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January 12, 2012 Much like crafting a sound job resume, there are key features within an electronic press kit that are instituted for the best results. Learn the five requirements that every musician must include to create a powerful and effective EPK that will provide numerous booking, broadcasting, and licensing opportunities.
January 9, 2012 I am a big advocate of the notion that anything is possible. I honestly believe that if I fully understanding what needs to be done and if I desperately want to achieve it, I will.
But, unlike most “self help” doctrine that promotes a quick fix for almost everything, my belief is that real and lasting change requires time for repeated action, time for the brain to rewire for the job!
Many will retort sharply at this notion claiming that they are a product of their inherited genes and that they can no more change their brain as change their eye colour. But we may not be completely at the mercy of our biological make-up after all.
Neuroscientists have challenged the ‘hard-wired brain’ theory, suggesting instead that the human brain is extraordinarily plastic - a rather astute philosopher known as Buddha said the same many years before! It has been known for some time that in exceptional cases, victims of extreme brain trauma have regained function as a result of the brain “rewiring” and reallocating neurons.
Advice, Artist Development, Creativity, Education, Epiphany, Feel good, Mindsets, Research, mastering, motivation, music business, music discovery, opinion | tagged learning, music, myths, practice, talent, trainging October 14, 2011 Many musicians fail to achieve success in the music industry due to lack of “follow through”. The simple act of following through on a few crucial things can make all the difference.
Going round in circles
I used to lack follow through. I’d write song after song but rarely send it to anyone in the industry. Was it laziness, fear of rejection or simply being too focused on my next musical creation? Too be honest I don’t know, but whatever the answer, the non action resulted in stagnation of my music career without me even realising it. I was busy writing songs, working hard and pushing forward, but in reality I was simply going round in circles.
I now view music “creation” as a form of preparation and nothing more. The real job is to send my work to the industry and get their thoughts and literally expose my music more. Shifting my focus in this way means I am able to follow through with each song I write.
October 5, 2011 Clearly the Internet has transformed the manner in which music is promoted and presented to the public. Never has the relationship between art and money been so complex- I mean, who would have ever thought of the day we would see artists who use to sell 3-5 million records first week now struggling to hit Gold? (500k) I can assure you some of the biggest business guru’s were hit with a taste of reality when the Internets power would become somewhat of a overnight success.
Let us rewind- pretend it is 1999 (Good days right?) Billy Joel is given an award for his “inspired songwriting and exciting performances”, Britney Spears releases her debut album “Baby One More Time” (we all remember that video!) the Chili Peppers release Californication with John Frusciante and sell 13 mill worldwide and of course the debut of Hip Hop icon Eminem releases “The Slim Shady LP” - Great time in music right? Now, keep in mind Napster debut July 1998. What if Britney, the Chili Peppers and Eminem had the foresight to see the impact the internet would have and all decided to release their album digitally? What change would have been brought on if they embraced the idea of “internet entrepreneurship”? Do you think they would have been the megastars they are today? Or would would the Label say “Your crazy! This internet thing is a phase and it will pass! It’s like the Record…or like the 8 Track Player..or like the Cassette Tape…or like the CD”
September 22, 2011 OMG you’re going on tour? Congrats! It can be one of the best experiences of your life. However, if your tour isn’t managed correctly, that show in Austin, TX, that you’ve been looking forward to all these months might not happen. Have you changed your oil? Can your van make it the entire distance of the tour without breaking down? Have you confirmed ALL of your dates with the booking agent AND club manager? These are all things we’ll be covering in this article.
August 26, 2011 When you ask a lot of bands “What’s your music like?” they say, “You just have to listen to it.” That’s the low-end of the spectrum for a good band story. We asked ReverbNation COO Jed Carlson: How helpful is it to a band’s success if they have a good story? This is what he had to say:
August 4, 2011 …should each album have it’s own distinct feel/concept throughout? Or should it be a compilation of your best songs during that period of songwriting?
Advice, Branding, Songwriting, Tips, organizing, production, recording, selling | tagged album, compilation, concept, recording July 26, 2011 A quick chat with road warrior and pro musician Andy Sheridan.
How did you get into music?
My life has revolved around music from an early age. I started taking piano lessons classically at age 4. Both my parents are musicians. Guitar came in high school. I was just trying to be cool! Piano wasn’t cool to me then, I hated it actually when I was younger but my parents made me stick it out. Boy am I glad they did!
Advice, Music Industry, Touring and Gigging, interviews | tagged bass, getting gigs, guitar, playing live, touring June 30, 2011 The Music Virus isn’t some code out to destroy computers with James Blunt on their iTunes. The Music Virus is a moment / happening that every so often occurs in the music world. Irrespective of genre, decade, race, sex or rhythm or whether itʼs a group, a band or a solo artist; they are at the centre of a storm of words - the buzz of the industry.
Advice, Creativity | tagged behyped, marko, the music virus May 16, 2011 So you and your friends have gotten together and formed a band. It seems like the perfect idea. You write good music, are really good friends, and want to work really hard to make it as a band because who wants to work in a dead end corporate job when you could be living off your dream. I get it because I’m right there with you. BUT, if you are serious about this, you need to start somewhere and I write this with the hope of having you start out better than where I was (which was square zero). So here is a top 5 list (in no particular order) of things to avoid so you won’t have to make the same mistakes that I did
Advice | tagged Band, Music Industry April 9, 2011 You need to be the best in the world. How else will you earn the work and opportunities desired? But come on, do you really think you have a shot of becoming the top musician out there? For most of us, the answer is obvious: NO! Can you have a successful artistic life even if you’re not the best? Absolutely. But that’s fodder for another post. My message today: become the best in the world! (Huh? But you just said…)
Advice, Mindsets | tagged The Savvy Musician February 4, 2011 “Life can be very, very hard for a musician. You’re competing against millions of others, desperate to be heard over all the noise. And you’ve got no money.
But you’ve got a secret weapon. To outsiders, the music industry is sexy. People with day jobs are fascinated with the mythos of “The Rock Star”.
Make the person you’re talking to feel this. Make them feel like a part of this world.
January 31, 2011 As an unsigned act you’re probably no stranger to spamming an industry pro’s inbox with “check out my band” links. There are always better ways to go about this, but for the most part we welcome the opportunity to discover and listen to new talent. The problem is often FINDING THE MUSIC, once we click the link!
Myspace is the most linked to music page in these requests. Unfortunately, this dying network seems much slower and clunkier than it once was. It often takes more time than we’ve allotted to try and listen to a Myspace band. Making matters worse, are the bands with huge headers and/or numerous graphics, animations, and embedded Youtube videos, not to mention the new Myspace ad structure.
Advice | tagged Artist, dead rage, myspace, official website, unsigned act January 19, 2011 In my dealings and conversations with successful artists, managers, labels, and other industry workers, it has become abundantly clear that increasing your chance of success can be done by embracing two very simple concepts: create great music, and develop great relationships.
Unfortunately, the second half of that equation is sometimes (mis)labeled as simply ‘who you know,’ which implies that an existing connection is required in order to succeed. Sure, having an uncle that works for a label, or having a friend from high school who is now the guitar tech for Coldplay can help, but that’s rare. Those who have succeeded have done so by working hard at developing, and maintaining, great relationships with those they work with.
Here are some tips for developing contacts with meaning:
