Play with your food

Musician | Posted by Loren Weisman
Aug 25 2009

Many artists strive to get the best gear, the top equipment and the most stuff that they can possibly cram onto stage or into the studio. Whether it’s that drum or this toy or that additional instrument, many musicians today have too much stuff, and most of them don’t even know how to use half of what they have. So play with your toys. Mess around with buttons, sounds, tunings, setups, etc. You may know the basic sounds, but what else can you do to find out even more about your gear?

Loren Weisman

Loren Weisman

In some ways, when you purchase a certain effect or instrument, it’s like you have purchased a kitchen’s worth of supplies and food. When you only use a certain configuration or a certain set up, it’s the same as only using one kind of food from that kitchen. I have a favorite food, but I also like variety and I like to know what all my options are before I prepare or order what I want to eat. Why not apply the same ideas to your gear?

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The Producer’s Job-Finding a Singer’s Unique Sound

Producer | Posted by guest author
Aug 13 2009

music_producerA songwriter or singer about to record a demo or CD intended either to garner industry attention or for direct sale to the public needs to be cognizant of this: not all producer’s are created equal. Some producer’s do little more than manage a recording session and take whatever is given them from the musicians and the vocalist. They may do a decent mix and create a CD that sounds professional. But in my opinion that is not producing, at least in most cases. Sure, there are times when an artist has a voice and style where staying out of the way and simply capturing the magic is the right approach. But most singers, songwriters and bands, even though they may be highly talented, are not unique enough to garner a deal as-is. It’s the producer’s job to bring it out.

I’m going to toss out a few names: Dolly Parton, Neil Young, Jennifer Nettles, Louie Armstrong, Michael McDonald, Josh Turner…If you hear any of them on your radio, you instantly recognize who they are. Know this, if you can’t create that same kind of instant identity, you are not very likely to get signed to a recording contract- you’ll be one of hundreds of soundalikes vying for that same deal- and if you do get signed, your latest pair of shoes my well outlast your career.

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How Can I Find Work In Music When There Are Only 25 Music Careers?

Indie Artists | Posted by guest author
Aug 12 2009

music_careerThe Music Industry is not only limited to 25 music careers and - is not just for singers, rappers, musicians, dancers, song writers, producers, etc. that are super talented. (and some not so talented) It’s also for those that love a behind the desk job, or hands on work or technical electronics or the office executive and so on and so on.

Many pass over the thought of themselves actually working in the industry due to the common mindset… “if one has talent they have a chance in music.” If one wants weekly (or bi-weekly) pay with benefits one seeks a normal job in the 9-5 workforce. This is simply false. Most people love music to some extent. Those that are paying attention to their future and careers know or at least wish they can be involved with something they love.

Many will admit they believe they don’t have what it takes to make it in the music industry and some will admit they don’t have a desire to be a musical artist. But many will also admit they need a job, and for longevity’s sake will admit they need a career they love. They love music and need career involvement in something they love.

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Selfless Band Promotions And Music Services That Help Keep You In The Game!

Bands | Posted by guest author
Aug 10 2009

stageThis music industry you find yourself entrenched in can bring great rewards but without proper guidance has also been known to bring great failures… time and time again. It is imperative that musicians and their public relations dealings are handled as professionally and completely as possible. A proper internet presence along with constant musical appearances are the order of the day.

Artists Who Are Not Being Seen Are Being Forgotten

It’s true that most independent acts nowadays are satisfied with self management, however, with self serviced public relations there is usually little or no accountability. In order to ensure your requirements are being met, you must be absolutely confident that the tasks your band need completed, are indeed completed as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Music Relation Services Are A Step In That Direction

No one can claim to be able to fulfill all of your business requirements, but getting you pointed in the right direction and primed for growth is an absolute must. With assistance in completing a professional website, a band/artist biography and a photographic portfolio, a music business team can move you from mediocrity to a well oiled musical machine. Independent music services are able to work with you to develop a fundamental and necessary plan of action, while staying within your budget. What these services provide you is a tangible road map to follow, allowing you to work on what you do best. Create great music!

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Top five reasons you will fail in music.

Musician | Posted by guest author
Aug 02 2009

Loren Weisman is an accomplished music producer based in Seattle,
Washington. Having worked on over three hundred albums, Loren has also
worked on numerous television, film, video game and radio productions,
from New York to Los Angeles, Boston to Seattle. Loren is also the
founder of Brain Grenade Entertainment LLC, and the author of the
Freedom Solutions Recording Plan.

fail-musicThese are five of the top reasons why you will fail at a music career. It may sound like it is coming off a little harsh. That’s because it is. Too many musicians put too much energy and effort into talking about why things have not happened or why things are not working for them. Everyone has reasons, justifications and rationale to explain why they are failing, yet these same artists do not take the steps to problem solve, change direction, learn, educate or empower themselves with the knowledge and the tools to change the path.

Egos are a sensitive thing and musicians, as well as other artists, are very sensitive. Add stubbornness and delusions of grandeur to ego and you get a failure trifecta. The music industry has changed. It is not what it was twenty five years ago and, hell, it is vastly different than what it was even five years ago.

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Indie Artist Road Map – Tips on How to Find Useful Resources on the Web

Indie Artists | Posted by duane charles
Jul 25 2009

highway1Ever Since I started the independent artist | music journey on the web, I have been mining it for useful information and helpful resources on a daily basis to help guide me on my way. Need a great tip? Blogs are great pit stop. Want to learn form the pros? There is usually one at every at every other exit. Get lost and can’t find your way? Google it. It is a wonderful road map to take on any journey. Just be careful when you drive past page 10 of the search results. You just might lose your way… unless you’re specifically looking for back highway links to nowhere.

Anyway, what’s great about the wonderful world of the web (www) is much of the information on its pages is toll free. Blogs, Social networks Indie music, art, images, eBooks, videos tutorials, etc; many sites give away information freely, some on a daily basis. Most are great places to visit. I circle the best on my bookmark road map for regular return visits.

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5 Sure Fire Ways To Get Radio Play For Your Independent Music!

Bands | Posted by guest author
May 21 2009

Ty Cohen, the music industry’s most recognizable voice! Ty is the C.E.O of Platinum Millennium Publishing, Platinum Millennium Records as well as owner of www.MusicContracts101.com and www.MusicIndustrySuccess.com


radioYou have to find radio airplay time if you’re going to be heard and we’re not just talking the local college campus. The trick is called promotion. Now that doesn’t mean you just put your press kit in an envelope with a demo and hope they take pity on you. Perhaps you call a station and they give you the standard pitch of, “Send it and if we like it we’ll put you in rotation.” After a few months of never hearing your music, you automatically think you’re not worthy.

First, don’t buy that. You’re one of hundreds, maybe even thousands depending on your city. Your disc will probably end up in the trash or, for more enterprising DJ’s, on Ebay in a one-cent CD sale. If you want to be heard and make potential sales, you have to stand out from the crowd, and in this jewel of an article, I’ll show you Five(5) Knock ‘em Dead Ways to Do Just That!:

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Independent Music Artists Adjusting To New Social Media Outlets

Indie Artists | Posted by duane charles
May 15 2009

web2_logosWeb 2.0, with all its new social networks, social media, applications and mobile technologies, has radically changed the way people socialize, play, think, communicate and work. For independent music artists, it’s become a vital tool for attracting new listeners and building a fan base.

And just like any other marketer, you have to learn to grow along with these trends if you want to take advantage of them. Truth is, if you’re not making the most of social media outlets, you’re probably wasting big opportunities to be heard, reach new fans and grow your career.

OK, but how do you do that? It’s not easy, as an independent music artist, to have enough time to figure all this stuff out. You already have your hands full creating art — developing your passion — while building a business of sorts, your own personal brand. To stay competitive we have to adjust to evolving technologies and participate fully in social communities all over the Internet…and still make time for music.

It is challenging. And when you’re first getting started in social media, the learning curve can be pretty steep. Your vocabulary’s going to grow by leaps and bounds as you figure out new things like SEO, SMO, MySQL, Adwords, Adsense, ROI, VC, CSS, RSS, CPC, Ajax, coding, widget, Twitter, Mashable, TechCrunch, Digg, Facebook, Myspace…

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Starting a Hiphop Record Label Versus Getting Signed

Producer | Posted by guest author
May 07 2009

Mello Melanin is the force behind www.RapBeatCreator.com, a site specializing in teaching new producers how to get started making their own beats. He is the CEO of What’s Hot Media, Inc. Some of his greatest accomplishments include, performing at the world famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York and performing with Grammy Award winners The Roots

by Mello Melanin

music_-producerAs a Hiphoppa whose been in the music industry for years, I have seen a lot of changes. I’ve seen the cassette come and go, vinyl get pushed from everybody to only deejays, and the birth and near death of the cd. I’ve also seen the rise of many independent record labels and fewer and fewer artists getting signed by record labels.

I’ve seen artists get signed and blow up and I’ve seen them go independent and blow up. So which is better: Going independent or getting signed? Both have their pros and cons. Let’s take a look at a few.

The benefits of getting signed can be huge…if you got the right things in place. Generally to get signed, you need a marketable demo, an 8×10 head shot, a bio, and a whole lot of patience and hustle. This is typically not an overnight process. Depending on your budget, it may take months to complete your demo package. With today’s technology, lets say it takes you 2 months.

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How To Put Together A Working Cover Band

Bands | Posted by guest author
May 07 2009

By Ricky Roberts

cover-bandThere are a lot of factors that go into getting prepared to book shows for your band. I learned early on that there are many important factors that go into getting a band performance worthy. Many times I have went to see a band perform and have been disappointed at the final result. These bands are never around for long, and are not bands that I would wish to join.

MEMBERS

The first thing that is required are members. The most crucial part is often finding members who have the same level of interest in the proposed project. Many bands are composed of friends or of other local musicians found in the close knit community of musicians in your area. Potential members can be found through many free websites offering musician placement on the internet, or at a local music store that often provides a bulletin board for musicians looking for bands.

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