relevant to a current event, or if you are involved in a charity in support of a “greater good.” This would create an opportunity to pursue music promotion and music publicity, since you would be drawing attention to a much-needed charity.

More to come.

Music Promotion Books: Halloween Should Be A “Daily Task” For Musicians and Artists.

admin — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:52:18 +0000

I hope everybody had a brilliant time over the Halloween weekend. I’m here to remind you that, regardless of whether or not you got dressed up for the holiday, you’ve got to remember that your costume, or “persona” is that of a ROCK STAR (or Songwriter, or Opera Singer, or however you happen to identify yourself musically), EVERY DAY of the year. It’s time to learn to promote your music along with your image. Most people already know that Halloween costumes (or any costume for that matter) can take the most (typically) conservative person and transform his/her behavior into something else entirely. Isn’t that fantastic? That’s the beauty of the costume. As I have alluded to a multitute of times in this blog, your daily music promotion tasks should be automated and, for the purpose of this article, so should your “costume,” (which should take many forms).

My point is that the very nature of your music performance is an “Act,” (even though your music, of course, comes from your heart). Your “Act” (or your “costume”) is that of a FULL-TIME JOB (and not just for one silly holiday). This DOES NOT mean that you shouldn’t conduct yourself like a business professional when you’re not on the stage, though I will say that, in terms of music promotion, the FULL ASPECT of your job is to be “in character.” If you don’t think, believe, and behave like a performer (like your “costume”) on a daily basis, how can you expect anybody else to believe in you or your mission, let alone take your mission seriously? If you feel like a little kid playing dress-up with your music and your image, don’t be discouraged. In fact, I highly recommend experimenting with what seems to “fit” and “feel right” as much as you possibly can. In terms of music promotion, if you’re not out there pushing your material (ideally, one to two tasks daily), nothing will happen; and that’s more frightening than the scariest of ALL Halloween holidays in history, combined.

More to come.

Music Promotion: Musicians Must Overcome “Cyber-Laziness.”

admin — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 07:17:23 +0000

In your continuing efforts with cultivating music promotion and music publicity, I want to draw your attention to a WONDERFUL resource for musicians, songwriters, Artists, and bands at: www.cmj.com. This site has a mailing list for successful music promotion and music marketing. Their continuously updated list of music festivals and song writing contests can be sent to your inbox along with instructions for easy, automated submissions of your music. I am constantly updated with their activities, and the amount of music promotion opportunities they provide is truly relentless.

In keeping with the virtue of an automated approach to music promotion, music marketing, and music publicity, we must remember that, despite the much easier (and less bulky) “cyber-approach” to promoting your songs, it still requires effort. In a world that more resembles an episode of “The Jetsons” (as opposed to “The Flintstones”), let’s not forget that with better ease in getting things done comes a new form of laziness: cyber-laziness.

The Jetson Family had a machine that could dial up a gourmet meal of turkey or steak with all the fixins’ in a matter of moments. They could even get their meal in “pill form.” Yet, when they came home from work after a long day of pushing buttons, the idea of pushing just a few more buttons to dial up their dinner was an exhausting task because, to them, that was the present-day “work” that was involved if one wanted to “eat.” They had no appropriate comparison to make regarding how much more difficult it was to take something out of the freezer and microwave it. How primitive (and yes, welcome to our own reality). Microwaving something takes a bit of work for us, a lot of work for some, but to the Jetson family, they would liken the task of microwaving food with having to grind one’s own flour and churn one’s own butter.

My point is that all work is “relative” in terms of the task at hand, and depending on how far technology has advanced in an effort to ease the process of working. We are in the age of cyber music promotion. You can sell your music on itunes and sell instant downloads, upload your songs for consideration in music festivals, contests, and the like. You can book a gig online, send your music to a producer in London in seconds, and blast a press release around the globe in seconds. So why aren’t you doing these types of tasks? Because, as easy as things have gotten (technologically), it still requires the pushing of those buttons. SO… start pushing those buttons, and you’ll get your gourmet meal very soon. You might even grow a successful music career in the process.

More to come.