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THE BUZZ FACTOR E-ZINEMusic marketing tips, promotion ideas and moreMay 13, 2002
In This Issue:
Read the previous issue here: Current number of subscribers: 6,869 See the end of this message for Subscribe and Unsubscribe instructions. ============ Buzz Factor Sponsor ============
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WELCOME! They say everything is bigger in Texas. I don't know about that, but I do know that the Texas state government is big on music in the Lone Star state -- so much so that it established a Texas Music Office, described as an "information clearinghouse and promotion office for the Texas music industry." Check out the extensive Texas Music Office web site at www.governor.state.tx.us/music If you market yourself in Texas, the site gives you contact info and links to 676 record stores, 300 music press contacts, 800 radio stations and 1,121 live music venues. But even if you never step foot in Texas, you'll find valuable info here on developing a music-related web site, how to obtain permission to use copyrighted music for commercial purposes, basic legal and business practices, and more. While doing his best George W. impression, SNL's Will Ferrell may say, "Don't mess with Texas," but you should definitely spend some time messing around with the Texas Music Office. Have a great week! -Bob =========== Recommended Resources ===========
197 PROMOTION TIPS FOR INDIE MUSICIANS
GUERRILLA MUSIC MARKETING HANDBOOK ============= Quotes of the Week ============= "Always be able to look back and say, 'At least I didn't lead no humdrum life.'" -Forrest Gump "Very often a change of self is needed more than a change of scene." -Arthur C. Benson ========== Bob's Buzz Tips of the Week ========== OBLITERATE THE 'STARVING ARTIST' MENTALITY Here's a sneak peek at a new resource I'm writing called "50 Things Every Musician Should Know About Self-Promotion." I'm pretty excited about this title because it condenses most of the ideas and key marketing tactics I've been preaching about in recent years through my articles and this e-zine. My plans are to first release an abridged version of "50 Things" as a spoken word audio CD, and soon after that to publish it as a paperback book. I'll keep you posted on release dates. In the meantime, here's a short excerpt from a section called "Obliterate the 'Starving Artist' Mentality": There are some things that have always bothered me about people's perceptions of musical artists. The biggest offender is the "starving artist" label. I understand why people use it to describe musicians, writers, artists, etc. These fields do seem to be overpopulated with aspiring folks who don't make much money with their craft. But I contend that most people who aren't prospering in the arts are simply exercising their talent halfheartedly -- as more of a hobby than a vocation. Yet you don't hear hobbyists in other fields being called "starving." For instance, if your brother-in-law enjoys working in his garden on weekends, no one calls him a "starving gardener," do they? Reality: Lots of musicians make good money performing, composing, recording and teaching music. Don't lump yourself into the "starving artist" category just because you haven't reached a certain career level yet. Even if you casually joke that your friends should support you to help out a "starving artist," you're psychologically sending a message to them (and to yourself) that you're struggling and aren't worthy of being rewarded for your talent -- which is not the message you want to embrace as you promote yourself. Talk about your music because it's worthy of people's attention. Don't ask anyone to throw you a bone because you're lacking in some area. You have something of value to offer. As long as you don't get too cocky, confidently talk about yourself and your music like they're worth a million bucks. Because they are. ========== Promote & Sell Your Music ==========
SELL MORE CDs & MERCHANDISE ONLINE!
DEVELOP VOCAL POWER, RANGE AND PROJECTION =========== Songwriting Resources =========== DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF SONGWRITING SUCCESS Some songwriters craft tunes to perform themselves; others write songs in hopes of getting well-known artists to record them and make lucrative hits. If you're in the latter category, you might want to check out the new book "Your First Cut: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting There," by Jerry Vandiver and Gracie Hollombe. Vandiver has penned hits for Tim McGraw, Barbara Mandrell and Lee Greenwood, among others. This 208-page, coil-bound workbook takes the term "step-by-step" seriously. The authors encourage readers to start from the beginning and work methodically through the book one chapter at a time. Each of the 20 chapters are filled with advice, activities and places to write names, numbers and specific promises to yourself, such as:
"Your First Cut" is written in a folksy, easy-to-read style and appears to be a good source of tips and motivation for aspiring songwriters. Visit www.yourfirstcut.com for more details. WANT MORE SONGWRITING ADVICE? Take a look at the two-part article by Mary Dawson, published on the WritersWrite.com web site at www.writerswrite.com/journal/apr99/dawson.htm and www.writerswrite.com/journal/may99/dawson2.htm She not only provides songwriting advice, she also explains the role of a publisher, offers tips on making better demos and suggests ways to shape your songs into gems. Here's an excerpt: "In the excitement of finishing your latest creation, it is natural to want to get it demoed ASAP! Here, however, is where many writers make their first and costliest mistake. As a music publisher, I receive many expensive sounding demos of songs that desperately need to be rewritten and tweaked. "My first piece of advice is to consider and weigh every word and note to be sure that they are the absolute best they can be -- before you do the demo. When I write, I usually do a rough recording (just me and a box recorder) so that I can listen to it again and again. As I become familiar with it, I may hear places that the song needs to be improved ... rhymes that could be tighter ... chords and harmonies that could be more effective." Good advice for music makers of all types.
THE ONLINE MUSIC PR HOT LIST - 101 places to submit press releases, get reviewed, uncover PR connections and promote your music on the Internet.
MAKE MONEY AS BUZZ FACTOR AFFILIATE ============= More Cool Resources =============
Guerrilla Music Marketing Power Course
Indie Music Contact Bible
How to Promote Your Music on the Internet
How to Make $100,000 a Year in the Music Business
Internet Marketing Secrets Revealed
SPREAD IT AROUND Can you think of two or three indie music people who would benefit from Buzz Factor tips? Forward this issue to them. Encourage them to subscribe. It's easy ... and it's free!
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