Bob Baker's "The Buzz Factor" Delivering music marketing tips, self-promotion ideas and more since 1995 - http://TheBuzzFactor.com/ January 23, 2003 - Vol. 9, Issue 3 In This Issue: - "Unleash the Artist Within" Test Drive - "American Idol" and the Agony of Delusional Talent - How Much Joy Can You Stand? __________________________________________________ See the end of this message for details on how to get on and off the Buzz Factor mailing list. Current number of subscribers: 8,016 __________________________________________________ Take an "Unleash the Artist Within" Test Drive I want to send you five excerpts from my new book, "Unleash the Artist Within: Four Weeks to Transforming Your Creative Talents Into More Recognition, More Profit and More Fun." I'm very excited about the potential this material has to inspire people and boost their creative output, exposure and sales. Send a blank e-mail to unleash2@freeautobot.com and you'll receive five daily e-mail installments by autoresponder. Early response to the book has been very encouraging: 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!" Take the test drive and visit www.bob-baker.com/buzz/unleash.html __________________________________________________ WELCOME! Sorry, I'm a little distracted. As I write this issue, "American Idol" is playing on TV. As I watch, I can't help but think of the old "Wide World of Sports" slogan: "The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat." It's great to see lesser-known singers use the 10 seconds they have to audition to belt out a winning tune and move on to the next round. And it's painful to watch some the rejected performances -- both the singers themselves and the judges' responses. Regardless of what you think of the cruel critiques, it is amazing to see that so many people are that delusional about their vocal skills. They have no idea that they're off-key and lackluster. And this stirs up mixed and opposing viewpoints in me. On one hand, I'm Mr. Positive when it comes to music people pursuing their goals. You should be driven to use your talents to carve out a successful career for yourself (or at least a satisfying niche on whatever scale you decide is right for you). And you shouldn't let Simon, Randy, Paula or the dozens of other naysayers in your life force you off the path you have chosen. But, damn, some of these "American Idol" wannabes demonstrate how that mindset can be taken to a harmful extreme. I know many of them are nervous and not giving their best performances. I know art is in the eye of the beholder. I know that some pretty awful talent has made it to the big time and even enjoyed hit records. But how can you be sure you're not one of those artists whose mental image of your own talents far exceeds what most other people think of you? The good news is, most musicians (like most artists in general) are plagued by a little voice inside that's always doubting whether they have the right stuff. The voice questions whether your latest song is really good enough to record or whether you blew the phrasing on that last chorus or lead solo. If you have self-doubts, be grateful. They assure that you'll keep striving to improve. Your doubts make certain you don't get too comfortable or lazy in your pursuit of music. Another aspect of this is something I've been harping on a lot lately: your relationship with a growing number of fans. Even if the "judges" of the world don't praise you, you're still a success if you have a decent number of fans who not only enjoy your music, but support it with their bodies at live shows and their dollars toward CD and merchandise sales. And there's yet another conundrum: Artists should create music to please themselves and not be steered by trends or outside pressures, yet it takes lots of satisfied fans to validate your pursuit of a career. I'm exhausted, and I need your help! Feel free to send me your thoughts on this topic by e-mail to my2cents@bob-baker.com -- I'll post some of the responses in a future issue. May the voice of doubt shine upon you! -Bob P.S. Remember, as an e-zine subscriber, you get access to the Buzz Factor Premium Content section, featuring special articles, e-zine back issues and other goodies. Find it at www.bob-baker.com/buzz/zine/pc.html __________________________________________________ SPREAD IT AROUND Forward this issue to your friends and music associates. Encourage them to subscribe. It's easy ... and it's free! __________________________________________________ How Much Joy Can You Stand? I knew immediately that I had stumbled upon a kindred spirit when I visited Suzanne Falter-Barns' web site at www.howmuchjoy.com. Suzanne is the author of "How Much Joy Can You Stand?", described as a "creative guide to facing your fears and making your dreams come true." She has a lively and comfortable writing style that speaks to the heart of the dreamer in all of us. Her e-zine, "The Joy Letter," provides a fresh shot of inspiration and offers lots of practical tips, resources and more. She also has a cool collection of e-books and teleclasses ideally suited for artists, authors, facilitators and more. Check out www.howmuchjoy.com -- highly recommended! __________________________________________________ The buzz over the "Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook" continues to grow. It seems more people are purchasing the book every month. I just got an e-mail from a bookstore owner in Italy saying one of her customers asked about it. I'm thrilled and amazed that this book, which I've been publishing and updated since 1996, has helped so many people. "I love the 'Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook' and recommend it to every musician I come across." -Cordy Lavery, singer-songwriter, Austin, Texas "A must-read resource for all aspiring musicians and songwriters." -Midwest Book Review Find out what all the buzz is about at www.bob-baker.com/buzz/music_marketing.htm =========== Cool Music Stuff You Need =========== KILLER PRESS KITS http://www.bob-baker.com/buzz/presskits.html The 29 most important elements in creating music publicity materials that get noticed Check Out http://PromoteYourCreativity.com/ Bob's other web site for writers, artists, performers and anyone pursuing a creative passion. Earn Cash as a Buzz Factor Affiliate Make 40% on every copy sold through your affiliate link! www.bob-baker.com/af/BuzzAfil.html SELL MORE CDs & MERCHANDISE! www.cdstreet.com/signup/thebuzzfactor/ Get serious about accepting credit cards online and at gigs. It's fast, easy and reliable. The Buzz Factor uses this too! TAKE THIS MUSIC MARKETING QUIZ www.bob-baker.com/buzz/quiz.html Find out how savvy you really are about the Web. Get Your Own Domain Name for Only $15 a Year www.bob-baker.com/buzz/url.html __________________________________________________ To STOP getting The Buzz Factor, click the "unsubscribe" link at the end of the issue you receive by e-mail, or send a blank e-mail to: TheBuzzFactor-unsubscribe@topica.email-publisher.com NOTE: You must send this message from the e-mail address you originally subscribed with. To START getting The Buzz Factor, send a blank e-mail to: TheBuzzFactor-subscribe@topica.email-publisher.com or fill out the subscription form at the top of this page. __________________________________________________ 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 |