Madalyn's Blog

by Annette Warner

Hypothetical point to ponder

What would you do... if a music contract offered you $600,000 to record and promote your first national release, and in the fine print told you that you lose 50% of the writing percentage going to someone that doesn’t even know all the lyrics - for life. Would you take that money and use it to get further down the road with the basic attitude of, "There's more songs where that one came from" or would you negotiate yourself to musical death, ending up with nothing but a ride back to your hometown open mic scene?

Do we put too much worth in what others think?

Is it true that if we just learn the business better, our egos would magically become less penetratable?

Isn’t it a fact that what other people think is what matters the most in this industry? From your hometown fan to the biggest executive on music row. In this instance isn't it those people that matter most?

Send me your thoughts to annette@gogirlsmusic.com and I'll post the top ten most engaging ones in our April issue along with your website link.

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, 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.

Labels: What would you do?

Hey everyone, I'm hosting a FREE Teleseminar Monday night!

"The Ins & Outs of Facebook and Twitter"
Monday, Feb 23 @ 9pm EST

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

Labels: Facebook, teleseminar, twitter

by Madalyn Sklar

News Flash...

Surgeons send 'tweets' from operating room

Have you heard about this? There was a CNN report about Surgeons use Twitter to educate about surgical procedures in real time. We are living in an amazing era! Doctors are Twittering while surgery is being performing in the operating room. I am intrigued. Talk about taking a little social network and going mainstream.

It happened in Detroit recently. A man was undergoing surgery to remove his cancerous tumor from his kidney. You gotta see the video.

I love seeing so many cool ways to use Social Networks like Twitter. Please feel free to share how you are using it.

Copyright © 2009 Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach.com

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 13 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:
IndieMusicCoach
GoGirlsMusic.com
Social Networks for Musicians

Follow Madalyn @ Twitter / Facebook / LinkedIn

Labels: twitter

by Madalyn Sklar



By now you are probably hearing lots of media hype surrounding Facebook's Term of Use. I know it's easy to get caught up in this and hastily decide to cancel your Facebook account. Or at least think about it. I heard from co-workers this morning that Whoopi slammed Facebook on The View. I have been getting bombarded by people today wanting to know my take on it. I've directed them to some articles that explain my position on the subject. Then my next thought was to blog about it and help educate what this really means. From there you can decide what's best for you.

Remember awhile back when Myspace updated their terms everyone freaked out and starting closing their accounts? Many musicians were upset that they did not own their music if it was on Myspace. Now the same feelings are being dished out in regards to Facebook.

First let me say... hold on! Let's get a better handle on what this is about.

When it comes to the Internet and especially social media, you are placing your words, thoughts, information, images and music out for the world to see and hear. There is a reason for this, right? Think about it. Why do you do it? It's not because someone is pointing a gun to your head and making you. It's because you want to share yourself with the world. That's what makes social networking so awesome. On the flipside, you can choose not to participate.

I remember when the Internet was new and most did not know what a .com was. Yes, I go that far back with it. I was so thrilled that I could buy something online with a credit card. I remember people freaking out asking me why on earth I would do that. Simple. It was convenient. And I trusted it. I went with my gut. It took many years before I saw people finally get comfortable using what we now take for granted, e-commerce. It's like we can't live without it now. But I remember when the media hyped it up in a very negative way. I remember people telling me they would never put their credit card online.

Times changed didn't it?

Here we are, years later. Social Networks are the present norm. It's a great way to connect with the world in a way you could not do before. As a businesswoman, it has opened new and exciting doors that did not exist even a few years ago. For musicians, it's become the best way to get heard by the masses. Yes, for many indies it's building it one fan at a time but you are putting yourself out there to the entire world... the masses.

So that brings me to the present topic. Did you just find out yesterday your content on Facebook as well as just about every Social Media site you're on is not yours exclusively? Facebook updated their terms on February 4. But you are hearing about it now because the critics are being harsh. And for good reason. It's important to understand it. But it's all in how you see it.

What Facebook is saying is that by using their site you are granting them a license. Facebook's top dog Mark Zuckerberg explains here. And it makes sense.

Our philosophy is that people own their information and control who they share it with. When a person shares information on Facebook, they first need to grant Facebook a license to use that information so that we can show it to the other people they've asked us to share it with. Without this license, we couldn't help people share that information.

Now do you really think your Facebook photo albums are going to wind up in an art gallery somewhere with Facebook pocketing the money? And if you are worried about who sees your content on Facebook you can completely control it all through your privacy settings. I plan to devote an entire online class to his subject very soon. Keep an eye out on my blog for details. If you are not getting my RSS feed you can easily subscribe at the top or even sign up for my blog updates via email.

The one thing that bothers me is that Facebook is now saying that if you terminate your account they retain rights to your content. There is no good warm fuzzy feeling about that. But I understand why they are doing it. My friends and I like to tag each other in our Facebook photos then commment incessantly about it. So if I decided to terminate Facebook should my past content disappear from my friends pages? Okay I get it. Still no warm fuzzy about it but it does make some sense. And ironically there is a new Facebook Group dedicated to getting that item removed from the terms.

Have you noticed the new sites cropping up just about daily that allow you to cross-pollinate your information across various social sites? When you think about it your information is all over the Internet and you allowed it. Yes, it's your information. But it's free floating on the web. If that bothers you then you should rethink your use of Social Networks. But you know I'm a huge fan of these sites and feel strongly that indie artists should embrace it.

I love the Internet. I'm not afraid to put information out there. Yes, people could take my e-Books and find a way to resell it for their own profit. But I don't lie awake at night worried about it. I think it's very important to put your music and videos out there and let people discover your talents. Yes, it's a vast sea out there. It's far reaching. If you want to get heard you can't be afraid of it.

Educate yourself and read Facebook's Terms of Use if you dare. Then take a few minutes to read these two articles that will help put things into perspective.

Wake Up to How You Share on the Web by Chris Brogan

Do Facebook Really Own Your Data? NO! It’s About Openness by Mari Smith

I welcome your comments on this turbulent subject. I know you may not agree with my opinion. That is okay. I'd love to hear from you regardless of which side of the fence you're on. My hope is that I helped it make a bit more sense.

Copyright © 2009 Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach.com

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 13 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:
IndieMusicCoach
GoGirlsMusic.com
Social Networks for Musicians

Follow Madalyn @ Twitter / Facebook / LinkedIn

Labels: Facebook, social networks

by Madalyn Sklar

That is a quote by Norman Augustine I came across a few days ago. It got me thinking. There are some very talented musicians out there making incredibly great music. The problem is they lack motivation to get from point A to point B in their music career. They may have the chops but can only go so far. On the other side of the spectrum I've seen mediocre bands rise up because they are extremely motivated. They get out there and network. They work their Internet marketing. They are very professional. They are likable.

Now what would happen if you took extreme talent and combined it with extreme motivation? Hmm, that is a thought now isn't it?

So think about this...

Talent + Motivation = Success!

Success is out there waiting for you. If you aren't grabbing it, someone else will.

What do you think?

Copyright © 2009 Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach.com

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 13 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:
IndieMusicCoach
GoGirlsMusic.com
Social Networks for Musicians

Follow Madalyn @ Twitter / Facebook / LinkedIn

Labels: motivation

In case you didn't know about my other company...



Social Networks for Musicians helps musicians and music businesses effectively create and manage their social networks. Started in 2005 by music-industry powerhouse and GoGirlsMusic founder Madalyn Sklar, Social Networks for Musicians brings the best and most innovative web marketing solutions to musicians' social networking sites.

Sklar and her team can help YOU get RESULTS from social networking sites in a way that no other group can! With over 13 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!

Check out my FREE "Facebook Marketing Tips for Musicians" e-Course and social networks articles at http://www.socialnetworksformusicians.com.

Coming this month... Social Networks Teleseminar and brand new Online Classes for Facebook + Twitter.

Labels: Facebook, social networks for musicians, twitter

February 5, 2009 - (Sugar Land, TX) Madalyn Sklar, founder of GoGirlsMusic.com, is continuing to grow her team at GoGirlsMusic, and is pleased to announce that there are several new volunteer members who are all focused on accelerating the organization's mission of advancing the careers of independent female musicians.

"GoGirlsMusic.com has become a solid, industry presence over the last 13 years," said Sklar. "I'm so pleased that we are able to expand our team and gain resources in several key market areas across the United States for independent musicians."

Linda Lambert has accepted the key role of Assistant to the Founder of GoGirlsMusic, and will also take on Artist Relations responsibilities. Anne-Marie Perry, Atlanta, GA; Ronnda Cadle, Seattle, WA; Elke Robitaille, Portland, OR; and Jeanine Guidry, Richmond, VA, have all joined the GoGirlsMusic team as Content Managers for various website platforms, and Chris Wilcox, Boise, ID, will provide staff writing services. Perry, who also heads up the Atlanta chapter, has been promoted to National GoGirls Chapter Coordinator.

Sklar commented, "I'm very proud of the progress that GoGirlsMusic.com has made up to this point. Since 1996, we have done a great deal to advance the footprint of independent women musicians throughout the world. I'm really looking forward to what we can do with our new, expanded team in 2009!"

About GoGirlsMusic.com
GoGirls is a unique organization that focuses on advancing the careers of independent female artists. Founded in early 1996, the organization works tirelessly to help artists through education, networking, and events like the GoGirlsMusicFest, Invasion of the GoGirls @ SXSW, Folk Alliance and more. Artists who become involved have the opportunity to perform, have their work reviewed, and get involved with a hardworking group of women who "get things done" in the music scene. More info at www.gogirlsmusic.com

Labels: gogirls, GoGirlsMusic.com

I came across a worthwhile article on how to best use Twitter in the music business. Check it out and send me a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Over and out,
Madalyn Sklar

Follow Madalyn @ Twitter / Facebook / LinkedIn

Labels: twitter

by Madalyn Sklar

We all know that Facebook has become quite popular with more and more musicians flocking to it. It's so different from Myspace. With Mypace we see results quickly and can reach so many at one time. My take on Facebook is it's slow going but very useful. I believe that Facebook has established a place for indie bands, artists and music businesses. For months I have been spending a great deal of time reading blogs and articles on Facebook and looking for ways to maximize its potential. I was excited to find an eBook simply called Facebook Marketing. It's geared for musicians and is filled with many useful tips on how to get the most out of Facebook.

When I read this paragraph on their web site, I was compelled to buy the eBook.

These Facebook marketing techniques come from years of experience; they aren’t screwy tips like “message your friends” or “write on their wall,” and this isn’t a flaky ebook. They are hand-picked and customized, being the most effective and efficient techniques for Facebook marketing.

I bought it and was impressed. Yes, I learned new things!

This eBook, Facebook Marketing, is a valuable investment for only $16.49. See for yourself. It's on my recommended list.

Copyright © 2009 Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach.com

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 13 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:
IndieMusicCoach
GoGirlsMusic.com
Social Networks for Musicians

Follow Madalyn @ Twitter / Facebook / LinkedIn

Labels: bands, Facebook, marketing, myspace

by Annette Warner



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

What drives my music and songwriting is my heart. I have been singing and writing songs since I was 12 years old in Detroit. Music has always been a huge part of my life. I started singing in choirs, at school, in little garage bands and in my house. My 1st garage band hit was a cover of “Proud Mary”. It was exhilarating and I felt so good letting go and singing. I also sang in church like a lot of girl singers in Detroit. That’s where it got into my heart….the songs, the feelings, the true expressions and passions that I felt for life.

GoGirls: Describe your style and name three musicians you have been inspired by admire and tell us why. 


In this day of music, with the business the way it is, who knows what my genre is! My music is very introspective and I think my lyrics say what a lot of women feel about life, love, sorrow & joy. I am a singer because of my love & admiration for Joni Mitchell’s songs. I appreciate intelligent lyrics and think that my songs reflect that. But I cannot just pick 3 musicians that have inspired me. Joni Mitchell, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Annie Lennox, Carole King, Eva Cassidy, Bonnie Raitt, Phoebe Snow, Sade, Stevie Nicks & Kate Wolf

GoGirls: What's your ideal venue atmosphere?

My studio in San Francisco is my favorite place to play music. Also small, intimate venues like The Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley, Ca and bigger venues like The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco because of the history in that place.

GoGirls: Describe your music career's evolvement and about the music scene in your hometown?

My music career has come a long way from that 1st little garage band in Detroit. After raising my sons (now 21 & 22) I started writing again. I was picked up by a music management company in the Bay Area and spent the next 3 years trying to work with the men in that company who had no clue what to do with a woman in her 40’s who wasn’t singing jazz. It was very frustrating and I tried to stay open and teachable. I fought for my songs and the integrity of my music. I opened Lilysong Records in Marin County, California and put out a record there. It was a very good experience where I, again, learned to have my voice and protect my songs and the essence of who I was as a musician and songwriter. After parting ways with my producer, who did not seem to trust me enough to give me the space for the magic to happen, I opened Harrison Street Records in San Francisco and have been happy ever since. I have 2 finished projects “HOME” and “ANOTHER WINTER” both available on iTunes. The trick is to stay true to yourself. The rest will follow. As for San Francisco, it is an amazing place for indie artists. We have a strong community of talented musicians and supporters. I am so grateful for it all.

GoGirls: Tell us about the inspiration for your latest release; what inspired the name and how has your music evolved.

My latest record is called “Another Winter”. The inspiration was a rough couple of years in my life and the songs reflect my feelings….saying goodbye to old friends, old behaviors and old relational issues. As for the name “Another Winter” it comes from the lead track which is about how sometimes in relationship’s a little hope is enough to hold onto. My music has gotten more concise and honest. I used to hide behind my lyrics…pretty words where I could hide. I don’t do that anymore. I say what I mean and do not edit myself.

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?

Yes, absolutely. Stay true to your heart. DO not compromise your musical intentions and DO NOT worry about what or if anything will “happen” with the record. Just make it and stay in your heart. As far as time in the studio, there are so many indie studios where people are still making music for the sake of music. Find one and go there. They will support your dreams. I have had some of the sweetest and most honest relationships of my life with musicians.

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

Trusting the wrong people. There are a lot of amazing people out there and a lot of untrusting people too. I had 2 bad producer experiences…my 1st one, where I was taken advantage of because I didn’t know what I was doing., He charged me for things like mastering which he never did and did not really believe in my music. The other guy was very narcissistic and was so focused on himself that he could not make room for me in the process of creating MY music. Both good lessons…I have also had some wonderful relationships with producers…check out how you feel about people and trust your gut. If something seems too good to be true, it is.

GoGirls: Describe your toughest moment in your quest for a pro music career so far and tell us how you overcame it.

Getting caught up in the “what will happen with the music” idea and trying to figure things out. The second I get into my head and out of my heart, I am in trouble. Also allowing music “exec’s” to choose where I fit in. Just follow your heart and stay teachable and open…and get a day job so that you don’t have to compromise the music in any way.

GoGirls: What kind of advice would you offer up and coming artists that get discouraged to not give up?

Get on Myspace music and talk to other artists for encouragement. Everyone has down days. Just to know that others are going through it is helpful. Stay in the center of your songs and music. All will be well.

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

That I am out here and that I have songs for people to hear. I also have a free song download about addiction. It was written as a response to the strong feelings I have had watching so many people that I have cared for lose their souls to addiction. Check it out and please pass it around.

GoGirls: What can your fans expect at a show and after a show?

Truthful heartfelt music and an AMAZING band. Check out my band page on www.michelleschmitt.com to see who I play with.

GoGirls: On gogirls music…

A great support to me as I navigate through this internet marketing. I want my songs to get out there and I also don’t want to be all in my head about how to get them there. Tish & Madalyn have been blessings from heaven for me. I trust them and really appreciate their wisdom. Thanks girls!!!!

More about Michelle at:
http://www.michelleschmitt.com
http://www.myspace.com/mslilysong
http://www.reverbnation.com/michelleschmitt

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.

Labels: gogirls interview, Michelle Schmitt