Bob Baker's "The Buzz Factor"
Delivering music marketing tips, self-promotion ideas
and more since 1995 - http://TheBuzzFactor.com/
January 14, 2003 - Vol. 9, Issue 2
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WELCOME!
A little later in this issue, I'll tell you about a cool
new project I'm about to release. I've been keeping this
under wraps, for the most part, but I'm ready to let you
in on it now. But first ...
I discovered a great article on MSNBC by Lorraine Ali and
Vanessa Juarez (written for NEWSWEEK) titled "Hit or
Miss." The subtitle really caught my attention: "Sugarcoated
pop is over. While a few cool new artists have emerged,
the troubled record industry needs to face the music."
The article offers lots of food for thought and, I believe,
optimism for new artists and non-mainstream music.
I encourage you to read the entire article at
www.msnbc.com/news/857711.asp?0cv=CB20
If you don't have time right now, here are some highlights:
- Britney is like last year's Razor scooter. Her peers, who
were also created by Svengalis, are doing no better: the
Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync, O-Town and others of their ilk
may soon be playing the local mall -- or looking for jobs
there. This trend signals that bubblegum pop's sticky hold
is finally slipping.
- The failure of these former cash cows spells disaster
for the record industry. CD sales slipped for the second
consecutive year, from 763 million in 2001 to 681 million
last year. The good news: The giant gaps left by
disappearing pop acts are windows of opportunity for
more authentic artists to break into the mainstream.
- A&R executives are now like beachcombers with metal
detectors, scanning for the next Marshall Mathers. If
labels don't uncover more original acts -- and figure out
how to embrace the Internet -- the business as it's now
structured may collapse.
- Norah Jones debut, "Come Away With Me," was a fringe
CD when it was released nearly a year ago. Now it's sold
almost three million copies and picked up five Grammy
nominations, including Best Album.
- "When you try and manufacture art, you are headed for
short-term gains and nothing more," says Bruce Lundvall,
president of the jazz label Blue Note, who signed Jones.
"As Norah's album attests, there is still a tremendous
passion for quality."
- But the industry -- a collection of labels now mostly
owned by five large conglomerates -- has been too busy
looking for fast cash to focus on quality.
- Norah Jones may not release a mega-platinum debut
like Britney's, but it's more probable she'll sustain over
the long haul. She also appeals to the 35-plus demographic,
a sector that's been largely ignored by labels, even though
it represents half the record-buying public.
- Analysts predict more bad news in 2003. But it's the kind
of shakedown we need. As the fabricated idols crumble and
corporate executives lose their grip, real music by real
artists may finally be able to reach fans.
- "These companies are decaying and basically destroying
themselves," says Jeff Tweedy from the band Wilco. "Their
business models don't work anymore, and they're unwilling
to change them out of fear. That's fine with me. I think
there are more exciting times around the corner."
The moral of the story: Don't let the economy or the sad
state of the music "industry" give you convenient reasons
to put your music goals on the back burner. Now is a great
time to work smart and hard to break through the dullness
and show fans that you have meaningful music to offer.
People will still spend money on music and entertainment
and things that enrich their lives -- if they find
something that's worth getting excited about.
So no more excuses. Now is the best time in recent history
to ignore the industry and promote your own music in your
own way.
Have a great week!
-Bob
P.S. If you ever want to change the e-mail address at which
you receive the Buzz Factor e-zine, it's easy to do. Just
scroll to the end of this message, go to the Update Your
Profile link and enter the new e-mail.
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The Big News ...
Toward the end of February, I'll have a new title available
in paperback. It's called "Unleash the Artist Within: Four
Weeks to Transforming Your Creative Talents Into More
Recognition, More Profit and More Fun."
Early response to the book has been encouraging.
Musician Marc Gunn, of the Brobdingnagian Bards, says,
"Unleash the Artist Within is an outstanding book! Sure
to get your creative juices flowing."
Carla Hall, singer/songwriter and author of The Musicians
DIY Guide to the Music Biz, says, "Whether you want to
tap into your creativity or market yourself to a larger
audience, this book has something to offer. Don't wait
another day to get your dreams into gear!"
If you're ready to get more out of your creativity, this
new book will help you overcome the obstacles that are
holding you back and show you how to attract more fans,
get more exposure and generate more sales.
I won't take up space describing it further here. You can
find out more about "Unleash the Artist Within" and my
special prepublication offer at
www.bob-baker.com/buzz/unleash.html
=========== Cool Music Stuff You Need ===========
KILLER PRESS KITS
www.bob-baker.com/buzz/presskits.html
The 29 most important elements in creating music publicity
materials that get noticed
GUERRILLA MUSIC MARKETING POWER COURSE
www.bob-baker.com/buzz/gpc.html
For the go-getter who wants it all -- more than 600 pages
of marketing ideas and self-promotion tips. Three powerful
resources, one awesome discount!
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The Buzz Factor is published by Bob Baker
PO Box 43058 - St. Louis, MO 63143
Phone: (314) 758-7578 - E-mail: bob@thebuzzfactor.com
http://www.TheBuzzFactor.com/
(c) 2003 by Bob Baker - All Rights Reserved
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