Do The Math: Indie vs Major – A Rap Breakdown

Too many times aspiring rappers see the artists with major label deals who seemingly don’t have to do their own hand to hand promo. This leads the unsigned artist in to mistakenly thinking that face to face interaction with fans is unnecessary. The majority of unsigned artists believe that the formula for success is:

• good internet numbers;
• major label artist features;
• radio play; and
• tour dates opening up for bigger acts

If the above were true – then every artist with some money and a lil sense would be successful. However, we who work with music everyday know that this is far from true. I’m sure that most people reading this know artists and/or indie labels who’ve spent millions to put the above pieces in place – yet never see any success or get a real return on investment.

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5 Ways to Thank the People Behind Your Musical Success

The only people who know and understand how challenging a musician’s career is are the ones who stand directly behind them. These are the people who have supported you all along the way. While at the end of the day you get showered with awards and accolades, their only reward is your success. Therefore, it's extra important to always let them know you appreciate their support. Small gestures go a long way in maintaining these relationships.

1. Goodie Basket

Gift baskets are something everyone loves. Instead of mass ordering gift baskets, choose one depending on what each person likes. There's a basket for everyone, ranging from indulgent toiletry sets to gourmet food selections. Goodie baskets are especially meaningful to those on tour with you as they likely miss the luxuries of home. Baskets can be ordered from a company like FTD wherever you can find a Wi-Fi connection and sent to your next location. Present them to people like your manager and key sound crew with a hand-written note. In your note, mention why they are an essential part of your trip and how their support is essential to you.

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Promoting Your Material on a Budget

Now, if you’re an artist or start-up business owner, you most likely know how it feels to go without, for the sake of your career, simply because you have that much passion for it. You may even be going through that phase right now, and you may feel like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to your career. Does this cycle sound familiar to you:

• I don’t have money because my music/business hasn’t taken off.
• My music/business hasn’t taken off because it’s not being promoted enough.
• It’s not being promoted enough because promotion takes money, and I don’t have money.
• (repeat steps 1-3 above)

This is probably one of the most frustrating phases that about every career builder has gone through. The good news about this cycle, is that promotiondoesn’t have to cost loads of money. Ironically enough, the cheapest/free forms of promotion work the best!

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Is It Legal for Your Business to Play Music Over Its Sound System?

Music can help clients relax in a waiting room, make employees more productive and overall improve the workplace experience. However, in trying to provide your business with the right type of music, you may be running afoul of the law. Business owners must get permission of copyright owners (aka recording artists) when playing music in the office, reports BMI.

What’s Legal, What’s Not

To understand the legal line between listening to music at work and breaking the law, you need to understand what constitutes a public performance. Any time a large group that is not a family or acquaintances listens to music, it constitutes a public performance. If you’re listening to a CD in your office or a shared cubicle with headphones on, it is not a public performance. If you get your cubicle mate to listen to a new favorite song, it is not a public performance. If you are playing that same track for the whole office, it is a public performance.

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A Few Tips To DOUBLE or TRIPLE Your Income At A Gig

Most musicians and/or bands don’t realize the financial opportunities available to them at a gig.They incorrectly assume that the fee they receive is their only income. The problem is… that fee can be incredibly low or nonexistent at some venues.

That being said, how can you actually make money? The obvious answer is product! But… just having product “available” does not guarantee sales.

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Is Music Stardom Attainable?

Music Stardom is still a great motivator of struggling musicians worldwide. The big names seem to have it all - fame, fortune and the ability to somehow stay in the spotlight.It’s natural to assume that with all this success, life must be pretty amazing. 

Truly successful musicians have diversified income strategies. Their income streams are as diverse as their personalities. They might include record sales, concert tickets, clothing lines, perfumes, product endorsements, book deals and even acting careers.

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FAILURE VS.SUCCESS - Your Music Career

Get used to the word “no”. You’re going to hear it a lot. But all it takes is a “YES” or two and you’ll be on your way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help either. You may find a patron saint out there who would love to be a hero. It happens more than you’d think. You will run into disappointment. That’s a fact. But, don’t let that deter you. Remember, you can only measure your success by comparing it to your failures. Some of the biggest names in music failed miserably before they succeeded.

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How To Take Your Music Career To The Next Level With A Mentor

If you would like to start a career in music and quickly reach success as a professional musician, it is crucial to find a mentor who has already achieved great things in the music business. Learn how to find your own mentor be reading this article.

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