Music Marketing [dot] com

How to Write a Hit Song

I spend thousands of dollars per year to learn from the top marketing guys in the world.  The majority of people at the top of their games do something similar.  If you're not moving forward, you're moving backward...and sometimes moving forward costs money. :)

With that said, I've found a lot of musicians to be very skeptical of anything which promises them "help" in exchange for money.  If you're one of them, don't worry, because this free series of songwriting videos which promote this songwriting course looks to be pretty solid.  Here is one on the art of writing hooks...

Haven't reviewed the course, so I can't comment on its quality or how it will work for you, but based on the above video, and the fact that the course is only $27, I feel comfortable mentioning it here and feel you'll get something out of it.

Are You Fooling Yourself?

It always amazes me at how many musicians say they want to make a living doing music, yet have every excuse in the world for why they aren't doing the necessary things to make it happen, such as playing gigs, for example.

For whatever reason, if you can't find a club to play in, create one yourself. Can't find a band to back you up? Create it yourself...

See myspace.com/dubafex for more info on this guy.

Thoughts?  Leave them below...

Do You Look Like Your Music?

I'm a big believer in congruency when it comes to your image and music. In short, if you're going to play music that sounds like Slayer, you really need to look like you worship Satan and just sacrificed a virgin...

Of course, sometimes not looking like the music you create can be a plus and make you stand out more. Like this girl for instance...

Do you think about your image as it related to the style of music you play? Post comments below...

Call for Remixes - Part 2

A few days I go, I mentioned Charlie Wilson's remix contest.  Indie artist Shannon Hurley is doing something similar, but taking it to another level by releasing an entire album of the best remixes.

Shannon Hurley Remix Contest

As previously mentioned, this is a good opportunity for upcoming producers, but it's also a great opportunity for bands and musicians.  Think about it...  And if you're doing one yourself, please let me know below.

Why Nashville is Badass

People in Nashville, as well as those within the industry, have always known what we have here.  This city is more than country or Christian music, although both are major exports for us.

Major media is starting to catch on.  This article in the Atlantic calls Nashville, "the Silicon Valley of the music business."

How did this happen?

The infrastructure here, and the reason Nashville is a music business center, is because the business was built by marketing people.  It's been that way from the beginning.  The reason you think of country or Christian music when you think of Nashville is because we've made it that way. 

Although we're still happy to take your money for country and Christian music, for the last decade, there has been an active campaign to change perception of the city.  Taking on such a major challenge doesn't happen overnight, so it's good to see that word is finally spreading outside the inner circle of the music industry.

Easy Way to Get More YouTube Viewers

Had the hiccups last night.  Looked up "hiccup cure" and this video popped up...

Sure, it was a bit weird taking advice from this lady, but I was in need and had nothing to lose...except maybe a little dignity.

Well, it worked.  No more hiccups.

What will work even better is the marketing idea behind this.  Giving people a simple solution to a common problem is gold when it comes to getting traffic online.

If you've got a fun personality, such as the woman in the video above, definitely think about doing some videos like this.

A Great Promotion Opportunity (and a Great Idea for Your Music)

Charlie Wilson, best known as lead singer of the Gap Band, is doing a remix contest.  He's put the production elements of his new song, "Let It Out" featuring Snoop Dogg, and is taking submissions from upcoming producers who think they have what it takes.

Every musician on here could get a lot of publicity by doing something similar.

Sample rules (borrowed from Charlie)...

1. Enter the contest by creating your own version of the official contest mix.
   
   
2. Remix the song by adding new sounds, rearranging the clips, etc.
   
   
3. Promote your mix - embed it in your MySpace and email a link to all of your friends. When someone marks your mix as a Favorite, that counts as a vote. The 100 mixes with the most votes will be in the running for prizes, so break out your address book and encourage your friends to vote for yours! 

Easy, right?  Do it and I'll give you a plug to help you get started...

What's Next for YouTube...

If you're wondering where YouTube is heading, check out this interactive video...

Call Katy Perry at (805) 754-2138

Katy Perry has a phone number you can call to get the latest info about her, buy tickets to her shows, interact with fans, and leave messages.  Call (805) 754-2138 to check it out and hear how it works.

This is brilliant.  It's a great way to collect phone numbers, which is how the majority of her fans communicate, and it's a great way to build a "personal" relationship with fans.

New Book for Musicians - What Topics Should I Cover?

About ten years ago, I released a book called "How I Make $100,000/year in the Music Business (Without a Record Label, Manager, or Booking Agent)."  The book was co-authored by me and a musician doing just that.  It gave specific advice from both a musician and music industry perspective.

Since then, I've released several books, all of which would help people in the music business, but with the exception of a workbook and a few audio books, none was really targeted for musicians or the music business specifically.

So I've decided it's time to do another one, just for you.

This book is not an updated version of "How I Make $100,000/year in the Music Business (Without a Record Label, Manager, or Booking Agent)."  It's something brand new that I've started from scratch.  Because of this, I've got a wide open field as to where it can go.

And that's why question for you...

What would the ultimate book for indie musicians have in it?

Leave your suggestions, comments, and thoughts below.  Again, think about the ultimate book for indie musicians.  Throw out your wish list.

I've already started on this project, so let me know what you want to see right now.  I've got a time line to get this thing out within a couple of months, so things are going to go fast.  Please get on the feed for updates and information on how you'll be able to get a copy as well as some cool freebies to show you how to sell more music, get more people to your shows, and make more money in the music business.