Wednesday, December 31, 2008 

Happy New Year from Madalyn Sklar!

by Madalyn Sklar



Before I wish you a happy and joyous New Year, I have one thing to ask...

What are your plans for 2009? Send me a comment and let me know. I would love to hear from you!

My plans?
Continue to work smarter NOT harder!
Expand my social networks business by helping musicians and music businesses
Writing more blog posts here

Have a SAFE and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Copyright © 2008 Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach.com

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 12 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:
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com
http://www.gogirlsmusic.com
http://www.socialnetworksformusicians.com

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Tuesday, December 30, 2008 

Make Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter Work For You!



1. Do you have a targeted strategy to use MySpace to your advantage, or are you just using it because everyone's using it?

2. When you log onto Facebook, are you spending more time catching up with friends from high school than promoting your music?

3. Do you give a TWEET about Twitter and who's Twittering about your music?

Madalyn Sklar and her team can help YOU get RESULTS from social networking sites in a way that no other group can! With over 12 years internet marketing and promotion experience specifically in the music business, they know their way around social networks like Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, ReverbNation, Flickr, Blogger, OurStage, Stereofame and more!

http://www.socialnetworksformusicians.com/

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Monday, December 29, 2008 

Are You Ready For 2009?

by Madalyn Sklar



It's hard to believe that 2008 is coming to an end. So with that I ask you... what have you accomplished this year?

Did you...
sell more CDs?
book more shows?
work your social networks effectively?
reach a new level of success?

I know, all this is easier said than done. Right? But it all starts with ONE thing. Planing your success. You must make a plan to achieve your goals. You must spend time thinking about what it is you really want. Once you do this, I recommend writing it out. Once it's on paper it will take on a life of its own. Have you thought about making a vision board? Click here for How to Make a Vision Board. You may find it very useful.

There is no better time than right now to work on your goals and vision for 2009. I would love to hear from you so send me your comments.

Copyright © 2008 Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach.com

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 12 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:
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com/
http://www.gogirlsmusic.com/
http://www.socialnetworksformusicians.com/

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Wednesday, December 24, 2008 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE BLOG...

Hey everyone,

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season!



Rock on,
Madalyn

Monday, December 22, 2008 

Get the new Indie Bible with a discount!

The Indie Bible is over 330 pages and contains:

* 4000 publications from around the world that will REVIEW your CD!

* 3200 radio stations from around the world that will PLAY your songs!

* 500 vendors and services that will help you to SELL your music!

* 200 sites where you can UPLOAD your band's music files!

* 500 useful resources to help PROMOTE your band!

http://www.indiebible.com/gogirls

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Thursday, December 18, 2008 

Music Marketing: Putting Your Creativity to Work

I'm a big fan of Martin Atkins, who I met earlier this year at Dfest in Tulsa, OK. Below is a video of Martin from a lecture he gave at Loyola University, courtesy of Artists House Music.

In this installment of the Loyola University, New Orleans Music Industry Studies lecture series, musician and industry veteran Martin Atkins shares his thoughts on how to effectively promote tours and market recorded music in today’s marketplace, citing numerous examples from his own illustrious career as both an artist and as owner of the Chicago, IL-based Invisible Records. Related topics include giving away free music, maximizing promotion opportunities on a budget, and planning a tour.



Martin Atkins is one of the best-known artists to emerge from the post-punk and industrial scene. In addition to his tenure as drummer in Public Image, Ltd., Ministry, and Killing Joke, he is a founding member of Pigface, Murder Inc., and, most recently, the Damage Manual, and is also owner of the Chicago, IL-based Invisible Records. Atkins is the author of Tour: Smart, a how-to book for bands.

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Wednesday, December 17, 2008 

What Do YOU Think... Do Brands Belong on Twitter?

by Madalyn Sklar



So it goes like this...
I'm innocently reading several blog posts and these two caught my attention:
* Do Brands Belong on Twitter?
* Why Brands ABSOLUTELY DO Belong on Twitter

Both articles provide an interesting take on companies utilizing Twitter to promote brand awareness. And it got me thinking about you, your music and YOUR brand on Twitter as well as other social networks.

Okay so by now you know I'm a big advocate for Twitter. I was singing its praises before most of you heard of it. I think it's a great way to communicate with your fans, friends, peers, etc.

What about brands? Do they belong on Twitter?

A resounding YES comes from me. Why? Because you, your music - um yes, YOUR brand - needs to be front and center.

As a musician, artist, creator... you are a brand.
As a business... you are a brand.

You need the help of social networks to penetrate your market. You need Myspace and Facebook. You need Twitter and ReverbNation.

I know some of you are shaking your head saying, "No, I don't need all these networks." I disagree because you have an audience at Myspace and Facebook that you will not find anywhere else on the web. And you can reach fans on Myspace that you will not find on Facebook and you will reach fans on Facebook that hate and never use Myspace. Then there's Twitter which allows you to update your fans like never before. You can post links to brand new songs, show photos from the road and let them know when you are hanging out at Starbuck's sucking down a latte while writing your next big hit. And don't forget your ReverbNation widgets you can place all over the web.

So bottom line... yes, get your brand onto Twitter as well as other social networks that benefit you and your music. Stay a step ahead of the game.

My Social Networks:

Twitter - twitter.com/gogirlsmusic
Myspace - www.myspace.com/gogirls
Facebook - www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24490452847
ReverbNation - www.reverbnation.com/label/gogirlsmusicrecords
OurStage - www.ourstage.com/go/girls
Ning - www.gogirls.ning.com

Post a comment with your social network sites. I'd love to check them out!

Rock on... Madalyn

Copyright © 2008 Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach.com

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 12 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:
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com
http://www.gogirlsmusic.com
http://www.socialnetworksformusicians.com

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Tuesday, December 16, 2008 

ASCAP Expo April 23-25, 2009

Hey... Madalyn here. I attended the ASCAP Expo earlier this year and it rocked. I'll be there again and hope to see you!




Get Connected at the ASCAP EXPO – the only National Conference Dedicated to Songwriting and Composing

2009 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO Set for April 23-25 in Los Angeles

Registration is now open for the 2009 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO, the only major national conference dedicated to songwriting and composing, set for April 23-25, 2009 at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.

The EXPO is an essential experience for any music creator, providing three days of education, innovation and inspiration.

The 2009 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO will again draw some of the biggest names in songwriting, composing, and music producing as well as top industry executives.

Succeeding in today’s music business depends on connections – with the right people, information, advice, tools, services and technology that are available to music creators. ASCAP’s annual “I Create Music” EXPO is the one place where serious songwriters, composers and producers like you can connect face to face at panels, workshops, one-on-one sessions and networking events with the real people who can make a difference in your career – from the world’s most successful music creators to industry experts and technology innovators.

• Gain knowledge, skills and insight through dynamic panels and genre-specific career-building sessions
• Engage in writing and producing workshops and master classes with top songwriters, composers and producers
• Learn about new avenues for marketing and promoting your music
• Get feedback on your music at Song Feedback panels
• Discover the latest tools of the trade through exhibits, product displays and demonstrations
• Network with peers and music industry executives at special performances, jam sessions and events

Plus, if you register early you can sign up for a One-on-One Session with a songwriter/composer, music publisher, record company executive, Film/TV music executive, online marketing expert, music attorney, or ASCAP executive. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 500 takers for a $25 processing fee. One-on-one sessions have been extremely popular at past EXPO’s and they fill up fast, so register early if you want one.

The EXPO is open to all music creators and industry professionals.

If you are serious about your craft and career, we know you will want to join many of today’s greatest songwriters and composers at the ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO in Los Angeles next April.

Click here to register:
http://www.ascap.com/eventsawards/events/expo/2009/registration.aspx

Click here to read more about the ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO:
http://www.ascap.com/expo

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Monday, December 15, 2008 

100 Social Media Resources for Musicians


My friend Greg Rollett, who blogs at Gen-Y, Music Marketing and Social Media, recently posted this amazingly great resource for musicians that is worth a look. Click here to get your hands on it.

Here is what I have to say about it:

“Hey indie artists, drop what you are doing and go read 100 Social Media Resources for Musicians for Free. Social Media Marketer Greg Rollett has put together the most comprehensive, most needed indie music resource guide on Social Networks. If you are not utilizing even a handful of these free, YES FREE!, social media sites you are surely missing out.”

Greg says this:

"Through running around the country, speaking at events, talking to bands, interviewing Web 2.0 designers and developers to putting out my own music, I have crafted this report of 100 Social Media sites to get your music into more ears than ever."

Get your copy here.

Copyright © 2008 Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach.com

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 12 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:
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com
http://www.gogirlsmusic.com
http://www.socialnetworksformusicians.com

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Friday, December 12, 2008 

The Power of Social Networks (SocNets)... Or How I Found A New Assistant Via Facebook!

by Madalyn Sklar



I love Social Networks, or as my Tech Director Amy Devon at Social Networks for Musicians calls it - SocNets. Yep, we are so cutting edge that my team member has developed a new abbreviation for it. I love it!

So for the past two months I've been thinking about how I need an assistant. I could really use some help with emails and basic day-to-day activities over at GoGirlsMusic.com, the organization I founded 12 years ago. So Tuesday I ventured out on Facebook thinking this would be a great place to start my search.

I first posted my status with this:


I then realized I should probably send out more info about what I was looking for. So I went to the GoGirls "group" page at Facebook and posting the following:


This proved to be very effective. In less than 2 hours I received 12 messages from qualified candidates. Wow! Word got out and within a few more hours I received several text messages, emails and instant messages about this position. I started thinking about the true power of Social Networks - oh, I mean SocNets. :-)

Seemed every time I went into my Facebook inbox there were more messages. People were very interested in the position but what fascinated me more was that Facebook did the work for me. I didn't have to go place an ad on a job board. How old school! I spent probably no more than a few minutes doing this and it paid off immediately. Yes, immediately. My first response was 10 minutes after the posting. Wow!

My inbox was filled with message after message after message...



It's just like the time a few months ago when I Twittered that I was looking for volunteers to manage the GoGirls SocNets - Myspace, ReverbNation, Ning, etc. I have Twitter set up to automatically post as my Facebook status. Sure enough, I received messages from friends on Facebook interested in the positions.

The power of Social Networks is at your fingertips. Get creative and find ways to use it to its potential!

You know, I've been advocating the power of SocNets for years. It's amazing how it's now become such a big part of our every day life. We make friends on Myspace and Facebook. We Twitter and Blog so people know what we are doing and what we think. We listen to music on ReverbNation and OurStage. Videos on YouTube. Photos on Flickr. I could go on and on.

So tell me YOUR stories about how SocNets have helped you. Whether it's re-connecting with old friends, making new ones or getting people to buy your music and come out to your shows. It's fascinating. I'm listening...

Copyright © 2008 Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach.com

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 12 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:
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com
http://www.gogirlsmusic.com
http://www.socialnetworksformusicians.com

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Wednesday, December 03, 2008 

So You Wanna be in a Rock Band?

Madalyn's Note: I was recently interviewed for a really great article on sexism in music. I hope you enjoy this!

Vol 3, Issue 10: Sexism in Music Conclusion: Working from the Inside Out, Spotlighting Three Female Forces Who’ve Made a Difference

By: Rose Cora Perry

To view back issues, please visit: www.myspace.com/soyouwannabeinarockband

When life throws opposition in your direction, you can either stand your ground or sulk in a corner, and though expelling angst has its proper time and place, I’m sure you’ll all agree that very little has ever been accomplished, in terms of progress, from the mere shedding of tears.

In choosing to pursue the former resolution, that being to challenge the barricades which are poised before you, there are two distinct methods one can undertake: 1) to bulldoze through the front gates with weapons a-blazing or 2) to unassumingly gain entry through the backdoor and to change things from the inside out. Of these two strategies, though I’m all for putting up a strong front, in the business world, it is the savvy and perceptive individual who is able to recognize that the latter plan of attack will bring into fruition the most desirable results.

Though the “sexism-fighting” contributions of popular artists such as Sarah Mclachlan and Shiragirl with their “Lilith Fair” and all girls Warped Tour stage respectively, are commendable and worked to carve out niches for female artists in performance venues, neither endeavour did much in the way of shaking up the industry’s male-dominated infrastructure. At the end of the day, these artists were still left playing within a man’s game. Further, often times, in-your-face efforts, such as these, have perpetuated negative “man-hating” (and lesbian) feminist stereotypes, rather than actually addressing the real issues that feminists fight for: those being; equal access and rights for all, irrespective of race, gender, or any other minority difference. Consequently, over the years, as one can imagine, the fem rocker has garnered what Joan Jett refers to as a bit of a “bad reputation”.

Taking note of their own industry battles as former “rockstars-in-the-making” and learning from efforts such as those aforementioned, three fiery ladies from the US recognized that change needed to work with, not in obstruction of the prevailing music marketplace. Frowning upon cattiness, and instead, encouraging female friendly communities and collaboration, the real forces behind a move towards ending gender discrimination in the music biz are unsung business women: Tish Ciravolo, founder of DaisyRock Guitars, the first ever guitar manufacturer to specialize in creating lightweight and manoeuvrable instruments with female physiology in mind, Carla DeSantis, creator of RockRGrl Magazine, a national music rag strictly devoted to featuring female rockers as its name suggests, and in fact, the very first of its kind, and finally, Madalyn Sklar, the brains behind the online female artist community, GoGirlsMusic, which assists artists in establishing networks, generating exposure, and obtaining performance placements at some of the world’s top annual music conferences. Not only have these three women managed to gain greater respect and recognition for “chicks with picks”, but as well, they have empowered females not to be afraid to pick up an electric and rock it with the best of them. For my final instalment on sexism in the biz, I was lucky enough to catch up with all three of these inspiring women. Below is a compilation of some of our significant points of discussion:

When asked whether they still felt sexism was still a relevant issue facing contemporary female musicians, Tish, Carla, and Madalyn responded in unison with a resounding yes. Though they all agreed that the indie market allows for more freedoms, and acceptance, amongst the majors, the beliefs concerning how to market women artists, in their eyes, have remained relatively unchanged, and the ever increasing global conglomeration of these labels is only making the problem worst.

In Sklar’s view, the male label reps aren’t interested in taking on anyone that is over 21, and unwilling to market herself as a sex kitten. However, she believes, that the labels aren’t exclusively at fault. In fact, Sklar contends that female artists, often just as much as the male reps, buy into the “sex sells” mantra, and consequently, it’s proving more difficult to disrupt than one would have hoped. But, this is not to say that a woman shouldn’t embrace her sexuality and be proud to flaunt it like Madonna. All three ladies, admittedly, purport Ms. Ciccone as being highly influential, and groundbreaking in terms of her business skill and staying power. The difference, as DeSantis points out, “is that you know that Madonna is in charge – she’s not anyone’s puppet.” On that note, all three ladies chimed in that the most important thing for any artist, whether male, female, independent, or major, is to remain true to themselves, stay positive, and to listen to their inner critics.

As for the business side of things in the music biz, Carla and Tish offered their own personal examples as corroboration that sexism is still alive and kicking. When the first issues of RockRGrl were launched, DeSantis explained, that it was automatically assumed that the magazine was aimed at the gay community, and was anti-men. In fact, some female rockers outright refused to be interviewed because they didn’t want this sort of association hanging over their heads. Likewise, when DaisyRock introduced its product line, Ciravolo received a seemingly unending mountain of hate mail that blasted her for having the “ridiculous” idea that girls should have their own instruments. Seven years later (and after a great deal of success I might add), she quips that the very guitar companies that criticized and lauded her for conveying the myth of the pink guitar have now ripped off her ideas…Go figure. But enough of an introduction:

The point behind these stories that I want to emphasis is this: rather than dwelling on the adversity that each of them has had to overcome due to their visionary efforts, Tish, Carla, and Madalyn’s dialogues were full of hope, strength, sincerity, and compassion; skills that are praiseworthy for both rockstars and corporate suits alike.

Though eradicating sexism (and building a female-friendly music community in doing so) is clearly at the forefront of each of their enterprises, Tish, Carla and Madalyn’s efforts expand to encompass helping all independent artists by offering up the knowledge that they’ve acquired from their own experiences. As spokeswomen at several important music festivals, all three women are concerned additionally with the bigger issue at hand: that of the crumbling music industry. But, instead of evaluating the music biz’s current climate of illegal downloading and industry corruption as a downfall, Sklar believes that the “music industry has been headed down the independent, do‑it‑yourself route for sometime now, and [with the changes that are being forced to take place], the playing field is becoming increasingly levelled each day - you don’t [necessarily] need a label to get noticed anymore.” For Sklar, it’s an exciting time to be an indie artist, and though the future of the music industry’s infrastructure is uncertain, both Tish and Carla agree that music will always be around, with or without the bigwigs. To this, DeSantis adds, that essentially the record labels are getting their just desserts: “they pissed off their consumers by demanding that we buy expensive albums that only contain one or two tracks that we actually care about. The labels didn’t work with what the customers wanted and now there’s a karmic debt to be paid.”

As evident by this statement, DeSantis clearly feels that the major labels’ lust for capital has been the most detrimental force in deconstructing the industry. She went on to note that the fact that contracts in which artists are only entitled to a mere 2% of their albums’ takings, yet are required to entirely fund their own touring operations, can exist, acts as further evidence supporting this assertion.

For Ciravolo, the biggest sin ever committed against artists by the corporate music biz falls into related territory: that being, the lack of regard for artistic development and creative growth. In her view, we’ve gotten to a point where musical talent and/or merit are not considered prerequisites to superstardom. It’s become all about pre-packaged marketing ploys meant to play to the lowest common denominator, and generate a quick buck.

However, in saying all of this, DeSantis is quick to reiterate that, “the industry sucks, but it has always sucked, and the key to success is simply to find likeminded, trustworthy individuals, and to build your own community of support.” She was also adamant about explaining that due to the current predicament with which the music industry is entangled, “complaining about how bad things are for women is like trying to save the people on the 4th floor of a building that is on fire. The system is so broken and in flux that it is not necessarily any worse for women than men [in the grand scheme of things]. Everyone is facing a hard time [which can definitively] be routed to bad business practises.”

As some final offerings of advice for the aspiring artist, Sklar encourages to not be afraid to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, and Ciravolo endorses being proud and confident of your art, however “un-mainstream” it may be.

In closing, it’s interesting to consider that all three of my interview subjects were unable to name just one female in rock history whom they deemed as being the most influential which indicates to me that they are tons of great examples out there, you may just have to dig a little deeper. In my opinion, this makes perfect sense, because if life’s taught me anything, it’s that things that are the most rewarding, fulfilling, and worthwhile never are obtained without a challenge. In relaying the views of these three rather impressive ladies, I hope to leave you with the promising thought of a future in which musicianship is judged purely based on one’s talent, and nothing more. I know that this is a goal these women and others are working towards; and an admirable one at that.

About the Author:

Rose Cora Perry the frontwoman for Canadian hard rock band ANTI-HERO known as “The 21st Century Answer to Nirvana”, as well as the sole owner and operator of HER Records, a management company in which she offers marketing, promotion, publicity, tour booking, and artist development services.

Her band ANTI-HERO has toured extensively across North America playing notable festivals such as Warped Tour, Canadian Music Week, NorthbyNorthEast, Wakefest, and MEANYFest.

Voted “Best Rock Act of the Year” by numerous industry publications, their critically acclaimed debut album, "Unpretty" is available worldwide for purchase.

Rose Cora Perry is a dedicated promoter of D.I.Y. ethics, and an avid supporter of independent musicians.For more information on Rose Cora Perry and her band's accomplishments, please visit http://www.anti-hero.ca/ or http://www.rosecoraperry.com/.

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Tuesday, December 02, 2008 

GoGirls Interview With Linq

By Annette Warner

In reviewing our candidates for our GG's monthly interview feature - we try to really connect you with artists that have great insight into the needs of musicians and their dreams as well as the business of music. Linq provides us with a simple, and brief common sense approaches in her words, about maintaining excitement as artists beginning work on your projects. As Linq relates; pushing ourselves away from our comfort zones, is actually necessary to our budding careers, if we ever hope for it to fully blossom - and Linq confirms that passion is first and foremost - the fuel to get wherever it is you want to be. Enjoy! And make sure to write her and thank her for appearing here, your GoGirlsMusic.com. ~ Annette Warner - Editor



GoGirls: What drives your music. When did you first know you had to do this thing called music or bust?

I started my music career very late in life. Music had always been important to me, and I had always dabbled, but recently I entered a hugely creative space and realized that I didn’t want all these songs that were channeling through me to die unheard. The wonderful audience response to my first stage appearance confirmed that I was meant to do this, and I realized that I might actually be able to make a positive difference in the world through my stories.

GoGirls: What kind of advice would you offer up and coming artists that get discouraged other than don’t give up?

Recognize that your greatest passions in life are what fuel your soul.

GoGirls: Describe your ideal venue.

I love a space with great acoustics, a good sound engineer, and an attentive, open-minded audience. It’s not the size, it’s the ambiance.

GoGirls: Describe your music's evolvement since you first started performing?

I constantly push myself out of my comfort zone, and that moves me forward into new musical territory and opens me to the creation of unique, genre-blurring tracks.

GoGirls: Tell us about the inspiration for your 2007 release "Change the Picture, George!" ... what inspired the name and how has your music evolved from the first release to the latest.

CTPG is a 2-song EP that includes a CDr version of my first music video. The title is a combination of the tracks, “Change the Picture” and “George Orwell Where Are You”. Coincidentally there seems to be a consensus that the “other” George needs to make some changes. The songs are actually part of my next project called LIFE GOES ON, which is due for an early 2009 release. However, I felt an urgency to release them right away to spread their messages rather than wait for the entire project to be finished.

My first full-length CD, JOURNEY (2004), is somewhat of a “break-up” album with some political statements thrown in, and it embodies my actual journey onto a musical path. FAST MOVING DREAM (2006) is really just that. It reflects the whirlwind of creativity that I have experienced. I’m quite excited about the upcoming release of LIFE GOES ON. I’m still growing as an artist, and I hope that the songs will encourage conversations and evoke thought. I am also close to finishing my first intentionally-themed CD. I was a pharmacist and independent pharmacy owner until recently, and I’m using that life experience to create a healthcare/business CD that won’t necessarily be popular in corporate boardrooms. It’s called RX and the SIDE EFFECTS, and it will be released later in 2009.

GoGirls: What do you think is number one for a musician to think about before preparing for a CD project - and do you have any tips on saving time in the studio?

I think that it’s important that the artist is truly excited about the material before bringing it forward as a CD project. A great way to save time in the studio is to be prepared for the session. Using experienced studio musicians and having charts available for their use speeds things up, too.

GoGirls: What makes or breaks a musician just starting out in your opinion?

If you enter the music industry because you love what you do, are willing to stay true to your musical vision, and are able to just keep working hard and moving forward, I think that you will reap rewards. A musician friend of mine once said to me that he knew that if he didn’t play that he would just wither up and die. On the other hand, if the intent is to just jump in and make lots of money and be famous, I think that disappointment is usually in order.

GoGirls: Describe your toughest moment in your quest for a pro music career so far?

I don’t know that I’ve had a single “toughest moment” because I’ve allowed myself to move forward organically without unrealistic expectations. Perhaps my biggest challenge has been to become totally comfortable on stage.

GoGirls: Are you planning a tour and if so... where do you plan to take your music?

It has never been a goal of mine to spend a lot of time living out of a suitcase, so I’m rather atypical in that sense. I do perform fairly often in the New England area and will continue to do so in support of my new release.

GoGirls: Tell us something you want the independent music world to know about you.

I was able to successfully make a total life change in my middle fifties onto a musical path, so I hope that any of you out there who might be hesitant to try it because you think that you’re too old will use me as an inspiration to follow your heart.

GoGirls: What can your fans expect at a show?

A performance by Linq is an electric-folk/rebellion-rock experience. They can expect an edgy collection of stories and songs drawn from personal experience and issues of social justice.

GoGirls: On gogirls music...

My GoGirls membership has provided me with networking, educational, and performing opportunities, contacts within and exposure to the music industry, and support when needed. Now how cool is that???

More about Linq at http://www.linqmusic.com.

In addition to being the Founder, and Editor of CoffeeHouseTour.com, Annette Warner is a freelance sales Copywriter and Web Resource Developer with her own business; Awesome Webs. She also enjoys duties as a part time event planner and booking and music entertainment manager for several local festivals. She holds the position of Editor with the oldest and largest online community for Women in Music, http://www.gogirlsmusic.com/ and is the SC and NC Chapter Coordinator for the organization. She organizes and promotes the Wilmington, NC based and successful AWEsome 'Live Performance' Songwriting Competition now in it's 11th year. She is the owner of A. Warner Entertainment, a Live Entertainment Publicity Planning Agency. In short..."Some serious A'netteworking since 1995." Annette resides in Wilmington, NC with her tiny Chihuahuas, Kirby and Sofe. You can reach Annette at Awarner at coffeehousetour dot com.

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Monday, December 01, 2008 

How We Got Over 14,000 Downloads In 48 Hours

My friend Moe Arora, who has a super cool music blog called MakinTheMogel.com, wrote an interesting post today that I want to share with you. It's a great story on the power of the Internet when creating a buzz for you music.

Click here to read the post...

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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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