One great thing about the internet is the power it gives a group or artist the ability to communicate. The problem is there are many avenues and staying organized and not neglecting a certain segment can become daunting...facebook, myspace, twitter...all your email...instant messaging...it all adds up to a lot of stuff to monitor...
Enter Digsby...
As Digsby puts it:
Digsby is a multiprotocol IM client that lets you chat with all your friends on AIM, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, Google Talk, and Jabber with one simple to manage buddy list.
digsby is an email notification tool that alerts you of new email and lets you perform actions such as 'Delete' or 'Report Spam' with just one click.
digsby is a social networking tool that alerts you of events like new messages and gives you a live Newsfeed of what your friends are up to.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Resource of the Day: Carbonite.com
Being an artist or a band, having pictures, press releases and digital versions of demos and songs is essential. Problem is several hands are in the cookie jar and things can get lost over time. Not only that, but a computer crash can always be a doomsday for photo...as well as losing demos forever. Instead of being in fear, spend 49 bucks for the year and give everybody access that works on all assets related to the project.
Carbonite.com is a company that does this, and they are very reputable. This guarantees that all your information is in a centralized location and in a very safe place.
Carbonite.com is a company that does this, and they are very reputable. This guarantees that all your information is in a centralized location and in a very safe place.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Expose Yourself: Grammy Time
If you have had the pleasure of releasing a CD with at least 4 songs, it is time to get yourself some street cred and join the Recording Academy. Not only will you have access to purchasing tickets to the big show each year, you get a groovy membership card that goes great with the ASCAP card as well as the chance to vote for who wins.
It also gets you access to Insurance benefits, invitations and access to some great events and speakers and also puts you in the thick of the music industry.
Register Online
or download the PDF and fill it out and fax back.
It also gets you access to Insurance benefits, invitations and access to some great events and speakers and also puts you in the thick of the music industry.
Register Online
or download the PDF and fill it out and fax back.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Expose Yourself - NAMM 2009
Every year around this time the music industry descends upon Orange County, California, just outside Disneyland to hold the annual NAMM Show. The National Association of Music Manufacturers is a great place to be if you can get in. BAck in the glory days when hot chicks and craziness surrounded the show, the public was able to attend for a price. Funny how the second they cleaned up the show, the barred the public from getting access. Fear not, there are several ways to get tickets of you are not on the "inside".
The first an easy bet is to become really good friends with your local music store. On more than a couple occasions we were able to get in via this route. Not always a guarantee, but it has worked. Getting a job at Guitar Center might increase your chances as well. Another thing is to find anyone you may know who is in the music manufacturing business. Say someone who makes a part that is used on guitars or something.
Now let's say you get your passes, next step is how to approach being in the den of musicians. The key thing here is to have a reason for a manufacturer to want o get behind you with a sponsorship. In our case, this year the band d will be filming on a episode of HBOs Entourage. This kind of clout will not always be at your disposal, but you will need a compelling story, other wise the only reason for being at the show is looking at gear and taking photos with famous musicians.
The troops are at NAMM today, and will give feedback on this years adventure. I missed out on going because I checked my text messages a few hours too late...which is definitely a way not to get to go!
NAMM 2009
The first an easy bet is to become really good friends with your local music store. On more than a couple occasions we were able to get in via this route. Not always a guarantee, but it has worked. Getting a job at Guitar Center might increase your chances as well. Another thing is to find anyone you may know who is in the music manufacturing business. Say someone who makes a part that is used on guitars or something.
Now let's say you get your passes, next step is how to approach being in the den of musicians. The key thing here is to have a reason for a manufacturer to want o get behind you with a sponsorship. In our case, this year the band d will be filming on a episode of HBOs Entourage. This kind of clout will not always be at your disposal, but you will need a compelling story, other wise the only reason for being at the show is looking at gear and taking photos with famous musicians.
The troops are at NAMM today, and will give feedback on this years adventure. I missed out on going because I checked my text messages a few hours too late...which is definitely a way not to get to go!
NAMM 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
Hope this new year is good for everyone and that the music and fun keep getting better!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Resource of the Day - Broadtexter.com
This is a very clever tool for broadcast messaging your fan base to their phones. Just another way to reach out and touch someone. Here is our widget:
Here are some of the sites you can embed:
Myspace Profile, Myspace Bulletin, Myspace Blog, Facebook Profile, Facebook Pages
Orkut, Blogger, TypePad, Friendster, Tagged, LiveSpaces, Freewebs, Zorpia
BlackPlanet, Xanga, Tagworld, Piczo, Multiply, Your Website (easy)
Choose one of the sites to the left to display your widget code and directions for posting. You can post your widget on any number of places. The more people that see it the more subscribers you'll get.
Checkout broadtexter.com
Here are some of the sites you can embed:
Myspace Profile, Myspace Bulletin, Myspace Blog, Facebook Profile, Facebook Pages
Orkut, Blogger, TypePad, Friendster, Tagged, LiveSpaces, Freewebs, Zorpia
BlackPlanet, Xanga, Tagworld, Piczo, Multiply, Your Website (easy)
Choose one of the sites to the left to display your widget code and directions for posting. You can post your widget on any number of places. The more people that see it the more subscribers you'll get.
Checkout broadtexter.com
Monday, December 29, 2008
Go Live - Lighten Up the Stage
New Post type called Go Live. This type of post will relate to all things that I have found helpful in putting on the best live show.
As we approach the New Years Eve show one of the things that came to mind was to put on a show that extends beyond what we normally do for our fans. As only the set really changes over the course of the year we thought there must be a way to do something on the cheap yet extend the experience.
So a few thoughts on improving a live show from just beyond the normal house lights.
1. Hmmmmm, what holiday just passed that involves lots of lights? recycling your Christmas lights into the stage show can go a long way in a very cost effective manner.
2. Guitar center has a section of lights that can be a great resource to get ideas for retro fitting lamps or buying one of their low end lights. Usually they start around $27. Over time just adding 2 more to your line up each month can really begin to add character. Also, look into getting a DMX controller which can really add to your show and remove a need for someone else running the lights.
3. Something I did a ways back that really worked in a previous band was to put together a video mantage and string it across a few old tube TVs, color and black and white. Tube tvs are littering the planet, I gurantee these will be easy to find. I did this with ease on VHS, so I am sure, if you have a computer, putting this together onto a DVD will be a piece of cake. I combined this with my white christmas lights and the result was a very theatrical, low budget stage show.
In the end, challenge yourself and your live show. You rehearse to sound good, so why not put that same creative energy in how you present yourself. Subtle things can make a big difference and by no means am I suggesting a strobe light for a folk act...this is where your creative energy comes into play.
As we approach the New Years Eve show one of the things that came to mind was to put on a show that extends beyond what we normally do for our fans. As only the set really changes over the course of the year we thought there must be a way to do something on the cheap yet extend the experience.
So a few thoughts on improving a live show from just beyond the normal house lights.
1. Hmmmmm, what holiday just passed that involves lots of lights? recycling your Christmas lights into the stage show can go a long way in a very cost effective manner.
2. Guitar center has a section of lights that can be a great resource to get ideas for retro fitting lamps or buying one of their low end lights. Usually they start around $27. Over time just adding 2 more to your line up each month can really begin to add character. Also, look into getting a DMX controller which can really add to your show and remove a need for someone else running the lights.
3. Something I did a ways back that really worked in a previous band was to put together a video mantage and string it across a few old tube TVs, color and black and white. Tube tvs are littering the planet, I gurantee these will be easy to find. I did this with ease on VHS, so I am sure, if you have a computer, putting this together onto a DVD will be a piece of cake. I combined this with my white christmas lights and the result was a very theatrical, low budget stage show.
In the end, challenge yourself and your live show. You rehearse to sound good, so why not put that same creative energy in how you present yourself. Subtle things can make a big difference and by no means am I suggesting a strobe light for a folk act...this is where your creative energy comes into play.
Monday, December 15, 2008
For Your Submission: 2009 - Picking up the pace.
So with the 2009 year looking to be the most active year in both d and Mystic Nation, i can assure you that there will be many more resources utilized and blogged upon. It is amazing to see the effect many of these tools have had on our progress and the exposure the tools have brought has been worth the efforts.
This year's focus.
1. Expanding the live show. Now that we are doing roughly 54 shows a year, give or take a few, the next phase is going to focus on the live show. Larger events, more stage tuning. Look for blogs on this process.
2. Marketing expansion. Many of the posts so far have focused on a wide range of tools. Some will work better than others for all types of scenarios. What works for us, might not work for you. This is why I focus on a wide spectrum of online resources rather than just the ones I have had complete success with.
3. Studio tips and tricks. Being that Mystic Nation is going back into the studio i am more than sure there will be many more posts on the subject.
These appear to be the main three focal points moving forward as I hone the old blogging skills and bring you the resources that hopefully will make being a struggling artist/band a little more easy.
Good Luck and Happy New Year!
This year's focus.
1. Expanding the live show. Now that we are doing roughly 54 shows a year, give or take a few, the next phase is going to focus on the live show. Larger events, more stage tuning. Look for blogs on this process.
2. Marketing expansion. Many of the posts so far have focused on a wide range of tools. Some will work better than others for all types of scenarios. What works for us, might not work for you. This is why I focus on a wide spectrum of online resources rather than just the ones I have had complete success with.
3. Studio tips and tricks. Being that Mystic Nation is going back into the studio i am more than sure there will be many more posts on the subject.
These appear to be the main three focal points moving forward as I hone the old blogging skills and bring you the resources that hopefully will make being a struggling artist/band a little more easy.
Good Luck and Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
d and proof in the pudding...having belief...
I am in a band d and over the last few years we have been using many of the tools listed here as a means of pushing our music out into the world with little to no resources.
event
d recently went on to win a talent event that involved many artists across many genres of music. Initially we were very sceptical and honestly did not really intend to enter this event.
The good news is we decided to give it a chance realizing that any exposure is good exposure.
The sum of the story is had we chosen not to participate in the event we would not have been given the exposure in front of record comapnies and grammy award winning producers, and all sorts of other contacts within the music business. Not to mention that had we not entered the event, our band would not have won and we would not have received a guest performing appeaance on HBOs hit Entourage in the upcoming season.
Lesson learned. Taking risks and putting yourself out there is all a part of the game. Now if I could only maintain this blog better!
event
d recently went on to win a talent event that involved many artists across many genres of music. Initially we were very sceptical and honestly did not really intend to enter this event.
The good news is we decided to give it a chance realizing that any exposure is good exposure.
The sum of the story is had we chosen not to participate in the event we would not have been given the exposure in front of record comapnies and grammy award winning producers, and all sorts of other contacts within the music business. Not to mention that had we not entered the event, our band would not have won and we would not have received a guest performing appeaance on HBOs hit Entourage in the upcoming season.
Lesson learned. Taking risks and putting yourself out there is all a part of the game. Now if I could only maintain this blog better!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Resource of the Day - Elektrolab
Found this site which had a great list of links related to the Indy band experience. Check them out,you might find them useful. Regardless, it is always a good idea to have that resource notebook in process at all times. Check it out at www.elektrolab.com
My resource notebook is all stored in an excel document with each tab representing different aspects of the business. Usually just have website address, contact name if Applicable with phone number and email, as well as a notes box to track my latest interaction with that resource and the result. It is simple and basic, and at the core....ORGANIZED!!!!
My resource notebook is all stored in an excel document with each tab representing different aspects of the business. Usually just have website address, contact name if Applicable with phone number and email, as well as a notes box to track my latest interaction with that resource and the result. It is simple and basic, and at the core....ORGANIZED!!!!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Promotion: The Power of the Koozie...
Yes I have been gone since October 1st, such is life, but life is good. d and Mystic Nation are in full swing either live and in the studio, but this blog has gone by the way side...NO MORE!!!! I am revived and ready to help find more resources for the artist to help them strive in the music industry...and it remains FREE! Not even a sales pitch! Of course resources are more than welcome to advertise across my sites :)
If you have been using most of the resources on this blog to help your band while i was out and about, chances are you were too busy too read this blog in the first place, so let's get back on track shall we.
Today's promotional tactic....the Koozie. It's that little piece of neoprene that keeps beverages cold and also becomes a traveling advertisement. Having just gone through a whole box in 2 shows flat, I can only say these are very popular. And far more useful as well. We went with the collapsable Koozie first round, makes it easier to lug to shows and for people to take home. A little more flimsy than a standard Koozie, but hey they can always come back to another show if they break theirs :)...which is the point of it all anyway.
When designing the Koozie art...keep it simple...band name or logo and in small print beneath your website address(minus the http://)
If you get quoted by your printer over $140 at a 100 quantity, email me and I will get you some info on a great online tool for low inventory purchases.
If you have been using most of the resources on this blog to help your band while i was out and about, chances are you were too busy too read this blog in the first place, so let's get back on track shall we.
Today's promotional tactic....the Koozie. It's that little piece of neoprene that keeps beverages cold and also becomes a traveling advertisement. Having just gone through a whole box in 2 shows flat, I can only say these are very popular. And far more useful as well. We went with the collapsable Koozie first round, makes it easier to lug to shows and for people to take home. A little more flimsy than a standard Koozie, but hey they can always come back to another show if they break theirs :)...which is the point of it all anyway.
When designing the Koozie art...keep it simple...band name or logo and in small print beneath your website address(minus the http://)
If you get quoted by your printer over $140 at a 100 quantity, email me and I will get you some info on a great online tool for low inventory purchases.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Recording - Mastering.
Once you get something recorded I highly recommend getting your works mastered. This adds such a level of quality when put in the right hands. Rather than give a long winded blog on my take on the mastering process I found a very well written article online by The G-Man at Music Biz Academy
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Resource of the Day - Your Local Artists
So you have your CD recorded and are pondering how to bring it all together with a great representation for your marketing purposes. In addition to the photography you will probably want to get done, the other qquestion is how to get some CD art without breaking the bank.
The first option is to check with any of your artistic friends would be interested. This can often be the least expensive way of getting some artwork for the CD cover.
Another option, which also benefits a new artists portfolio as well, is to go to the local college and ask the art professors if they have any artists interested in a project for their portfolios. You can also just post a flyer at the local college as well. In most creative pursuits surrounding low budget options this is a great way to benefit yourself and a budding artist. This can also be applied to marketing and photography.
Your Local college is a HUGE resource for resources and no budget.
The first option is to check with any of your artistic friends would be interested. This can often be the least expensive way of getting some artwork for the CD cover.
Another option, which also benefits a new artists portfolio as well, is to go to the local college and ask the art professors if they have any artists interested in a project for their portfolios. You can also just post a flyer at the local college as well. In most creative pursuits surrounding low budget options this is a great way to benefit yourself and a budding artist. This can also be applied to marketing and photography.
Your Local college is a HUGE resource for resources and no budget.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Myspace That Matters
I am starting a new thread to weed out the BS and post significant myspace connections, well ones that I feel serve a different purpose than the self serving I love myself type myspaces out there.
The new thread is Myspace That Matters.
Todays link was provided in the For Your Submission blog post...
Link
75orLess
A review service, and this is their myspace.
The new thread is Myspace That Matters.
Todays link was provided in the For Your Submission blog post...
Link
75orLess
A review service, and this is their myspace.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
For your Submission - Copyright
So Mystic Nation just finished up the recording process of What Makes Rust and the master is leaving for the duplication process. Many things must now happen. But before all else, it's time to copyright that beautiful gem we have just completed, and the joy is it is one of the cheaper things to do, $45 currently as of July 1, 2006.
The US government actually makes this one easy just visit:
Sound Recording Copyright
If you want to be smart about all this copyright stuff and get a great handle on the lay of the land here are some useful links to educate yourself to near lawyer status.
Links
Taking the mystery out of Copyright
Frequently Asked Questions
The US government actually makes this one easy just visit:
Sound Recording Copyright
If you want to be smart about all this copyright stuff and get a great handle on the lay of the land here are some useful links to educate yourself to near lawyer status.
Links
Taking the mystery out of Copyright
Frequently Asked Questions
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Resource of the Day - Myxer
It has been a little while since I have found a resource of the day....here ya go...
Myxer is a company that allows you to create, share and sell your ringtones and wallpapers. I am going to be making a What Makes Rust wallpaper shortly to test their platform. Fun stuff indeed!
Link
Myxer
As they say "Mobilize your stuff"
Myxer is a company that allows you to create, share and sell your ringtones and wallpapers. I am going to be making a What Makes Rust wallpaper shortly to test their platform. Fun stuff indeed!
Link
Myxer
As they say "Mobilize your stuff"
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Thursday, August 28, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Expose Yourself! - FizzKicks.com
So this is a very interesting idea for getting your songs to the masses at your shows or if you are walking down the street talking to someone and they ask what you sound like. Instead of giving away a CD give them a music card they can use to down. Now my take on this is you can use it as a way to peak some curiousity and lead the horse to water. If they like the one track they bought using the card, they might be more likely to purchasde so more. I am thinking great online POS type of concept.
Link
fizzkicks.com
Haven't had the chance to upload songs but our future fizzkicks site went up
Mystic Nation FizzKicks site
Link
fizzkicks.com
Haven't had the chance to upload songs but our future fizzkicks site went up
Mystic Nation FizzKicks site
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
For Your Submission - 75orLess.com
This is a chance to get reviewed. One of the more difficult things to get done with a CD project, yet so crucial to adding valid press to your Press Kit.
75orLess.com is a site that will sum up your CD within 75 words or less, 2 letters or less do not count as words!
To be considered send your CD to
ATTN: Reviews
23 Laurel Lane
Warren, RI 02885
Links
Website
Myspace
75orLess.com is a site that will sum up your CD within 75 words or less, 2 letters or less do not count as words!
To be considered send your CD to
ATTN: Reviews
23 Laurel Lane
Warren, RI 02885
Links
Website
Myspace
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Resource of the Day! : Promote on the Internet
Ah the internet is such a powerful weapon for the artist with a limited budget. I have found another great, in depth, resource for promoting your music via internet radio...check it out...
The Music Biz Bookstore
Happy Reading!
The Music Biz Bookstore
Happy Reading!
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