Image via Wikipedia

Since writing a post about Google Plus from a musicians perspectiveabout a month ago, I’ve been tracking what other people have been saying about it.

I want to learn more myself and I to see if artists and music “Guru’s” where seeing what I was seeing.

Today I share all that info with you. Enjoy…

Hypebot – Warning: Do NOT Start a Google+ Account for Your Band, Label, Studio or Store. Here’s Why

Bands, I am starting with this one because many of you been asking how to start a band page and here is your answer. IMPORTANT: I would still recommend check out the rest of articles below though so that you understand it. Also you might find a few tips on you an your band mates could use it in the meantime.

Bob Baker – Google Plus for Music Marketing

Bob has been helping musicians market their stuff for eons. He has really jumped on this whole Google Plus thing. In this article he show a few examples of how musicians are using Google Plus Hangouts (Hmmm, now where have I heard that before…? hint). Read the rest of this entry

I’ve worked in the music industry for over 20 years and, even as so many things have changed, one thing remains the same: Your live show can make or break you. Much like Marvin Mosby wrote in his “Why Nobody Is Buying Your Music” post, you really can’t fake it… not if you really want to make it.

Old School 101

The artists that pretty much everyone agrees are classic – whether you enjoy their music or not – all have toured consistently throughout their careers and continue to do so. At 63, Stevie Nicks is about to kick off a solo trek and she’s well aware of the passing time: “At the moment, I can’t stop. If I ever feel I’m doing things that are age-inappropriate, I might reconsider. But female opera singers work into their 70s. Why not a rock singer?” Read the rest of this entry

Image via Wikipedia

Marketing music online isn’t an easy job these days. There are many places to be and a gazillion tools to use. With all the learning and managing required your head can start spinning pretty quickly and your precious time can evaporate quicker than Windex on sun-drenched windshield. But I think Google Plus might just help us with that.

Brogan Knows

At first thought Google Plus looked like another take it or leave it ploy by Google to grab some attention away from the Facebooks and Twitters of the world. But after reading Chris Brogan’s Google Plus 50 post, I have changed my mind, BIG time. Read the rest of this entry

Image by rick via Flickr

It’s a tough old world out there, and with record sales plummeting it’s easy to see every other musician as just another competitor for the paltry cash available. However, something that we’ve learnt in the post rock scene is that having an active community surrounding your music by cooperating with like minded musicians has tremendous benefits.

Here are just 3 of the reasons why.

1. You can share each other’s fanbase

Let’s face it, most marketing is about getting your product in front of other people’s audiences. Whether that means getting on a popular radio show, mentioned on a high traffic blog or retweeted by an ‘influencer’, marketing is about reaching out to new people. Read the rest of this entry

Image by the.barb via Flickr

I love music. I loved the industry. I pretty much love everything about it. From A&R, to advertising & promotions, to radio, the studio, the songwriting process, beat-making, etc…I can go on & on & on.

The state of the music industry is a sad one. I think it is hilarious that artists & musicians question why people are not playing their songs, videos, or buying their albums. Let me help you out.

Why should we go spend our money (that could go in the gas tank, towards a meal, or a bill..) to buy music that sounds RECYCLED, BORING & LAME?

Yes, I said it. Music lovers want Read the rest of this entry

Image by Simon J Campbell via Flickr

The Curse

As songwriters you and I are cursed (in a good way of course) when it comes to looking for ways to write better songs and improve the overall songwriting process. We will travel around the world on horseback, study a new religion and drink the blood of a African shaman if we think it will craft a better song.

Also, if you and I want to be able to market our songs, it needs to market itself first. It needs to be good enough to cut through the static, tap your ideal listener on the shoulder and pull them inside.

For these reasons Read the rest of this entry

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!