Friday, April 30, 2010 

ASCAP Expo 2010 Highlights

Guest post by LA Recording Artist, Songwriter, and Fashion Designer Kathleen Blackwell



Greetings from sunny Los Angeles, where the 2010 ASCAP Expo wrapped-up last week in the heart of Hollywood at The Renaissance Hotel, just across from the famous “Walk of Fame” and Kodak Theater where “American Idol” is currently filming, for those of you who watch the show. Speaking of “American Idol,” do you remember who placed third in last year’s show? Well, it was cool rocker-chick Allison Iraheta, who happened to be in attendance at this year’s ASCAP Expo. I saw her (and her peeps) walk by me in “sponsor lane,” on the eve of her performance at the Expo. I love her voice and her style! Alas, onto business:

Wow, the ASCAP Expo was one fantastic event and I thank Madalyn Sklar (“Sklar the Rock Star” in her newest Facebook profile photo) for the opportunity to attend on behalf of GoGirls Music! I am excited to share some news and information from the ASCAP Expo and I hope that you learn something new to help your artist career! As always, if you have any questions, ask away, and if we don’t know the answer, we’ll find someone who does!

ASCAP Expo 2010: WHAT WAS THE MOST CONSISTENT PIECE OF ADVICE?

First, one of the biggest and most consistent pieces of advice across all panels was this: BUILD YOUR LOCAL NETWORK. Sometimes we have the idea that in order to succeed the first thing we need to do is “climb” that ladder and we imagine that to be an “upward” motion. Well, the suggestion in one specific panel, “The Nuts & Bolts of the Music Business,” lead by Eric Bealle (VP, A&R – Shapiro Bernstein & Co.; Author – “The Billboard Guide to Writing and Producing songs That Sell: How To Create Hits in Today’s Music Industry) was not to think “upward,” rather to think “outward and lateral.”

Bealle felt it was so important to start by establishing your local network of peers. He suggested you get to know your fellow songwriters and artists so that you can form your base of support. Then continuing on a local level to establish relationships with your local engineers, recording studios, clubs… local booking agents, managers, songwriting organizations and when you have built your support base, your family so to speak, launching towards climbing that ladder becomes all that much easier to do! And just think, you’ve already started to build your network by being a member of GoGirls Music!

The next rule of thumb Bealle gave to network building was to do the best you can to not burn bridges. Bealle said, “The music business is small.” And I couldn’t agree more! I have worked on and off in the music business for years… upon re-entering the music business a few years ago… there were many of the same faces I had already known, albeit many were in different positions. That said, establishing professionalism and common courtesy early on goes a long way. Most of us are in this business because we share one common trait: We adore music!

"A song a day keeps the IRS away." ASCAP Expo Hit Songwriter Panel

Second, across the panels that featured top, hit songwriters, the general consensus was to: MASTER YOUR CRAFT! In the “Hit Songwriters” panel, Jane’t A. Sewell-Ulepic (“Empire State of Mind,” “When I See You,” “Up, Up & Away,” “Photographs”) said, “Most of my hits were written in 5 minutes” and were based upon “in the moment” experiences. For example, Sewell-Ulepic told a fun story about how “Empire State of Mind” came about. She and a friend were in London and missing NYC, one day when they walked outside, it hit her… she still had NYC in her blood, she had an “Empire State of Mind.” And BOOM… the hook was written on the spot, just like that… simply living, loving and observing.

So, what are some ways you can master your craft? Well according to the hit songwriters, building your craft takes time, years in fact. In the “We Create Music” Panel, Songwriter and Performer Jason Mraz said (paraphrase), “I lived out of my car, traveling up and down the California coast. It wasn’t until I made up my mind that I was ready to make a new connection work… that’s when the magic started to happen… literally got my first break while living in my car.” These songwriters went on to suggest diligent practice, daily writing… and most importantly… learn to accept feedback as a form of positive interference. Most also agreed with the following statement: When a hit song is written, you know it on the spot and you feel it. Other hit songwriters panelists said they know when a song is done when it finally feels done, when it’s played and everybody in the room goes, “Ah, that’s it!”

What did most of these hit songwriters have to say about collaborative efforts? Well, in the “We Create Music Panel,” it was said by one of the panelists (paraphrase), “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been with my writing partner, sitting for hours… bouncing ideas off each other… and just as we’re about to throw in the towel, the giddiness kicks in and we’ve found our lyrical, or melodic concept. You have to find a partner that you really trust to be yourself with.” As well, C. Tricky Stewart (Producer, Songwriter – “Single Ladies,” “Umbrella,” “Touch My Body,” “Just Fine”) said (paraphrase), “It was just after the holiday break, when I decided I wanted to go into the studio alone to write and work on learning a new music software program, when sure enough… I wasn’t the only one who had the same idea. When you love what you do, and the people around you love what they do… nothing stops you… that morning ‘Umbrella’ was born via a collaborative effort of two people who showed up to work out of an inner drive and love.”

ASCAP Expo 2010: WHAT WAS THE MOST CONSISTENT QUESTION?:

Soooo… What was by far the biggest and most consistent question asked by audience members at the panels across the board? Drum roll please! The question was: “How can I get my music heard?” Ta-dum! Yes, that question came up in every single panel with some audience members repeating the question, others begging, and some self-promoting to the extent of “whisking” their cards and CD’s up to the panel participants. (Okay, I didn’t see anybody really whisk a CD up on stage, lol, but I’m sure the desire was there! After all, this type of opportunity doesn’t come along everyday.)

Would you like to know what the answers were? Well, there were three answers that I heard from the panelists in “how to get your music heard”:

  1. Believe it or not, most publishing, music library companies, and many key personnel in these companies WANT to hear YOUR music! One of the best ways to get your music in front of some of these folks is to simply send them an email with what you feel are your best songs. For example, there is a local music library here in L.A. (Marina Del Rey) called Riptide Music. They do accept submissions! They have a listing of what they are looking for on their website (http://www.riptidemusic.com/) and they made a point to say they DO LISTEN. But, please make sure you do your due diligence as well in asking yourself if your music fits what a certain company might be looking for, etc. ALSO… I heard the following phrase more than once, too… “You got 15 seconds to impress somebody with your music.” This is a “click and click” business first impressions count. So, put your best stuff first! To recap point #1: Use your email, pick up your phone and be persistent, you got 15 seconds!
  2. Know somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody (in a key position). Literally. This is a business of connections. And this goes back to building your network! When you find somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody in a key position… ASK for a favor. Politely. And remember, your ASCAP representatives can help you!
  3. Write incredible music! Across all panels, another point I heard consistently was that eventually, “Great music rises to the top naturally.”
***And hey, if you get any leads, let Madalyn know! It’s great to hear success stories!

One last thing before talking about a few of the ASCAP Expo 2010 Sponsors, when it comes to getting your music placed into Film, TV, etc., one of the latest trends (although it’s been around) that was frowned upon by the big music libraries and studios was something called, “Re-titling.” What is “re-titling?” Well, it’s when you take an existing pre-recorded song which has an original title and the song gets re-named, or “re-titled” for legal reasons so that it can be used “free and clear” of any existing contract. In essence, by renaming a song that allows the song to be taken and used in a variety of other ways.

Why are the big studios and music libraries frowning upon this trend? To sum this up quickly, it’s embarrassing if two companies are pitching the same song with a different name to a big studio, it’s a nightmare in financial negotiations and it causes the big studios a bunch of “legal paperwork” headaches. So, the new trend is to tend to take on exclusive artists and songs.

ASCAP Expo 2010: WHAT IS THE BIGGEST THREAT TO YOUR ARTIST CAREER TODAY?:

What did panel contributors at the ASCAP Expo suggest is the biggest threat to our livelihood as independent artists? COPYRIGHT issues. Protecting your Intellectual Property Copyrights. The panelists said (paraphrase), “It is imperative as creators of music, that we do what we can to make sure we get paid for our creations, that giving away music for free to studios for use in Film & TV sets the precedent that ‘all music should be free.’” The panel folks went on to say that while getting your music placed for free appears to be a small victory for you because you can add that to your resume, in the long-term it potentially does you and your peers more of a disservice than good. They also said that most of the people in music publishing business know who takes music for free and when they see this on your resume, it doesn’t mean a whole lot to them… even though they know that also means your music is good enough… that’s the extent of it. Yes, a bit of a trick-bag!

In the end, the music business is akin to good friendships and establishing fantastic working relationships with your peers, then building from there. With a good product in hand and diligent work… you CAN live your dream!

Cheers, Beers and Best Wishes!

Kathleen Blackwell
Singer-Songwriter

http://www.kathleenblackwell.com/ -OR- http://www.myspace.com/kathleenblackwell

ASCAP Expo 2010 SPONSORS:

ASCAP Expo: Hands-down the coolest direct-to-fan site + merchant    fullfillment! http://www.nimbit.com

WOW, there were a ton of really cool sponsors! Sponsor name and website listed after their name. A few have business descriptions. If you do not see a website listed, that means one was not listed in the ASCAP Expo Program Guide.

ADAM Professional Audio – http://www.adam-audio.com/

AIMP Association Of Independent Music Publishers – http://www.aimp.org/ – Established in 1977 to serve independent music publishers by providing education, a form for discussion, and a collective voice for advocacy.

Apogee Electronics – http://www.apogeedigital.com/

Audio-Technica – http://www.auralex.com/

Avid –

BANDZOOGLE – http://www.bandzoogle.com/   Provides online tools for musicians to build a professional website, promote their music, and sell directly to fans.

Billboard – http://www.billboard.com/

Blue Microphones – http://www.bluemic.com/

Broadjam – http://www.broadjam.com/

Cakewalk – http://www.cakewalk.com/

City National Bank – http://www.cnb.com/

Course Technology – http://tinyurl.com/cengage-safir

DBEDT –

Disc Makers – http://www.discmakers.com/

Etymotic Research –

Focusrite –

Furman Sound –

GENZ-BENZ – http://www.genzbenz.com/

Hal Leonard –

Hello Music – http://www.hellomusic.com/ - If you’re an independent musician, Hello Music is looking to discover your music and help you develop your musical career.

Hercules Stands – http://www.herculesstands.com/

HOSA –

IK Multimedia – http://www.ikmultimedia.com/

ILIO –

iStandard – http://www.istandardproducers.com/

JBL Professional – http://www.jblpro.com/

Killer Tracks – http://www.killertracks.com/

Kohn on Music Licensing – http://www.aspenpublishers.com/

KRK – http://www.krksys.com/

The Lanikai Way – http://www.lanikaiukes.com/

Lexicon – http://www.lexiconpro.com/

Liberty Mutual – http://www.libertymutual.com/ascap - Announcing the new Auto, Home and Renters Insurance Program – ASCAP members now qualify for competitive rates on auto, home and renters insurance through Groups Savings Plus.

Line 6 – http://www.line6.com/ - Is an amp-modeling pioneer and leading manufacturer of populr amplifiers, effects, effect processors, recording interfaces, software, and digital wireless systems.

Los Angeles Women In Music (LAWIM) – http://www.lawim.com/ - LAWIMM is a non-profit Public Benefit Corporation dedicated to fostering equal opportunity for women and men in the music industry and to promoting the advancement of women t hrough empowerment, support, education, encouragement and recognition of their achievements.

MasterWriter – http://www.masterwriter.com/ - Is the most powerful suite of songwriting tools ever assembled in one program.

Miller-Coors – (YES… BEER!) My favorite.

Music180 Break Through – http://www.music180.com/ - In every music success story you will find at least one life-changing, breakthrough connection with an industry pro who provides critical help and guidance.

The Music Business Registry, Inc. – http://www.recordxpress.net/ - Our customers are a veritable who’s who within the Industry.



Music Connection – http://www.musicconnection.com/ - A monthly trade publication catering to musicians, industry professionals, and support services.

Music Marketing – http://www.musicmarketing.ca/

Music Online Alive – http://www.musiconlinealive.com/

MusicPro Insurance – http://www.musicproinsurance.com/ - Your whole world revolves around music. That’s why there’s MusicPro.

Native Instruments – http://www.native-instruments.com/

The New York Times – http://www.nytimes.com/

Nimbit – http://www.nimbit.com/ - Founded 2002, Nimbit, Inc., is the music industry’s leading direct-to-fan platform for musicians, managers, and emerging labels.

Noisy Planet – http://www.noisyplanet.net/ - Is an online music community helping artists around the world connect with fans and colleagues.

Novation – http://us.novationmusic.com/

Ole – http://www.majorlyindie.com/

Ovation – http://www.ovationguitars.com/

Pick the Band – http://www.picktheband.com/

PMC – http://www.pmc-speakers.com/

PreSonus – http://www.presonus.com/

Prism Sound – http://www.prismsound.com/

ProMixes.com – maro@pro-mixes.com

Propellerhead Software –

QSC – http://www.qscaudio.com/

RODE – http://www.rode.com.au/region.php

Roland –

Sennheiser – http://www.senheserusa.com/

Shure Microphones – http://www.shure.com/

SKB – http://www.skbcases.com/

Sony Electronics – http://www.sony.com/proaudio

SoundExchange – http://www.soundexchange.com/

Takamine – http://www.takamine.com/

TAXI – http://www.taxi.com/ - Is the world’s leading Independent A&R Company.

Taylor Guitars – http://www.taylorguitars.com/

TuneCore – http://www.tunecore.com/ - Is the largest distributor and has one of the highest revenue generating music catalogs in the world.

USA Songwriting Competition – http://www.songwriting.net/

Variety – http://www.variety.com/

The Village Studios – http://www.villagestudios.com/

Voyage-Air Guitars –

West L.A. Music – http://www.westlamusic.com/

About Kathleen Blackwell

After earning two bachelor degrees from The University of Texas at Austin (Bachelor of Science in Radio-Television-Film with a focus in International Communications and Bachelor of Journalism in Public Relations) Kathleen made the move to Los Angeles to work for Sony Music Distribution as a Field Marketing Representative for Sony Classical, then working her way up to a Sales Representative, before jumping over to Sony Music to work as a Packaging Manager where she oversaw projects from artists like Korn, Slayer, “South Park,” and Heart.

While with Sony Music, Kathleen also wrote and produced a local radio show, “Silver Signings,” which focused on weaving modern day musical artists through a historical perspective—tapping into the roots of each musical genre. After years of working on other artist’s projects, she sat down at the piano and began to write her own music; 2009 saw the debut of her first CD “To Be Human.” She is currently developing and marketing her Cougar Rock concept, which combines fashion, merchandise & music.

You can find Kathleen Blackwell on the web at:
http://www.kathleenblackwell.com/
http://www.myspace.com/kathleenblackwell
http://www.cougar-rock.com/ Coming Soon!

Twitter: @KatBlackwell
Facebook: Kathleen Victoria Blackwell

Labels: ,

Wednesday, April 28, 2010 

My interview with WeDontNeedNoStinkingRecordCompany.com

Hey friends,

My buddy Ryan Michael Galloway interviewed me this week, talking about the new changes at Facebook. I chat about the new "Like" versus the old "Become a Fan". Take a listen and let me know what you think. I'd love to hear your thoughts.



Copyright © 2010 Madalyn Sklar

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 14 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.

You can reach Madalyn at MadalynSklar.com or madalynsklar AT gmail.com

Tuesday, April 20, 2010 

Twitter Wow!

by Madalyn Sklar



Everyday I'm on Twitter and get excited when I see really cool, creatively designed pages. Why? Because it's you, your band or your brand's personality coming out. Yes, Twitter has some nice, cutesy templates but they really are boring and generic if you think about it. Why not set yourself apart and give yours some pizazz, some character, something that says "hey world, this is me!"



So with that said, I recommend developing a nice, suitable design that is part of your online branding. Something that stands out. It doesn't have to be fancy. As you can see below, mine is simple yet sleek. Not too generic. Sure, I could have gone with a plain Twitter template but I prefer some personality.



I have some great resources that will help if you want to do it yourself. Of course, if you need assistance don't hesitate to get in touch with me.

Resources:
How To Create A Custom Twitter Background
Pixel Perfect Background Photoshop Template for Twitter
Twitter Background Checker

Copyright © 2010 Madalyn Sklar

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 14 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.

You can reach Madalyn at MadalynSklar.com or madalynsklar AT gmail.com

Monday, April 19, 2010 

7 Ways to Boost Your Business, or How to Ask to Get Ahead

by Jack Canfield

[Madalyn's Note: from time to time I come across really great articles that offer insights to help you with your music career. I think you'll find this one useful!]

Ask and you shall receive.

How many times have you heard that? But how many times have you used this fundamental truth in your daily life recently?

Let me put it this way: when was the last time you asked for a written endorsement from a client or colleague?

How about feedback from your customers? Or the opportunity to renegotiate something that just doesn't work for you?

I can't tell you how often I watch business professionals--especially those in sales and marketing positions--falter because they simply stop practicing the art of asking.

If you were to ask successful top executives how they got to where they are, I bet most would admit they "asked to get to the top." In other words, they knew when and how to ask the right questions so they could gather the right information, build their reputation, seek useful referrals, generate new business, and expand their audience or customer base.

If the simple act of asking is so critical, then why don't more people do it?

Because for some reason, people falsely think asking implies weakness and sets one up for potential rejection. It's easy to come up with all sorts of excuses to avoid asking questions that can return unexpected or critical answers. Yet the world responds to those who ask.
If you are not moving closer to what you want, you probably aren't doing enough asking.

Here are seven asking strategies you can implement in your business (and in life) to boost your results:

1.) Ask for Information
You can never have too much information; in fact, the higher up you go, the more you need to know. To win potential new clients, you first need to have an understanding about their current challenges, what they want to accomplish and how they plan to do it. Only then can you proceed to demonstrate the advantages of your unique product or service.
Ask questions starting with the words who, why, what, where, when and how to obtain the information you need. Only when you truly understand and appreciate a prospect's needs can you offer a solution.

2.) Ask for Business
Would you believe that more than 60 percent of the time salespeople never ask for the order after giving a complete presentation about the benefits of their product or service?!
It's true, and a painful statistic that could put anyone out of business quickly if it's not changed. Always ask a closing question to secure the business. Don't waffle or talk around it--or worse, wait for your prospect to ask you. No doubt you have heard of many good ways to ask the question, "Would you like to give it a try?" The point is, ask.

3.) Ask for Written Endorsements
These can be difficult to ask for if you don't like tooting your own horn, but well-written, results-oriented testimonials from highly respected people are powerful for future sales. They solidify the quality of your product or service and leverage you as a person who has integrity, is trustworthy and gets the job done on time.

When is the best time to ask? Right after you have provided excellent service, gone the extra mile, or made your customer really happy. Simply ask if your customer would be willing to give you a testimonial about the value of your product or service, plus any other helpful comments.

4.) Ask for Top-Quality Referrals
Just about everyone in business knows the importance of referrals. It's the easiest, least expensive way of ensuring your growth and success in the marketplace. Your core clients will gladly give you referrals because you treat them so well. So why not ask all of them for referrals? It's a habit that will dramatically increase your income. Like any other habit, the more you ask the easier it becomes.

5.) Ask for More Business
Look for other products or services you can provide your customers. Devise a system that tells you when your clients will require more of your products. The simplest way is to ask your customers when you should contact them to reorder. It's easier to sell your existing clients more than to go looking for new ones.

6.) Ask for Feedback
This is an important component of asking that is often overlooked. How do you really know if your product or service is meeting your customers' needs? Ask them, "How are we doing? What can we do to improve our service to you? Please share what you like or don't like about our products." Set up regular customer surveys that ask good questions and tough questions. It's a powerful way to fine-tune your business.

7.) Ask to Renegotiate
The negotiating room should never be locked up for good. Regular business activities include negotiation and often re-negotiation. Many networkers get stuck because they lack skills in negotiation, yet this is simply another form of asking that can save a lot of time and money. All sorts of contracts can be renegotiated in your personal life, too, such as changing your credit card terms and rates. As long as you negotiate ethically and in the spirit of a win-win, you can enjoy a lot of flexibility. Nothing is ever cast in stone. It's only in stone if you don't speak up!

The 5 Secrets to Successful Asking

The first stumbling block for most is knowing how to ask. There are five secrets to great asking that can guarantee you results, however big or small.

If you ever find yourself hitting brick walls and coming up short in responses, come back to these five tips:

Ask Clearly: No one likes getting a vague or fuzzy question. Be precise. Think clearly about your request. Take time to prepare. Use a note pad to pick words that have the greatest impact. Words are powerful, so choose them carefully.

For example, if you throw out the "How am I doing?" question without specifics, it may take time for the other person to understand what you're talking about. Instead, try, "How is my attitude with customers? Do you see room for improvement? Where?"

Ask with Confidence: People who ask confidently get more than those who are hesitant and uncertain. When you've figured out what you want to ask for, do it with certainty, boldness and confidence. Practice in the mirror if you have to, or write out your question in advance.

Be prepared to hear the unexpected or the unwanted. Try to have an open mind and heart (it's okay to feel intimidated by the experience, but don't show it). Don't get defensive if you hear something you don't like or that makes you uncomfortable. It's good to get a little uneasy once in a while upon the observations or insights of others. They will inspire you to stop, reflect, and take steps to make a shift for the better.

Ask Consistently: Top producers know that they can't quit if they ask once and don't get a good response. Keep asking until you find the answers, and try different ways of asking if one doesn't seem to be working.

In prospecting there are usually four or five "no's" before you get a "yes." You may, for example, want to ask a co-worker about your performance on an important team project, but you sense reluctance from that person to offer an opinion.

You can always ask another person who is more receptive to the question, or consider how you are asking it and try again. Because people don't normally go around asking others for opinions on how well they are doing, it's not a question typically heard. So be prepared to ask over and over again before you hear a clear--useful--answer.

Ask Creatively: In this age of global competition, your asking may get lost in the crowd, unheard by the decision-makers you hope to reach. There is a way around this. If you want someone's attention, don't ask the ordinary way. Use your creativity to dream up a high-impact presentation.

Bear in mind that asking someone to stop and evaluate you can seem awkward or time-consuming. Show respect for them first and find the ideal time to ask the question. Here's one way to engage the insights of a superior: "I highly value your opinion and honest perspective, and would love to know what you think I could be doing differently on a daily basis that would make your life easier and make our clients happier."

Ask Sincerely: When you really need help, people will respond. Sincerity means dropping the image facade and showing a willingness to be vulnerable. Tell it the way it is, lumps and all. Don't worry if your presentation isn't perfect; ask from your heart. Keep it simple and people will open up to you.

Like speaking a different language, asking takes continual practice until it becomes a regular, reflexive habit. The sooner you build your "Ask Muscle", the sooner you'll see the results you've been waiting--and searching--for.

Don't think asking only relates to work-related goals and tasks. Bring this practice home to enrich your relationships with your family members and your friends, too!

I trust you'll be surprised and delighted at what you discover about yourself in this process.

Happy asking!

© 2010 Jack Canfield

Jack Canfield, America's #1 Success Coach, is founder of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul© and a leading authority on Peak Performance and Life Success. If you're ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get your FREE success tips from Jack Canfield now at: http://www.freesuccessstrategies.com/

Thursday, April 01, 2010 

GoGirls Interview with Inky Glass

by Madalyn Sklar

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

Expression drives me... and I am my music. I can't really separate the two. Music is something I do, and it is an extension of who I am I tried to stop performing. I stopped all together for 8 years, but I just had to start again in 2008. I am not really sure what it was. Its like I didn't have a choice, like I had to come back. I don't know, I didn't really decide... I just did it.. .I just ended up here, playing. I was primarily acting before, but all the money I made was singing (musical theater, in other music related stuff). I have been on the stage since I was six (a LOOOOOONG time ago I was a ballet dancer, but then I wanted to tap because that made noise. Then it was the flute at 8, then modeling at 13, then acting at 15. I went with that learning the guitar along the way until I was 30. Then I was at a Tori Amos Concert in My "Oh shit I am turning 30" stage, and Tori was doing a cover of Landslide. So I became a social worker....And I specialized in Drama and Music therapy :) at 38 I started playing guitar again, started giging, and here I am!

Describe your music style and name three musicians you have been inspired by and why.

Music Style: A quirky Blues. 3 Musicians: 1) Alicia Alicia was not only a great musician that left this world all too soon, but she opened the whole world for me. We were "foxhole buddies" and traveled Europe together performing on the streets in 1992. She showed me my first chords, and taught me the circle of 5ths. 2) Billie Holiday-That Voice!!!!!! 3) Bob Dylan Those lyrics and I could go on and on and on.

What's your ideal venue atmosphere?

Hah! One with a bathroom and toilet paper. Dream Venue? A green room to warm up in and relax in, steady water and coffee supply, plenty of time to sound check before performing, a good merch table, and one where I am not responsible for the # of people in the venue (i.e. the venue has a following)

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

It has started for one thing. I have a CD, and since 08, I have learned a WHOLE lot. Living in NYC a person is gonna learn alot in anything you try to do, I mean its not the kindest place in the world. But the most important thing, is that I know how to perform now, and I know how to engage the audience. Oh yeah, I can sing in tune and fret the chords so much better now too. :)

How would you describe the music scene in your area?

Rough! There seems to be the beginning stage, where I am. One needs to have 10 people that will come to the show, and pay $10 a piece to see you play for 1/2 hour to maybe 45 min. Very hard to build a following in this way. I mean on ANY given night, in ANY given venue there is something fantastic going on, so the competition is tough, there are very few square miles, and MANY of us trying to get the same very few listeners. It really can be a rat race...But I do thrive on the adrenaline, and there are so many really fabulous people here, and I have been here so very long. So patience is a virtue, and one day, the right place, right time, and right handshake will happen, just like anywhere.

What was the inspiration for your latest release?

Like I said, I don't know....I just had to do it.

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?

Ahhhhhhhh.......Work with your producer first. Get feedback on the songs. There is NO RUSH!!!!!! Its better to pay for rehearsal time with the producer/director/engineer.....to have the songs in the best shape for recording, than to spend this money in editing or in the studio. In my experience, I was so much better at playing nd singing like 2 months after recording was over, that I wished I could do it again, which I couldn't of course. But the next time I have the fundage, I will know these things.

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

Emotional Health

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

Rejection. I was waiting to play a gig, and I had three people there (ok, not alot, but a start). But the venue wouldn't let me play because I didn't have 10 people there. It was embarrassing. Also, people always think they can tell you how to do this that or the other thing. But when feelings are hurt, they just hurt. And I get hurt easily, cause I am fragile. That is the toughest thing for me to deal with is when someone is like wow that was....different. And I know it was really BAD. And I know I played bad. It gets really hard to pick it up and try again the next time.

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

If you have to do this thing called art, you will be back. And if you come back older, rusty, and creaky, it just feels like a whole lot of wasted time. If you stick with it, at the very least, there won't be anything wasted along the way, and you won't have to re learn stuff that got out of shape. Its easier to just stay in shape musically, than to get out of shape, and have to relearn. ( emotionally, stage fright, technical skill, and performance ability)

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

I just want the music world to know I exist :) Hell, I just want my little part of the world to know I exist. I don't have to be a household name (but I have the time if the opportunity arises). OK, the real stuff is this. Music saved my life. many times I have been so depressed that I have wanted to die (hence the song Cortar De LA Venas) Janis Joplin sang to me "Little Girl Blue" while I lay in fetal position on the floor. I could get up and face another day. When the director walked out of a play that I wrote, and was staring in three days before opening night, Ani Difranco's "Not A Pretty Girl" kept me from jumping out the window. So yeah, its happy dance stuff too. and I love that, and I float on top of the notes the way a surfer takes a wave when I am at a Melissa Ferrick concert, but its as deep as my blood and bones too.

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

Oh shit, everything.. Trish and Rew are so great. I started doing the open mics, and I got my performing feet solid there. This was so important to me. Last year at Gay Pride we did a showcase at Stonewall, that was really good for me. The opportunities to meet other musicians is priceless, and these girls, and some of the friends I have made are priceless. Nothing can be as good as that. I just love the community, support. Shit I love everything. IT ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Find out more about Inky Glass:
Have a listen!! http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/2330155
CD Baby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/InkyGlass1
Web http://www.inkyglass.com/
Face Book http://artist.to/inkyglass
EPK: http://www.reverbnation.com/inkyglass

Labels: ,

SUBSCRIBE

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

         

    Get interviewed on this blog for just $50

    HootSuite - Social Media Dashboard

    Learn it all.

    HootSuite - Social Media Dashboard

    Check out my YouTube video:

    www.flickr.com
    GoGirlsMusic.com's items Go to Madalyn's photostream

REPRINT ARTICLES

    Click here if you would like to post articles and information from this blog to your blog or web site.

RECENT POSTS

BLOGS I READ:

Madalyn's Blog
P.O. Box 16940
Sugar Land, TX 77496-6940

Copyright © 2000-2009 Madalyn's Music Biz Blog. All rights reserved.

This blog is designed to provide reliable information regarding the subject matter covered.
The authors disclaim any liability that incurs from the use of any information contained in this blog.