Madalyn's Blog

by Madalyn Sklar


I'm a big fan of really good books and eBooks on the music business. After all, we can't know it all. We must always strive to keep learning more. Peter Spellman is one of my favorite music biz authors and happens to be on the faculty at Berklee College of Music in Boston. His books are top-notch and extremely informative. One of my favorites is Plan Your Band! Sample High-Impact Band Business Plan and Music Investor Proposal All-In-One. It's a great read that will give you plenty of great ideas when it comes to planning your band's strategy for success. There are tons of resources in here too plus a sample Investor Agreement. You can't go wrong with this eBook in hand.

This eBook is a steal at only $19.95. click here for more info...

Copyright © 2009 Madalyn Sklar

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 in the biz. 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

Labels: peter spellman

by Madalyn Sklar

From time to time I come across a really valuable resource that helps you market your music on the web. I was excited to find this 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

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 in the biz. 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

Labels: Facebook

by Madalyn Sklar



I'm happy to announce that we have launched a new Myspace Promotion Plan at Social Networks for Musicians. The "value" plan was developed to assist those looking for help in managing their Myspace campaign on a tight budget. In case you are not familiar with us, we help indie artists and music businesses by offering advice and tips, set up social network sites and manage promotion campaigns. What sets us apart from the other guys is the "service" you get with SN4M. It's not a bunch of computers running things around here. It's real people (techie musicians actually) who take care of you, helping you achieve greater success with your Internet marketing.

Need Myspace Help?

Myspace Value Plan - 500 targeted friend requests per week new!
Myspace Lite Plan - 1500 targeted friend requests per week
Myspace Basic Plan - 1500 targeted friend requests + 250 comments per week

If you're on a really tight budget, our Value Plan is for you! It's only $99/month. We will consistently send targeted friend requests for you so you can focus on your music.

Need Advice?

We offer advice and tips on how to best utilize social networks (Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, ReverbNation, Blogs, etc) to your advantage when it comes to promoting and selling your music. We do this by phone + internet. Think of it as a private eClass.

Need a Facebook "Fan" Page?

We can set up any social network sites you are not currently on. We've helped lots of indie artists and music businesses set up their Facebook public profile (fan) page. We can also help set up your Myspace, Twitter, ReverbNation, Blog, etc.

What Our Clients Say...

"As an indie artist with so much on my plate, Social Network for Musicians is an invaluable resource for me." -- Nadia Fay

"The recent 'Facebooking for Musicians' online class I took was so amazing. I couldn't believe that I could look at your Facebook pages online, while you showed us how things you were talking about worked." -- Linda Kay Burk

"If you're looking to assert your presence on Myspace, generate sales AND expand your fanbase, Madalyn is the bullet train to take you there!" --Reign Lee

Get in touch today for more information. http://www.sn4m.com/

You do what you do best... create music! We do what we do best... make you look great on the Internet!

Copyright © 2009 Madalyn Sklar

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 in the biz. 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

Labels: Facebook, myspace, SN4M, social networks, twitter

by Madalyn Sklar

As you know, in addition to blogging and being the fearless leader of the GoGirls, I'm also a Social Media Consultant at Social Networks for Musicians. In my dealings with people and discussing social media it's interesting how many have said they are not sure how to find their Facebook public profile. They know they set one up but can't figure out how to get back to it.

If you know me well enough, you know that I'm all about helping my peeps. So today I thought I would create a brief "how to" video showing you two ways you can easily get to your public page, also known as your "fan" page.

I hope you find this helpful! And while you're at it, be sure to check out our Social Networks for Musicians public profile on Facebook.



Copyright © 2009 Madalyn Sklar

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 in the biz. 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

Follow Madalyn @ Twitter / Facebook / LinkedIn

Labels: Facebook, how to

by Madalyn Sklar



I know, I'm baffled. You're baffled. Where are my blog posts? I was blogging pretty regularly there for quite awhile - about 5 days a week. Well I'll tell ya. It's Twitter's fault!

Yes... Twitter.

See I stay on top of things via Twitter. I read posts and RT ("retweet") them. That's Twitter talk for reposting or resending someone else's info. Yeah I'm quite the queen of passing along good info. I do read lots of blogs too. I find some really juicy articles and Tweet them. I soon realized that rather than blogging about stuff I'm simply micro-blogging it on Twitter. This is, after all, what Twitter is all about. Who really wants to read a few paragraphs about what I think on a particular subject when it's easier to read my take in 140 characters or less?

I know, I need to rethink my motives and find a balance. I do love blogging and don't plan to give it up.

What do you think about blogging vs. tweeting? Are you blogging, tweeting or both? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

Pssst - be sure to check out my newest Twitter @sn4biz. I'm now offering social media consults to people outside the music business too!

Copyright © 2009 Madalyn Sklar

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 in the biz. 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

Follow Madalyn @ Twitter / Facebook / LinkedIn

Labels: blogging, twitter

by Madalyn Sklar



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

Strong emotions fuel my creative drive. My passion, compassion, anger and joy all connect with my need to make music. My music is a window into what’s going on in or around my life. I knew I wanted to be a musician when I was a little kid, but I didn’t know I wanted to be a singer until I was around 12 and I got my first guitar.

Describe your music style and name three (or 6) musicians you have been inspired by and why.

I live in a blended world and my musical style reflects that. My style is “Eclectic Soul” (how’s that for a new genre)! It’s soul music mixed with pop, folk and jazz musings. I dig artists like Paula Cole, Dionne Farris, Annie Lennox, Brenda Russell, Donnie Hathaway and Peter Gabriel. They are such phenomenal songwriters and listening to them inspires me to get out of my songwriting comfort zone and try new approaches.

What's your ideal venue atmosphere?

Intimate rooms, like De Badcuyp in Amsterdam, are where I love to perform my mid-tempo, groove-driven, up close and personal set. Big venues, like festivals, allow me to play higher energy tunes and bring that intimate feeling in a larger arena.

Describe how your music career has evolved since you first started performing.

I interrupted college to go sing in a Funk/rock band and went on to sing in all kinds of cover bands. It was a great experience. I learned how to handle myself on the road and eventually teamed up with some wonderful musicians and began doing originals. I worked for many years at record labels, learned a lot about the industry and eventually started my own label, Orisha Records, to release my own material. I’ve been blessed to have songs featured in a movie (Spike Lee), on TV (HBO) and to do voiceover work (Grand Theft Auto IV). I’ve co-written with songwriters in Germany and Holland and I absolutely love being a singer/songwriter.

How would you describe the music scene in your area?

NYC is a magnet for every kind of music in the world. It’s teeming with musicians and it can be difficult to be heard. But come across the bridge to Brooklyn and a vibrant, music community is on the rise. Lots of music venues have opened up, the Knitting Factory is even moving over.

What was the inspiration for your latest release?

The inspiration for my last album, “Yummy”, was based on the first song “Blood”, which is the story of my family’s evolution. Something very personal, yet universal, which is always the challenge in songwriting. The desire to record and release this song kept me focused on the project. The other songs on the album continued in that vein, they are songs that needed/wanted to be written.

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?

Artistically, be ready to speak your truth, don’t hide what is unique about your music and don’t waste time comparing yourself to what’s already out there. Then, before you set foot in the studio, practice your singing, rehearse with the musicians and develop a production plan. The biggest money/time killer in the studio is being unprepared. I like to do as much pre-production in my home studio then I bump up to a big studio for vocals, overdubs and mixing.

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

Professionalism and graciousness will get you far in any situation. Music is no different. Be on time, be prepared, be open to change, check your attitude before you go through the door and don’t forget to say thank you. Sounds like what your mama used to say.

Describe your toughest moments in your quest for a music career and tell us how you overcame them.

Making the transition to a performing songwriter has been challenging. It’s hard to play live shows in a market that doesn’t seem to place a high value on musicians. Too many venues want you to “pass the hat” instead of paying a working wage. It’s extremely expensive to pay my musicians, so I don’t play a lot of full band shows. When I play overseas it’s a different story. Music, and the people who play it, are valued and paid decently.

What advice would you offer up and coming artists that get discouraged other than don't give up?

Feeling discouraged will pass. It always does. In the meantime don’t lose your sense of humor. There are days when I feel like throwing my music gear out of the window, packing my suitcase and going off to join the circus. So, I’ve learned to allow myself a “pity-party”, which is a couple of hours to call my friends and bitch about what’s wrong in my career, my life, the world …whatever! By the time I’m finished hating-on-folks, I have to start laughing myself and usually decide that the circus gig would probably suck – they have to get up too early in the morning.

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

Ok, here’s the thing. If there’s anything you need to know about me, just listen to my songs. It’s all there and so am I.

What have you gotten out of being a member of the GoGirls community?

I’ve met some amazing people by being a GoGirls member. I participated in one of the Mastermind groups and still keep in touch with some of the ladies.
Having a music career is all about relationships. I found people that I can vibe with, hang with and grow with. It’s a beautiful thing.

Check out Pantera at http://www.panterasaint.com

Copyright © 2009 Madalyn Sklar, GoGirlsMusic.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:
GoGirlsMusic.com
Social Networks for Musicians

Follow Madalyn @ Twitter / Facebook / LinkedIn

Labels: gogirls interview, Pantera Saint-Montaigne