Music Marketing [dot] com

500,000,000 Downloads

Angry Birds is pretty much everywhere these days. The characters were popular Halloween costumes, there is a board game, there are t-shirts, and the game has been referenced in American television shows such as Conan O'Brien, Jon Stewart, and The Simpaons.

The franchise has had over 500,000,000 downloads.

So now what?

Obviously, people are searching for "Angry Birds" in Apple's App Store and elsewhere. And obviously, people love the game... So why not take advantage of the momentum?

That's exactly what Wisconsin-based musician, Mr. Billy, decided to do.

But taking the idea one step further, he recorded everything on an iPhone!

I contacted Billy for a quick interview and got the story of how it all came together...

What's your background?

My family has been in the music business for four generations. I started playing and writing at age nine. I spent about 20 years playing and touring with my own bands. In the late 90s, I retired to start a marketing business using the skills I learned from keeping my bands employed and selling CDs and merch.

Why music for kids?

When my son turned five, he took me to show-and-tell, but I didn't know any kids' songs, so I just sang some classic rock songs. To my surprise, his teacher suggested I could do kids music for a living.

So I did some research and found that, at that time, there were a few kids' folk musicians in my area, but no kids' rock singers. So I decided to create a new niche locally and it just took off.

Where did you get the idea for a song about Angry Birds?

When I got the new GarageBand app for my iPhone, I started messing around and it sounded so good that I decided to write a "real" song and put it on iTunes over the weekend.

I've been following the success of bands like Pomplamoose using current pop culture as a marketing tool and realized that my target audience (kids and parents) are really into Angry Birds. I actually wear Angry Birds t-shirts to my gigs!

Angry Birds and iPhone also seemed like a good match and potential headline for press. 

Talk more about your writing and recording process...

The song took an hour to write, including researching Angry Birds on the web.

I recorded it on eight tracks using only GarageBand sounds, the sampler (that's my voice doing the bird and pig sounds), and loops. I played guitar into the GarageBand amp models and sang directly into the phone (no mics).

I sent it to my computer, had my son draw some angry birds, drew myself in cartoon form, uploaded the whole thing to CD Baby, and ta-da!

Any advice for musicians breaking into the children's music market?

I just want to say that since shifting from rock to kids rock, I have done just about everything I dreamed of my whole life... I play all originals, I only do covers if I want to, and I play to people that actually come to see me. I'm the center of attention, which is what I've always wanted to be, I've been on TV, I've been on radio, I do interviews, I've won several awards, and I've been flown to shows... You name it. 

As far as advice... Kids music is great, but you have to actually like kids, period. Know what they like and what the parents love and try to find a common ground. I was lucky, I never changed my musical style or performance style... Just the words are different and there is no swearing at the show!

I do 200+ gigs a year at libraries, schools, and concert events. I write and record songs specific to each of my markets. In 10 years I have released 15 albums and various singles like Angry Birds.

Make music that people actually want to buy and listen to... stuff they NEED...and you will succeed. 

Download Angry BIrds (the song) now!

Visit Mr. Billy online.

Is Your Video This Good?

I haven't seen your video, but I'm going to guess no...

What it takes to make something like this...

22 months
1357 hours
30 people
2 ladders
1 still camera
288,000 jelly beans 

How it was made...

10 Tips to Conquer Writer's Block

We’ve all been there at one time or another, with a pen in hand, guitar on our lap and a completely blank mind. Writer’s block can be seriously frustrating, but tapping into inspiration can help lead you out of this dark hole.

Inspiration comes from within and can be as random as something you see in a magazine ad, or as traumatic as a death in the family. Whatever it is, it breaks down the dam of sensibility and streams you through a completely creative space where nothing is beyond limits. There are things to get this process moving along quicker, which is good news for you and your wallet.

1. Change Your Routine

Sometimes we get into the hang of following a strict routine, and life seems to hit a flat line. Try changing your routine, whether it’s going to bed later and sleeping in an extra hour, going to the gym in the morning or going out for coffee after work instead of heading straight home. You may notice something off your beaten path that stirs that instinct to write.

2. Go Outside

Many artists quote the great outdoors as being a source of inspiration. Go to the beach and watch the waves roll in, take the family for a hike in the woods, go mountain biking, for a jog or sit with a glass of wine on the patio and watch the sunset. You may feel a connection with your surroundings that will emit feelings perfect for words.

3. Read

Reading new material helps build new ideas. Read that novel you’ve been meaning to pick up, grab a morning newspaper or have a look through the latest copy of your favorite magazine. It’s better than television because you can stop and reread something if it perks your interest. You’ll come across new ideas, life situations, world events and even other inspirational quotations, or prose that will set you in a new direction.

4. Try Something New

While this doesn’t necessarily mean to dabble in psychedelics, change is a good thing for songwriters. Many of the great songwriters like Bob Dylan and Neil Young went through countless transformations which inspired new music for them. Try sky diving, cooking or even a new instrument. Change stimulates us and gets us excited about life.

5. People Watch

This might sound odd, but people are so interesting, especially if you live in a big city. Spend some time at your favorite café, drink coffee and watch the people go by. You’ll notice comments and judgments float up through your mind about these people, or one particular person that interests you—characters in a story. Make up a theme song in your head for them, and go from there. Learning to be observational will take you a long way in songwriting.

6. Listen to Music

Pull out that old Led Zeppelin record you haven’t listened to in years and throw it on. Try listening to new music, or revisiting songs that touched you emotionally. Pick the songs apart like a critic or just lay out on the sofa with your eyes closed and enjoy it. This is similar to reading in that music offers new ideas and sounds which tap into our creative brain.

7. Go on Vacation

Take a break from songwriting and jump on a plane somewhere. The more exotic and unfamiliar the better, though going camping for the weekend free of electronics is also a good option. Explore, meet new people, learn new cultures or languages and try new things. Keep it relaxing, stress doesn’t write good songs.

8. Head Out for a Night on the Town

This doesn’t necessarily mean get smashed and hit every downtown bar you can find. Go out and catch a live show, no matter how significant the band, DJ or solo artist is. Being in a crowd of people all enjoying the same thing is a riot, and can inspire some good feelings and great lyrics. It may get you excited about writing again.

9. Explore Your Inner Workings

A lot of classic songs are emotionally charged. While this comes a lot from the performers themselves, the lyrics explaining these feelings are essential. Tap into your emotions, or significant events in your life. This can be something happy like your wedding day, or sad like the day your old dog passed away. While it can cause a bit of a rollercoaster effect you’ll find some organic thoughts will spring forth. Just remember to come back to normal afterwards.

10. Forget Reason

Try laying on your back or some other relaxed position, guitar in hand or fingers on the keys and completely forget about everything you know about music. Put away all the theory, chords, and notes and just close your eyes and see where your fingers land. This could end up in just a lot of noise, but you may find a new melody or riff by accident. This meditational practice is worth a try.

Add your tips below...

5 Benefits of Recording at Home

With the availability of cost effective home recording equipment, building a home studio is becoming more attractive to bands and soloists out there who can’t afford to spend time in a professional studio. There are benefits to recording at home instead of in a studio, mainly involving time and money—your two most precious resources.

1. Save Some Cash

Professional recording studios can cost upwards of $100 to $300 an hour, making the recording of even a demo pricey. While you’ll need to invest initial time and money to build your own studio you’ll save money in the long run, especially if you’re doing a lot of recordings.

Consider buying recording equipment like mics and mixers online on Craigslist or Ebay. Just make sure they have the owner’s manual still attached (or you can download a copy from the company website) as you’ll need it to learn the components and proper setup. This can help you save a lot of money in the beginning, and you can always upgrade once you’ve earned some more cash back.

2. Do it on Your Own Time

Because every hour of recording costs you at a professional studio, home studios are desirable for letting you work at your own pace. You can start, stop and record any time you want and as long as you have good time management and motivational skills you’ll be more comfortable recording at home. Plus you’ll be able to do as many takes as you need to get the sound you’re looking for. You can also tinker away at your leisure to get the song right where you need it.

3. Make Your Own Money

Once you get comfortable with all the equipment and recording process, getting friends’ bands or bands looking to get an economical start can help you make the money back you spent on the studio. Invite them in to do demos and charge what you think is a reasonable price, as long as it is below a professional studio rate.

4. Build Your Recording Chops

Learning how to work your own recording studio is empowering. As long as you have a basic knowledge of the equipment going into it you’ll be able to pick it up and build your own process. Consider mentoring with someone at a professional studio if you feel you need to know more about all the equipment involved. Many technical schools also offer recording certificates, though this would be a hefty added cost.

5. Produce Your Own Sound

If you have a good home recording studio with a proper tracking room and isolation booth you’ll be able to create excellent sound that will make for a more appealing demo, or album. You can spend as much time as you need to try different sounds, dubs, instruments, and effects. This is more appealing if you’re trying to explore something like a concept album or a distinct, unique style or sound. You can build your signature, so to speak.

While nothing beats working in a professional studio, a home studio is great if you are looking for something more affordable or if you’re interested in building your own sound from the bottom up. By investing in quality equipment, and building a proper studio you’ll not only save money in the long run, but may even have the opportunity of making some cash back from other artists.

The Future of Music or Illegal Art?

Watch this and discuss below...

The tracklist...

Alphabeat - Boyfriend
Alphabeat - Fascination
Bag Raiders - Shooting Stars
Black Eyed Peas - Gotta Feeling
Britney Spears - ...Baby One More Time
Capsule - Can I Have A Word
Chromeo - Momma's Boy
Coldplay - Viva La Vida
Daft Punk - Aerodynamic
Daft Punk - Around The World
Deadmau5 - Raise Your Weapon (Madeon Remix)
Deadmau5 - Right This Second
Ellie Goulding - Starry Eyed
ELO - Mr. Blue Sky
Girls Aloud - Biology
Gorillaz - Dare
Gossip - Heavy Cross (Fred Falke Remix)
Gwen Stefani - What You Waitin For (Jacques Lu Cont Mix)
Housse de Racket - Oh Yeah
Justice - DVNO
Justice - Phantom Part II
Katy Perry - One Of The Boys
Ke$ha - Take It Off
Kylie Minogue - Wow
Lady Gaga - Alejandro
Linkin Park - Crawling
Madonna - Hung Up
Martin Solveig ft. Dragonette - Boys and Girls
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
Nero - Me and You
One Republic - All The Right Moves (Danger Remix)
One-T - Magic Key
Ratatat - Shempi
Solange - I Decided (Freemasons Remix)
Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You
The Buggles - Video Killed The Radio Star
The Killers - Losing Touch
The Who - Baba O'Riley (SebastiAn Remix)
Yelle - Que Veux Tu (Madeon Remix)

Want more? His name is Madeon and this is his SoundCloud page.

Top 10 Songwriting Clichés

Have you ever listened to a song, only to wonder where you heard the lyrics from before? You scroll through your lyrical library, wondering if this is a cover song and come across the old familiar friend—the cliché. Unfortunately scores of hit songs are chock full of clichés, but you’re a better song writer than that, right?

1. The Drunk and Depressing Country Song

It’s a common joke that country songs are all basically about some guy drinking away his sorrows because his wife left him for another man, his dog got ran over and his tractor broke down. Country songs have become bar anthems, and while this can be a good thing commercially, there tends to be a lot lacking in the actual lyrics of the song. Avoid phrases about how much whiskey you drank last night, or anything that contains “broken heart”. It’s been said and done.

2. Self Explanatory Rock Songs

We all love to rock out, but when you’re in a rock band or writing rock lyrics about rock, could you avoid using the word “rock”. Between phrases like “gonna rock you”, “like a rock”, “keep on rockin’” or “rock this/that—enter noun” we finally get the point. You’re having a good time! It’s time to come up with something a little more sophisticated, and original.

3. Profanity Taking the Place of Real Words

Yeah, your bling is shiny and you talk tough—but let’s get out of this groove of lazy rhyming. In hip hop or rap using favorite four letter words followed by “this” or “you” only portrays your lack of vocabulary skills. There are over 170,000 words in the dictionary, so make use of them!

4. All About California

It’s the sunshine state, and a pretty nice place, so why do songwriters feel the need to whine about it so much. There are more songs about California than any other U.S. state. Once you’ve heard the theme song for The OC television drama you’ll understand. It’s probably because so many bands call California home, but how about using metaphors or just leaving it out altogether. Try writing a song about Vermont or New Mexico. They’re pretty nice places too.

5. Love Songs

There are a lot of great, touching love songs out there but there are a lot of terrible ones too. Avoid the typical “missing you”, “I still love you”, “I’ll always love you” cliché. It’s a nice word to hear but once overused it loses its meaning and let’s face it—love is an ever changing thing. The 80’s was all about sappy love songs dripping with cheese, and maybe they should be left there. Top 40 music is unfortunately by far the worst offender of this.

6. We Know You’re Emotionally Disturbed

Great songwriters are not usually born from a free, great upbringing. A lot of what great songwriting is, is opening doors for emotional connection with your audience. But many take it a step too far. As if the world wasn’t already depressing enough at times, we find the need to write songs about how depressing we are. Nirvana arguably did it best, but it seems to have mutated into something else—Emo perhaps. Please, no more songs about how you hate yourself, or how bad you’ve got it. We’re all in the same boat so deal with it or find another way to write about it.

7. Booty

Booty is a good thing, but it’s time we come up with a new word for it. Songs about shaking your booty, or about how great your booty is have become old news. Go for timeless if you want to be a great songwriter. We encourage you to shake what your mama gave you—how about that for cliché—but walk the walk instead of talking the talk.

8. How Rich and Famous You Are

Most of America, most of the world in fact, is not rich and famous and writing countless songs about this is not only a cliché, but completely self obsessed. Songs are meant to connect with an audience, your fans. Frankly, writing about the amount of cars you own, how big your house is, or how much gold is in your grille is not only uninteresting, but overdone. How about songs about how much you’d like to give the rest of us a taste of that solid gold?

9. Punk Covers of Pop Songs

While it can be funny, don’t expect to make a  good hit reworking a pop song for punk music. We’ve heard enough Sweet Carolines, thank you very much. This almost doesn’t fall under the category of songwriting, except that it’s so annoying it must be entered somewhere.  We get it, you’re being ironic. Don’t rewrite lyrics from a pop song into a punk song, they mix like oil and water.

10. Overused Rhymes

Understandably it can be hard to come up with rhymes on the fly, but a little effort will go a long way for songwriters. Avoid all those overused, easy rhymes like the dance, chance, romance trio. Miss you and kiss you also fall into this cliché trap.

Hopefully you’ve spotted the clichés used to describe clichés in this article. Songwriting should be original, straight from the heart, and hard hitting. Use the aforementioned rules to avoid clichés in your songwriting and original, great material will be the result.

Add clichés below... 

Are Good Musicians Born or Made?

In his book, Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell says the key to success in any field is, to a large extent, a matter of practicing a specific task for a total of around 10,000 hours. 

Dan McLaughlin is testing this on himself, with 10,000 hours of "deliberate practice," in hopes of going from a newbie golfer to playing on the PGA Tour.

Dan, who is currently at about 1600 hours, started with very minimal golf experience. In fact, he had never played a full 18 holes of golf and had only been to a driving range a couple of times. He's an average guy by most standards; a 30-year-old commercial photographer with no previous experience as a competitive athlete and not in particularly good physical condition, with slightly under-average height and weight.

Visit TheDanPlan.com for more information and updates...

To break this down what he's doing for you, his schedule is six hours of practice, six days per week, for about six years.

Would a newbie musician trying this get good results? Or is musical talent something we're born with?

Post thoughts below...

How Do You Know When It's Done?

Seth Godin answered the question "How Do You Know When It's Done?" on his blog this morning. And his answer is...

Of course, it's not done. It's never done.

That's not the right question.

The question is: when is it good enough?

Good enough, for those that seek perfection, is what we call it when it's sufficient to surpass the standards we've set. Anything beyond good enough is called stalling and a waste of time.

If you don't like your definition of 'good enough', then feel free to change that, but the goal before shipping is merely that. Not perfect.

Good advice for musicians, I think.

Here's a story that's a great example of this...

Top band is recording a song in the studio. Label is on deadline and the pressure is high. Producer is stalling, trying to tweak it. But it's done...at least in the opinion of the label people.

So a label guy comes into the studio, gets a copy of the "rough" track, and it gets released.

Song goes to #1 and was one of the act's biggest hits.

Agree with Seth that it's never done, but sometimes it is finished.

Big Videos on Limited Resources

Thanks for low-cost innovations like the Flip and iMovie, making a quality video is as easy as it ever has been. Most people don't know what to do with all the technology we have available. 

And we have no filters to keep all the boring videos from clogging up distribution outlets, like YouTube...

And people have seen to many videos it's harder than ever to grab the attention of people...

The good news is what does get the attention of people has little to do with money. A few years ago, "big" was Puff Daddy closing down TImes Square and driving around in a solid gold car, with 1000 bikini models behind him. If you wanted to compete with him, you'd have to do something similar.

Nobody cared about this kind of video today!

Today's "big" means not being limited by limited resources. It's pulling something off without just throwing money at it. Something like this...

It looks complicated, and it is, but not as complicated as you'd think. The hard part is coming up with an attention-getting idea, which for most people, is not as easy as you'd think.

I hope you'll be inspired by the "behind the scenes" video below. Again, this was a complicated shoot, but not nearly as complicated as most people would think. When you break things down into little pieces, you can do really big things!

10 Signs You're Amazing in Bed

Not really.  This post is about getting attention, perverts.

One of the ways you get attention is by doing something different from what everybody else is doing.  When they zig, you zag.

Or, if you're already different, use that difference to your advantage.

Remember Cypress Hill?  I've always thought the main guy, B-Real, had an extremely annoying voice.  Figured he's always high or something.

Turns out this was on purpose...and he agrees with me!

He's described the nasal style of his voice by saying it's "high and annoying..."  But the biggest shock to me was,"It's something that I developed... My more natural style wasn't so pleasing to the other guys in the group."

WHAT?!!

He says, "You want to stand out from the others and just be distinct... And when you got something that can separate you from everybody else, you gotta use it to your advantage."

Good advice.

But can "being different" go too far?  Yes.

People need a framework that is comfortable.  You can bend the rules a bit, by emphasizing certain charateristics about your music that are different, but going too far and doing something totally different will likely isolate you from the people you're trying to reach, since few people will "get" what you're doing if they're not already used to it and you give it to them all at once.

This is why it's a bad ideas to tell people "we don't sound like anybody."

A better approach is to give people a foundation that is similar to the one they're used to.  If you've been compared to Rage Against the Machine or Garth Brooks, embrace that.  Then add what makes you different, just to make you stand out a bit.

Yes, something totally different from what is popular now will eventually become popular, but you don't want to wait that long.  Instead, take what's happening now and change it up just a bit.  And keep doing that...again and again.  Baby steps will get you where you want to go faster than one giant leap.