Music Marketing [dot] com

The Music Business Sucks Because...

That next part is for you to fill in. :)

I've put together a very short, 8 question survey, which will help me to make MusicMarketing.com and Music Business Radio more effective in helping you.

What's Your Biggest Music Business Frustration?

Again, it's only 8 questions. 

I hope you'll take just a few minutes now, before you forget, to let me know what you need help with.   :)

This is totally anonymous, by the way...unless you feel like adding your contact info at the end.  No pressure, but if you do, I'll be able to followup with you, should I need more info.

Thanks for your help with this!

Metallica - A Little Taste of Death...and I Do Mean Little

Wow.  Metallica has finally seen the light and is putting samples of its new album online...very little samples.

How the hell are people supposed to get an idea of what your new stuff sounds like if you only give them 14 seconds of a low-fidelity stream?  That's like saying, "Hey, I have this new IMAX film available, but instead of letting you see what you'll see in the theater, I'm going to show it to you on this iPod...in black and white.  And you'll have to wear a patch over your left eye."

If you're going to give people a taste of what you do, go balls out and give them a taste of what they'll actually get...not some watered-down version.

Time to Quit Your Band - More Thoughts...

A few days ago I posted a list of Top 10 Signs It's Time to Quit Your Band...

Since then, I've gotten a lot of emails from people, more or less telling me, "I would quit, but we're right on the verge of something big."

Maybe so... And maybe that's a good reason to stay, but you really have to ask yourself if things are going to be really different if "something big" does happen.  For more people, if you're miserable now, you'll still be miserable when something hits.

And if something hits, it's doubtful it will hit for long, if you don't have the right team together.

Several years ago, in one of my first books, I told you guys the story of a band that had everything...or seemed to.  They were touring like crazy, fans loved them, and they were selling tons of albums and t-shirts.  And that's when the major labels started calling...

Several companies wanted to sign these guys.  They have a proven product and it was a safe bet.  So they set up a huge showcase to give one final push, and make the companies who wanted to deal with them, really want to play ball.

And that's when everything came down...

The singer, who had been hanging on by a thread, and was annoying the hell out of everybody else, ended up in the hospital as a direct result of the lifestyle he was living, so the group had to cancel the show.  Once word got out about why, the companies who were interested, suddenly got less interested...and things continued going down from there.

The story has a happy ending.  One of the guys in the group went on to produce some very successful records.  I haven't looked him up in a while, but as far as I know, he's still around and doing well.  And the other guys, who really wanted it, did fine as well.

My point?  If you're going to be successful, you're going to be successful...as long as you have the right team.  If not, they'll drag you down like crabs in a barrel. 

Beyond that, why waste time in a situation you don't like or which will keep you from doing what you need to do?

When something ends, something else begins.  Life is too short to play with people who aren't as committed as you are.

10 Signs It's Time to Quit Your Band

  Quitting your band is one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever make.  You’ve devoted time, money, and your heart and soul in to this group.  Every band sees some trouble from time to time, and you don’t want to be a weenie and quit just because someone used your guitar pick to clean their teeth.  But there may be a time when you have to seriously consider if being in your band is still in line with your personal goals.

Here’s a list of things that may serve as red flags.

1.    You don’t feel inspired any more.

Music is art.  If you don’t have the inspiration to keep making more—or if you feel like you’re just going through the motions in your practice or performance, it’s time to re-evaluate whether or not your band is the right vehicle for you to express yourself.  There are a lot of reasons why “the thrill is gone”:  personal changes, artistic growth, or the discovery of something new and more exciting in your life.  Whatever the cause, you can’t “fake” inspiration, and you’ll resent your band the more you try.

2.    Practice sessions are unproductive.

So, one of the guys is late...again.  Another one brings his girlfriend to practice and they spend twenty minutes making out on the sofa.  The drummer’s cell phone rings three times and he insists he can’t turn it off because he’s waiting for his roommate to call him with the game score.  It is pretty clear that no one is taking things seriously.  When people don’t take practice seriously, it is a clear indication that the creative energy is low, or worse, non-existent.  If your efforts to keep things on track are met with continued lackadaisical attitudes by the other members—it’s probably time to find another home for your talent.

3.    There is regular conflict between two or more members.

Everyone’s been here:  egos clash, opinions are aired.  It’s actually healthy to have some disagreement and dialog in the creative process. But if there is regular conflict between members of the band, the negative energy is only going to stifle the creative process.  Not to mention it’s a pain in the ass for everyone else to have to set aside practice time only to have it turn into a bad reality television show.  If the conflicted members are not interested in resolving their issues, there is only so far you’ll ever be able to go as a band.

4.    Creativity has come to a standstill.

You may have had a good couple years.  Maybe you’ve recorded a disc and played a series of shows with success.  You’ve built your name in the community and have a following.  But now, there’s nothing new and you feel like you’re rehashing the same old same old stuff during practice.  There needs to be a serious discussion in the band about new material.  If you’re not constantly creating new music, you might as well be a cover band.  If it’s not happening here, then you might want to find another outlet.

5.    You feel that your contributions are being ignored—or resented.

A band is not a dictatorship.  Everyone has a role to play, and everyone’s contribution is important.  That’s not to say that your drummer can come in to practice one day and decide he wants to play lead guitar; but it is important that every member feels comfortable making a contribution and that everyone is able to push themselves in new, exciting directions keeping them stimulated and creative.  If you feel that your band mates are trying to keep you in a creative “box” and resent your efforts to expand your contribution, then you need to decide how long you’re willing to do that before it’s time to move on.

6.    You have an opportunity to further your career somewhere else.

When you’re in a band, you are part of a team.  So when something else comes along, you don’t just run off and leave your buddies high and dry.  But the bottom line is that your career is your own.  If you have an opportunity to do something that will change you life, it is worth considering.  There’s no right or wrong answer—only you can tell if it’s worth taking the risk of leaving your band for another opportunity.  Don’t automatically discount an offer for something big just because you’re already in a band.  Weigh the decision carefully, and if you decide it’s worth it, make your choice and stand behind it.

7.    Members have started flaking on practice and rehearsal.

Unless you’re independently wealthy, chances are that you’re not only in a band, but you are working to pay your bills; and you have family commitments, relationships, and other responsibilities that are all vying for your time.  A band is not meant to be a cult where you shun everything else in your life: members need to be sensitive to one another and not make unrealistic demands on time.  However, if someone can’t carve out regular quality time to practice with your band, they need to admit it.  You can’t just show up once a month and play a gig without regular practice. 

8.    One or more of the members has a serious problem with drugs or booze.

Musicians are famous for their partying, and there’s no reason to expect your band mates to be Quakers.  But when someone crosses the line and their drug-use or drinking affects their relationships, their commitments, and their performance—it’s time to take action.  If you’re dealing with an addict, you need to talk to a professional about how to approach them.  Confronting someone about their addiction is painful for both sides, and the bottom line is that you care about the person—but you can’t let them continue to destroy themselves and take advantage of you and your time.  If the band doesn’t want to have this conversation with the member who has the problem and doesn’t think it’s important to address, you are wasting your time.  Additionally, if the whole band seems to spend more time partying than practicing; it’s time to move on.

9.    There’s not an equal commitment or contribution by all members.

An independent band requires its members to play more than one role.  Often you are responsible for your own management, public relations, and marketing.  You need everyone to cooperate if you’re going to make it.  It’s unfair to expect one or two people to handle all the ‘grunt’ work.  There’s no room for a prima donna in a band.  If people are slacking and you can’t seem to motivate them, you have three choices:  continue to put up with it and hope your band magically achieves success; try to convince them to step it up; or leave the band.

10.    You can’t keep up your end of the bargain.

You’re the only person who can make this call.  If you’re over-extended in your time and energy, or if your energy is being used up by your wedding, a new baby, a job, your PhD or the Boston Marathon—then you need to admit it to yourself and your band mates.  Being in a band isn’t supposed to be juts another obligation in your day planner.  If that’s what it has become, then you need to seriously reconsider whether or not you should be doing it.

"Hidden Money" Offer is Sold Out

My "Hidden Money" in Your Music Business deal sold out in 17 minutes.  Thank you for the great response.  I'm looking forward to personally working with everybody!

Have had several emails and calls from people who still want to get in.  Unfortunately, I'm unable to take on any more people at this time.  My schedule simply won't allow it.

Will I do this again?  Possibly, but I'm not planning to at this time.  However, you'll be the first to know, should I change my mind, if you subscribe to this blog via feed.  But don't hold your breath...  The last time I did anything similar was in 2005.

Again, thank you for your interest!

The "Hidden Money" in Your Music Business

Have you ever been in this situation?  Most musicians have...

You've practiced for hours...  You've scraped money together to get the equipment needed to write, perform, and record...  You've dealt with the frustrations of putting the band together, finding just the right mix of players who can create the sound you've been hearing in your head for so long...

Now you've got some really great music.  You want the world to hear it.

But you're being stopped in your tracks, because you've got no money.  It's frustrating.   Simply put, this lack of money is limiting you from being able to reach the people that want to hear your music.

But it gets even more painful... Not only do you need money to be able to reach music fans, the companies that have money to invest in you, the major labels, publishing companies, and managers, want to see that you're making money before they'll even consider talking to you.

It's a Catch 22.  But here's the good news.

You no longer have to feel this way.  I can help you.

Before I tell you exactly how, let's look at the facts...

FACT: If you want to be taken seriously as a professional musician, you must prove to the people in music industry that you can make money with your music.

But as daunting as that sounds, you don't have to worry...  I'll help you prove that your music is viable and makes money.

Whether you're idea of "making it" is getting a major label record deal or simply being able to play a gig at your local music venue, you'll never do either one if you can't demonstrate your ability to make money in the music business.

Sure, people who work in this industry, whether record label executives or booking agents, love music, but they're in business...and it takes money to stay in business.  Regardless of how much they love your music, there is only so much they can do for you, if you're not making money.

But if you are making money, they can do a lot for you...

When you've proven to the industry that you have music people will buy, a show people will come to, and a real business that makes money, they'll knock down your door with:

• record deals
• publishing contracts
• big budgets for promotion
• tour support
• everything it takes to get your music to the masses

FACT: A "good song" isn't enough anymore.

If you aren't making money with your music, nobody will pay attention to you.  This industry isn't the same as it was even five years ago.  Labels, management companies, and publishers are looking for "proven" product that they know they'll make money with. 

Simply put, before major labels, publishing companies, or anybody else in the music industry will take your seriously, these companies want to know what you've got will sell.

That's where I come in...

FACT: I can help you make money with your music.

Since 1995, I've worked with hundreds of bands, record labels, and management companies to increase profit centers, sell more music, and make more money on everything that they do.  And I can help you find this "hidden money" within your music business, too.

It's money (often times, a lot of it) that you didn't know you had...

Have you ever checked the pockets of a jacket you haven't worn in a while,only to find a $20 bill?   That's the feeling you'll get when I discover the "hidden money" in your music business.

I can help you build your music business into something that makes money...

- on every show you play...
- on every album you release...
- on everything you do...

If you've got the music and you're working to promote it, but seem to be getting nowhere, I can help you "tweak" a few things to get you on the right track...and making the kind of money that will get you major label attention.

FACT: You're not making as much money with your music as you should be. 

What I mean by that isn't that you're lazy or that the world is "unfair" or something; it's that you're not taking advantage of money-making opportunities that are right in front of your face...right now.  Perhaps this is because you're not sure how to go about taking advantage of these opportunities.  Or maybe you don't know that they even exist.

Regardless, you're losing a lot of money right now...and I can help you take care of that problem, with a simple phone call.

I want to help you "plug the leaks" in your system.  I want to help you make sure you're generating the most amount of money you possible can and make sure major labels, publishing companies, and managers don't pass you over, simply because you need help with your music marketing.

How it works... 

The process is simple...

1. You book time with me.  See below for information on how to do that.

2. You fill out a quick "intake" form with information about what you're doing to market your music and what you think you need help with.

3. We schedule an appointment that works for both of us.

4. I get on the phone with you and tell you how to fix your music marketing problems.

5. You sell more music, get more people to your shows, and make more money in the music business.

FACT: If you want to get on the phone and personally work with me one-on-one, this may be your only opportunity.  

I love working with musicians and songwriters one-on-one, where I can really "go deep" with them and come up with new ways for them to make money with their music, increase fans, get more web traffic, and otherwise live their dreams.  The problem I have is finding the time to do it!

Unfortunately, I can't help everybody.

You see, my time to work one-on-one with people is extremely limited.  As I've gotten more involved with broadcasting and publishing, I've had to cut way back on the amount of clients that I personally work with.

I don't feel too guilty... I've written plenty of books on the music business, which you can always pick up on Amazon for around $15.  And you can listen to my radio show weekly, of course. 

But for those who really want to "go big" and get huge results, working with me personally is the best way for me to help you to:

• Get more people to your shows.
• Sell more music.
• Make more money in the music business.

BOTTOM LINE: I WILL HELP YOU MAKE MORE MONEY WITH YOUR MUSIC.

FACT: If I can't help you to find AT LEAST two new streams of income for your music within the hour we spend together, I'll refund your money.

And while we're on the subject of money, let's talk about how much an hour with me will cost you.  Depending on your situation, it will cost you one of two things...

If you're signed to a major label or have a deal with a major publishing company, your rate is $335.  If you've sold over 100,000 records, your rate is $335.  Call my office at 615-460-9595 to arrange payment and schedule an appointment.

If you're an independent artist or songwriter, your rate is only $97, but there are a few rules...

1. You pay upfront.  I only have 10 slots available, so I need you to commit to one of them now.  Assuming there are slots still available, a payment button is below.  Once you pay, my assistant will contact you about scheduling an appointment with me at a time the is convenient for both of us.

2. I want to talk to you within three weeks.  Let's not drag this out.  If you're not ready for my help now, please leave the space open for somebody who is.

3. This special rate is for phone only.  I'll call you on my dime, regardless of where you are in the world.  And yes, this applies to you, even if you're here with me in Nashville. 

4. This special rate is for one-on-one consulting with independent musicians and songwriters.  "One-on-one" means YOU talk to ME.  If you want me to work with your entire band, your manager, your wife, your booking agent, or anybody else, call my office at 615-460-9595 and talk to my assistant.

I have 10 "one-on-one" slots available.  If you want one, get it now...

I don't do this often.  The last time I did anything similar was in 2005. 

Why?  I'm simply too busy with my radio show, publishing company, books, and other projects to do one-on-one consulting at this price.  In a nutshell, I can reach more people and make more money elsewhere.

So why am I doing one-on-one music marketing help for so little?  It's actually quite selfish...

Working with independent musicians and songwriters helps to keep my ear to the street.  When we can talk personally, I get a better understanding of what it is you're trying to accomplish...and solutions which I develop for you eventually end up in the books I write and seminars I give.

I'm in Nashville, so I see independent musicians and songwriters all the time...and we often do things like this networking party, which got me in front of over dozens of people in one evening.

In short, I need material for events like these. :)

If you feel $97 is too much for me to personally get on the phone with you, really dig in to what you're doing, come up with a custom solution for your marketing problems, as well as show you the "hidden money" in your music business, that's fine.  I hope that you'll get a free subscription to this blog, listen to Music Business Radio, and take advantage of what I'm giving you for nothing.

But if you're ready for me to personally take your current music marketing situation, finding all the holes in it, and help you attract the attention of major labels, publishing companies, and managers, all while making money doing what you love, let's go.

If you want to be one of the very few who gets this opportunity, here's your chance...

Work with me one-on-one for only $97...

SOLD OUT - THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST

Want to be notified of future opportunities to work with me?  Click here.

One more thing...

Chances are, because you're here, that you know who I am and you've read at least this blog before.  And chances are, you've probably read my books on music marketing and listened to my syndicated radio show, Music Business Radio. But if you somehow happened to stumble upon this site and have no idea who I am or what I do, you might want to take a couple of minutes to read about me on Wikipedia, before you decide to work with me.

Know who I am and what I can do for you already?  Good.  I'm looking forward to working with you. :)

Music Business Radio 100th Episode Party - What You Missed

A big thanks to the 400+ musicians, songwriters, and other music business professionals who showed up last night to celebrate the 100th episode of Music Business Radio.  And a big thanks to BMI, especially Jody Williams, Erica Glidewell, and Nancy Moore, for allowing us to use their building.

We've been working on the show for every three years and it's been on the air for over two.  For me, time has flown by and a big reason for that is the AMAZING staff-- producer Gary Kraen, engineer Dan Buckley, editor Justin Hammel, and production coordinator Paige Presley.  Plus, we've had amazing support from Tuned In Broadcasting and our flagship station, Lightning 100 in Nashville-- owner Lester Turner, Program Director David Hall, Music Director Keith Coes, Promotion Director Jayson Chalfant, Laurel Creech of Team Green, Event Coordinator Keeley Reed, General Manager Fred Buc, Sales Manager Ken Austin, Marketing Consultants Tich McWilliams, Lesli Bills, and Cindy Felts, Business Manager Nadine Barbour, Director of Media and Technology Tom Hansen, and Media Content Coordinator Brian Waters.

Last night's event was a first of many, so watch for more soon.  As the show continues to be syndicated on broadcast radio stations throughout the country, we'll be taking thing on the road.

We gave away a lot of stuff, including guitars by Waterstone, scholarships to the Music Producers Institute, and other prizes from sponsors including Big Studios, and Avenue Bank.  Nobody left hungry or thirsty...  But the real value of last night's event was the networking.  Tons of "top shelf" people were in the audience.

See photos from the Music Business Radio 100th Episode Party here.

Make sure you don't miss out on MBR episodes or the next live event.  Subscribe to the MBR podcast.

Thanks again to everybody who showed up.  Looking forward to more events soon!

Yes, it's Worth Making a Trip...

Have gotten enough emails on this that I think it's worth posting here...

Yes, even if you have to come from out of town, the Music Business Radio event next week is worth coming to.

Yes, all genres of music will be represented.  It's in Nashville, but you guys have heard the show-- we deal with a lot more than just country music.

But with that said, if you're in country music, you really need to be here.

It's easy to get online and think you're in the music business, but this is a business of relationships...and relationships develop best when you're in a face-to-face situation such as what we're doing this Wednesday.  If you're within a few hours by car, or have the means to fly in, I suggest making the effort to be here.

Rarely will you find so many important people (producers, managers, record label executives, etc) gathered in one place.  Sure, parties are common in the music business, but how many events at this level do you have access to?

Next week, I'll be posting photos from the event.  I want you in those photos-- not saying to yourself, "I missed out."

If you have any questions, feel free to post them here.  I'll personally get back to you with an answer.

And for those who want the official invite...

Please note:

This invite is being sent to people who are in the business and know where BMI is, which is why there is no address on it.  So just to make sure you know where to go...

BMI Nashville
10 Music Square East (View Map)
Nashville, TN 37203-4399
(615) 401-2000

Music Business Radio 100th Episode Party - You're Invited!

We just reached a big milestone for Music Business Radio, so we're throwing a party for all the great listeners who have helped to put us on the map.

As you can imagine, we've connected with a lot of great people over the last couple of years...not only guests on the show, but publicists, journalists, radio programmers, and others involved in the music business.  These are the kinds of people you'll meet at this event.

This is your chance to personally connect with:

• producers
• publicists
• record label executives
• top songwriters
• and other music industry professionals

And not only will you make great industry connections, you'll also walk away with some really good stuff to help your music career...

First 200 people get a free copy of my best-selling audio book, CD Release Party Strategies: Insider Secrets for Independent Bands, Musicians, and Songwriters--How to Have a Major Label Event on a Shoestring Budget.  And I just found a big box of this music business audio book, which I'll be giving away also...as long as copies last. :)

Plus, we've got some great sponsors who have stuff to give you...  We'll be giving away guitars from Waterstone Guitars, studio time at Big Studios, full scholarships to Music Producers Institute, and more from Music Business Radio sponsors like Avenue Bank and our flagship station, Lightning 100.

Starving musician?  No problem...  The Food Company will give you plenty to eat and drinks will be provided as well.

Feel free to bring along members of your band, your manager, or others involved with you and your music business career.

More info...

Date and Time:

Wednesday, August 13
5:30 - 7:30 PM

Location:

BMI Nashville
10 Music Square East (View Map)
Nashville, TN 37203-4399
(615) 401-2000

American Idol Auditions - Do They Work?

Taped an episode of Music Business Radio with drummer Gregg Bissonette a couple of days ago.  Gregg has played with a wide range of artists, both onstage and in the studio, including David Lee Roth, Don Henley, Duran Duran, Ray Charles, and Carlos Santana.

As I was doing pre-show stuff, a lot of funny stuff about David Lee Roth popped up.  Including this...

Got me thinking about the American Idol audition process...

It works on one level, but I think this video, even though it's a joke, does a pretty good job of showing what would happen had somebody like David Lee Roth came through the door.  American Idol, and other "systems" like it, just aren't made for somebody like David Lee Roth.

And they may not be made for you either.

I get a lot of email from acts who are frustrated that they don't fit into the mold and feel that what they're doing doesn't appear to be working in the current manifestation of the music business.  I hope the above video makes you feel better, because not fitting in may actually be your best asset as far as a longterm career.

In 20 years, it's doubtful that we'll remember Miley Cyrus as more than a teenager who had a few good months topping the pop music charts.  And it's more doubtful that we'll remember anybody who is on the current season of American Idol.  But David Lee Roth will be remembered as the front man for one of the biggest rock acts of all time.