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Online Music PR Hot List
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197 Promotion Tips for Indie Musicians
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THE BUZZ FACTOR E-ZINE

Music marketing tips, promotion ideas and more

April 16, 2002


In This Issue:

  • Good Things to Do with a Music Web Site
  • Are You a Tireless Promoter?
  • Responses to the Digital File-Sharing Debate
  • Music Biz Book Bargains


Read the previous issue here:
www.bob-baker.com/buzz/zine/040902.html

Current number of subscribers: 6,710

See the end of this message for Subscribe and Unsubscribe instructions.

============ Buzz Factor Sponsor ============

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WELCOME!

Now that your taxes are filed (if you're a U.S. resident), it's time to relax and get back to spreading the word about your music. Some of the tips in this issue may help. Ready or not ...

Subscriber Deanna Repose sent a follow-up idea regarding last week's article on setting your music apart:

"One things you forgot to mention is to read what the critics say, if the band has had any press coverage. As writers, critics have to make sure they don't say the same thing about every band that comes around.

"The bands may sound like everything else out there, but if critics were to write that about every band, nobody would read their reviews. The critics may tear you a new asshole, but you could get a juicy quote to use as a tag line for your show, your CD or your music -- if you leave out the nastiness.

"Also, if the critique comes from someone who is not on the stage, it could be a valuable perspective. They may see something the band didn't, or say something the band wouldn't because the band is tied in too closely with the identity."

And if you want to read some responses to our recent discussion about Roger Ebert and the digital file-sharing debate, I've posted some good ones here:
www.bob-baker.com/buzz/digitaldebate.htm

Have a great week!

-Bob

=========== Recommended Resources ===========

GUERRILLA MUSIC MARKETING POWER COURSE
"Applying many of Bob's ideas, and without any wholesaling or distribution, I sold more than 20,000 CDs and cassettes of my music over the last five years. And with his suggestions, I increased my fan base by 35% in just one year. Pretty good for a non-performing artist who does all studio work. Bob is the master of music marketing!"
-Kris Lee-Scott, Hanai Music

DEVELOP VOCAL POWER, RANGE AND PROJECTION
Become a better singer with these world-renowned tools

197 PROMOTION TIPS FOR INDIE MUSICIANS
An incredible, new collection of ideas, tricks and resources you can start using right now to promote your music.

============= Quotes of the Week =============

"Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain -- and most fools do."  -Dale Carnegie

"The first thing to do in life is to do with purpose what one proposes to do."  -Pablo Casals

========== Bob's Buzz Tips of the Week ==========

GOOD THINGS TO DO WITH A MUSIC WEB SITE

After viewing more than a hundred music web sites while putting together the upcoming free downloads e-directory, I noted some effective things artists were doing online.

For example, take a look at Derrik Jordan's web site at www.derrikjordan.com. Right away, he hits you with a short, descriptive phrase: "Positive pop and globally conscious soul."

He continues this clear line of thought under his photo with "Derrik Jordan is a singer-songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and environmental activist who writes positive pop and globally conscious soul." I don't mind him repeating the six-word motto here to hammer home his identity.

A couple of sentences later, the text reads, "His music can best be described as acoustic-pop-soul (imagine a hybrid of Stevie Wonder and James Taylor)." I love it when artists are smart enough to let you know right upfront what type of music they play. It communicates quickly and removes the guesswork.

Give Fans Lots of Ways to Enjoy Your Music

Now check out Dave Latchaw's fun and lively home page at www.latchmusic.com. Here's the opening copy:

"Welcome to Latch Music! Keyboardist and composer Dave Latchaw offers a wide variety of free streaming downloads, from solo piano to jazz, world fusion and electronic. Also a monthly music e-zine, and more!"

Instantly, you know who Latchaw is and what he does. Simple but powerful stuff. In addition, he offers a lot of cool promotional features to draw in readers and listeners. Check out this enticing teaser verbiage:

"Visit our recordings page or our MP3.com site for quick, easy and free plays of all of Dave's great music, including 22 Top 40 Hits on MP3.com in a variety of genres. You can also check out lots of other MP3.com artists featured on Latch Music's many free streaming radio stations ... While you're listening, have a look at Dave's music e-zine. You'll find a variety of articles, interviews with MP3.com artists, recommendations of great web sites and videos, and more!"

Ya gotta love it!

ARE YOU A TIRELESS PROMOTER?

"Never stop promoting," writes Jeffrey P. Fisher. "Make it a permanent part of your music business career and the major focus of your time, money and effort. Build strong relationships, too. Make customers, not sales. While it's always tempting to go after quick bucks, the real money is made by treating people fairly, giving more than they expect and cultivating long, profitable relationships."

Read Fisher's article, "A Little Moneymaking Music Advice," at www.musicdish.com/mag/?id=5641

========== Promote & Sell Your Music ==========

THE ONLINE MUSIC PR HOT LIST - 101 places to submit press releases, get reviewed, uncover PR connections and promote your music on the Internet.

SELL MORE CDs & MERCHANDISE ONLINE!
Accept credit cards. No setup fee. It's fast, easy and reliable. The Buzz Factor uses this service, too!

MAKE MONEY AS BUZZ FACTOR AFFILIATE
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=========== Bob's Big Book Bargains ===========

I have several music biz books for sale at half.com. Most are in great condition at deep discounts. Check each title's page for more details. Only one copy of each. First come, first served.

The Musician's Business & Legal Guide, 462 pages
List: $29.95 - my price: $6.95

How to Break Into Heavy Metal (VHS video, still in shrinkwrap) List: $19.98 - my price: $6.95

Super Sight-Reading Secrets: An Innovative, Step-by-Step Program for Musical Keyboard Players of All Levels

How to Write a Hit Song & Sell It by Tommy Boyce

Teach Yourself Rock Theory by Steve Tarshis

============= More Cool Resources =============

Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook
www.bob-baker.com/buzz/music_marketing.htm

Indie Music Contact Bible
www.bob-baker.com/buzz/icb.html

How to Promote Your Music on the Internet
www.rainmusic.com/htpma/buzz.htm

How to Make $100,000 a Year in the Music Business
www.bob-baker.com/buzz/100.html

MusicMarketingBooks.com
www.musicmarketingbooks.com


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REPRINT PERMISSION
Would you like to run some of the content from this issue on your web site or in your e-zine or print publication? You may do so for free as long as the following credit is added:

"Reprinted from Bob Baker's The Buzz Factor, featuring free marketing and self-promotion ideas for songwriters, musicians and bands on a budget. Visit www.TheBuzzFactor.com for free details."

(Note: This offer doesn't apply to my GetSigned.com columns. Those are exclusive articles.)


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