In the music business, you need to strike while the iron is hot, and take your chances when you get them. You never know when a once in a lifetime opportunity will present itself, and when it does, you need to be ready to step up to the microphone and rock it.

You need an artist management company who knows how to function in the fast paced world of the music business.

Best Kept Secret

The best kept secret in the music business, though, is that, more often than not, “once in a lifetime” opportunities don’t just happen. Most bands and artists who have achieved any degree of success in the business got their big breaks because of someone in the background pulling the right strings and making sure the pieces fell into place so they could get that legitimate shot at success. Most of the time, the ones behind the scenes are aggressive artist managers or artist management companies. Read the rest of this entry

Google Plus Music Marketing Circle

If you are a band or musician looking for some great music marketing resources to follow on Google Plus, look no further.

Here is a link to my Google Plus Music Marketing Circle . All you need to do is click on “Add Circle” and you will automatically have your own circle filled with all of the great music marketing gurus I’ve come across.

Oh and if there is anyone I missed, let me know in the comments below so I can add them.

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I was reading an article on CDBaby about being overly protective of your music and frustrating your fans (you can read it here). I understand where they are coming from but they are implying that it is the only way, and I think that’s a mistake.

I too used to think that this was the law when it came to attracting fans but not anymore. All because of one of the most powerful forces in the universe – curiosity. Let me explain. Read the rest of this entry

Your Next Music Marketing Plan?

As you may or may not know, I am an indie musician just like you. Like you, and I am making an assumption here, I’ve been trying everything under the freakin sun to promote my music online and off.

A month ago I told you I was trying a new internet music marketing plan and today I will share some of the early results with of the Music Marketing Manifesto with you.

I bought the course in early December 2010. I watched every video, set-up and executed everything exactly as John (the course instructor) teaches, I’ve drilled John with a million questions (as you’ll see in the comments if you sign-up) and put the stuff I learned to work. So far, I am really jacked-up about the results.

In about a months time – including two weeks of set-up (all working in my spare time) – I have added 50+ new fans to my mailing list, sold both CD’s and singles as well as increased my following and chatter on sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. And that is just a start. Some of the results aren’t even in yet because some of the techniques take time to brew (for lack of a better word).

Anyway, if you are serious about building your fan list and increasing your sales, this is something you should take a look at. it is working for me. If you have any questions about it, slap them in the comments below and I’ll answer them ASAP.

Click Here to watch the free video.

Disclaimer: For the record, not only am I a customer of the Music Marketing Manifesto, but I am also an affiliate. I figured it was working so well that it made a lot of sense to raise some money for future projects by helping out my fellow musicians like you.

C.G.’s Tips of the Week – Advice From The Certified Genius

How’s everyone doing? Good I hope. Happy new year everyone, here’s some new advice for the new year from your favorite producer.

Tips for life: Be thankful. The only thing guaranteed to us in life is death so I’ve come to realize that a lot of things that we take for granted like food, shelter, health and clothing really are blessings. If you look at any third world countries there are people starving to death and dying of malnutrition. Be grateful for what you do have and try not to focus on what you do not have.

Tips for producing/beat making: Diversify. Try new things musically. Don’t be afraid to go out of your element and make a pop or hip-hop beat. Even try some R&B or cross genre tracks. I used to strictly do more rugged and grimey east coast hip-hop. Over the past two years though I really worked on creating my own style and just doing my own thing musically and I have been getting a lot of great feedback. For an example, check out my new remix/cover song to G-Unit’s “Stunt 101″ here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFF1CsN4ZQU or here C.G. Productionz \”Stunt 101\” Remix/Cover Song (same link)

Tips for song writers/artists: Promote. However you want to do it is up to you but you need to promote yourself. Whether you want to use Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, etc. is your choice but you need to get your music out there. People need to know and hear what you’re doing. In most cases a label doesn’t sign artists that don’t already have somewhat of a fan base (not in all cases but generally speaking). Even if you don’t want to end up with a major label you still need to promote because independent artists need a fan base to. Once you have the music or the movement that catches people’s attention you’re halfway there; now you just need to keep their attention.

Tips for finance: Buy assets, not liabilities. Keep this in mind especially when you start making excess money or get a raise or nice bonus. Even if you’re an artist, producer or song writer. Don’t blow your big check on a brand new Benz or big mansion (liabilities: items that depreciate in value and don’t make you any money). Instead, buy some real estate or talk to a stock broker and invest in some stock (assets: items that can make you money, if done correctly). Before investing in anything or buying any real estate it’s very important to educate yourself and make sure you’re working reliable and professional people on your investments. There’s no sense in blowing a few thousand dollars on new designer clothing and then struggling when the money dries up. The truth is, you never know when you might be out of a job or when your music won’t be the center of attention anymore. For these reasons, I believe it’s very important to purchase assets rather than liabilities. Suggested reading: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel.

I hope this advice helps to bring in the new year on a positive note for everyone and I wish everyone much love and success for 2011. Ending on that note, I’ll talk to you guys in another two weeks. Don’t forget to leave some comments and feedback too!

Thanks,

Posted by Christopher “C.G.” Gallucci of C.G. Productionz

P.S. My second mixtape Payback: Certified Genius Volume 2 will be released on Monday, February 28th. Stay tuned for that, especially if you like the remix that I posted!

Here’s some good news for you! According to a Sponsorship.com article, music sponsorships opportunities are growing fast and are even outpacing sports.

Why is that good news?

Well, as musicians, you and I are always looking out for new ways to support what we love doing – make music. Right?

So, I figured I would share a little info on a service that can help you and I with that. The service is called Liquid Online Media.

They are like matchmakers. Instead of hooking up men and women, they hook up musicians and companies looking to use music to advertise their wares. For the savvy musician there are plenty of opportunities out there to partner up with potential advertisers BUT this is sort of a hands of, cut-to-the-chase variety which frees up our time up for more important things.

After hearing about this new service I had a few questions for one the founders, Shayne Locke (an occasional guest poster on Musicgoat), and he was more than happy to answer them. Oh and it is a little long but the insight is worth it. Judge for yourself!

Musicgoat: How did this concept come about?
Shayne Locke: With the increase of piracy and the fact that it is so hard for the average artist to police, unless artists are prepared to give the music away in the hope that fans will pay them (a la Radiohead), we needed to find another way for artists to gain income and exposure. Whilst licensing deals are nothing new, the whole concept of licensing music for advertisers is something that really needed attention…and a name…hence the Sound Branding concept. Matching up bands with brands gives an artist an income and builds their profile by linking with an ad campaign.

“…the concept [of their service] was so unique that it actually caught the attention of actor/musicians such as Harold Perrineau (from Lost and the Matrix series) who believe the Liquid concept could extend beyond the music industry and spill over to actor endorsements.” – Shayne Locke

MG: What make you think that you will be successful?
SL: There are so many bands out in independent land that can’t seem to get the exposure they need. With this site we give them exposure directly to the advertisers, agencies and music supervisors….cutting out the middle man. On the other side, an advertiser can go through the site and listen to music that is in the genre or style that they are looking for. This means that they can specifically pinpoint the sound of their brand and find artists that match. It is a service that has been lacking in the music industry to date or, in some cases, only available if an artist signs over their whole catalogue. In fact the concept was so unique that it actually caught the attention of actor/musicians such as Harold Perrineau (from Lost and the Matrix series) who believe the Liquid concept could extend beyond the music industry and spill over to actor endorsements. Read the rest of this entry

I’m Casey Stewart, the Online Marketing Coordinator for Cowbell Digital Music. I’m sure you have read some of the regular posts by Shayne Locke (CEO of Cowbell) offering his thoughts on the label side of the business and the establishment of a new digital music platform with a focus on the music community and industry insights.

In my position at Cowbell, I take care of our online presence and assist artists in establishing a presence for themselves online. Sometimes they are ahead of the game, spread across the Internet, posting regular Youtube videos etc, while some are not even aware of the power behind social platforms like Twitter. I also source relevant information for independent artists to provide them with the necessary tools to remain relevant, present and engaging with the people that matter the most – their fans.

I came across this video over the weekend from the latest Tech Crunch conference, DISRUPT, in New York. The title of the video alone peaked my interest, “Success Strategies for Musicians in the Digital Era.”

Hmmm, what magical formula will they suggest? This is probably just another ‘social media expert’ with their run-of-the-mill ‘tips and tricks’. Well actually, I was wrong…

The two speakers are Troy Carter, Founder & CEO, Coalition Media Group and worldwide Manager for Lady Gaga and Scooter Braun, Founder & Chair, SB Projects and worldwide Manager for Justin Bieber … only the two biggest stars of the current music world … and incidentaly, the two artists that have indeed successfully harnessed online strategies to their advantage.

Here is the video link.

And here is a quick run down on the main points of the video, what I personally derived from the discussion and how that may relate to the independent artist.

1. Youtube is one of the main places that artists are now ‘discovered’ by both labels, managers and most importantly … fans.

A lot of people think they already know this, but:

* How many Youtube videos have you uploaded?
* How often do you provide Youtube content?
* Are you using a variety of techniques on Youtube? (i.e are you speaking to your fans, with your fans, about your fans … as opposed to posting a new music clip every now and then).

Justin Bieber, while a unique case, did not automatically have hundreds of millions of Youtube views. Even he had to build that (with the help, strategy and knowledge of his manager and team).
At Cowbell Digital Music, we are looking to introduce Cowbell TV so that the artists on our platform have a ready-made audience and can be promoted effectively but your own Youtube channel is important to make that connection with your fans.

2. The speakers were quite reluctant to discuss the monetization of Youtube, though it is a difficult topic to side-step with such huge names. They did however, stress the importance of treating social media as a communication device, not a ‘tool’. Whether it is true or not, their argument lies in the fact that both Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga like to interact with their fans on a personal level. The catch? The artist has to want to be engaged. You may be wondering what that even means – in a practical sense. An example from the video is that Justin Bieber spends 2 hours a day on Twitter. If you don’t have two hours to spend on twitter, spend one hour, or even 30 minutes, simply engaging with people online and  watch as your fan base builds.

3. There is a balance between using social media to a ‘business advantage’ and engaging with people on a relatable and personal level.

Some people just don’t know how to use social media. They aren’t sure what they can say, when they can say it, or are worried about how it may come across. Do not worry about this! Write what you want to write, when you feel like writing it (within reason!). This is expected across social media. Fans, followers and facebook ‘likers’ know that you have something to sell, they know that you will tell them about your upcoming show or ask them to buy the album or single BUT they also expect something in return … and that is to get to know who you are.

4. Activity on Twitter is essential if only for the immediacy it provides and the personal relationship that it can potentially build.

Twitter is an amazing platform for the immediacy it provides. If you start talking with someone on Twitter, it’s not hard work (140 characters!) an the chances that they will follow back are high because you have shown an interest. If you have no interest, don’t talk to people on twitter; but also be prepared to have no followers!

5. In the “new music economy,” music has to become a multimedia business.

While you still have to engage the traditional channels – as Scooter states – “It’s hard work … you still have to pay homage to radio and kiss a lot of butt,” it is essential to embrace all forms of media, (including – or I should say, especially – social media) to succeed and build a fanbase that will turn up to the ‘main game’ (touring) and build a network that will support you and buy your merchandise when you are at that stage.

6. I think the final point is still important and that is “if you’re promoting shit, it’s still shit.” The indie artist should be sure to produce the best product possible and let it speak for itself … with (of course) some assistance from Youtube, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter…….

Go and upload a Youtube video engaging with your fans and send it through for us to check out!

Casey Stewart

Online Marketing Coordinator, Cowbell Digital Music

Last night Cowbell launched a new artist, Mutto (www.mutto.com.au). No stranger to the stage, Mutto, was originally in a band called Soulframe until his stint on Australian Idol 2006 started an unraveling process that led to a 3 year hiatus. Now back with a new single and a renewed passion, Mutto has had to become re-educated into the digital age.

Focusing on digital downloads, the release of Mutto’s single ‘Wish’ is a momentous occasion as he is one of the first Australian artists ever to release an exclusively digital single available for download from the iTunes store, his own website, and through the use of a ‘Bandtag’ Card.

‘Bandtag’ has been supplying promotional download cards for artists to give away songs for a few years now, however Mutto is the first artist to use the card as a replacement for the standard CD single, in fact the first artist in Australia to publicly shun cds in favor of a digital download card that allows buyers to download high quality mp3′s to play on iTunes or Windows Media Player.

It also allows fans to download a copy of the video in a format that will work on ipods and iphones. Check it out here Mutto – “Wish” video

To top it off, apart from radio giveaways and promotion, last night’s launch was exclusively promoted through the use of social media platforms like Facebook. With over 200 attendees, the success of the night is a perfect example of the importance of social media marketing in a digital age. It is a new digital era and artists like Mutto demonstrate how results can be achieved online.

As more artists like Mutto and Nomy reach their full potential they present a very real opportunity for new artists trying establish a solid base. As advocates of the digital age, Cowbell and I will strive to uncover more examples of how new artists are using the internet and its many tools to advance their careers. Stay tuned!

Over the past week I’ve come across three music industry pundits discussing the importance – or lack there of – of the album in today’s wide open arena of music marketing. I thought I would share them with you below and then offer up a few of the reasons why, as an aspiring artist, an album isn’t in my immediate plans.

So, if you are an artist these are great reads. They will give you some perspective into how you might want to formulate your marketing strategy from this point forward.

And, if you are a fan who likes to geek out on anything and everything music, you’ll like it too. After all, you are the most important piece of this entire puzzle. Check it out and let us know what you think. Read the rest of this entry

Ever thought about hiring an artist or a band to come and play right in your living room? If so, today is your lucky day. Over the last few days, I have stumbled upon three websites that are making it their mission to hook up artists with people like you that are willing to try something different for their next party or social gathering. Those three sites are; PrivateConcerts.com, ConcertsInYourHome.com and MPTrax.com.

Now I didn’t see John Mayer, Springsteen or Metallica looking for work on any of the sites – not that most of us could afford their services anyway – but, if you look listen around, you will find some talented artists for some pretty reasonable prices. And I imagine the talent pool will only get better as the popularity of these sites grows.

I think it is a great idea for both the fans and the artists. Hell, as soon as I get my music up and running, you can bet I will be throwing up a profile on one or all of these sites. I mean, how cool would it be to be invited into someones home to party with someones closest friends AND get paid?

So next time you are looking for a live music fix, why go out to the club or coffee shop? Hop on to one of these sites and then hire yourself a capable musician to entertain you – and your pals – right in the comfort of your own home.