Wednesday, October 31, 2007 

Artist Development

A Distinctive Guide To The Music Industry's Lost Art
by Eugene Foley

Eugene Foley teaches up-and-coming artists, musicians, songwriters, managers and independent label owners the key elements regarding the most important topic in the music business, and one that is often ignored these days, Artist Development.

Topics Include:
Artist Development Techniques, Improving Your Songwriting, Press Kit Design, Choosing Advisors, Publicity, Media Buying, Radio Promotion, Music Videos, Touring, Record Companies, Distribution, Music Publishing, Alternative Career Options.

TESTIMONIAL:
"If you are looking for helpful information and advice on the music business, look no further. Eugene Foley has put together a comprehensive book that will guide you through key areas of the biz. From crafting songs to promotions, music publishing to distribution, there is something in this book for you. Personally, I found all chapters to be quite informative. Not surprising since Foley is a renowned agent, consultant and author. He's worked with clients earning Gold and Platinum records as well as Grammy awards. Bottom line, Foley is someone to listen to!"
Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach/GoGirlsMusic.com

This books is a GREAT read. It's available at the GoGirls Music Store.

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Tuesday, October 30, 2007 

Motivation for Musicians - today's text message

“Set goals, write it down, give it a deadline.” -- Madalyn Sklar

I feel stongly that we all need some motivation from time to time. That is why I started Motivation for Musicians. It's a way for me to bring you something to help jump start or boost you to succeed. We can all succeed at whatever it is we set out to do.

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

Friday, October 26, 2007 

Inside the Head of a Music Reviewer

By Suzanne Glass
Indie-Music.com

Madalyn's Note: Before diving into this article I want to mention that Suzanne Glass was my guest on this month's music biz teleseminar. We talked about how to get reviews and she mentioned this great interview she conducted with her reviewers. It gives some great insight into the head of a music reviewer. I guarantee you this will help. So read on and have a GREAT weekend!

What to send? When to follow up? What to say? Should you keep bugging a writer to review your material? What makes writers chose one CD over another to review? And most of all, can you increase your chances of getting a published review when you submit a CD? Answer: Absolutely! By understanding a writer's mind, and following a few simple guidelines, you will substantially increase the likelihood your music will be chosen for a review or feature.

Indie-Music.com recently asked our writers a series of questions designed to let musicians see inside writers' heads, and get a unique look at how the behind-the-scenes process works. After the Q&A, we give a quick checklist for getting your music reviewed successfully.

What impresses you about an artist/musician/band?

ERIK DECKERS: First, the music. A very close second is their professionalism and follow through.

HEIDI DROCKELMAN: Number one, the biggest impression is always the music, and the talent (however sometimes hidden it is) of songwriting. The versatility of all the members is important, and having an appreciation for good songwriting, no matter the genre, will always shine through in someone's work. Sure, clean production always sounds nice and makes a big impression when you're only listening to something a few times for review.... but I've been doing this [reviewing] for a long time now, and if the material is there (even in raw form), the first thing I forgive is production quality. When your songs stand out, even if you've recorded on the worst machine you can possibly find, then that's what counts. Even the worst material can't surpass a production snowjob.

JENNIFER LAYTON: There's no one thing. I've been impressed by so many different things. I'm impressed when I hear a musician doing something new that I've never heard before. I'm impressed when I hear a poetic folk song that expresses something so true, I feel it tugging at my heart. No matter what the press kits look like or how fancy the web site is, none of it matters if I'm not touched by the music in some way.

LES REYNOLDS: Real talent in at least one area (vocal, instrumental, lyrical) and especially when all those elements come together. Also, if they've got their s*** together -- correspond in timely manner, not pushy about reviews, answer questions coherently and communicate well (even if this is through an agent, having the right agent who can do those things is crucial).

What impresses you in a promo pack submission?

ERIK DECKERS: Is the press kit complete? Does it have a bio and head shot or group photo? Are there other articles from other reviewers? If the answer is YES to these questions, then I am impressed.

If the press kit contains a three line bio, or vague and airy generalities discussing the metaphysics of the universe in relation to their music, I am decidedly unimpressed.

HEIDI DROCKELMAN: Oh, this is a completely relative thing. What I mean is, truthfully, for me, I look at this part of the packaging after I've already listened to the music. But the key to a promo pack submission is understanding that all the elements of this packet are crucial, down the line, to bands being "marketable", if getting signed by a label is your goal. Obviously, I'd much rather receive bio materials, a dated letter (folks, it's really hard to separate the volume of mail that some of us receive, so including a dated letter from a band representative is a nice touch), a simple photo that expresses the personality of an artist or band, and on occasion, I enjoy a good piece of gag swag. Taking that extra step, especially if it fits with your image, and coming up with a creative piece of swag can push a pack to the top of the pile. However, please refrain from the offensive, even if it's meant in jest.

JENNIFER LAYTON: I take a different route with promo packs. I know those materials are expensive, and I have a small office and can't hang on to all the press materials I get each month. Which means that if I don't absolutely love the artist, the promo pack winds up in the trash after I write the review. I feel really guilty about that. So when an artist contacts me about submitting material, I tell them they don't have to bother with headshots or elaborate press kits -- just a simple bio sheet that includes the web site address and tells me whatever they want me to know about them. What I'm really interested in is the music.

LES REYNOLDS: It looks like the artist/band took time and care in preparing it and it "fits" with the image and overall music style. Quality photos, if included, also get my attention. While I won't use the pix (except to decorate my pod at work!), it says something about the artist -- I can get a "vibe" or feel off that. I am also just impressed with quality photography since I used to be a photographer.

How can bands get your attention?

ERIK DECKERS: Write a personalized note to me, not a generalized form letter.

HEIDI DROCKELMAN: Bands can get my attention fairly easily, but holding it can be another story altogether. I am all about helping out quality bands and artists, and will take extra steps to make sure that I am doing all I can without showing blatant favoritism (although I AM known for that as well), so some of the ways to do this are:

Be courteous: I should clarify because I despise kiss asses just as much as the repeat offender rudeness. I'm not asking for special treatment, just a bit of humanity.

Remember that you're not the only band in the world and perhaps you are the last person in a long string of artists who are contacting reviewers daily.

Don't be overly-pushy. I don't mind the follow-up to check in on the status of a review, but DO NOT expect to get a review every time you send in material. Some pushiness is good, but all you really need to do is to use common sense to know where the line has been drawn.

You get attention when you make an effort to show others that you are serious and learning the craft, as well as being a musical risk-taker (sometimes those risks come with the cost of being misunderstood, but remember that you don't like everything you hear either, and perhaps that will give you some perspective)

JENNIFER LAYTON: Having said what I said above about promo packs, I have to say I get a huge kick out of some of the creative promotional items bands send me. I still can't get over the band that sent me a thong with their logo on the crotch. Creativity and humor always gets my attention.

LES REYNOLDS: Contact me directly. Keep the lines of communication open and do not tell me to just go to your mp3 site. I hate that! It's become the universal cop-out (besides -- what if the computer is malfunctioning or the internet is down?) Also: if they can describe their music accurately in a sentence -- that shows they know who they are and have read my Indie-Music.com bio blurb.

What do bands do which wastes their money when they send submissions?

ERIK DECKERS: Send crappy press kits. If I don't have much background information on the band, I can't write a good review. If I can't write a good review, then it doesn't help the band much.

HEIDI DROCKELMAN: If they're unsolicited, it's a huge waste of money in general. Don't just blindly send your discs out to everyone you think has an inkling of interest in your work. Make sure that you contact someone and at least use the proper procedure. I'm sure this may sound lame to you, but the procedure we use is built to enhance our reviews, not to bring you down.

On another note, photos, postcards, stickers, bio write-ups, and discs are not a waste of money. Just plan your priorities and work up to the full packet.

JENNIFER LAYTON: Like I said earlier, I hate to see bands spend money by sending me glossy head shots and other expensive materials. While I'm impressed by their professionalism, I'm not a label rep or someone who will have a major influence on their career -- I'm just an indie writer. Also, I tell artists not to waste money by sending their submissions by Federal Express. Regular old mail will do fine, especially since I'm out of the office a lot and not here to sign for things.

LES REYNOLDS: Sending tons of press clippings - one sheet is enough. Sending all sorts of odd-shaped stickers and things that, by themselves -- once away from the package -- mean nothing. Most press kits are guilty of overkill.

Continue reading this article here!

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Thursday, October 25, 2007 

Need Myspace Promo Help?

Here's What We Can Do For You!

We will actively add friends, post your bulletins and blogs and leave comments on your friends pages. You can expect increased exposure resulting in more profile views, song plays, comments and messages.

Increased Myspace Exposure = Increased Opportunities for You!

**Boost your profile views & your song plays!**

Our strategic promotion campaign will include increasing targeted friends, sending comments, managing your bulletins & blog. Our experience shows that when this is done consistently it will dramatically boost your profile views & song plays. It will attract more fans, promoters, bookers, managers, labels, radio, musicians, etc.

We work with ALL musicians, ALL music styles, etc.

Get additional info at http://www.gogirlsmusic.com/promo

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Wednesday, October 24, 2007 

Be Committed!...You’ll Never Be Famous If You Don’t Show Up!

By Sheena Metal

Everyone wants to be famous: live in a mansion, drive a sports car, tour the world in your private plane, date a model, float around in the pool while collecting royalties for CD sales, and drink beer right out of your private tap. But not everyone is aware that, with any career that has the potential to end in a bounty of riches and beautiful babes, climbing your way to rock stardom is very hard work.

So, how does your average musical genius go from penniless Pop Tart-eater to Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous? How do you move on up from mom’s garage to a deluxe apartment in the sky? What’s your first baby step on the Yellow Brick Road to fame and fortune? That’s simple…be committed!

It sounds silly, but many a musical boat has sailed with a crestfallen unsigned artist standing confused on the dock, for lack of nothing else but follow-through. Commitment to your deeds and plans is the single most essential skill towards achieving your goal of Ultimate Superstardom. Entertainment is a fickle business and chances don’t come along every day. One missed opportunity now could have spiraled into dozens even hundreds of opportunities down the line.

It may be true that talent is a gift you carry with you from birth, but commitment is a learned skill that you need to hone every day. So, how can you make sure that you’ve got what it takes to gather up your supreme musicality and conquer the universe with it continuously?

The following are a few tips that may help you to make sure that you’re truly committing yourself to your musical career on a daily basis:

1.) Follow Up On All Leads---No matter how insignificant they may seem at the time, it’s important to follow up on every musical lead that’s thrown your way. Letters, calls and emails should be answered politely and in a timely fashion. New contacts should be logged in your address book for future correspondence. Opportunities should be taken, invites accepted, and chances to network relished. By starting out with just these simple rules you’ll watch your resources and mailing list grow. Suddenly you’ll have music community friends with which to share your leads and ideas, ask advice, trade experiences, and combine talent and energies. Through these friends, you’ll meet new friends and fans and from them even more new connections. Soon, you’ll have so many opportunities that your concern will change from lack of opportunity to lack of time in the day to pursue each new chance.

2.) Just Show Up---Sounds so simple it’s stupid, but you’d be surprised how many talented people have fallen by the wayside because they were unable to simply show up. Cancelled gigs, forgotten meetings, and missed auditions say to the Musical Powers That Be, “I’m a huge flake who doesn’t think your opportunity is worth a half-hour of my precious time.” This is a really bad thing. Entertainment is a small town with a huge memory. Don’t give people any reason to think that you’re not the person they want to work with, give the job to, book for the gig, sign to their label, write about, talk about, and help any way they can. Remember there are tens of thousands of musicians waiting to take your place, so step up to the plate and seize each chance with optimism and enthusiasm.

3.) Take Initiative---Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. The world is a virtual cornucopia of information, so reach out and nab yourself some chances at stardom. Comb the internet, join music communities, visit open mic nights, take classes and workshops…put yourself out there where there are cool musical happenings and let others know that you can be relied upon and want to be involved. By going out and seizing your own opportunities, you may double, triple, etc. your resources and chances, and expedite your journey to success.

4.) Do The Best Job You Can---As important as it is to show up, it is also essential that you come off efficient, talented, and professional when faced with a new opportunity. Being there is half the battle but the other half is being the best that you can be and impressing industry, press, clubs and your fellow musicians enough to make them want you to be involved in anything and everything they do. Make a commitment to put on the best live show possible, to have a terrific CD, to make a professional presskit, and to spread the word about your music. Be punctual, be courteous, be positive and be fun. Don’t give anyone any reason not to work with you again and you’ll see that it becomes easier and easier to get what you want for your artistic career.

It really is as easy as simply showing up, following up and giving it your all. Making it in music is not impossible; it’s just a lot of elbow grease, a little organization, a bit of strategy, and the simple sculpting of your talent into a marketable commodity. There are thousands of chances offered every day to musicians...reach out and grab them by the handful, make every opportunity your own, get everything you want from this business and when you’re richer than Oprah and more famous than Madonna, remember that it was you who made it happen. You were a pro. You showed up. You committed.

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.

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Wednesday, October 17, 2007 

Bebo - yet another social network site

I know, they just keep popping up all over the Internet: social network sites. You gotta love them because it's a FREE way to promote you and your music.

Their web site says, "Bebo is the next generation social networking site where members can stay in touch with their College friends, connect with friends, share photos, discover new interests and just hang out."

Their music section looks pretty cool and seems worth having.

So if you are inclined to set up another free social network site, go to http://www.bebo.com and let me know what you think.

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

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Tuesday, October 16, 2007 

So You Want Record (pt.1)

by Rick Slater

[Madalyn's Note: this article is featured on the GoGirls web site this month so I thought I would pass it along here on the blog for your reading enjoyment. Rock on!]

Well it's all about the music right? Well you might want to start by finding the right person who you feel understands your musical vision and can help you realize that vision. Spend some time getting to know each other. How does that person like to work? What are their capabilities? Remember you are going to need to be able to trust this person to help you bring this project home and in some cases he or she may be a limited business partner depending on the nature of your arrangement. The next thing you need to do is choose what tunes are worthy of your attention. Some tunes will just not be your strongest material so be honest with yourself. You also need to consider the type of release this will be. Some material won't fit the nature of a particular release but may be right for others. It's good to be diverse but you need a common thread that holds a release together. (That cool Ska ditty just doesn't fit your blues influenced rock release.)

Now that you have identified which material will be recorded it's time to really get into pre-production. There are many things to re-consider. Tempo is one thing that I often find is something to look at. A song might feel better at a different tempo than you are used to playing it at. Sometimes a click or two faster or slower can really make a song come to life. The other thing to consider is the key. There have been times when I've suggested trying a song that seemed a little dull in a higher key and that has helped. Other times it may be just at the edge of a singer's range and dropping it down helped the vocalist deliver a better performance. This of course opens that can of worms regarding the cardio-vascular exercise habits of the vocalist. This is really important. This is really important. Did I repeat myself? Yup and I'll say it again. Cardio-vascular exercise helps a vocalist improve lung capacity and extend the range as well. The hidden benefit to everyone involved will be that it will be a much shorter warm-up period when the vocalist starts to record. As I like to say, "I don't like to waste my time or your money".

Ah money, that factor that every band/artist seems to put at the very top of list. Remember that you are a small business owner and that music is your product and the competition is fierce. I recommend that you go for a smaller number of tracks and higher quality every time. There are places you can save a lot of money in the process and places (like basic tracking and mixing) where you often get what you pay for. This is where practicing and being prepared with your gear will pay off big time. Have extra strings, picks, drum heads etc. ready to go. I've had to stop day one of recording to have guitars intonated which was a killer on a tight budget. (The band felt pressure to catch up with the schedule for the rest of the project.) Having said all that, it's important to set a realistic budget for yourself. If you are working with a competent engineer you don't need to book the most outrageous studio in town, you just need to make sure you have the tools you need on hand. (Remember, you can't drive a nail with a screwdriver.) As an independent engineer/producer I have been able to negotiate a better rate with studios due to the fact that I represent repeat business. Be sure you leave extra recording time for unforeseen events like tired vocalists, exciting new parts that develop while recording etc.

In my next installment I'll discuss the recording process and some ideas on studio selection.

ABOUT RICK SLATER
As an independent engineer and producer I have had the pleasure of working with many talented artists including some GoGirls Music members, in a wide variety of studios from NY to LA. I am constantly seeking out people who are looking to create memorable recordings to work with. Between my audio background and associations with many different studio facilities I feel I can help artists realize their goals of creating truly great recordings. For more info contact me at slicraider@optonline.net.

Monday, October 15, 2007 

Opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss

This is powerful, huh? It came from an email my dad sent of quotes written by Andy Rooney about things he's learned. We all know that if you don't take advantage of an opportunity someone else will. It's easy to get too busy to look for them. It's too easy to say I want opportunities but not realize them right in front of your face.

What are you doing about that?

Make things happen. Find opportunities and stop making excuses. It's too easy to make excuses. Do something a bit more hard. Yeah, like taking your music career to the next level but not letting opportunities get lost.

Copyright © 2007 Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach, consultant 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.

Thursday, October 11, 2007 

Why I Love The Indie Bible...



I've been getting the Indie Bible for many, many years and it's one of the best resources out there. I know, there are some good ones that I love as well - The Musician's Atlas, the A&R Registry, The Virtual Publicist, etc. Each is different in its own way.

But what about the Indie Bible? What makes it great and something that I love using?

It's been around for 8 years. It has 4200 publications that will review your CD. And 3500 radio stations that will play your music. This book is a valuable tool that will help your promotion efforts. All music genres covered including "women in music" too!

Now here's the best part. I can get you a discount on this publication. Just click here.

So you can't beat it. A great tool that will help you and it's at a discount.

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

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Wednesday, October 10, 2007 

What You Believe Is What You Receive

by Madalyn Sklar

This line, What You Believe Is What You Receive, comes from a CD I have in my possession. The band is Manifest Frequency. They have these words on the backside of their latest CD and it got me thinking because I'm currently re-reading Joe Vitale's The Attractor Factor. You might remember him from The Secret.

So what do you believe? What are you putting out there?

In The Attractor Factor Vitale talks about how no matter what is happening in your life it can be another way. You can change your direction because nothing is set in stone. Think about that.

Manifest Frequency says, "focus on what you want, not what stands in your way. Believe that if you feel it, you can have it!"

If you feel stuck with your music this thinking will help you. Focus is definitely one of the keys to success in life. Focus on what you want. Don't let things like you're too old or not hip enough stand in your way of success in this business. If you believe in what you do, good things will follow. Believe in your music. Believe in yourself.

If you have self doubts you must overcome them. Everything starts with you. Make great music. Promote it constantly. Put yourself out there. Nothing happens unless you are out there making connections and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.

Copyright © 2007 Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach, consultant 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: Radio Tips for the Indie Artist
Get the MP3 download!
available in the GoGirls Music Store




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Tuesday, October 09, 2007 

What About Myspace?

In case you didn't notice, Myspace is making quite a comeback for indie artists. I know, we all got burned out on it. It's so time consuming. It was s-l-o-w. Remember that? Then not too long ago it seemed to rock again. It moves quicker. Less stress and hassle. I'm noticing far more results. Are you?



But there is a strategy to making it work effectively for you. That is why I'm now offering my services to ALL artists and bands. I know the do's and don'ts. I know what works.

If you are looking for Myspace help in order to increase your exposure and opportunities, then get in touch with me. I can help boost your profile views & song plays.

Our plans start at $250/month.

Get additional information and pricing at http://www.gogirlsmusic.com/promo.

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

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Monday, October 08, 2007 

Got Fans?

Check out Festival Network Online

The ultimate online source for music festivals, art and craft shows, home shows, & speciality events. Providing extensive show details since 1996.

Book festival gigs - find music festivals across North America

Friday, October 05, 2007 

RICHES LIE INSIDE YOU, NOT IN MATERIAL POSSESSIONS

Wealth without enjoyment is little consolation.
Your real prosperity lies in being thankful.
Your real riches are riches of the head and heart.
Satisfaction comes from appreciating what you have.

Success is getting what you want.
Happiness is wanting what you get.

It's not how much you have,
it's how much you enjoy.

THE DAILY GURU
*************************************
©2006 by Max Steingart

Madalyn's Note: I just love these Daily Guru messages. You can sign up for them at http://www.thedailyguru.com/. Today's message is a great one because we need a reminder that success is getting what we want. What do you want? You only get one chance in this life so make the best of it and don't be afraid to go for what you want. Happiness will surely follow. Rock on.

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Thursday, October 04, 2007 

The New Indie Band Manager Pro 5.0a5 is here!



I've been a fan of Indie Band Manager for years. It's a great software program that I highly recommend. My buddy Charlie Cheney has put together this brand new version and all I can say is it rocks!!

Check out the Cool New Stuff...

Fully upgraded for the latest Macintosh and Windows operating systems, with dozens of great new features to make managing your music business life easier and faster than ever.

There are so many new features! Just go to http://www.indiebandmanager.com/ for details.

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

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Wednesday, October 03, 2007 

TODAY IS THE TIME FOR ACTION

You must be ready when opportunity comes before you.
Luck is the time when your preparation and opportunity meet.
There is a tide in your affairs, which, when taken at the flood, will lead you on to fortune and success.

By the law of periodical repetition,
everything which has happened once must happen again and again and again, not capriciously, but at regular periods, and each thing in it's own period, and each obeying its own law.

As events tend to repeat themselves,
the tide of opportunity will come to you.
Be prepared and your chance for success is sure to come.
Look around you. Seize an opportunity to change your life.

You can change chance into good fortune if you are ready.
The only sure thing about your luck is that it will change.

THE DAILY GURU

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

Madalyn's Note: Are you ready for opportunity? Many times it comes at your fast so you need to open your eyes and be ready.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007 

Merch Tips for Indie Artists

So you have a show coming up this weekend. Are you prepared? Sure, you've practiced. You emailed your list to come out. But when was the last time you thought out ideas for the merch table?

Do you even have a merch display? I've seen it all from the fancy, free-standing, lighted display to a performer using a little box with her CD prices scrawled on it! Your best bet is to stand out. Most bands I meet don't really give it much thought and pretty much wing it at their shows. I would take the time to come up with something unique. Since most venues are dark, something with lights could be very cool. I've seen rope lights used very effectively. Get creative and have fun with it. Get a friend or your biggest fan to help sell your CDs while you are performing. Most people want to buy your CD either while you are playing or right afterwards. As soon as your set is over, you need to get to the merch table as quickly as possible. People want to meet you! They want you to sign their CD! It's good PR and a way to earn fans for life.

Be sure to have plenty of CDs to sell at your shows. It's really easy to not bring enough and then run out. That would suck! The best money maker at your show is merchandise, especially your CD. Also make sure you have it available for purchase online through your web site and other outlets such as iTunes, CDBaby.com and Amazon.com.

Also have a mailing list available. So many times I see bands scramble at the last minute to find a piece of paper and pen to put out. Instead, get a cheap clipboard and attach a pen to it.

I hope these useful tips help!

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

Monday, October 01, 2007 

Dewey Beach Music Conference Recap

Dewey Beach is one of my most favorite music conferences. It's the only one that gives away FREE badges to ALL the bands. That is awesome. Vikki Walls has created such a great environment that includes VIP parties for everyone, including the bands. As an industry person, I'm the one who typically gets the royal treatment at these things but I have to say it's nice to see the musicians get the same respect as well as free food and beer!

Dewey Beach is a very small coastal beach town in Delaware that attracts a great local crowd who loves live music. Vikki offers up a fun atmosphere during the day at the trade show that included vodka snocones and a real red carpet for picture taking. I got mine taken with MTV's Matt Pinfield. There were panels and workshops plus our fun speed networking event I do with my friends at Human Factor.

But hey nighttime is an entirely different story. That is where the party and real fun begins. We had two great GoGirls showcases. Friday night we took over McShea's, a super cool Irish pub. Our performers were great. The sounds guys were awesome and fun to work with. How often does that happen?! Saturday night our theme was "What happens in Dewey stays in Dewey!" We had an incredibly wild time at Gary's. The music was great. Many of the performers came early and stayed late. The audience enjoyed the line up. People kept buying me vodka drinks all night. It was one memorable night.

So here's the bottom line about Dewey. No pretentious musicians or industry people in attendance. It's one of the few events that I truly enjoy going to so I can relax at the beach, put on a few awesome shows and meet great people.

See you there next year!

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

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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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