Madalyn's Blog

Let 2008 Be Your Breakout Year...

Hi, I’m Madalyn Sklar of IndieMusicCoach & GoGirlsMusic.com. I am a music business coach, consultant and author. I have spent well over 11 years working with a wide range of independent musicians, helping them get focused and energized. My goal is to help indie artists achieve greater success in the music business by working smarter not harder.

Aim High & Follow Your Dreams...

I’m interested in working with serious musicians who are looking to empower themselves and elevate their music career. If you are serious about your music career, call or email me.

Here is what some of my clients say about my services:

"Madalyn not only gives me unprecedented marketing strategies during our consultations, but she gets me thinking in a whole new direction."
- Tish Meeks

"Madalyn’s high-energy, can-do attitude was the shot that I needed to get me going!"
- Dave Sterling

"Madalyn has played a key role in helping me build a strong foundation for my music business."
- Amber Norgaard

You can get additional info as well as pricing at http://www.indiemusiccoach.com

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.
I look forward to going the extra mile for you!

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

Labels: indie music coaching, indie music consulting

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 9 years! It has 4000 publications that will review your CD. And 3200 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/

Labels: indie bible

Within you at this moment is the power to do things you never dreamed possible.

In fact, if you did all the things you are capable of doing, you would literally astound yourself.
This power will come available to you
the moment you change your beliefs.

You know what you are today,
but not what you may be tomorrow.
Always look at things as they can be.

You can do anything you wish to do,
have anything you wish to have,
be anything you wish to be.

Never say never.
You don't know what you can do until you try.

THE DAILY GURU

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

Madalyn’s Note: I just love the quote, "you don't know what you can do until you try". Too many times we get the power to DO but don't. We are afraid. We are held back. Why? Are we afraid of success? Are we afraid to see what will happen? We all have the ability to do anything we want. We can soar. We can create incredible music. We can rise above the competition. But too many times we don't. Stop being held back. Never say never! Like I said a few days ago in the blog... Plan It. Pursue It. Visualize It. Success will follow. Give yourself that chance!

Copyright © 2007 Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach

Labels: motivation

Want FREE PR? Read on...
I'm hard at work on my next e-book project: Myspace Marketing Secrets for Musicians. It will be full of information and practical advice on how indie artists and bands can get more friends and fans, increase their exposure and attract more opportunities. What I'm looking for from you is comments on your Myspace promotion efforts. What works for you and what doesn't? Do you have a success story to share? By sharing your information and/or story you will have the chance to get included in this new e-book. And what does that mean to you? FREE promotion for you and your band! If your comments or story are used in the book I will use your band photo, Myspace screen shot and link to your page. Email me at madalyn@gogirlsmusic.com with your comments and/or story as well as a link to your Myspace page. Thanks!

Labels: myspace

If you are looking for legal info check this out. Here is what their web site says:

This resource aims to give a brief overview of developments in Intellectual Property law and other areas of law relevant to the music and entertainment industries.

These updates are designed to give general information for music and entertainment industry professionals and students interested in these areas.

Check it out at http://www.musiclawupdates.com/index_main.htm.

Wishing you and your family and very Happy Thanksgiving!

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

Thanksgiving is upon us so now is a perfect time to think back to what you have accomplished this year. What did you achieve in 2007? What worked, what didn't. What mistakes did you make that you can avoid in the new year?

What are you thankful for? Health. Wealth. CD sales?

The best time to start making a plan for 2008 is now. Set your sights on the new year. List your goals. Make to-do lists. Start now because before you know it January will be here and you will be without a plan. Don't let this happen!

Plan it. Pursue it. Visualize it. Success will follow.

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.

Labels: motivation

My friend Dave Cool, the director of "What Is INDIE?" And founder of Stand Alone Records, has a new music blog that is worth checking out.

Cool's Corner: Inside the Indie Music Revolution

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

Here is a GREAT video from one my favorite web sites, Artists House Music.

by Rick Slater

[Madalyn's Note: here is part 2 of Rick Slater's article that 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!]

So you have your game plan together musically and it's time to get a little technical. There are three things that I consider: the technical needs of the project, the vibe that will most inspire the group of people I am working with, and the budget. I try to balance all of this to come up with the best chance for a really great recording.

You have to consider that the studio you choose will need to be the right fit technically for what you do. If you play acoustic guitar and sing in front of a full band and play out three or four times a week you need to consider the acoustic space you need to be in to represent your band. Now let me say that in my (not always so humble) opinion you need to record basic tracks as a band. So many artists tell me they feel that the recordings they make do not truly capture the essence of the band. This always is followed up with me asking to describe what invariably ends up being a story of each musician going into a small room by themselves and cutting their track as the rest watch in horror as the aforementioned musician struggles to play with that intensity they usually would have playing with an ensemble. Having said that you need a room that you sound good playing in, has a great mic locker, and plenty of good if not great mic pres. Getting really solid tracks is one of the keys to a great recording. The other is catching that vibe quickly once the tape is rolling, which if you are my assistant better be when the band is ready to go. Most really great feeling takes happen within the first few passes. After that it gets a little stale and it's best to try a new song for a bit. If you are an artist who relies on samples and electronics then maybe a large control room with lots of good drum machines and synths would be the best fit.

As for vibe I find that each artist responds well to a particular environment and I need to determine that early on so I put the artist in the best possible situation for a truly inspired recording. I have artists who don't like big cities but small villages or remote studio locations. I have some clients who like funky little studios full of knick-knacks while others prefer clean and orderly environments. I would take a minute to mention that a residential facility can be a great experience for basic tracks. First it brings the whole team together with a singular goal in mind. Secondly since they usually are in more remote locations it removes the interruptions of daily life and keeps the focus on the record.

When doing basics I often find that between the excitement, the load in and set-up, that the band gets tired early on in the first day so don't be discouraged if you don't cover as much ground on day one as you expect. Another thing worth mentioning is to plan on purchasing two external firewire drives to store your files to. You can buy dual drives that will write to both drives so you save studio time backing up your data.

Once you have finished your basic tracking dates it's time to evaluate and check what you need to add. Usually a smaller, less expensive studio will be fine for overdubbing but be sure that the vocals are cut where the singer feels most comfortable. This in my opinion (here we go again) is NOT in the vocal booth. I much prefer a more open and live sound that excites the vocal.

As for choosing a place to mix, I would say to find the person you want to mix the record. Go to the spot they suggest. I personally have a couple favorite rooms at various prices but that are all solid rooms. I say this because you want the mixer to do what they do best in a room they are comfortable in. A good mixer can adapt to any decent control room but it's always faster in the room they know.

Well that covers the overview for now. If anyone has any specific questions maybe we can cover it in the Yahoo group or perhaps another feature.

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.

So I'm always preaching to indie musicians about being professional. You cannot go far with a bad attitude, thinking you are better than everybody else. The road to success has many splinters and road blocks and you do your best to navigate it but along the way developing a bitchy attitude will set you back. Way back!

We like to work with people we like. Plain and simple! Check the attitude at the door.

But what about when it's the music industry person being a jerk. It is a two-way street, you know. They should be just as professional.

A friend of mine was trying to apply for a music festival. She contacted them via Myspace nicely asking for the best way to submit a press kit and their response was less than favorable. I read it. I thought it was rude and condescending.

When it's the musician being unprofessional we call them a diva or asshole. But when it's an industry professional what do we do with this? Sometimes we can't do anything because they have the power. But we can refuse to work with people who treat us like trash. Is it really worth it to give in to their behavior? No! In my friend's case, it cemented the fact that the festival is run by people she would rather not work with.

Remember, it's always a two-way street. We want to work with people we like and who treat us with respect. No matter how you slice and dice it this is a business based on relationships. Nurture the ones worth having.

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.

Learn how to get sponsorship deals!

Proven methods for getting big name companies to take you and your band seriously as an advertising vehicle for their products

by Tish Meeks

E-book Price: $19.99

"This book covers everything from where to look for endorsements to creating an image to writing a proposal. If you are serious and want to get to the next level this e-book will help!"
-- Madalyn Sklar, GoGirlsMusic.com & IndieMusicCoach

Tish Meeks is well-known in the independent music community as the feisty front person of Texas Party Punk band, 3 Kisses. In addition to live music performance, Tish has worked with numerous bands across the US providing motivation, education and support to help them further their music careers.

Get your copy at http://www.gogirlsmusicstore.com/

Check out the most comprehensive radio station search engine on the internet. There are links to over 10,000 radio station web pages and over 2500 audio streams from radio stations in the U.S. and around the world.

http://www.radio-locator.com/

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

So you have a big show this weekend. Are you just going to show up and play or are you prepared to make the most of it?

Most bands don’t mingle with the audience before or after their show. Why?? It’s the best time to connect with people whether it's your fans or soon-to-be fans. Why not stand at the door and greet people as they come in. What an impact that would make! No one does this so if you want to stand out and be different from all the other bands this is one way. After your set, walk around with your mailing list in one hand and some CDs in the other. Don’t be afraid to sell your CD and ask people to join your mailing list. Here's a fact I've watched over and over: some people are not going to walk over to the merch table. Some are afraid while some are distracted with friends and good beer. But if you go to them you have a much better chance of making the sale. And always offer to “sign” the CD. People LOVE that!

So what are you going to do to make the most of your next show?

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.

Thanks for visiting the blog today. I wanted to let you know about the special I'm running at IndieMusicCoach. You can take advantage of my "intro consult" call for only $35. It's normally $50 so this is a nice savings!



You can arrange a 30 minute phone call with me to discuss your current needs, help set goals and an action plan to achieve your goals, or just pick my brain. I have over 11 years of experience working with indie artists. What can I do for you?

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

Hey all, Charlie here with news that the new Indie Band Manager is now Mac OSX 10.5 Leopard and Windows Vista compatible and available for immediate download on the site. Download away!

Upgrades are still $24.95 for LITE, $34.95 for PRO. Monthly installment plans are available for newcomers. Hey, I'm an indie too, I know what it's like. :-)

Special thanks to all the people who purchased, upgraded, called, or sent in fun emails the past few weeks. It's been the best month in Indie Band Manager history, I can't thank you enough for your encouragement and support.

Get Your Music on iTunes Free in November
Cool eh? I've teamed up with TuneCore.com to get your music uploaded to iTunes for FREE during the month of November when you buy Indie Band Manager Pro.

Order Indie Band Manager Pro during the month of November and get your music uploaded to iTunes for free.

I've personally used TuneCore for two albums in the past year and I've been really impressed. In late May I uploaded an album with 15 songs and they were live on iTunes within 12 days... I'm not kidding. I can't guarantee it will work this quickly for you, but that was my experience with TuneCore as a customer and one of the main reasons I approached them to set up this offer.

I've also used their CD manufacturing service to get CDs made in low quantities... I usually order 50 at a time... and they look and sound great too. I've been impressed with them in general, and again, that's why I asked them to team up with me. Even if you don't buy PRO from me, check them out!

Hope this message finds you well and rocking... All the best. -Charlie

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." -- Albert Schweitzer

Rock on,
Madalyn Sklar
IndieMusicCoach.com
~providing one-on-one indie music consulting & coaching~

[Madalyn's Note: this article is from this week's Atlas Plugged newsletter. Enjoy!]



Excerpted From Chapter 3 of Tour:Smart And Break The Band by Martin Atkins.

“Do not go into battle unless you are certain of the outcome.”- Sun Tzu

AMERICA IS BIG...

...really, really big. In a business where there are so many things that will derail you, it seems silly spending years mastering sampling , drumming, singing, or improvised guitar techniques, but not spending a little bit of time understanding elements that will affect your life on the road every day—Geography and Demographics. Look at a map. Keep looking at it. Think about how long it is going to take to drive from Minneapolis to Seattle. Imagine yourself playing the board game of “Touring USA!” What would your strategies be? Because, for some reason, when someone shows up in a van or buys a guitar, all common sense flies out the window!

Before you do anything, assemble information that will help you communicate with an agent (if you have one) or directly with a venue. If you see a gap between two groups of places that you want to perform in, reach out to a local band to bridge that gap. Understand that any show will be poorly attended unless you use some of the strategies outlined in this book, or make up some of your own. Developing new markets is costly and time consuming, but you must allocate resources accordingly. Suggest a free show for these dates, get involved in an established evening, play every day, twice a day if you can, or better yet, get involved with an established evening with a cheap ticket and a popular local band.

FACTORS TO BE AWARE OF BEFORE YOU PLAN A TOUR

*Size of city and proximity to other cities and secondary markets.
*Mileages.
*Best locations for your specific niche.
*Established events that can help you.
*Other tours within the same time period to use and avoid.
*Weather patterns.
*Your goals as a band.
*Your past history.
*Touring patterns.

Read the rest of the article here...