Bob Baker's "The Buzz Factor" Delivering music marketing tips, self-promotion ideas and more since 1995 - http://TheBuzzFactor.com/ April 1, 2003 - Vol. 9, Issue 8 In This Issue: - Cheers and Jeers for the Dixie Chicks - American Songwriter Magazine Says ... - Spanning the Globe with Your Music __________________________________________________ See the end of this message for details on how to get on and off the Buzz Factor mailing list. __________________________________________________ Welcome! A lot has happened in the two weeks since I sent the last issue. The war in Iraq is in high gear, antiwar protesters (as well as troop supporters) have taken to the streets en masse, political finger-pointing is in full swing, and Michael Moore and Peter Arnett have been villainized. The Dixie Chicks may seem like old news now, but in the last issue I made mention of Natalie Maines' unflattering onstage comments regarding President Bush -- you know, the one that got the band in hot water with fans, radio stations and more. I asked for your comments, and dozens of you responded with thought-provoking opinions on freedom of speech, social responsibility and the role of politics in music. I share some of those responses below. No matter where you stand on the issues, be sure to read these. => WE ARE THE WORLD There's a lot of news these days covering tension and conflict in the world. However, an e-mail I received earlier this year from musician Guillermo Anderson (www.guillermoanderson.com) gives me hope that not all is lost. He writes, "I'm a World music singer-songwriter from the Caribbean coast of Honduras in Central America. I tour internationally, and my friend and I run a small label (www.costanorterecords.com) through which we do pretty well with sales of my CDs. I want to thank you for all the great articles and advice we've received through your newsletter. Even though we don't live in the U.S. or Europe, we always 'translate' a lot of the advice to our reality and economy. Your tips have helped enormously and have made significant differences in our sales as indies. Thanks for your work and know you are appreciated in these green parts of the planet." No doubt, the Internet and other technologies have made it easy to reach people around the planet in a meaningful way. I do it by sharing my articles and do-it-yourself music marketing philosophy with people around the world. I hope you're doing the same thing with your music. It'll make you realize how "connected" we really are to people across the globe. Have you had similar experiences reaching fans in other countries? If so, I'd like to hear your story. Just e-mail your comments to feedback@thebuzzfactor.com. If you'd like to get some free exposure (if I run your story), please include your name, band or company name (if applicable) and your web site address. => AMERICAN SONGWRITER MAGAZINE SAYS ... The Jan/Feb issue of "American Songwriter" magazine features a super review of the "Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook." Writer Nancy Moran remarks: "Bob Baker will not only help you understand [marketing] concepts, he'll help you put these concepts into practice ... Forget marketing theories! This book is filled with practical, usable advice. If you're looking for a kick-start, look here." Word of mouth and growing exposure continue to boost sales of the "Guerrilla" book every month. Find out what all the buzz is about (and how to get your own autographed copy) at http://bob-baker.com/buzz/music_marketing.htm => WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY? A couple of cool quotes: "Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music -- the world is so rich -- simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself." -Henry Miller "Never let inexperience get in the way of ambition." -Terry Josephson => CHEERS AND JEERS FOR THE DIXIE CHICKS Here's what some of you had to say about the fallout from Natalie Maines' anti-Bush remarks: "I read with interest the comment made by the Dixie Chicks singer. I read with even more interest the retraction she made. I have less respect for her now -- if she felt strongly enough about the issue to speak her mind at a gig, she should have the courage to stand behind her convictions. She's lost credibility with me now by backing down under pressure. Agree or disagree at your discretion, but don't change your policy according to your audience." -Peblz "I'm one of those people who actually believes that music and art are inherently political. Real art communicates the feelings and ideas that are germane to the moment -- so political expression can't really be separated from that except in an intentional way. A great song communicates things that cannot be expressed any other way. But that doesn't mean that artists don't have something beyond the song to communicate as well. It's quite important to share the artist's view of the world -- since the mental and creative processes we use reveal a unique and needed perspective." -Benjamin Dowling, www.visionsound.com "I'm ashamed that they were in another country saying such a thing about 'their' president. They are U.S. citizens, aren't they? What happened to loyalty to your own country? Did they think they were endearing themselves to Britain by such a remark? Haven't they read the newspapers lately or heard the news? Britain is 'backing' the U.S. and Bush! I think musicians should stick to music and not use their platform to voice political comments as such. Now, if the music being performed includes the expressions and sentiments of the artist's or group's beliefs, that's another thing; that is their forum. But to make political speeches and comments that really have nothing to do with their music or performance, it just makes them look ignorant. Generally, most people go to a concert to have a good time, be entertained or see their favorite artist, not to be lectured on political issues." -Dorflum "Politics and music can belong together but are not mandatory. My favorite band is the Rx Bandits. They sing political reggae fusion, and because that's the style of music they play, I am not disturbed by their Anti-Bush statements. The Dixie Chicks, however, don't play that style of music and, because of that, I am not shocked that fans rejected them. All actions are subject to a reaction. The Dixie Chicks have the freedom to speak but they must face the consequences of their actions. Fans buy their albums because they like the music and they buy into the artist. If you have a conservative fan base, don't go against them if you want to keep selling records." -Chris Biggs "I'm glad Natalie made her comments. I believe it is the role of artists of all media to bear witness to truth. Often that truth is out of step with some of those who receive it. I believe the backlash is part of an attempt to tame the muses around us, to control those who raise uncomfortable but valuable questions. And I believe that Natalie speaks for a large number of Texans, as well as Americans, who do not support President Bush's long-planned, ill-advised and dangerous war. And, she stands in a long line of Americans who believe that the country is better served by a vocal and diverse populace, rather than a false image of unanimity that President Bush paints for the world's view." -Steve Eulberg, www.owlmntnmusic.com "I think she made the comment expecting the crowd to rally behind her. She should have taken in account that war was pretty much imminent. She's entitled to her opinion, but her saying she's 'ashamed' of someone for standing up and attempting to protect our country from future aggression is not a fair statement. I'm not in total support of war, but I AM in total support of the men and women who are over there doing a job that neither she nor any of us have the guts to do. Maybe it's just a case of her "sticking her foot in her mouth," but the troops need to know that we are behind them whether we totally agree with our president's decisions or not." -Dave Kotlan, www.vertigobliss.com "Artists were, at one time, seen as the ones who could put the voice of the people on the wings of their talent and let them fly ... This backlash is simply ridiculous. While a hack like Toby Keith is parading all over radio and television with his 'patriotic' ditty that is about as heartfelt and original as my foot taping to Yankee Doodle Dandy, Natalie Maines simply spoke her mind about an issue that has MANY Americans feeling uneasy. God forbid anyone be honest in this business." -Kelly "I suppose those fans who are boycotting them are not huge fans of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Arlo Guthrie, Phil Ochs, Malvina Reynolds, Pete Seeger, Ani DiFranco or Janis Ian. Songwriters make music from a heart that realizes that the world is fragile and a place of delight and fright. Sure, politics and music belong together. Maybe the Chicks will loose one kind of audience and acquire another by making country music with some vitality. Hey, maybe they'll join the indie world so that they can speak their minds, make real art and leave their Lipton company sponsorship in the dust." -Sheri from NY "As a singer-songwriter who puts a lot of social and political content in her songs, I think that politics and music do go together. Art imitates life and shouldn't be limited to any one aspect of the world's events to make it palatable for a certain audience. A true artist doesn't 'play it safe.' Especially in this time when our First Amendment rights seem threatened at every turn, it is important for musicians and all artists to voice their opinions." -Thea Kearney, www.theamusic.com "I firmly believe that artists can have political opinions. We live in a country that allows us freedom of speech -- so *unlike* Iraq and other countries. Sadly, when it comes to many artists, we end up with foolish, unscholastic platitudes and insults that make artists look like a bunch of idiots. I swear, there's something in the Hollywood water supply making the celebs suffer from ADD or amnesia. They seem to think that hating the President and being condescending is good for peace. We artists, especially those in high visibility roles as 'celebrities,' have more of a responsibility to use their brains before they open their mouths. Why are artists so quick to put out mean-spirited and stupid statements? If you can't articulate an *informed* opinion, just shut up and play the music." -Johnny J Blair "I think it's a frightening state that America has come to where freedom of speech is no longer allowed ... I stand behind the Dixie Chicks and wish more artists would say more ... Art is powerful, but censorship is death." -Alona, www.redpilldown.com => EXCLUSIVE GOODIES FOR YOU 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. 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