Bob Baker's THE BUZZ FACTORDelivering music marketing tips, self-promotion ideas and more since 1996 - www.TheBuzzFactor.comNovember 29, 2002 - Vol. 7, Issue 31
IN THIS ISSUE:
How is a demo tape like a press release? That's the question publicity expert Bill Stoller answers in a newly posted article on the Buzz Factor site called "Smashing the Press Release Myth." I won't give away too much here, but the answer may surprise you. "If you worship at the shrine of the press release, it's time to rearrange your priorities," Stoller writes. However, that doesn't mean he believes press releases aren't useful. They can still work in your favor, as long you keep a few things in mind, including:
Read Stoller's entire article at the new Premium Content section, for Buzz Factor e-zine subscribers only, at www.bob-baker.com/buzz/zine/pc.html. Your Results Are In Thanks to the hundreds of people who voted in my recent online poll to help me determine the titles you would most like me to write and offer next. Here are the top three winners ...
#1 with 32%
#2 with 21%
#3 with 17% You can bet I'll be working on these titles in the months ahead and hope to make them available to you in 2003. Thanks again for your valuable feedback!
In Need of a Good Laugh? And for those of you who celebrated, hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! -Bob
What They're Saying About "E-ZINE MUSIC MARKETING" "I have always understood the importance of e-zines, but never put a lot of thought into their preparation. All that changed after I read 'Ezine Music Marketing.' Now I feel I'm in a much better position to succeed." -Steve Wickenton, Melbourne, Australia "My head was overflowing with ideas after reading 'Ezine Music Marketing.' I'll have to read it a couple more times to process all the information packed into this report." -Jason Van Orden, Desmo, www.desmoband.com "Your new special report has given me countless ways to expand and multiply the exposure I need for my music career and merchandise. It's easy to read and understand, and practical to use." -Jenny Leigh, singer-songwriter, www.JennyLeighOnline.com Find out more at www.bob-baker.com/buzz/quiz.html.
"The art of living lies less in eliminating our troubles than in growing with them." -Bernard M. Baruch
"Sixty years ago I knew everything; now I know nothing;
education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance."
SURVIVAL AND SUCCESS IN THE MUSIC BIZ Don't let the hair band photos fool you. There are enough good stories and pieces of sound advice in the book "Rock Star 101" (from Allworth Press) to enlighten any type of musician. Author Marc Ferrari was the guitarist for such rock acts as Keel, Cold Sweat and Medicine Wheel. Major label deals, music videos, world tours, major motion pictures ... he's done it all, and he's not afraid to share the lessons he's learned from his experiences. Ferrari is a friendly and accessible writer who does a good job of explaining how his passion for music drove him from his parents' garage to the stage at Madison Square Garden. Along with his personal stories, Ferrari mixes in plenty of usable advice. Here are a couple of notable nuggets from the book:
There are points in the book about which I disagree. For instance, Ferrari recommends giving your demo to everyone you can in hopes that some day it'll get into the hands of that one person who can launch your career. There's some merit to this idea (exposing your music to lots of people is a good thing), but it leaves your success or failure up to someone else -- someone who you may never even stumble upon. I believe musicians should assume more control over their careers. You shouldn't spend your time and energy seeking out one person who will lead you to the Promised Land. Instead, you should invest your resources into creating great music and building relationships with a growing number of fans who support you. "Rock Star 101" also offers tips for living on the road, how to assemble a business team, the ins and outs of publishing, endorsements, money management and more. All in all, a pretty good read.
To order the book, head to
ATTRACT THOUSANDS OF FANS ONLINE As I explained during my recent workshop in Nashville, to attract more fans you have to be incredibly clear about who you are as an artist and spell out the benefit you offer fans. That's the kind of advice I give in great detail in my book, "Branding Yourself Online." Through a special arrangement with the publisher, for a limited time I'm able to offer "Branding Yourself Online" at a deep discount. This thick, 350-page paperback book will show you how to create a rock-solid identity and attract thousands of fans on the Internet.
Find out more about the book and the discount at
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REPRINT PERMISSION "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." (c) 2002 by Bob Baker - All Rights Reserved
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