Friday, August 31, 2007 

Learn tricks for getting press and discounted advertising!

Get your copy of the hottest teleseminar yet!

“Press & Promotion”
is now available as an MP3 download!



Madalyn Sklar interviewed Mara Hitner of Flying Coaster PR and Music Connection Magazine about using the media to promote your music, tricks for getting press and discounted advertising and the importance of your bio and press releases.

Order you copy here.

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Thursday, August 30, 2007 

Music Connection Weekly Bulletin

This is one of the best music newsletters out there. I encourage you to check it out!



ABOUT MUSIC CONNECTION: Published every other Thursday since 1977, Music Connection magazine is a bi-weekly music trade publication catering to the music industry, its loyal fans, and support services. From its unique vantage point, Music Connection magazine has, for more than two decades, set its sights on every aspect of the music business, from decision-making in corporate towers to performing in local clubs. Whether discussing raw survival or the factors contributing to breakthrough success, Music Connection examines and defines the realities of music making. Founded on the principle of bridging the gap between "the street and the elite," Music Connection has garnered a solid foundation of active readers, and is commonly referred to as "the musicians bible." This leading music trade magazine caters to the seasoned veteran as well as the fledgling musician, and to the top executive as well as those trying to break into the business. Its broad appeal encompasses the songwriter, producer, studio manager, agent, attorney, publicist, label executive and, of course, the professional and semi-pro musician. Music Connection magazine is distributed through a network of newsstands, bookstores, 7-Elevens, AM-PMs, record stores, and musical instrument stores, the readership is over 75,000. Seventy percent of the readership is in Southern California, five percent in Northern California, and the remaining twenty percent throughout every major city in the United States and several foreign countries.
http://www.musicconnection.com/


Sign up for the Music Connection Weekly Bulletin by sending your email address to: weeklybulletin@musicconnection.com

Wednesday, August 29, 2007 

Rant time...stupid bands

Okay so you have submitted your band for a music conference but "uh oh" do you know where the conference is located at? What city and state? Do you care?

I just dealt with a band that submitted to a great opportunity we offered over at GoGirlsMusic.com. There was no submission fee. And if your band was selected you even got a FREE registration badge. Can you get any better than that?

So this band submits. They are offered the opportunity but don't confirm timely. After sending a second request to confirm they ask where is the conference located at.

Huh??

Okay call me um ignorant but what the hell?

I find out they live in Seattle, halfway across the country and had no intention of traveling. I know, it makes no sense. Why would you waste your time and that of others? I just don't get it.

I'm going to tell you this very, very nicely because I don't want you to make the same mistake...

Don't EVER submit to an event and not know where the hell it is! You will make a complete fool of yourself. People in the music business will not want to work with you.

My time was wasted because of this band's stupidity. Here is what you can learn from them.

Be smart. Open your eyes. Research. Respond timely.

Yeah it's simple.

Okay done with my rant...

Rock on,
Madalyn Sklar
IndieMusicCoach.com
~providing one-on-one indie music consulting & coaching~
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com/


Madalyn Recommends:

Learn how to make the most of a music conference!
Get the MP3 download!
available in the GoGirls Music Store




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Tuesday, August 28, 2007 

How to make the most of a music conference



Coming up next month is one of my favorites, the Dewey Beach Music Conference. There will be so many great opportunities to meet and network with lots of great industry people. But what do you need to do to prepare?

There are lots of things:

*Load up on business cards and CDs.
*Have pen/paper to take notes
*Bring flyers about your show & don't be afraid to pass them out
*Show up with a positive attitude
*SMILE - it will make a huge difference

I have two great resources available in the GoGirls Music Store that can help:

Music Conference Teleseminar Panel
Earlier this year I hosted a Music Conference Panel featuring Allie Shaw (Hyperactive), Angie DeVore (Dfest) and Vikki Walls (Dewey Beach). They dished out lots of information and advice on music conferences. Including a Q&A session with the audience!

Check out this teleseminar call and learn how to make the most of a music conference!



Using Myspace to...
create a buzz @ a music conference

In this e-Booklet I'll show you how to use Myspace to get attention at a music conference! I talk about image & branding as well as useful tips before, during & after the conference.

I also provide Myspace page examples plus details on how to track friend requests. You'll learn valuable tools in this e-Booklet!

Rock on,
Madalyn Sklar
IndieMusicCoach.com
~providing one-on-one indie music consulting & coaching~
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com/

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Monday, August 27, 2007 

When The World Is Running Down, You Make The Best Of What's Still Around

I know, this is the title of a song by The Police. But it is also something to think about.

When The World Is Running Down, You Make The Best Of What's Still Around

We all get those days. The ones where no matter what you do, it's just not happening. You have the day job that you're stuck in. Your band is barely holding on. You are not getting enough people out to your shows. You are not selling enough CDs. You wish you had better gigs and made more money.

Sounds like your world is running down.

But how about making the best of what you got!

You have fans. Make the best of them! I'll bet you are not taking full advantage of your email list. You should be sending emails regularly to your fans even if you are not gigging right now. Let them know what is going on. Are you in the studio? Tell them! Show pictures. Start a BLOG and tell your fans about the experience. There is so much you can do!

Make the best with what you have and strive for more!

Madalyn is available for one-on-one consulting and coaching at affordable prices. Check out http://www.indiemusiccoach.com/ for more info.

Madalyn Recommends:

Teleseminar: Radio Tips for the Indie Artist
Get the MP3 download!
available in the GoGirls Music Store


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Friday, August 24, 2007 

Indie Music Success - Getting Motivated! DVD

Check out Madalyn's latest DVD!


Indie Music Success - Getting Motivated!

Are you ready to earn more $ in the music business?
What if you could earn more money than you ever imagined as an indie artist. Do you have what it takes to succeed? Stop holding yourself back from the success you desire and deserve!

Check it out at http://www.gogirlsmusicstore.com/

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Thursday, August 23, 2007 

Music Industry Survival Manual

I found this really cool PDF booklet on how to market, promote and make money from your music. It's from the people over at TuneCore.



http://www.tunecore.com/images/artwork/templates/pdfs/tunecore_manual_dl.pdf


Rock on,
Madalyn Sklar
IndieMusicCoach.com
~providing one-on-one indie music consulting & coaching~
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com/

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Wednesday, August 22, 2007 

YOU CAN LIVE YOUR DREAM

You have to make your own opportunities.
Your future is not a matter of chance.
It's a matter of the choices you make.
It's not something you wait for.
It's something you must actively pursue.

Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities.
Seize common occasions and make them great.
Opportunity can come disguised in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat.

Start today, right where you are.
Distant fields will always appear greener.
Yet, golden opportunities are all around you.

THE DAILY GURU

**********************************************
©2006 by Max Steingart

Madalyn's Note: What are you waiting for? Opportunity is everywhere and every step you take will get you closer to your dreams. Open your eyes and see what is right in front of you. Life is what YOU make of it!

Rock on,
Madalyn Sklar
IndieMusicCoach.com
~providing one-on-one indie music consulting & coaching~
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com/

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Tuesday, August 21, 2007 

Future of Music Policy Summit - September 17-18

Now in its seventh year, the Future of Music Policy Summit brings an unprecedented group of panelists and keynote speakers together with an engaged, diverse audience for a robust debate about the critical issues at the intersection of music, law, technology and policy. From September 17-18, join with musicians, managers, technologists, label owners and attorneys in Washington, DC for panel discussions on copyright, music licensing, the state of retail, the explosion of niche genres, and learn about technologies that are bringing artists and fans closer together. Scholarships available for working musicians.

For details or to register: www.futureofmusic.org/events/summit07/index.cfm


Future of Music Policy Summit

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Monday, August 20, 2007 

Show Me The CD...If You Think Your Music’s Great, Record It!

By Sheena Metal

Throughout the history of modern music, there hasn’t been a musical artist/band who doesn’t think that their songs are all #1 hits just waiting to be discovered. Many of these artists have been correct and have stood by grinning as their tunes screeched up the charts. This inspires a new crop of musicians every year to feverishly pen their potential hits in hopes of making it big.

Musicians write. They rehearse. They play clubs and hope that one day they’ll encounter that special A&R guy (or gal) that will, see them, dig them, sign them, and make them stars. But surprisingly enough, many of these bands never complete what is probably the most important tool for any musician signed or unsigned…they never record a CD.

It cannot be stressed enough that the CD is at the heart of any musical project. It is the physical embodiment of the song, the combination of writing and performing. It’s any musician’s skeleton key for: club gigs, reviews, and radio play. CDs enable you to draw the attention of fans and industry at the same time. Whether containing one song or twenty, the possibilities of the unsigned artist’s CD are endless. Post them on the web. Get them to the press. Give them to your friends. Sell them at your shows. Send them to the record labels. Your CD lets the world know who you are and what you sound like and gives anyone who digs your music the opportunity to listen to it again and again.

So, how can you make sure that you’re CD does your music justice while appealing to fans and industry alike? While there is not one set way to record a CD, there are certain key elements that every professional CD should possess.

The following are a few tips that may help you to make sure that your CD will help your band instead of hindering it:

1.) It’s Not The Size, It’s What You Do With It---It doesn’t matter how long your CD is, only that it accurately portrays your sound and vibe. If you don’t have a lot of time or money to spend in the studio then record for quality instead of quantity. It’s better to have one really kick ass tune recorded then a full length CD that sounds like it was recorded on a boom box in your basement. But that doesn’t mean that your CD needs to be expensive or time consuming. The advanced technology of digital recordings has afforded musicians/bands the opportunity to record in smaller home studios and still come away with professional sounding recordings. It’s now all about finding an engineer with a fantastic ear and the mastery of his/her own gear regardless of how inexpensive it may be.

2.) Record And Mix For The Song---Remember a song is a collaboration. Even if you’re the sole musician and engineer of your CD, recording a song is still an ensemble project. Instruments, voices and effects must all work together as a team to produce the best possible finished project. If a guitar line is too busy, a kick drive is too loud, or a voice is perpetually off key, the overall quality of the finished product is compromised. There is a delicate balance of creativity and technology, of art and electronics that comes together to produce the wonder that is your CD. Treat that balance with respect. Put your ego aside and record with the songs as your absolute priority.

3.) Less Talk And More Action---Certainly there is a great deal of preparation that is required before recording. Mapping out the arrangements of your tunes can be an arduous process usually much more complicated than the live performance of the song. One guitar part becomes three, or five or ten, a basic drum part now includes percussion and electronic beats, two backing tracks can become twenty. Sometimes you feel as if your brain will certainly explode from the mapping out of all of the musical and vocal parts required to give your song a professionally recorded sound. But don’t get so lost in the charting and practicing of various parts and forget that time is of the essence here. It’s all well and good to tell those who inquire that you’re “in the studio” or “currently recording” but if a CD does not materialize in a reasonable amount of time both fans and industry will grow disinterested and move on to someone who has a finished product.

4.) If It Sounds Good, Make It Look Good---After the time and energy you’ve spent to make your CD sound amazing, don’t scribble on it with a blunt sharpie, throw it in a used envelope and expect a record label to be impressed with it. If your CD looks unprofessional, it will be dismissed as such and will probably spend its days unlistened to, lining the bottom of some A&R intern’s birdcage. Simple packaging is certainly acceptable but make sure your CD’s first impression a good one…your graphics are high quality, your text is neat, your paper stock is professional and all materials are unused. Even the most poorly recorded CD will get a listen, if it comes in a pretty package.

Now that you have a professional CD recorded, your possibilities are endless. Send it to anyone and everyone! Get your name out there! Make new fans! Grab some press! Get a record deal! Stand back and grin as your single goes screaming up the charts. Anything is possible if you have a good CD and can share your music with the world.

Sheena Metal is a radio host, producer, promoter, music supervisor, consultant, columnist, journalist and musician. Her syndicated radio program, Music Highway Radio, airs on over 700 affiliates to more than 126 million listeners. Her musicians’ assistance program, Music Highway, boasts over 10,000 members. She currently promotes numerous live shows weekly in the Los Angeles Area, where she resides. For more info: http://www.sheena-metal.com.


Catch Sheena Metal this week on the teleseminar:

“Radio Tips for the Indie Artist”

Wednesday, August 22nd at 8pm Eastern / 5pm Pacific



Join us August 22nd for this free 60-minute "teleseminar" and listen to Madalyn Sklar, founder of GoGirlsMusic.com and IndieMusicCoach interview radio host, producer, promoter, music supervisor, consultant, columnist, journalist and musician Sheena Metal.

Sign up FREE at http://www.indiemusicseminars.com/

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Friday, August 17, 2007 

"No" is not an option

Last night I was watching The Big Idea on CNBC. They had a segment on not letting people tell you what you can/can't do. It was fascinating listening to stories of triumph because "no" was not an option.

It reminded me of one of my consulting clients, 3 Kisses out of Texas. They received a great opportunity to appear on ABC's Wife Swap last year. But they ran into a few hurdles. Now most people would have given up. What was so awesome is that they did not let "no" become an option. They stayed in touch with the producers. When something cool happened with their band such as a new endorsement deal, they would email it to the show's producer.

They did what I call "being persistent without being a pest." And let me tell you what, it paid off! Last November they got the call and before long a film crew was at their house taping. The show aired in February of this year and the episode had one of the highest ratings.

I love telling their story because it shows that when you change your mindset to "no is not an option" you will see things happen in your favor.

What are you doing to rise above the "no's" you hear?

Rock on,
Madalyn Sklar
IndieMusicCoach.com
~providing one-on-one indie music consulting & coaching~
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com/
Madalyn Recommends:

Using Myspace to... create a buzz @ a music conference
(newly revised edition!)
available in the GoGirls Music Store

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Wednesday, August 15, 2007 

Songfacts interview with Roger Clyne



Here is a cool web site to check out, Songfacts. It's a searchable database of song information compiled by radio professionals, music enthusiasts, and visitors to this web site. They have some really great, in-depth interviews with songwriters and I'd like to share one with you today.

Interview Roger Clyne
by Carl Wiser

Roger Clyne had a taste of fame as lead singer of the Refreshments, but has found his niche writing and performing with an independent band. We started the interview talking about the difference between major labels and independents, and why it's important to put art before commerce.

Carl Wiser (SF): After doing this long enough you get an ear for the passion of certain fans, and boy, they really have an interest in spreading the gospel of Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers.

Roger Clyne: I love it. And, you know, we're really fortunate. We're an independent band and so we don't have to play by anybody's rules but our own. We decided to put the art before the commerce, and you know, put meaning in songs and try to be part of like a world community via Peacemakers, truly, and that's what people have responded to. Instead of worrying about writing for radio, or predicting or following trends, we just shot the art from the heart and bingo – it worked.

SF: Well, you were with Mercury Records, right? When you were with the Refreshments?

Roger: Yeah, that's right. The Refreshments were from… when were we around? Not long, '95 to '97.

SF: So you've had the experience of working for a major label and then being independent.

Roger: Yeah, it's a lot harder to be independent. But it's also more rewarding.

SF: How do you mean? I'm just trying to get a sense for… you know, if you're a new artist or something and you have the choice, okay, should I really strive to get this major label contract, or should I go independent? What would you recommend?

Roger: I don't want to vilify a whole industry, or even the idea of a major label. They have a different agenda, and their agenda is, right now, to respond to stockholders. And the easiest way to do that is to create something that generates profits quickly. It's harder to do it long term. They have to answer to quarterly meetings and stuff. They have to show growth on the bottom line. And they do that by taking music and selling it. The idea of artist development, consequently, has kind of gone by the wayside. The major labels are in the business of finding hits. And they're still doing it. That's fine, I was in that business for a while. We were in a major label situation. They actually didn't ask us to change who we were or rewrite a song or write anything for radio in the beginning.

So major labels are in a different business. They're in commerce, not art. Artists are artists, they're not capitalists to begin with. So unless an artist can find a major label vehicle, or even a minor label vehicle, whereby the art leads the commerce, I would recommend that they let their art lead their commerce. That's the way it works for us, it's in our manifest now to do that. It was risky, and it was hand-to-mouth for a long time, and sometimes it still is. But it ultimately has been rewarding. I've been in the public eye now nationally for ten years, and still paying the utility bills.

Read the rest of the interview here...

Rock on,
Madalyn Sklar
IndieMusicCoach.com
~providing one-on-one indie music consulting & coaching~
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com/
Madalyn Recommends:

Indie Music Success DVD - Getting Motivated!
Are you ready to earn more $ in the music business?
available in the GoGirls Music Store

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Tuesday, August 14, 2007 

idobi Radio

Here is a cool internet radio site I found for alternative rock and punk bands:

http://www.idobi.com/radio/

If you go to their about page, there is info on submitting your music.

Rock on,
Madalyn Sklar
IndieMusicCoach.com
~providing one-on-one indie music consulting & coaching~
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com/

Madalyn Recommends:

e-Booklet: How To Choose The Right P.R.O. (Performing Rights Organization) For You
available in the GoGirls Music Store

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Monday, August 13, 2007 

Goals.

In our Brainstorm Sessions Mastermind Group we are discussing goals. We all need them but many of us don’t write them down. Until we do, most of what we want (sell more CDs, get better gigs, etc.) will not take shape. Or maybe it will but not as quickly as we’d like.

So here is my challenge to you...

Take a few minutes and write down your goals that you would like to achieve in the next 6 months. Then click on "comments" down below and share your goals with us. It's a great exercise to get you thinking. And it's interesting to read what others have to say. You'll soon realize that many of your peers are in the same boat with the same ideas and plans.

So c'mon, don't be shy. Share your goals. Then take action and make it happen.

Rock on,
Madalyn Sklar
IndieMusicCoach.com
~providing one-on-one indie music consulting & coaching~
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com/

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Friday, August 10, 2007 

Teleseminar: Radio Tips for the Indie Artist

GoGirlsMusic.com & IndieMusicCoach presents...

“Radio Tips for the Indie Artist”

Wednesday, August 22nd at 8pm Eastern / 5pm Pacific



Join us August 22nd for this free 60-minute "teleseminar" and listen to Madalyn Sklar, founder of GoGirlsMusic.com and IndieMusicCoach interview radio host, producer, promoter, music supervisor, consultant, columnist, journalist and musician Sheena Metal.

Sign up FREE at http://www.indiemusicseminars.com/

Missed a call? No problem!You can order copies of previous calls at http://www.gogirlsmusicstore.com/

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Thursday, August 09, 2007 

When faced with a challenge, a positive attitude wins every time!

by Madalyn Sklar

Madalyn Sklar So last night I was watching one of my favorite shows, Top Chef, and an interesting thing happened. The chefs thought they were getting a night out on the town so they got all dolled up only to discover they were tricked. Once they arrived at a popular night club they found out they would be working, creating dishes and serving it to club goes. Talk about a let down! The look on their faces was that of sheer disappointment.

They were divided up into two teams and were given a challenge to create dishes that would appeal to the late night club crowd.

So here is what was interesting. One team was so down and unhappy that they had a difficult time figuring out what to do. They just couldn't break free of their negative energy. But who could blame them. They were dressed up for a night out and escorted in a Hummer limo. The other team quickly changed their attitude and decided to have fun with it. They let their disappointment go. They put on a winning face.

So guess which team won the challenge?

Positive energy allows you to be more creative and fuels happiness. It allows you to see things that negative energy clouds up.

So the lesson learned here is to look at the bright side when faced with a challenge, no matter what circumstances brought you to it.

A positive, winning attitude is the way to go in any situation. And who knew you would find valuable lessons on reality TV!

Copyright © 2007 Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach, consultant, motivator and author. She founded IndieMusicCoach and has spent over 11 years working with a wide range of independent musicians all over the world - U.S., Canada and Japan thus far. Her goal is to help indie artists achieve greater success in the music business by working smarter not harder. She is also the founder of GoGirlsMusic.com, the oldest and largest online community of indie women musicians, with a vision of bringing together and empowering musicians from around the world.

Madalyn is available for one-on-one consulting and coaching at affordable prices. Check out http://www.indiemusiccoach.com/ for more info.

Madalyn Recommends:

Teleseminar: Press & Promotion
Get the MP3 download!
available in the GoGirls Music Store


Wednesday, August 08, 2007 

FREE Email List from FanBridge



I have become a new fan of FanBridge. If you are not familiar with them, it's a totally cool email list for indie bands and artists. I have been using FanBridge for about a month now and just love it!

According to their web site:

FanBridge is an easy to use email and mobile fan list management solution designed specifically for bands and musicians. Our #1 goal is to provide you with the tools and resources you need to build and manage your fan list like the pro's do.

And even better, I have partnered up with them to offer you a free month of their highest account level, also known as their "arena" plan. They have a FREE standard account available but for an additional fee you can send out more messages. Try it out and get the free perk by using code: GirlsRock.

Check out FanBridge at http://www.fanbridge.com/.

Rock on,
Madalyn Sklar
IndieMusicCoach.com
~providing one-on-one indie music consulting & coaching~
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com/
Madalyn Recommends:

Indie Music Success DVD - Getting Motivated!
Are you ready to earn more $ in the music business?
available in the GoGirls Music Store

Tuesday, August 07, 2007 

Why you should join our mastermind group...



"None of us is as smart as all of us." --Ken Blanchard

Why join our mastermind group?

Because more can be achieved in less time when people work together. You'll learn new ideas and receive encouragement and support from a team of your peers. It's better than your typical "discussion group" where there is no agenda and no moderators and peers keeping you on track.

I started the Brainstorm Sessions Mastermind Group because indie musicians like yourself could use a support group for attaining success. And the best part, it's all done by email on YOUR schedule.

Click here for more information.

Rock on,
Madalyn Sklar
IndieMusicCoach.com
~providing one-on-one indie music consulting & coaching~
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com/

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Monday, August 06, 2007 

Make an Action Plan

This is from Madalyn's series on "How To Get Ahead" Tips.

Make an Action Plan:

- set long term and short term goals
- set goals that are attainable with some work
- write down your goals and post it where you can see it everyday
- make a daily "to do" list

I know this sounds easy but it's not always easy. Just take some time and put this together. By thinking about it, you will write something. By writing something, you will start visualizing it in your mind. Once you start visualizing your plan you will start seeing positive things happen.

But remember, it first starts with you and your willingness to develop an action plan. As I like to say, Just Do It! That is usually the hard part. The rest will fall into place.

If you need some guidance in developing a plan that is best for you, I'm available for one-on-one consulting at www.IndieMusicCoach.com.

Rock on,
Madalyn Sklar
IndieMusicCoach.com
~providing one-on-one indie music consulting & coaching~
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com/

Madalyn Recommends:

e-Booklet: How To Choose The Right P.R.O. (Performing Rights Organization) For You
available in the GoGirls Music Store

Labels:

Friday, August 03, 2007 

New e-Booklet: How To Choose The Right P.R.O. (Performing Rights Organization) For You

Check out my brand new e-Booklet...
“How To Choose The Right P.R.O.
(Performing Rights Organization) For You”

How do you go about choosing the right PRO for you? Well it takes some research and maybe a phone call or two. Word of mouth doesn't hurt. This e-Booklet is simply a guide to help you decipher the information before making a decision on which to join.

What's covered in this e-booklet:

*What is a "Performing Rights Organization?"
*Concise and detailed info on ASCAP, BMI and SESAC
*Info on how to join each
*Tons of testimonials from indie artists!

This e-Booklet is ideal for people who are looking to join a PRO or get additional information on the one they are with.

Order your copy today for only $6!

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Thursday, August 02, 2007 

Observations from Hyperactive Music Conference in May

by Michael Jolkovski, PhD


First, I agree that the conference was enormously worthwhile. If you are a musician or a band trying to bring your career up a notch, it's easy to feel that you are out there in the wilderness. The conference was a beehive of activity for bands sharing knowledge and connections, making friends and networking. Industry people were openly scouting talent. The conference organizers did a great job in making it fun and affordable. If you are considering doing something like this, I recommend you download Madalyn's teleconference from about four months ago -- she had the directors of Hyperactive, DFest and Dewey Beach. This gives solid info on how to make the most of the conference, as well as how to get a slot on the program.

It can be intimidating to show up at a conference not knowing anybody, especially if you are solo. It turns out that if you know Madalyn, you're plugged into a network. I didn't eat, drink, or listen to music alone the whole time. Madalyn is the least stuck-up and most open and welcoming person you can imagine. Going from venue to venue with her was the closest I expect to get to going clubbing with David Bowie. Everywhere we went, people were excited to see her, and I met some friendly and interesting folks by virtue of my affiliation with her. The gogirls community clearly reflects Madalyn's positive and open personality.

I saw some impressive performances. Three singer-songwriters I found especially strong were Jodelle, Leslie Kastrop, and Rachael Sage. Jodelle's songs are like little movies, and her melodic gifts make the songs both arresting and emotionally touching. She delivers them with this great shut-up-and-listen authority, in a rich, powerful voice. Leslie Kastrop did an amazing thing. She brought a church-like hush to a busy coffee shop. Her presence was quite inward-looking (though she flashed a brilliant shy smile at the end) and it seemed that she pulled people to rapt attention through the power of her concentration, just her and a guitar perched on a hard stool, jammed uncomfortably into a corner. It is easy to imagine her doing the same thing in a 2000-seat theatre or more, in a pool of light on a big stage. And Rachael Sage commanded the stage with her wit and thousand-watt charm, and her intricately made, almost-too-smart songs. I could envision her easily doing Bobby Short's old gig, holding court at the Carlyle Café on the nights Woody Allen's band isn't playing. She could have the snootiest Manhattan-socialite crowd eating out of her hand.

Not being an industry guy, I was able to just enjoy these performances. It's nice to recognize that there are some gifted individuals in the gogirls community. I didn't doubt this, but it's a different thing to see and hear it.

Madalyn Recommends:

Music Conference Teleseminar Panel
available in the GoGirls Music Store

Wednesday, August 01, 2007 

ReverbNation on Facebook

ReverbNation

If you are using Facebook (and I hope you are!), ReverbNation is offering a great, free application that allows you to promote your music effectively. You can have a band profile pic, info, songs (with stats!), gig schedule and mailing list.

And if you are not already my friend at Facebook, click here now.

Rock on,
Madalyn Sklar
IndieMusicCoach.com
~providing one-on-one indie music consulting & coaching~
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com/
Madalyn Recommends:

Using HTML For More Effective Myspace Marketing
(PLUS a new bonus section on Myspace Layouts)
available in the GoGirls Music Store

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WHO IS MADALYN SKLAR?


    Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 15 years helping independent musicians and music business professionals achieve greater success. Her motto is: working smarter not harder. She also founded GoGirlsMusic.com, the oldest + largest online community of indie women musicians.

    Madalyn's Sites:
    * GoGirlsMusic.com
    * Social Networks for Musicians
    contact: madalynsklar(at)gmail.com

         

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