Music Marketing [dot] com

Could This Be Why Your Music Career Sucks?

I don't want to be one to rain on a parade, even if the parade is a fantasy one, but it amazes me how many musicians and songwriters I meet who aren't actually doing anything related to music.  I'm not going to sit here and judge what music business "success" is, because that is relative, but I will make this judgment when it comes to the music itself...

If you're going to identify as a songwriter, doesn't it make sense that you actually write some songs?

If you're identifying as a musician, shouldn't you be out playing gigs...or at least recording some stuff?  Or maybe just practicing once in a while?

I bring this up because I've been meeting an increasing number of people lately whom identify themselves as songwriters, but haven't written anything in years.  And I'm not talking hits, I mean they literally haven't picked up a pen and pad and written anything in a very long time.

And I've been meeting "musicians" lately that don't practice, record, perform, or do anything related to music...except talk about how they're "musicians."

Look, I know life gets in the way, but if you are who you say you are, shouldn't you make a bit of time for music?

Discuss below...  And when you're done, go write a song or something! :)

Why Do You Make Music?

Just read this post about book marketing, which I feel has some interesting thoughts that pertain to the music business.  To paraphrase...

Are you doing music as a hobby, profession, or business? Your answer makes all the difference in the world.

Self gratification comes from a hobby.
Wages come from a profession.
Profit comes from a business.

It's your choice, each of these things has its place, and there is no wrong answer.  However, there is a big difference between the three, which many seem to lack understanding of.

Have you made the decision?  Once you do, you'll likely find more enjoyment, monetary success, sales, fame, or whatever else it is you're looking for, since you'll be able to focus.

Why do you make music?  Post this and any other thoughts below...

Tiger Woods - Part 3

So you've got a few multi-million dollar endorsement deals, you win just about every golf tournament you enter, and your wife is a bikini model from Sweden...

Why cheat?

Tons of reasons...the main one being that you're not happy with what you've got.

Why?

Happiness is an inside thing.  If you're not happy on the inside, it doesn't matter what you have on the outside.  The problem is that most of us don't know this until we actually get what we think will make us happy.

There is somebody reading this now, maybe you, who is actually going to get what he's striving for when it comes to music business success.  When you actually go for it with a plan in place, it happens...a lot.

But what happens when you get it?

Then you've got to start looking at the other things in your life, which you've neglected, because you were so focused on getting a record deal, selling albums, packing shows, or whatever else.  And when this happens, you may just be thrown off...big time.

Can't tell you how many people "successful" musicians and songwriters I've met who are completely miserable on the inside.  These folks are like the walking dead, just going through the motions of life and not enjoying any of it.

These folks love to chase whatever the next thing is... And when they get there, it's more of the same.  The grass is never greener.

Fortunately, it doesn't have to be this way.  If you have a clean vision for what "success" is and why you're really doing the things you're doing, you'll be fine.  In my opinion, it helps to have a reason that is bigger than you are.

Charity is one of these things, which is why you see so many celebrities getting involved with things like social and humanitarian issues.  It's why Derek Sivers gave CD Baby to charity.

I'm not saying you have to donate money to charity or even volunteer your time; I'm saying you'll benefit by having a "purpose" to what you're doing and you may find something involving charity helpful.

So what's your purpose for doing what you do?  Post it below...

Are You REALLY in the Music Business?

Just got off the phone with a friend of mine.  He's been self-employed for a number of years.  He's also a guitar player.

He said something I thought was interesting...

"There is a big difference between playing guitar and playing Guitar Hero."

Duh, right?

You know that, because you're a musician, but I've seen a few kids get the two mixed up.  But, believe it or not, I've seen even more musicians and "business owners" get their situations mixed up...  I'm talking about adults who should know better!

To build on a quote from my friend...  "There is a big difference between being in the music business and pretending to be in the music business."

Those who are really in the music business treat things a different way than those who just pretend to be in it.  They show up for gigs on time, because they know it's important and has a big impact on whether or not they'll get paid.  They promote their gigs, are nice to club owners, sell from the stage, and take advantage of merchandising for the same reason.

This isn't about record deals, fancy clothes, a new van to tour in, brand new equipment, or similar things, which so many musicians get lost in...unless you're actually making money with those things.  Being in the music business is about looking at how you're handling your career, treating your music like the job it is, and asking yourself, "Am I building something by doing this or just doing what I think 'being in the music business' means?"

Just some random, late-night thoughts on differences in the people I come in contact with via email, phone, or in person...  I hope that, if there are some things which need to be tweaked to help you with your long-term music business goals, you'll take an opportunity to do that.

What can you do to bring in more people to shows?

What can you do to maximize music and merch sales?

What can you do to bring in more traffic to your web site?

What can you do to make sure more people hear your music?

These are a few questions you should ask yourself.  Have others?  Post them below.

Want to talk more?  I do a live podcast every Wednesday at 9pm Eastern.  (347) 637-2654 is the number to call me.  Or, if you can't wait, follow me on Twitter and ask your questions there.

The Strangest Secret

The videos below are of Earl Nightingale, the man who started the "motivational" record business.

The company he founded, Nightingale-Conant, has been a leader in "box sets" and high dollar recorded material.  They're also leading the way with online distribution of material as well as different income models, such as a monthly membership for VIP customers.  Worth taking a look at... 

Interesting to look at the videos and see how far the industry has come.  He also has a good message, which you'll find helpful, I think.

3-Step Money System...Only $5

This isn't going to be for everybody, but it will be for most people...

I've just released a new book about making big money through the power of mindset. If you've tried everything you can do to make money with music and you're still broke, this is probably why. 

The book is short, to-the-point, and contains a special section on what Napoleon Hill called "The Mastermind Principle."  Ask any wealthy person or successful business owner about this and he'll know what you're talking about.  It's very important.

Right now, you can get the book for only $5.  Why so cheap?  Because this is important and people who are feeling broke are the ones who need it the most. If you're one of those people, I don't want you to have any excuse why you can't grab a copy and give "The Rich Switch" a try.

Even if you think what I'm talking about is total garbage, you owe it to yourself to spend $5 and see what I'm doing to market it.  There is absolutely no different between marketing a book and marketing an album of music, so use this as a study in great marketing.

First lesson... Everybody who buys a copy gets a free gift. Get your copy to see what it is. :)

What Does "Independent" Mean to You?

Today is Independence Day in the United States, so I thought it was a great time to ask the question...

What does "independent" mean to you?

I'm not asking for any kind of "flag waving" or political answer... I want to know why you choose to release your music independently what that means to you as a creative person.

Leave answers below...

Time to Quit?

Yesterday, I got notice that Performing Songwriter magazine is shutting its doors.  Over the years, I've started (and ended) dozens of big projects, companies, and relationships, so I can totally relate to the emotions she mentions.  Even when it's time to move on, and doing so is a very clear decision, it's never black and white.

Of course, quitting isn't really an end to things; it's a opportunity for something new.

For more thoughts on the subject, check out 10 Signs It's Time to Quit Your Band.

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...

The Sky is Falling!!

Sick of hearing about how "bad" the economy is?  Or... Do you feel the world is coming to and end?

Either way, this free report will make you feel better.  It will only take you a couple of minutes to read and I guarantee it's worth your time.

Get your free report now.

Thoughts? Post 'em below...