How to Get Access to Major Labels and Film/TV Music Supervisors - for a YEAR...

It's time to see who has been paying attention to my free video course on film and TV music licensing...  If you have, you could win one of THREE full scholarships I am giving to my new site for musicians and songwriters, IndieMusician.com.

This site officially launches THIS TUESDAY at 11:11am (Eastern) and will feature listings from people who are looking for your music including:

• Major Labels
• Film and Television Music Supervisors
• Video Game Companies
• Ad Agencies
• and more...

In addition, members will have the opportunity to work with me, both via telephone and at a special live, in-person "bootcamp" event, at no extra charge.  The focus?  Marketing your music.  I'll personally help you to:

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

My goal is to help you to create a total package, from both an artistic and marketing standpoint. 

Check back THIS TUESDAY, 11/11, for more info.  Until then, get my free video course on film and TV music licensing.

Here's How to Get a One-Year Scholarship to IndieMusician.com...

Tell me the story about a new concept or technique you've learned from me, this blog, and my free videos.  Let me know how you've implemented everything and post the results that you've achieved.

This isn't necessarily about who made the most money or got a record deal (although that's not the worst thing that can happen). It's about taking what you've learned, putting it into action, and getting results.

It could be something as simple as having "the talk" with your band or changing up how you send out demo packages.  Or maybe it's a shift in your mindset that has enabled you to go from making $100 per gig to over $2000.

I will be judging the entries personally, choosing the three winners myself... and announcing them on Monday.

The winners will be announced THIS Monday, November 10th... and hopefully you'll be one of them!

So tell me your "MusicMarketing.com Implementation Success Story" - and good luck winning one of the three scholarships to my new site for musicians and songwriters, IndieMusician.com.

NOTE: Put your story in the "comments" box below, and only submit your story ONCE (it will be individually reviewed before being posted, and won't show up immediately).

Comments

[Greg]

Hello,

I'm a solo artist in Nashville that does live electronic blended hiphop. Before I found this blog; I thought that my only hope of doing something with the music was just to play as many shows as possible and hope that someone 'discovered' me.

Through this site; I've learned that there are a lot of other things that I can do to help my case. Also, I've learned that a lot of the barriers that I've imagined actually aren't that big a deal with technology what it is today.

So I have new goals as an artist. That's the main thing; is just the realization that there are more opportunities for an unsigned musician/artist than I had thought before. And there are other avenues to get your music heard. Video games, film, pandora.com, etc.

From the video course and the teleseminar specifically, I now know that it would be beneficial for me to do a media blast or press release type of announcement along with each show instead of just handing out flyers. And I need to be registered with a performing rights organization.

I just hadn't considered that there was money to be made before you were signed; and now I know the truth. Thanks for this blog and the videos.

-Greg

P.S. - You can hear the music I'm doing at quietentertainer.com

[Luke]

Hey guys, My name is Luke Ingram and I am an aspiring songwriter from Sydney, Australia. I have been listening to music business radio for quite some time now and have found profound ideas and insightful strategies into how the music business actually works. Then I recently discovered music business marketing and found the information on the site a groundbreaking source for aspiring writers/composers such as myself. As a songwriter it is hard to get a start in this ever expanding music industry, but thankfully industry insiders like Mr. Hooper are willingly prepared to offer upcoming musicians and songwriters such as myself a great opportunity to get into the ball park. Not only was music business marketing.com a great resource for myself but to add to the insight, David has recently started his series of music licensing videos that strategically run through the processes involved in licensing your music for Film and TV. This great supply of factual guidelines, found at Indiemusician.com helped me out greatly due to its in-depth look at how to send out your demo packages and actually GET THEM OPENED! The videos are very comprehensive and I advise all upcoming musicians to check them out.
Additionally I have started up my own licensing business at home as a small office. I have many envelopes; blank Cd’s and I am running out of ink because of demos being sent out to various managers, publishers and A+R staff. I am yet to have a break in the industry and I understand it takes time. I have written about 120 songs over the last 2 and half years from the point where I started this journey. I understand success comes only to those who ask for it in themselves, which is why I am still persisting to make this dream a reality. I spend each day researching on the internet, writing and crafting my music and modifying my production techniques to make my songs sound as close to studio recordings as possible from my small home studio. I look back on some of the very first of my recorded songs and cringe sometimes lol. But I think I am at a level now where I should be getting placements but have not had the right access into the door. The main thing is to keep doing what you’re doing regardless of what anyone says and you will eventually get there. I have read many books on success such as “think and grow rich”, I have listened to also “the strangest secret” many times and I also enjoy reading Jason Blumes “six steps to songwriting success” These resources are mainly due to information supplied by David’s show music business radio. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Hooper and his team for providing me with such an abundance of information and for helping along my way with this journey. Thanks again Dave. Kindest regards. Luke Ingram, Sydney, Australia 

[Adonis Tsilimparis]

Dear Dave,
I have been writing music for Film and TV for a few years now, but I have not been able to increase the work flow to the level I need it to be. Since watching your videos, I have had a better strategy in trying to accomplish this. The thing that struck me the most was when you were talking about how it's important to have instrumental versions of your songs because they are often used in scenes where there is an important conversation going on.If you have ten songs, you can take the vocals out and have twenty. As a result of this, I am now going to remove the vocals of my songs and shop the instrumental versions as well.
Thanks for the insight on this.... very clever.
Sincerely,
-Adonis Tsilimparis
(646) 226-0508

[david]

Just got off your teleconference. Wish we could have asked a few questions.

First off, I want this scholarship. I'll get a lot out of it and I might even be an asset to the team for several reasons. This is my passion and I'm obsessed with it. If you want feedback on things, I'll be happy to give it. If you want guinea pigs trying out strategies I'll gladly give 'em a shot. If you want to learn from your audience I might be able to provide valuable feedback. Also, I'm not rich so getting something like this for free would be great.

I'm an artist that has had a little luck in the past with TV licensing so i already understand the many benefits of licensing as well as the economics. As you've said it's really easy money (once it happens) and the exposure has an impact on all facets of your career. That said, I'm still just a guy trying to make ends meet that has a hunger for more placements! I need some help making the connections and understanding how to manage the relationships and the conversation.

Okay here are some things that come to mind that I've modified since watching your video clips, reading the blogs and listening to this first teleconference.

STAMPS - I'm switching to stamps. No more metered postage. I love the idea of how stamps can make my packages look even more loved. I already have custom labels and I always hand write addresses. I've even purchased a postage scale (only $20!) so I don't even have to go to the post office anymore.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS - I thought of this while you were going through artist demo packages. I normally send a one sheet with bloated bio bologna but I need to just write a simple list of career highlights. Bullet pointed list of awesomeness. No paragraphs of fluff to read through.

INTENTION - I want to let people know exactly why they are getting a package in the mail from me. No mystery. My one sheet will have a big clock of text that says "I am seeking non-exclusive film and tv placements." Now my intention is clear.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACKS - I try to always ask my mixing engineer for instrumental mixes of each project I do. Something y'all talked about made me want to start composing instrumentals more often. Jamming on pretty chord progressions is way easier than soul searching for lyrics. I might be able add a few more instrumental tracks to my reel if I dedicate a couple hours here and there to it.

DIVERSIFY - Y'all mentioned this in the teleconference. I wrote it down. Need to think about this and strive toward it in several ways. I want to diversify my licenses. So far my luck has been with TV. I want to make a goal to seek film placements and also track down video game music supervisors. On that note, I need to diversify my musical styles. My catalog is 99% pop/rock vocal compositions. I need to branch out into other genres and styles. It will help me as a musician, will diversify my catalog, and increase my chances at getting placements.

QUIT YOUR BAND - I did this two years ago and it's really been a great thing for me. I loved the band I was in and the guys but since quitting I've been able to act quicker on things and get more done. No one cares for my musical abilities more than me and I no longer have to run things by a committee. I can have a hair brained idea and execute it instantly. All of my musical energies are now spent on things that I'll be the direct beneficiary of. Sounds selfish but at this stage in my career it's a reality.

OFFICE TOUR - Your office tour was really inspiring. I need to spend more dedicated time focused on mail outs, making contacts and doing followups. The bathrobe was a nice touch. Who doesn't want to work in their PJ's from home?!

SONG CATALOG - When you were doing the music row tour I was inspired to vamp up my music publishing catalog into a full blown website. I've released 9 albums so that adds up to nearly 100 masters that I own master and publishing on. I need to start marketing this catalog more. My turn-time on a licensing requests would be instant! Maybe a website would be a good place to house all of my work. Lyrics and song samples etc.

INVOLVE YOUR AUDIENCE - My CD release show was just days ago. I already had most of your "How to have a kick ass gig" stuff covered since I've been doing this over 10 years. Promo, invites, musicians, look sharp, high energy, etc.. Your podcast got me thinking about how to find ways to involve my audience more at the show. So we added some audience participation parts to one of our songs. It's a delicate balance between being cheesy and cool and hopefully it was cool. The show was sold out by the way!

WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM A DONUT SHOP - I love this concept. It's so true. With each album I make I always have a couple songs offered for free on the website. The funny thing is that those songs are always our biggest sellers on itunes. The song you can get for free ends up selling!? Why not apply this to entire records. I signed up on a site called Noisetrade that gives artists an easy embeddible widget where they can give their albums away. The only catch is that people have to forward the album link to 5 friends or they can pay what they want for the album. I've been experimenting with it using a career-spanning compilation album. I've added over 100 people to my mailing list this way. Maybe they'll by more of my albums. Maybe I'll buy my new solo album. Maybe their friends will. The exposure grows exponentially and eventually the revenues will too.

[Lisa Kay Deeter]

Hi David,

I was really inspired by tonight's teleconfrence and what you said about starting locally. I'm eager to contact local film schools and meet with students to discuss some ideas. I'm also more aware of what kind of information I need to include when sending out demos. Thanks again for your advice. Sincerely

Lisa Kay

[Rockin]

Totally true to make the package stand out. If you can't get looked at, you can't get listened to, you can't get liked or a lick of exposure.

[Mark Johnson]

I attended David's Music Seminar several years ago and learned so much I don't know where to begin; however, the most important part of what I learned was from his "CD RELEASE PARTY STRATEGIES" which I have been implementing ever since in my bands (StoneCats and 420SHOT30). Ever since, I've been a FULL-TIME musician earning BIG money every gig. Thank you David! I'm very thankful I've met you...you've changed my music life forever!
Mark Johnson, Illinois

[Jamie Gazelle]

I would have to say the thing that i have discovered most on these past few months of
digging into this system is that persistance is the key. You can not give up just cuz someone says no. the cream always rises to the top.
networking tools and sharing tools on here have been incredible. the ways to make income and
be heard are never bigger for indies than now.
hollywood does not have any system really in place to handle the ways we are now doing things.
I have also learned that it is a numbers game
the more you try to place with or send and pitch
the more your chances go up for getting a hit.
I have also learned from david to just be
yourself and not try to be something that youre not. if not a mogul, dont try and be a mogul, if youre not a good producer, hire one and dont try to do it yourself. and just be a friend, its a relationship business.

thanks dave for being one of the good guys

[Hitchhiker]

Just thought I'd post a little bit about how I've benefitted from David Hooper's music marketing strategies. Actually I've been on his radar for several years watching the videos and listening to his remarkable tips on getting more people to gigs and eespecially the Film/TV licensing aspect of the business, it just so happened that I began implementing some of the techniques he talked about and what I learned is for example the difference in effectiveness of an electonic press kit versus a demo in the mail. One of the things that I believe you can't get around in the music business is playing the numbers game and it would certainly take alot more money, time and effort to keep going back and forth to the mailbox than to simply send e-mail blasts, on the other hand one of the key things I learned from him in reference to the Film/TV licensing business is readiness, not so much in terms of having your material ready for the deal but moreso being able to cater material when the demand calls for something else. Doing these things will definitely help you to 1. Establish better relationships with the people who make the decisions 2. Gain more consistency in revenue and royalties 3. Expose your credibility for future deals.

[Terry Lundahl]

Dear David,
I've worked in the music business for over 16 years as a promoter, venue Director and artist management. I have also worked for a music publishing company. I've worked with major label artists and independent artists. Currently, I am looking directly at finding information on how to get indie music into films and TV. Basically I need the contact information and truly do not have the time to listen to all of the videos and play guessing games. Can you directly help me with this or not?

[Annotti Music]

David,

You've been a big help in my career, I haven't seen sales, but I have generated interest via internet sites you've suggested. Also began to focus on recording songs with the intention of getting them into film/tv as an alternative source of income to touring constantly. You've helped me stay on the right track as far as presenting clean professional demo's focused on quality not quantity. You given great success stories and lessons you've learned when failing to reach goals such as creating an opt-in list.

I feel that it's up to me to succeed, I hold the key to the door of success, but your always here to guide me to the most up to date resources available for me to do well, the rest is on me.

Thank you for all your help, looking forward to learning more & more until I can pay all the bills on time & help others with what income I generate in my music career.

Much Love & Respect,

Michael

[Czar]

To me, Musicmarketing.com, which I began reading on indiemusician.com years ago has been very useful in my growth as a WORKING musician.

What draws my attention really is that I have tons of musician friends whom I tried talking into reading musicmarketing.com telling them that they provide great advise, that one post could be on an interesting subject, something to think about or take into consideration for a moment but sometimes it's like they are talking to you! sometimes they are telling you what you just need!
Honestly I try to implement everything I can. From a subscription option to a mailing list on my site to originality on a video, but what I can definitely tell you is that with the years I have become a young musician making money with my music. Not lots of money. But everytime we play a concert with my band, the band makes money from ticket sales and I make (a lot of extra) money for having played MY songs. We have a record deal, we see our first video on MTV, Much Music, get reviews, etc. It's only the begining.

Now, These people who I have recommended reading your blog to...(not just that, I have INSISTED they read it!) ARE NOT. And where are they??? They don't get to see a penny. And if they're not in for the money, neither are they gaining recognition or anything good, I have refrained from giving my advise because I fear losing their frienship over these music business conversations and telling them how childish and stupid their stanpoint is. I just don't feel like talking to them anymore about it, I change the subject.

My point with this is that I HAVE decided to learn and listen and I have picked up many of your suggestions. Other people are rather autistic and they are drowing on their teenage ideas on how to proceed and magically make it happen.

Phrases like "no one gives a shit about your band", "The gig calculator", advise for touring artists. Great advice from Derek Sivers. All the audio clip excerpts from Music Radio, etc.. It's all valuable information and it's been free. Funny a lot of musicians seem not to see the value in it. I have managed to improve the communication with my band, we really are a working team and and that's one of the things I'm most proud of.

I believe that playing for fun is great and I respect people who go that way. But if you want to be professional you need to do your best to get into the "business party" to mingle, chat and dance!!

It's Friday!

Thanks. Czar

[John Pedraza]

Dave - I've been paying attention and have tried some of your suggestions and still waiting for results. I do see some good things happening in a city where a lot is not happening. Our problem is trying to stay away from the venues that still want to hear "Mustang Sally" and pay little attention to the groups who have good originals.

[colly]

Wow, I just stumbled across this site and had to post a big THANK YOU! It's really great of you to put all this info out there for all of us, and I can't wait for 11/11!

[Johnny X]

David - The biggest thing I have learned from your advice over the years is that I can ask for more money and get it. When I do a gig or licensing deal, I always ask for 200% of what I think I can get. The funny thing is that I often get it, which had cause the 200% of what I ask for to get larger and larger.

Thank you for this incredible resource. And thank you for Music Business Radio!!! I love that show.

[Melissa Kennedy]

The best thing about this site is the community behind it. Love the positive attitude that David, the readers, and everybody else seems to have. So rare in the music business these days! Lots of people complain a lot.

Thank you for the inspiration!!

As far as what I have learned, I really enjoyed the video talking about firing band members. Had a guitarist who wasn't cutting it and your video have me the final push to tell him to take a hike!

Melissa

[Mario Mendoza]

Hi David,

I am a musician/producer specializing in hip hop production, more on the lounge/lyrical side. I have been producing music since 1999 with my label mate promoting our indie label, Fried Roots. We are a two man operation, based out of Los Angeles and we are always looking for effective marketing techniques.

I'm a fan of your blog and have listened very carefully to your podcasts, and one stuck out in particular. The interview with Anastasia Brown really changed the focus of our operation.

You covered a critical point and Anastasia nailed it in my head, focus on music creation and always be prepared for new opportunities. I fell into the category of marketing my brains out online, socially networking and trying to establish contacts, when I neglected to create more music for our arsenal.

Your music licensing plans sound amazing. With this in mind, our label is in desperate need of money coming in. When desperate times hit, music creation sometimes is neglected due to survival. If you don't work, you don't eat. The combination of working on your best talent and easing off the networking as hard created a new found focus for my music.

The "water faucet" concept you described in your podcast really opened our eyes to better organization and a new found belief in achievable music success by building small revenue streams.

Specific tasks are set, and our mind frames are now channeled towards attainable goals. Taking baby steps till we march like Big Foot.

[Derek]

David
I've been using many of the ideas you've mentioned here on musicmarketing.com and on the tele-seminar you just did.

I write and perform electronic/dance music and I used this as my "niche" (with a little pereseverance) to get one of my tracks featured in an independent film. Here's how I did it:

I had read somewhere about this film needing different kinds of music for the different scenes, and one of them was for an uptempo electronic track.

I sent my track to the film producer in the mail to an address in New York, but the package came back later saying it was undeliverable. I looked up the producer's e-mail address and wrote and told him I had a track he might like and he told me he needed an electronic track to replace (but not exactly to sound like) the Prodigy's track "Poison" for the film because he couldn't afford to license their song.

The producer later got back to me and said he liked my track, but he wanted an instrumental of it (this was on problem for me, because I always make instrumentals of my tracks) and he was in post-production and need a CD of it ASAP, so I overnighted him a copy of it and I signed the contract for it the next day and got it in the film.

[Zack the Knife]

Agree about the "faucet" concept. I heard you say that a few years ago at a live bootcamp in Nashville. Went home, changed up my game plan, and now everything is different. Like a lot of musicians, I used to only do live gigs to make all my money. That and CD sales. Now I'm digital with a bunch of material, I do licensing and have been on MTV/VH1, and we have a PROCESS that we use at gigs which makes us more money than we did previously. It's kind of amazing, really. So simple and if you didn't stop and think about it, you might miss it. I remember thinking "I am already doing this" but when I looked deeper, I wasn't. Changed that up and now everything is progressing smoothly. Having a blast doing what I love and that's the most amazing thing. So thank you for all of that!!!

I also want to add that I too love Music Business Radio. :)

[John Popkin]

David, thank you for this blog and all the advice that you give. It is much appreciated.

[Lilly Whyte]

Have a dance band. Do a few track shows but nothing like a full rock band could. A few gigs here and there, mostly at gay clubs.

Took what you said about video game soundtracks and made some special "hard house" mixes of our last record (plus some bonus stuff) to use with Burnout Paradise.

So far, so good.

Thanks for your years of service to the indie community!

[Hyperface]

So what have I learned you ask me? I think the biggest one is to think outside the box way more. I thought I was capable of thinking outside the box, until I’ve seen your videos. Handwriting notes on demo’s? Making it personal instead of business? That’s creative! Now I can write a 300 words note about all the great things you’ve learned me and helped me put into action. But 1 word will define it all. Creativity!

if you're looking for contact info:
www.myspace.com/hyperfacemusic
hyperfacemusic@hotmail.com

[mmm]

i too love music very much.here it is interesting to read that it provide ample oppurtunity to all.you have given much useful information and tips for music ..it's good

[Charlie Wilson]

Hello David. Not sure if you remember me but we met at SXSW a few years ago when you were on a panel there talking about web sites. I'm in a band called Orange Blues.

I took your advice and started building an online mailing list. That completely changed the way we promoted our live gigs. Not only is it cheaper, it is also more effective. The secret "trick" was segmenting. Thank you for taking the time to explain that to you, because that alone took us from playing for 50-60 people to playing for 400-500.

Then combine what I've learned from you about merchandising from this blog. I think when we met, we had a CD. Now we have an entire line of things from CDs (5) to shirts (several) to a bunch of other stuff with our logo on it.

Can't thank you enough for your help! Between you and Derek Sivers of CD Baby, I am a WELL PAID working musician!!!

[Steve Morris]

Hello David,
Ours is an UNsuccess story that we hope to change! The band is Harry Bailey's Transport and can be heard at myspace/harrybaileystransport and harrybaileystransport.com. A piano and drums Rock duo.
We have something very unique and we think we could be very successful in TV,Film,and Games. We feel we've been "taken to the cleaners" by a couple of companies out of Minneapolis who we paid big money to get us on college radio--We were on 300 stations but the return was nothing! Then the second company we paid was to get us playing colleges and the return was nothing! The first company then got us some licenses for shows on MTV,VH1,Lifetime, and Oxygen which we signed. The deal was, we paid him $100 each license, up front, in hopes of getting royalties which we haven't seen a dime! They DID get us with SESAC and they've been great! We've got all the promo,ONE sheets,
HOT Sheets,all that stuff and I suppose it's just not getting heard by the RIGHT people.

Our new record by every account far surpasses our first and we will try a couple of your ideas. First, our intention for licensing will be stated and evident. Second, I always thought a more "business" looking envelope was more "professional" (printed labels and such). So we'll try a more personal approach with live stamps and handwritten and such. Like many others,I'm fed up with the Games but the music is too good to just quit! In a nutshell,WE NEED THOSE CONTACTS!!
Thanks!
Steve
HBT

[april wright]

With David being in the business since 1995, he is sure to give the best advice when it comes to getting your material to the right people and on your way to making $100,000 a year or more!!!!!!!!!!

[Denise Grupp-Verbon]

Good Afternoon,

I would be honored as a scholarship recipient. I am a working harpist and have a duo called 'TAPESTRY,' with my husband on acoustic guitar. Our second CD in particular includes harp, mandolin, acoustic guitar and world percussion, featuring some fine original tunes, as well as folk and pop arrangements. I am also an instructor at Owens Community College in Toledo, Ohio. I developed and teach two Music Business courses which will soon become part of a 2 year "Music Business Technology" degree. Your videos, blog, and radio show are both inspirational and excellent resources to me in both my roles. Like you, I, too, enjoy working in my slippers, especially when teaching my private harp students in my home!
Thank you for your services to the music community!

[Brass Balls Band]

The video course you released is amazing. Changed up our press kit because of it. Will let you know how it works out.

Johnny Balls

[Craven Moorehead]

Hey Steve Morris!! Who was that company in Minneapolis? Thanks!!

[Josiah Redding of The Redding Brothers]

David,

We've been writing songs, touring, and promoting our act non-stop for over 5 years now, and have been reading and listening to your information for about the same amount of time.

When we started we were effectively (and sometimes actually) PAYING people to let us perform, using day jobs to foot the bill, with the hope of getting back-end sales and building fan base momentum. Usually that didn't work.

I think one thing you've taught us as a band since then is to understand that we offer a valuable service and product, and as such we should be rewarded for our work and time.

When we started, we had a net yearly loss of thousands of dollars, with each of us working two jobs just to make ends meet. But thanks in part to you, we got smarter. Today, we are full-time musicians, and though it may not seem like much between three guys, this year we will have our first 6-figure income strictly from booking fees, CD & merchandise sales, royalties, and digital downloads. We work less than ever before (around 3 days a week), but we earn more income than ever before.

One of the things you've taught us is to think creatively -- to think outside the box. This lesson alone has allowed us to find small niches which have easily added $40k to our yearly income.

Anothing thing is to think big. Instead of only thinking about booking one local show at a time, we now think more in terms of big contracts and partnerships which can yield multiple bookings all at the same time.

With the same creativity principle, we've acquired a TV advertising partnership worth hundreds of thousands of dollars (which in turn helps us bring more people to our concerts). We're currently working to close 3 corporate partnership deals that could establish a broad and consistent tour itinerary for us, and bring in huge chunks of booking income at the same time.

What we've learned has also allowed us to travel outside the U.S. this year for the first time in our lives, plane-hopping between 10 different countries in Europe, Asia and Africa during April and May this year. We've now seen places we never even knew existed before. So I feel that we've not only increased the success of our band, but also grown individually through some of the opportunities we've been able to take advantage of thanks to your information.

Really, I hadn't even thought about all these things in that way until now. To think that 3 impoverished preacher's kids could go from playing at the local coffeeshop for tips, to touring the world all-expenses-paid is kind of a funny thought, especially when I realize I'm one of those guys. I guess I'm pretty blessed.

And I guess for part of that, we owe thanks to you.

So keep it up! Looking forward to the 11th,

-Josiah Redding
THE REDDING BROTHERS - Rock & Roll Can Save the World
theband [at] reddingbrothers [dot] com
http://reddingbrothers.com
1-888-88-REDDING

[STREET SPIRIT]

Thank you David for all that you do. You giving away all the free information you do is a much appreciated blessing! It helps me as an artist to take you more serious because I see the passion you display in all your blogs, phone conferences, and radio shows. It gives me the confidence to spend the money I wish I had to afford "your" service instead of all the millions of Jokers out there that want to scam you.

I'm a rap artist who has no support other than my trademark lawyer. All she does is file for marks, and that's all. I have no promotional team, and it's ruff getting the word out about what your promoting on a small budget.

The first thing I picked up from you was to set goals.

My eyes opened wide when you mentioned inviting bloggers to shows

1. I have friends on myspace that are bloggers from my area (Northern California- Bay Area-San Jose) that send myspace and email blast about products/events.

A. I can use there service to get the word out to all there friends.
B. Target specific individuals in cities where I'm performing instead of random friend request on myspace. I noticed ad services are available on myspace now as well.

2. Giving away a free song with my show information on the disc instead of flyers. It cost 20.00 for 100 disc @ FRY'S ELECTRONICS, and 15.00 for the labels that are used on the disc.

3. I've noticed new stores opening up in my area that I could possibly have a working relationship with, and listening to you during the phone conference the other night sparked the idea to go and ask the new businesses if I could write music for them to put in their advertisements on local television.

4. I also heard you mention that there are film students at the local colleges that could possibly need music for their film projects. This was a brilliant idea that would seem obvious, but I didn't think of it....lol....Hey they might even want to create a music video for me!

5. Looking in trade-magazines such as the hollywood reporter for projects in development is another excellent tip.

6. Me interacting with fans more on stage instead of just running through the songs is a cool thought also.

7. Constantly taking photos and video is something I haven't been doing.

All and all I've received good info from you, and I look forward to using the tips for my upcoming show Dec 21, 2008, and utilizing the other tips as well.

A scholarship from you would mean the world to me, because I am VERY VERY serious about my music, and have spent a lot of my savings on the business side of my music registering my stage name, label name, logo, copyrights and the fee's associated with that. Spending hard earned money on your passion speaks of the passion of that artist itself. Any and all information from you is valuable and appreciative.

I've put a rough draft of my business plan together so I can get financing as a SMALL BUSINESS OWNER through www.sba.gov and www.score.org
but would love to get help with marketing.

Sorry for taking up so much of your time with this comment, but I've learned plenty thus far from you, as well as still having questions.

Until next time BE WELL & ENJOY LIFE!

STREET SPIRIT

[Connor Shaw]

"MusicMarketing.com Implementation Success Story"

Hi David,First off thank you for running this site and helping all of us "indie" musicians trying to get by.Although I only have been subscribed to your email newsletter,reading your blogs,and watching your videos for a short time since i just found your page about a month ago browsing the internet.I have found tremendous ideas and have gained confidence that I can make my music successful without some big record company or manager.I spend hours everyday on myspace alone,and that has worked wonders for me.But now I am looking for other ways and resources to get my music heard,and hopefully one day into a movie or video game.Its not always about the money,but lets be honest it does help.To me its about hearing that melody or that guitar riff you have played for years,finally being used for something with a greater purpose.Rather it be in movies,video games,or any other field that you might help get my songs into.I am grateful to have made contacts with you,and hope to learn more then I already have.So far I am really getting into the friendfeed website.I am signing up today and joining your music business room will be the first thing I do.I also have to agree with you this site could be the next big "web 2.0"
Thanks again David for sharing your knowledge,I know that there is much more to come!!!!!

In Appreciation,
Connor Shaw

[Bonnie B]

CD release party was a huge success. The club owner was like "What the hell did you guys do to promote this?" and I mean that in a good way.

This stuff works!

[EHMB]

Not a musician but I am a music lover and write about music. Appreciate the work you do and definitely pass the information along to the bands I deal with.

[sonica]

Hello. I wish to thank you for the wonderful work you are doing. I am going to pass on the information to my musician friends who are looking for some help to get out of the rut they are in. I am of the opinion that you can help them improve. Thanks again.

[Red State Band]

Your ideas about using "current events" to get publicity for your band really helped us. Can't wait to do more of this kind of stuff!

Thanks for everything, David.

[Christy Sharshel]

David

I am not an artist, but am one of those people that is so profoundly in love with music that I sometimes think I
might have been one in some previous lifetime. I have spent years being "support staff" to performing musicians
and singer/songwriters, but now, through your blog and video series, I am seeing a way that I can be so much more
helpful to the people that give me so much happiness with their music. Many of the indie artists that I know have
become somewhat frustrated with local touring and the dive bar circuit, but have not given up their dream of having
their music heard and appreciated in a public forum - and this is the perfect solution!!

Your series has motivated me to take action on my desire to help these artists acheive their goals, and renewed my
energy in finding new avenues to get the music out to the people who need to hear it. I have made contact with a few artists
that I know and asked for their permission to begin working for them to find places to license their music. I have begun to
develop relationships with more people that have been in the business part of music and who might be able to lead me to
other important contacts and relationships. I have also been taking your advice to heart about submitting material in different
formats based on what will be most helpful to the person receiving and considering the material as well as how to get my submissions
noticed in a sea of "priority mail" packages and have begun to outfit myself and my home office accordingly. I am very new to all of
this - most of my time in the music business has revolved around loading in and out and occasionially tuning a guitar. I never thought
that I could be anyone in the music business without being either very talented at playing music or singing - or very "slick" on the
management end of things. With this, I know I can be a successful person in the music business - the problem for me has been just
knowing where to begin...

Please consider me for one of the scholarships that you are offering - and thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and providing this opportunity to learn so much about this part of the music business!!

[Tastes Like Chicken]

I'm currently taking a break from music to pursue other interests. However, I still read your blog, just as I have for 8-9 years.

Your site has made me realize just how much opportunity the music business has and I am completely blown away with the new stuff which is introduced all the time.

For example, this whole film and TV thing. Even though I am not playing right now, I have some great stuff "in the can" and I think the film and TV options would work for me as a source of extra income.

What you said about instrumental music hit home for me. I need to get some instrumental versions of my songs made. They are all on the computer so it should be pretty easy.

What about the karaoke market? Has anybody here looked into that? I am also wondering about all these cover songs I see on itunes which sound almost like the originals but aren't. How do people make money with those?

thank you!!!

Marvin

[Cari Walker]

A few years ago, I was touring like a mad woman. I was literally all over the US a few times each year. The only problem was that I wasn't making real money. I was surviving but it was wearing me out.

Read your book and starting to focus on just a few locations. Not as glamorous but I started to see a difference almost immediately when more and more people were showing up. I was making more but "working" less. This has allowed me to write more. I am now writing for others.

Can't wait to get more information about how to get these songs in film and television. I think that is the next step for me.

[Teresa Hart]

Dear Dave,

Wow, what a blessing to find your site. My experience ranges from working in marketing with Hyperactive Music Magazine to interning with Cherokee Studios in Hollywood, where I was instrumental in helping them launch their start-up label.

A year ago I lost my husband to cancer. After spending some time soul searching, I started a company which is just getting started. I live in New Mexico, the Southwest film mecca of the world. I have learned on my own how to get to the production companies, through my time with Cherokee. However, now I am at a place to do this on my own.

New Mexico is booming with film but, there are so many artists with great talent but, no one to represent their music. That's where I come in. I am an awesome spokesperson, on behalf of musicians. I am such a fan of good music and have many artists that would love to work with me. I have a friend who has written more than 300 songs, but if left up to him, would never get heard. He has been bugging me for years to sell his music (not him, just the music). Well the time has come!!! I am here, I am opened and I am ready, I just need guidance.

I need this scholarship to get things up to the next level. I have spent quite a bit of money laying the ground work. Now all I need is the mentorship. I am planning to enroll in some classes with Music Biz Academy this week, but after being turned on to your videos last night and seeing the scholarship possibility, I realized I had to write in. My website designer has been paid already, I am just waiting to have the right content, agreements, etc. I have access to the artists, and they come from many genres.

My husband always supported my music endeavors and now I owe it to him and our kids to
ROCK this town and the world. When I saw that you were launching your program on 11/11 at 11:11, I knew this was my cue to apply. Last year, 6 days after his passing, on 11/11 at 11:11 AM, I received an e-mail from him through a mutual friend. It took me a while to "get it" but basically it told me to follow what I always knew to be the essence of my soul and that is music and helping artists succeed.

I've worked with enough music execs to know what not to do. I am ready to start the model for good sustainable business that benefits all involved, my company, the artists, the fans and the clients. After watching some of the video and reading some of your articles, I know you are the man that can help.

So thanks for your attentive ear. I hope you will consider me and I hope to be working with you as I launch my new business.

All my best,
Teresa Hart

[Dave King]

Hi Dave,

I've been a listener of Music Business Radio for quite some time and have followed your marketing recommendations as best I can. One of my songs was even played on your Demo Derby and received a mediocre response. :-( I perform LIVE as a solo musician (mostly doing cover tunes, but also originals) on a very regular basis. At the moment, I'm taking a bit of a break from gigging because I got a little burned out from so many gigs over the summer. Now, I am concentrating on writing and recording. I've come to realize that as a LIVE performer, although I'm good, odds are I will never make it to the "big time."
However, I truly believe that I could garner some success by placement of my music in films, tv, commercials, etc. I have registered and placed my music on a couple of online music supervisor sites, but haven't gotten any bites yet. However, I know my stuff is worthy because one of my songs was played on the Car Talk radio show nationally on NPR.

A couple of things I've learned from you is that artists/musicians need to be true to themselves and not try to be something they are not. Also, it pays to be "nice" and treat other people with respect. Not only in the music world, this is just a good way to operate overall.

Please consider me for one of your scholarships.

Thanks!

[Dave King]

Oops! I forgot to include my web site:

www.davekingmusic.com

...a major music marketing faux pas!

[Willie]

yes put me in for this. my email is www.willie673@aol.com

[Triple B and the Big Button Band]

dude, thanks for the tips. the fan club stuff i got from you was killer. set up a newsletter and we're killing on club shows now. have big name bands wanting us to open up the show. kings x and others. i grew up listening to those dudes!!

[Anthony Burbidge]

Hi David,

First, please accept my apologies for the late comment post. I'm grateful to be a busy full time indie musician but it also means I don't get to spend as much time on-line as I'd like to these days.

I really enjoyed the call the other night and look forward to the next one. Here's my...

"MusicMarketing.com Implementation Success Story"

In listening to Music Business Radio, reading your blogs & newsletters, listening to your conference calls and watching your videos, I have learned many very helpful things but I would say the most important concepts I've received from you (and your radio guests) are as follows:

1. Get the songs right BEFORE sinking money into a recording. I really took this to heart and, over the past 18 months, I've tested several dozen of my best songs in front of many audiences and, based on this "audience testing", I selected ten of the strongest songs for my latest CD. If the songs aren't great, there's no foundation holding up my business. So, I made sure I had great songs that really move people before proceding.

2. Take your time making a record. I've found great comfort in recent months listening to Music Business Radio guests describing how long it took them to develop their talent and how long it takes to make a good record.

To that end, I've spent the last 10 months making my latest CD and I'm SO glad I didn't rush it. The fact is that no music supervisor will licence a recording that's not broadcast quality. So, once I had the right songs, I chose to make sure they have a shot at being licenced by honoring them with a quality production.

3. Focus on my strengths and allow others to take care of things they can do better. I have implemented this by hiring musicians who are great at what they do and getting the best engineers I can afford. The result is a professional, broadcast quality recording that serves the songs well.

4. DO THE WORK. Myspace, Facebook and the internet in general are all great but the fact is that every successful independent musician I have ever met became successful by getting out in front of audiences. I use the internet to keep in touch with existing fans but focus on gaining new listeners by connecting with them live, in person and giving them a MOVING EXPERIENCE they will not forget.

5. Be as passionate about the BUSINESS as you are about the MUSIC. Although I have a degree in classical music, I never went to business school. In high school, however, I did own a small business (a mobile ice cream franchise!) and I believe this is where my passion for business was born.

Later, I worked in an independent record store for 10 years (and managed it for 5 of those years)and this is where my passion for the music business really took flight.

While at the store I served in various roels over the years - as a product buyer,an advertizing manager, and as the overall company manager. Dealing with everyone in the music business from the local indie artist who dropped off his CDs on consignment right through to the national big whigs at the majors showed me how many wonderful people are involved in this business - all with one common goal - to get great music to the public.

I find this same passion in your work and I hear it in the voices of your radio show guests. I focus on the music first but I also spend time every day working on both the administrative and marketing aspects of my business. I like having my business in order and I love developing new and creative ways of reaching listeners with my music.

6. Licencing is a realistic source of income for an indie musician like myself. Licencing has been on the horizon for some time now for me - I've read a couple books on the subject and I know other indie artists who have been able to licence their music.

However, seeing your videos recently has bolstered my conviction that this is a legitimate path to pursue both as part of my marketing mix and as a healthy revenue stream.

I am grateful to you for stepping out and sharing this information and giving me hope. Now that I have the songs and the recording ready for licencing, I look forward to acquiring the tools needed to implement a successful licencing strategy.

I can't wait to see what you've got in store next. Rest assured, if you chose to grant me a scholarship, it will be put to good use.

Thanks for taking time to read my post!

Anthony

[Joe]

RE: My MusicMarketing.com Implementation Success Story

Hello Mr David Hooper:

My MusicMarketing.com Implementation Success Story, with possible option of the scholarship,is primarily,
at this point, at least, since I haven't seen the complete series of videos yet, a psychological stimulation report.
Keep those videos and information coming. I was pretty thick a few weeks back. Now the ideas are becoming a bit clearer. Some great tips in your video series, and some common sense reminders,as
well. Thanks.

Though, mainly, you've motivated me to keep going onward as there is a hope that something
may happen. Seeing the light at the end of the dark tunnel, after all, is inspiring. I was
to the point where I was about ready to throw in the towel, sell my equipment and get a day
job because I had run out of options, luck and hope. Now, I am ready to go that
extra mile again. I haven't given up. I am ready to write songs that may appeal to the
industry. And, I know that it will take a hell of a lot more than just an attitude
adjustment to move and shake in this business. The right songs for the right moment,
a name who is recalled, or, a connection, familiarity, constantly playing, promoting and
advertizing are a few of the unanswered questions that lie ahead...

In the past few years, I'd written, recorded or performed approximately 100+ original songs. I'd made numerous demos and a full length original CD. The CD did okay but wasn't anything stellar. Digital downloads are currently modest but the tracks do sell. I've licensed some of the songs to various song pitch agencies. And, living overseas, I am somewhat at a disadvantage in that I am limited in what I can do, musically, or otherwise.

From watching your video series, I have basically been motivated to get up and try it again. I realized that a library of strong, focused, original material in a variety of genre, styles, and subject, etc. is probably needed to proceed successfully in the music licensing business. And, a good home recording studio, with user-friendly software, is probably a requisite. (Or access to a studio on short notice.) Not to mention a competent sound engineer. Being able to write, compose, record, and mix and master, in a short turnaround time period is one of the keys to success. And, of course writing catchy songs which fulfill the general requirement for the music pitch in question, is another important factor. and as many have stated, keeping the backing tracks and instrumental tracks is also a usefull, and practical thing to do. And,
many tips from the way the envelopes are designed to catch attention, to the way the demos are arranged on the CD,
are also practical tips worth further consideration. (Or bypassing the whole inconvenient process and submitting online...)
I'm trying to make the best with what I've got to work with at the moment... Thanks again.

Joe

[Azhuen Jones]

I watched the video Get Music Listened To - Part 1. This is very informative, Because this can make you alot of money as a artist with the use of these packages.You can earn 6 figures and the package is free.You can also do this on a marketing aspect or musical.There are alot of artist out there that have the talent but dont know where to start.This is a great resource for those with the talent to get a start into the musical world.Great Job!!!

[Sam]

Great post. I work with writers and I have had a few very low bands ask for representation, but I didn't think I could help them out. This gives me a good idea of how I could help them.

[mary]

Hi Dear,

I have been writing music for a few years now, but I have not been able to increase my level to give this to Films and or T.v channels. Since watching your videos, I have had a better strategy in trying to accomplish this.

The thing that struck me the most was when you were talking about how it's important to have instrumental versions of your songs because they are often used in scenes where there is an important conversation going on.

I believe, songs mpress people more than words, I mean dialogues

Thanks for the insight on this.... very clever.
Sincerely,
-mary

[Leah Wilson]

Hi Dave,

I came across your site from Trevor T of www.independentmusicstartup.com. I am not an artist, but my husband is a hip hop/ soul music producer who works with a lot of struggling, talented artists much like himself. By trade, I am a designer, but the last few years I've been honing in on my marketing/ business abilities so that I can assist my spouse and all the artists we work with.

It has been a struggle learning this business and getting resources to help us make the products of their artistry more prophitable. Additionally, we have decided to further challenge ourselves with the notion to start a small label to represent and address the needs of these artists specifically. The information you continue to provide has been most eye-opening for us because we are putting a greater focus on music licensing as a significant source of income that will likely be more consistent over record sales and touring. Through catering to this niche in the industry where there is evidently great need, we will then be able to use that revenue as the fuel to build our company and further diversify our product offerings.

[David Hooper]

Thanks for everybody who submitted.

We'll announce scholarship winning on our call tonight.

http://www.musicmarketing.com/2008/11/tonight---free-teleseminar-on-filmtv-music-part-2.html for more details.

If you something to add in this topic, feel free, but know that, at this time, scholarships have been selected. :)

[Jared Myers]

Seven years ago the Myers Brothers Band met David Hooper at the very first Nashville New Music Conferance. (2NMC) David was nice enough to introduce us to several industry connections that have since become an integral part of our development as a group. At the time we were going by the name NJ-3 and had a very digital sound. Over the years we've developed into a Pop/Rock/R&B group with lots of Jazz and Blues influence. I know, what is that?? Good question. We call it the Myers Brothers Band. Four biological brothers that play and sing, influenced by all areas of music. Check us out at www.myspace.com/myersbrothersband ..
Several weeks ago we reached back out to David and he opened up his door for us again. We haden't spoken to him is seven years. Since reconnecting to David, we have contacted several music supervisors in the industry who have plans to help us license our music to TV and Film. I guess we had forgotten how simple it is to make money in your spare time. We still have plans to tour our music but our goal is to fund all our projects from money made through licensing and publishing. Thanks David for all the help and pushing us to keep going.

The Myers Brothers Band

[Booji]

I didn't realize how much business was a part of the music industry. As a music listener...I think we take for granted all the steps involved in getting that music to our ipods and don't view musicians as real small business people. This blog has definitely changed my mind about that.

[Jennifer Cotton]

I just watched the first video. I am not a musician however my relatives are and are into various genre's. They have also just tried to get their music out there by playing local gigs and social networking sites until we happen to see your blog. I will forward this info to them, Personally I did not find the first video inspiring just because I prefer a "sales or marketing" video to be viewed as a professional tool. Casual appearance and delightful office, would appear more successful on a 6 figure income than a robe. Just my honest opinion. Besides the first video I'm going to pass this on you'll be a great help to the musicians in my family.