Image via Wikipedia

Even with the right strategy the battle is only half won if the strategy succeeds only with professional execution of tactics. In today’s music industry….the important thing is to get started.

Many potentially great artist spend too much time in the ” waiting for something to happen stage. ” The artist who get that phone call, that one much needed connection or that big break that they’ve always dreamed of are the ones who shake themselves out of that waiting stage and make something happen.

It is far better to engage in some form of simultaneous planning and implementation. Tactical plans must be shaped in relation to reality with the information learned form contact. The Master Bruce Lee said it best in relation to training: ” Boards don’t hit back. ” Read the rest of this entry

Image by Ecstatic Mark via Flickr

Do you create an on-line buzz to get the fans along to the gig, or use the energy created at the gig to get the fans to sign up your Facebook page and follow you on Twitter?

Real life and internet marketing aren’t as segregated as you might think. You need to combine on-line and off-line marketing to create the big picture. And get the big audience. But you still need to turn these fans into paying customers. Read the rest of this entry

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