The Essentials To Building A Successful Music Career

Music

This is the whole point of pursuing a music career. It is you having a love for creating and performing music. If you don’t enjoy music, then why are you wanting to be in the music business? Switch career choices or go back to a 9-5!

Management

So now you have your music created and ready to perform, but what next? Branch out. Start performing gigs and going on tours. In order to do this though, you will need management. At first, you will probably only have one manager to do multiple tasks but as you progress more, you will need a management team that takes care of tasks separately such as financial, booking, promotion, etc..

Marketing

You are a musician, so this means that you don’t need to be a business person right? Wrong. Music marketing is a must if you want to be successful in the music industry. You don’t need to go to business school for this though. You just need to learn your market. If you don’t already have a management team to deal with promotion, then you must be able to know how to promote your music yourself.

However if you do have a manager that deals with promotion then music marketing should be easier. This doesn’t give you a free pass though. You still need to learn some music marketing since you’re on top of the management pyramid.

Monetizing

Starting out as an indie artist, you probably don’t have a manager yet. So in able to make some money yourself, there are different ways available. The most important aspect of making music money is retailing and licensing your music. This is important for the long run.

Another obvious way to make money with your music is to perform gigs. It can produce short-term or long-term income but it all depends on your band’s popularity.

Mass Appeal

This is the point of your music career where you’re playing at larger venues in different cities while still growing your fan base. This doesn’t mean that you have to be as big as the mainstream artists making millions with their crappy pop music.

Once you achieved the mass appeal step, start celebrating. Things only get easier from here. Fans will do the promotion for you and reach out to new fans who will then make you money by buying you music. At this point, you have a successful music career and making a living doing what you love to do. You will never have to worry about going back to a 9-5 and all is good.

Guest post: Leslie Edwards is a musician and a blogger. I am part of a blogging group and you can find us at http://musician-makers.com/

photo by: h.koppdelaney

Google Play Music All Access: A Missing Feature That Could Differentiate it from the Competition

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If you haven’t heard, or read yesterdays post, last week Google launched Google Play Music All Access. The reviews have been so-so with some even calling it a watered down version of Spotify. After playing with it myself I didn’t really see anything stand out either but, I thought of something that could make it really stand out.

How about a Local Music section?

Hear Me Out…

Back in the day, when record stores were king, often times there was a local section highlighting local artists.

This section would also – in most cases go – hand-in-hand with local radio play (back when local artists only needed to ~~bribe~~ convince the local DJ to get tunes played on air now you more than likely need a major label backing you to get spins on stations with the largest reach).

A pretty simple system that benefited both the music fan and the artist that has is pretty much extinct in most local markets.

Enter Google!

Google does local better than anyone these days (or at the very least has the greatest reach). Why not put that to use in the music streaming space?

With Google capabilities in the Local arena, I bet they could make a huge splash by being able to highlight bands and artists in local markets.

How A Local Section Benefits Google…

First, Google Play Music All Access would differentiate itself from Spotify and most of the other online streaming services.

Second, Google would get greater support from musicians. How you say? As Indie Musicians, knowing that Google had our back locally, we would surely lean more toward pushing people to All Access over Spotify, Rdio, MOG or whoever.

Third, Google can be one of the first to meet one of the greatest challenges with music discovery.

In the book Divergent Streams (BTW great read… and free), I read about how it is a big challenge for music services to provide casual listeners with context when it comes to music discovery. Local music is a great way to do that.

Context doesn’t get much better than your back yard. People love finding local bands and musicians. They feel a deeper bond with them (“they’re one of us”).

Let’s Do It…

So Google, if you are listening, lets do it. I’ll be your guinea pig (wink, wink).

And to you my fellow musicians, what do think? Do I have something here?

BY THE WAY… if you are reading this and shaking your head in agreement. Share this post immediately and everywhere you can because a share is like a vote. Maybe the Big G will notice and we can all reap the rewards.

photo by: andrewasmith

Why and How to Get Your Music on Google Play Music All Access

Why to Get Your Music on Google Play Music All Access

Probably the biggest reason is that there are a bazillion people using Android Phones. You can bet that Google is going to do their best to let everyone of them know about it.

Also, unlike Spotify or MOG, Google Play Music All Access is linking to a store where people can buy your music. Who knows how many streamers will go another step further to buy it but its worth a shot. I am waiting to see if that makes a difference or not, but, a sale here and a sale there is better than nothing right?

Even if you are not sold on the whole streaming model, this could be a chance for you to dip your toe in the water. Add all your music to the store and then start slow by making a track or two available on All Access. What have you got to lose?

How to Get Music on Google Play Music All Access

Get On Google Play

If your music is not on Google Play, you need to get it there. Here are 17 Steps to Getting Your Music on Google Play (a lot of steps yeah but hey, its for a good cause right?)

Opt-in to All Access

According to an email I recieved from Google, once you have your music up an running you only need to do the following:

1. Log-in to the artist hub at http://play.google.com/music/publish
2. Click on an album you want to add to All Access
3. Select “Edit Album Details”
4. Review the “All Access Setting”
5. Click “Publish changes”

There you have it. I will be monitoring my stats and my sales over there so I’m sure I’ll be blogging about this again. Get on the newsletter and never miss a thing.

Also, feel free to share your experience using the service and, in the comments below, let us know what you think of this whole all Access thing.

photo by: zennie62

Submit Your Music to W.B.

Go Listen and Submit Your Music Now

Hopefully he’ll like your stuff, play your tunes and help you gain a few fans.

Facebook Lookalike Audience Feature Could Be Gold for Musicians

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Just passing on some Facebook related info from my friend John Oszajca at Music Marketing Manifesto. He just posted some news concerning the relatively new Facebook Lookalike Audience feature that allows you to – as John puts it – clone your fans.

Lookalike Audience does something that we already have the ability to do to but a lot better. We could always target fans of similar artists but this feature takes it to a whole new level.

The feature allows you to import an email list so that Facebook can cross reference the musical tastes of your current fans.

Cool huh?

But I will let John explain since he’s really good at it. Swing over to his site, read more and watch his video on how to do it. Meanwhile, I’m going to go play.

If you have any experience with this feature let us know in the comments below.

photo by: Shan Sheehan

5 Steps To Becoming a Music Producer

So the word on the street is that you want to be a music producer?

Throwing TV’s out a window and screaming like a man who has had the night of his life, It’s the rock star lifestyle. lets call the guy “Jack” for this example.

Jack loves his bourbon and drinks it heavy into the night. He’s known for being the “Ladies Man” in the band, occasionally getting comatose’d on substances that stretch further than what should be spoken about here. Like we said, It’s the rock and roll lifestyle. It’s what everyone thinks happens.

I hate to say it. But it’s not really what happens. Not with the “behind the scenes” people anyway.

Music producers, engineers and songwriters stand up.

You know the guy in the office who is very clean cut in his clothes but has facial shadow and messy hair?, well the musical trio (Engineers, producers and songwriters) is much like that guy, mostly clean with some rock on the side.

So where is everyone going wrong when trying to break into the business and lifestyle?

Luckily for you we have the answers.

Let’s get you going on your journey and give you the five steps to becoming a music producer.

1 – Specialize later on

For now I want you to do everything. Yep, you heard me I want you to engineer, produce, shake hands and even call yourself Ken to get going. As you’re on this site I’m sure you are multi-dimensional. If that’s correct then you’ll have no trouble with branching out into other areas in the music industry and picking up jobs. The music industry is competitive and crowded, the more you are known and the longer your résumé the better you’ll be. That may suck to hear but “An producer wasn’t built in a day”.

2 – Research genres

When you work with artists you get to know their music. But what happens when you don’t know a certain genre, or you are thrown in without a clue on a multiple of genres? Well you don’t get the job.

Research the artist you are working with. Usually artists will supply you with an influence list of theirs. Listen to and discover a link between their music and their influences. It will make or break your relationship.

The wider you know a topic the less in a box you’ll be and no one wants to be in a box now do they? Unless you’re a Mime, then that’s fine. (We love to rhyme!)

3 – Hand some tea out

Here’s a cliché one, but its shown to be a common trend and something many people simply do not expect. Hand out Tea. Yep that thing that us British people love oh so much. we love to make it and we love to drink it.

What am I getting at with this? Simply do the little jobs that feel small at the time, but, they lead to bigger opportunities. Use it as your ladder and use the hell out of that kettle. Trust me, soon, bigger and better things will come you’re way.

4 – Learn how to engineer

Producers always focus on the music. The overall sound. You would do yourself and everyone who works with you a huge favour if you learnt how to engineer a studio. Why?

Well it saves space, only you and the band are needed. Because of this it saves money, as less space and less people are needed. Also it’s just plain fun. You can record whenever you like for a multitude of projects.

Plus it’s always nice to not have to rely on other people. If the engineer you so desperately need for recording fails to show, well you’re stumped. Recording over. If you know how to engineer the studio, however, the show goes on.

5 – Learn to communicate with your artist’s

Warmth. Smooth. Rigid. Bright.

Me and the other members of the team at Music Lifeline hate these terms. We think they belong in the glossary of other portentous music industry terms.

Everyone loves to throw these around and so will the band members. Get on the same page with terms. The last thing you want is to be asked “can i have a warm vocal sound?” and you provide something different to what the band expected.

Learn about the band, what bands they like, who they want to sound like?, do they want a hit? etc. This will help you get clearer in your communication and will get you known as the guy who “Just Gets/Knows” the artist. That’s a representation you can like.

There you have it, 5 ways to help you break into your field. You may not be an expert just yet, but with these tips people will think you are and you’ll be on your way to becoming one. Being a music creator is so rewarding and hearing yours and the artists finished product is amazing. You’ll find out what I mean soon enough.

Did you enjoy the tips? Do you think doing the small jobs is a big part in starting out? Let me know in the comments below.

Guest Post: Andrew Smith is a writer for Music Lifeline where he specializes in engineering, production and wizardry. Him and the team have also put together a recording cheat sheet, to grab it just click here.

photo by: andrew pilling

How to Make Money Selling Beats Today!

What if I told you there was a way to make money off music that didn’t require an album, a concert, or even a single? Would you be interested? Of course you would! Who wouldn’t be?

There’s a method of making money off music called beat making. Beats are often times used in Rap or Hip Hop music to compliment the singing or talking portions. They help the music flow and provide a wall of sound that allows the listener to experience the music and really consider what the artist wants to convey.

Here’ how to make money selling beats.

Build a Reputation

Remember elementary school when everyone wanted to hang out with the popular kid? It seemed like everyone wanted a piece of his or her time didn’t they? Well the same applies in beat making. You need to become the popular kid before you’ll start making money. There’s a number of ways to do this but one thing is for certain, without high quality work, you won’t be a desirable beat maker.

Establish yourself as a beat maker who produces great sounding, high quality beats. Create a website or YouTube channel and connect with others in the industry. The goal here is to be noticed by those with a voice or a lot of followers (think Twitter mentions). If you are able to get your work on a hit album you’ll be set. Work towards this goal but don’t pass up on the opportunity to contribute some of your beats to a lesser known band or artist. You never know who the next big hit will be!

Experiment

It’s absolutely necessary for you to hone your craft. This means spending time perfecting each and every little sound you produce. In a world fueled by social media its easier than ever to sign your professional death certificate by releasing a few bad beats. Make sure you’re 100% proud of your work before you allow anyone to hear it. In addition to this don’t be afraid to try new things. Like everything else the music scene is constantly changing and artists are always looking for something fresh to include in their next album.

Become Exclusive

Establishing yourself as an exclusive, in demand beat maker is paramount for your success. Remember that popular kid? Yeah, you want to be him. By being exclusive you will be able to focus more time on perfecting your music than selling it. Think of it this way. You can sell one beat for $1 to one thousand people or one beat for $1000 to one person. Which would you rather do? Limiting the sale of your beats gives you the ability to protect your reputation. Instead of letting a ton of artists over use your beats let only a few artists use them so that you become seen by the masses as an expert whose work isn’t cheap or imitated easily.

Add Value

Producing different kinds of beats or including vocals (especially famous artists or female singers) will help to add a lot of value to your beats. In addition to vocals consider using an occasional sample. This allows you to harness the well-known work of others while still keeping it your own. If you pursue this path be sure you brush up on the process of clearing samples. It is not worth risking a lawsuit to save a few bucks on the licensing of a sample. After all if your beat makes it big you could potentially lose all your profits.

Contract Work

If your beats become popular enough, other artists will begin to ask for you by name. Once you’ve reached this level it will be considerably easier to make a living on your work. One perk of this is that you will be able to work side by side with other artists to craft the perfect beat. This reduces the likelihood of working for free that some new to the business, or unsuccessful beat maker’s experience.

In Closing

You can’t sell what you don’t have. Before you try to make a name for yourself start with 20 – 25 solid beats and then create a profile on a site like Sound Click and offer your beats for sale. Having your work online is necessary to make sales and build a reputation. Try to avoid charity work (doing work for free) unless there is a big potential for a payoff.

Guest Post: Greg Davis is highly interested in all aspects of music. He’s a more than casual listener who enjoys working in the music industry as a writer and stage hand at various events. When not working or writing about music he can be found dancing at local concerts and shows hosted by the best San Diego DJ.

photo by: seantoyer

Youtube Music Marketing: How to Optimize Your Videos

As musicians, we all want our music to be heard and to be noticed. For most of us YouTube music marketing consists of putting up a video of our music on YouTube and hope to get some fans. However, its not that simple.

It isn’t enough just to put videos online. If you want your videos to get more views, then you have to learn how to optimize Youtube videos.

There are 5 main elements that YouTube uses to rank videos:

Title
Description
Tags
Views
Ratings

At first, you won’t have views or ratings so you will be focusing on titles, descriptions and tags. As a bonus, your videos can also show up on Google if you do well on those 3 aspects.

Title

You get the most search engine value from your title. Include your name and your song title in the title so current fans can find you easily. You can also add the word “video” to your title since many people include that in their searches.

Description

Describe your video in the description. Make the beginning of your description catchy as people will be intrigued to click on it. If you have a site or music link like Soundcloud, be sure to add those in the description too along with your name and of course the song’s title.

Practice these optimization tips and you will see more views coming to your videos, and if your music is good, people will share it and thus get more views.

Guest post: Leslie Edwards is a musician and part of a blogging group at http://musician-makers.com. I like to make music and blogging.

photo by: Jeffrey Beall

Email Marketing Case Study for Musicians

When I first started blogging back in 2007 I had a pretty good run of success with a fantasy football site (I am a an NFL junky). I was raking in 4-5K visitors a few times a week and had a very engaged audience. They would ask me questions about upcoming games or maybe just slam me for one reason or another. It was all good, except for one thing, I wasn’t collecting emails.

I had thousands of visitors a week and didn’t collect one email. These were potential lifelong customers – that I could have built a relationship with and created an army of like-minded people with – that I let slip through my fingers.

After learning about the importance of email marketing, I had an empty pit of missed opportunity in my gut. It was probably one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned since I started doing business online.

Since then I have made email marketing a priority with everything I do.

Why am I telling you this?

A few months ago a gal at Aweber (the email marketing software I use to manage my fan email list) asked if they could do a case study on how I was growing my audience and building relationships with email marketing. Of course I said, “hell yeah.”

Last week they posted the results of that case study. And [sigh of relief] they think I am on the right track.

Go read the case study and learn what it is I am doing to grow my audience and build relationships.

Click here to read the case study

P.S. If you would like to see for yourself how great Aweber is to help manage your email list, use this link and get your first month for $1 (I can offer you this sweet deal because I am an affiliate). I have been using them for about 5 years now and I highly recommend them.

photo by: gajman

3 Inspirational Songs for Musicians

These days we Indie Musicians are wearing so many hats that we sometimes get way to wrapped up in the business side of being a musician. This can cause that old music flame to dim and fade off into the background.

That is why every once in awhile we need inspirational songs to help remind us of why we started playing music in the first place.

I like to listen or play these types songs before shows – or any time I need a jolt of inspiration – to kind of center me and inject my soul with that genuine music love that I can bask in and pass onto to the audience.

A lot of times I will stoke the flame with the stuff from back in the day (that got me fired up in the first place). But recently I have stumbled onto a few tunes and written one that serve as great reminders of what playing and writing music is all about.

Check them out and see if you agree.

Inspirational Song #1

Even if It Breaks Your Heart – Eli Young Band/Will Hoge

This is the song that inspired this post. I totally saw myself in this in this tune.

Downtown is where I used to wander.
Old enough to get there but too young to get inside.
So I would stand out on the sidewalk,
Listen to the music playin’ every Friday night.

I was the kid outside the club (now closed Rascal’s) trying to look through a tinted window trying to watch the bands. Like a time machine it takes me right back to that moment. I can remember that feeling of awe and wanting to be up that stage.

Then the last line of the chorus says it all:

Keep on dreaming even if it breaks your heart

That is what it is all about right?

That is where many of us go wrong. We give up. We get so wrapped up in the business end of the playing music that we forget. We forget that its the act of playing, writing or connecting with others that is where the rubber meets the road.

We feel that we are not successful unless we have a huge fanbase or enough money to support our habit. But I would argue, just being able to write, play and connect, even at the smallest level, is a million times better than not doing it at all.

Listen on YouTube

Inspirational Song #2

Follow That River – Nick Shattuck

Follow that river baby

Follow that river mama

The music will save me

The music will save my soul

Fuckin aye right its gonna save our souls. There so much bullshit going on around us these days. We get hit from every angle, Social media, TV, smartphones, etc. Music gives lucky bastards like us that chance to let all that stuff fall away while we immerse ourselves in a performance or practice session or the creation process.

Hail to the king and the queens of the dreams

Living in poetry and melody

To stanza’s and six strings

Like I said, lucky bastards. Even if we never get anywhere, there are a lot of people who would give their left nut/tit to be able to even play music or even have the balls to put it out there.

[Raising my glass] here’s to my fellow Musicians.

Inspirational Song #3

Why Wait – Corey Koehler (aka Me)

Here’s one of my own. This is one of the songs that came fast and nearly wrote itself. I was reading an interview with Steve Earle in American Songwriter where he said:

“People have taught my songs in college courses. One of my songs [“Pilgrim”] has become sort of a standard that’s played at funerals all the time …“The Galway Girl” is sung at virtually every wedding in Ireland now. And it’s also Galway City football team’s song … It’s the stuff that you do that [makes you think] maybe you’re going to leave something behind when you’re gone.”

Did he set out to have his tune become a teams song or a funeral song, no, he just created and through it out there. That quote sparked the whole tune, this lyric in particular:

An image eats you up inside
Under that tombstone without the chance to plant your seed
you gotta leave em with something to keep’em comin back
to keep’em smilin when your buried, dead and gone

Leaving something behind when you are gone. That is what kept me up at night before I started writing. I was working in a good job but, honestly, there is nothing notable about it. Nothing about it that captured my essence and passed it along or lived on in some way.

There is a part of all of us who wants to feel that we made a contribution. Why Wait, get on it.

If I think of any more I will be sure to pass them on.

Your Turn

I’d love to know what you are thinking. If you have any tunes that fire up every creative bone in your body, be sure to let us know in the comments below.

photo by: Giacomo Carena