It always amazes me, specially when I do it, when people do the same thing over and over and over again and expect a different ending result.
That there my friends, is the definition of insanity.
If people aren't telling their friends about your music, stop promoting it and improve your product. Go back to the drawing board, write some more songs and promote those. Don't waste time promoting music people aren't latching on to.
Take my band, Highway Jackson, for example. We put a LOT of money into recording our latest release, The Dirty Bar Campaign. We got picked up by radio and everything. It was great. Things looked on the up and up. Something wasn't right though. People weren't losing their shit about our music. In fact, no one was really spreading the word at all. We released it 4 months ago. We're already writing and recording new music to get it out there ASAP so we don't lose any buzz. The product didn't work this time around. Next time we'll be better prepared.
If you're not getting the results you thought you would don't promote, improve!
Showing posts with label Music Business Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music Business Tips. Show all posts
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Songs vs. Albums
Over the past few years there has been a trend amongst independent musicians. What used to be the album is now turning into the song. Instead of a band putting out a full length album and touring or gigging on it for a year or two, bands are putting out smaller EP's and creating a constant flow of new content for their fans. It makes sense though, right? If you disagree, let me explain.
If you're an independent musician you know how important each fan you have is to you. Without your fans your nothing. Hypothetically, if you put out an album every two years that means your fans have to wait two years every time they hear new material from you. In today's age where attention spans run on average about 30 seconds before it's, "O.K. what's next?", you've got to get more content into their hands (or ears) sooner rather than later.
No one likes going to see a band playing the same songs over and over and over again. What you want to do is give your fans a reason to come see you. A reason to spend their hard earned cash on your show, your record. Instead of putting out a ten track album once a year, put out two five track EP's twice a year. This gives more a reason to create a buzz around your band and also gives the fans something to get excited about. It's strategic marketing. It's OK to hold back on new music!
Apple is a great example of this with the new iPhone features and models. The Apple iPhone 3GS just came out adding video functionality to the iPhone. Apple already has other features available but will not add them to the iPhone until the next model, giving them a reason to put out another model while getting consumers excited about purchasing a new product. All of a sudden people who have iPhones are trying to get another iPhone with updated functionality. The same thing goes for your music.
Even though you may have 13 songs recorded and ready to release, maybe it's smart to release only a portion now and a portion later. I've heard of some artists releasing one song a month for a whole year. At the end of the year that artist pressed the top ten songs voted by his fans. How's that for keeping your fans engaged all year long?
What stories, tips or advice do you have about keeping your fans engaged and interested in your music?
If you're an independent musician you know how important each fan you have is to you. Without your fans your nothing. Hypothetically, if you put out an album every two years that means your fans have to wait two years every time they hear new material from you. In today's age where attention spans run on average about 30 seconds before it's, "O.K. what's next?", you've got to get more content into their hands (or ears) sooner rather than later.
No one likes going to see a band playing the same songs over and over and over again. What you want to do is give your fans a reason to come see you. A reason to spend their hard earned cash on your show, your record. Instead of putting out a ten track album once a year, put out two five track EP's twice a year. This gives more a reason to create a buzz around your band and also gives the fans something to get excited about. It's strategic marketing. It's OK to hold back on new music!
Apple is a great example of this with the new iPhone features and models. The Apple iPhone 3GS just came out adding video functionality to the iPhone. Apple already has other features available but will not add them to the iPhone until the next model, giving them a reason to put out another model while getting consumers excited about purchasing a new product. All of a sudden people who have iPhones are trying to get another iPhone with updated functionality. The same thing goes for your music.
Even though you may have 13 songs recorded and ready to release, maybe it's smart to release only a portion now and a portion later. I've heard of some artists releasing one song a month for a whole year. At the end of the year that artist pressed the top ten songs voted by his fans. How's that for keeping your fans engaged all year long?
What stories, tips or advice do you have about keeping your fans engaged and interested in your music?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Importance of Promoting Your Show
I'm sure this is not secret to anyone out there. Promoting your show is the MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE SHOW. Getting your band ready, having a great merch booth, and learning how to throw your guitar around your body while your play is only cool if you've got people to play for.
I'm sure everyone is sick of playing for the same 25 people or else you wouldn't be reading this, so I'm going to list a few things you can do for your next show to get some more peeps through the door, and leave with a few new fans.
1. Flyers. Now 10, not 50, not even 100. I'm talking 4-500 flyers, everything Friday and Saturday night 2-3 weeks prior to the show. If nothing else this will help brand your band. I expect to take some heat for pushing flyering out their as many will say it's a dinosaur, but mark my words, you flyer it...and they will come.
2. Radio Advertising. This may be a little advanced for some of the bands out there, but having an advertisement on the radio for your show is a big help to get new fans. People think if something is on the radio it's a big deal. $4-500 should get a you a great package for the week or so before the gig. Investigate it, and if you've got a good ticket percentage/garuntee with the promoter, give it a shot...it may make the difference between $200 and $800 at the end of the night.
3. Social Networking. I've said it before and I'll say it again, MySpace and Facebook are two of your best assets. Use them. For more info check out my post on Social Networking/Marketing here.
4. Clubbing. This is what I call going to the club you are playing at and handing out free CD's and swag every Friday and Saturday 2-3 weeks prior to your gig. This is also a great way to see the other bands on the scene, as well as see what their draw is and how they operate. If you're a little weary about giving your CD away for free, let me ease your mind a bit. You are NEVER going to make a penny off your CD without fans, and until you have them you might as well give it away, or at least a sample of it away. And please, at the show don't make your disc more than $5. I'm not going to buy a band's album if it's got 8 songs and is $10, specially if it's my first time seeing them. Keep it cheap or go home with a full box of CD's.
5. Contests/Fan Interaction. If you've got at least a small fan base this is a great way to get them involved. Have them sell tickets for you. For the first fan to sell 5 tickets gets free entrance to the show and a free t-shirt. Get creative and give your fans a reason to come back, even after they've been to your show 5 times and you haven't written a new song in months.
The five ways listed above to promote your show is only a sample of the possibilities. Bands that make it get extremely good at promoting. At times it seems like too much work, but that's the game. It's sad but true, the next Led Zeppelin is in some basement in Your Town, USA...and no one will ever know about them because they have no idea the importance of promoting.OVER AND OUT.
I'm sure everyone is sick of playing for the same 25 people or else you wouldn't be reading this, so I'm going to list a few things you can do for your next show to get some more peeps through the door, and leave with a few new fans.
1. Flyers. Now 10, not 50, not even 100. I'm talking 4-500 flyers, everything Friday and Saturday night 2-3 weeks prior to the show. If nothing else this will help brand your band. I expect to take some heat for pushing flyering out their as many will say it's a dinosaur, but mark my words, you flyer it...and they will come.
2. Radio Advertising. This may be a little advanced for some of the bands out there, but having an advertisement on the radio for your show is a big help to get new fans. People think if something is on the radio it's a big deal. $4-500 should get a you a great package for the week or so before the gig. Investigate it, and if you've got a good ticket percentage/garuntee with the promoter, give it a shot...it may make the difference between $200 and $800 at the end of the night.
3. Social Networking. I've said it before and I'll say it again, MySpace and Facebook are two of your best assets. Use them. For more info check out my post on Social Networking/Marketing here.
4. Clubbing. This is what I call going to the club you are playing at and handing out free CD's and swag every Friday and Saturday 2-3 weeks prior to your gig. This is also a great way to see the other bands on the scene, as well as see what their draw is and how they operate. If you're a little weary about giving your CD away for free, let me ease your mind a bit. You are NEVER going to make a penny off your CD without fans, and until you have them you might as well give it away, or at least a sample of it away. And please, at the show don't make your disc more than $5. I'm not going to buy a band's album if it's got 8 songs and is $10, specially if it's my first time seeing them. Keep it cheap or go home with a full box of CD's.
5. Contests/Fan Interaction. If you've got at least a small fan base this is a great way to get them involved. Have them sell tickets for you. For the first fan to sell 5 tickets gets free entrance to the show and a free t-shirt. Get creative and give your fans a reason to come back, even after they've been to your show 5 times and you haven't written a new song in months.
The five ways listed above to promote your show is only a sample of the possibilities. Bands that make it get extremely good at promoting. At times it seems like too much work, but that's the game. It's sad but true, the next Led Zeppelin is in some basement in Your Town, USA...and no one will ever know about them because they have no idea the importance of promoting.OVER AND OUT.
Getting Your Music Reviewed
Over the past few weeks I've been submitting Highway Jackson's album for review in a number of publications across New England. I've also been seeing this topic spring up on online forums so I thought it'd be a great time to touch upon the subject of how to get your record reviewed, whether it be through your local paper or a music blog.
Build a Relationship:
One of the most important things to remember, and this goes really for anything, is that building a relationship is so much more important than getting your record reviewed. If you go about the task with that mentality it will help the process along ten-fold.
It's way too easy to just grab a list of 25 emails and put out a massive email like this:
"Hey So and So,
I'm sending along [insert artist name here]'s new album and I was hoping you would consider it for review.
Thanks!
-You"
On a local level you really want to establish a relationship with the person you're hoping to review your album. If you can't do that, a simple email like this should suffice:
"Hey So and So (make sure you know their actual name!!!),
This is Your Name from the Portland based band "Your Band Name". I am contacting youin regards to possible inclusion in an upcoming local music section to focus on our new EP"Album of the Year", which is set for release on September 1st. I'd be more than happy tosend a copy of the CD over to you but have not been able to find an actual mailing address. I'd love to get some more info on how to go about this. Oh and I also wanted to thank the "8 days a week" crew for the very large photo and caption of us that was placed on page's 12 and 13 of the July 25th-31st issue. It was a nice surprise. Thanks.
-Name Here
www.myspace.com/yourbandpage"
By metioning a past issue of the publication you let the reviewer know that you're familiar with the magazine. I happen to know this particular reviewer and band. Because of this initial email they recieved a review in the magazine. Because of their music, it was a positive review.
Building a relationship also helps for future releases. A reviewer that you've already worked with in the past is that much more likely to review your act again if you've maintained that relationship!
So next time someone says, "Let's keep in touch", do it. It'll pay dividends in the end.
Over and Out! -Kris
Build a Relationship:
One of the most important things to remember, and this goes really for anything, is that building a relationship is so much more important than getting your record reviewed. If you go about the task with that mentality it will help the process along ten-fold.
It's way too easy to just grab a list of 25 emails and put out a massive email like this:
"Hey So and So,
I'm sending along [insert artist name here]'s new album and I was hoping you would consider it for review.
Thanks!
-You"
On a local level you really want to establish a relationship with the person you're hoping to review your album. If you can't do that, a simple email like this should suffice:
"Hey So and So (make sure you know their actual name!!!),
This is Your Name from the Portland based band "Your Band Name". I am contacting youin regards to possible inclusion in an upcoming local music section to focus on our new EP"Album of the Year", which is set for release on September 1st. I'd be more than happy tosend a copy of the CD over to you but have not been able to find an actual mailing address. I'd love to get some more info on how to go about this. Oh and I also wanted to thank the "8 days a week" crew for the very large photo and caption of us that was placed on page's 12 and 13 of the July 25th-31st issue. It was a nice surprise. Thanks.
-Name Here
www.myspace.com/yourbandpage"
By metioning a past issue of the publication you let the reviewer know that you're familiar with the magazine. I happen to know this particular reviewer and band. Because of this initial email they recieved a review in the magazine. Because of their music, it was a positive review.
Building a relationship also helps for future releases. A reviewer that you've already worked with in the past is that much more likely to review your act again if you've maintained that relationship!
So next time someone says, "Let's keep in touch", do it. It'll pay dividends in the end.
Over and Out! -Kris
Gigging 101
Getting the Gig:
1. Send the promoter/club owner an initial email introducing the band with a link to your electronic press kit, or make an initial email requesting an address to send a traditional press kit to.
2. Follow-up with the promoter/club owner 1-2 weeks after sending the email or kit making sure they received it. If they have, ask if they’ve had a chance to check it out. If not, ask them to take time to look at your press kit.
3. After you know the promoter has received the kit, follow-up in 2-4 weeks to negotiate a date.
Promoting the Gig:
1. Don’t expect the promoter to promote! Some promoters will do advertising for bigger shows, but if this is your first time at a club, DO NOT expect the promoter to do as much as put a flyer up. It’s up to YOU!
2. Make a flyer, and email it to the promoter. Also put it up in any and all local shops within 10 miles of the club who will let you. CD stores, book stores, coffee shops are all great places to start.
3. Invest some time in finding local press and media companies who would be interested in checking out your show for review. Send them a package with your album, and some information about the band and the show. Many times the local press will do reviews of albums by the bands coming through town the week they will be there. What better way to promote a show to thousands of people than through press who is praising your work!
4. If you’re a local artist, build a buzz through radio advertising. Most packages start out at $400, and play at great times for bands. To the naked ear, if your name is on the radio, you’re the real deal. Even if people have never heard your music, they’ll be intrigued to see you just because they heard you on their favorite station.
Before the Gig:
1. CALL/EMAIL THE PROMOTER confirming the gig one last time. It’s not cool when you show up and you find out the gig has been cancelled, especially if you’ve driven hours and hours to get there. Be SURE the gig is still on!
2. Arrive on TIME! Nothing pisses off promoters and club owners more than bands who put them behind schedule with soundchecks and getting the club ready for the show.
Your Merch Table:
1. Set up your merch booth. BRING LIGHTS! Every merchandise table needs lights so people can see what they’re buying. Black T-shirts, CD’s, and stickers do not sell well in a black room. And no offense to the guys out there, but it’s a proven fact that a pretty girl behind the table dramatically increases sales.
2. Make sure you have EVERY size t-shirt! There are extremely thin as well as extremely large people out there, so just getting medium and large sizes will NOT cut it.
3. It’s a harsh reality, but no one is going to by your 6 track EP for $10. CD sales have been declining for the past 10 years, so keep it cheap! Good rule of thumb is, 10 songs is $5.00. I know you’re saying that’s low, but I’m serious, you want to get your unknown band known? 10 songs $5.00. Lose the ego.
4. Make a deal. T-shirts 10, CD’s 5, buy both for $12.
5. Many all ages venues that allow 21+ to drink will sell tickets for $10.00, then give $3.00 back to 21+ at the door. If you’re at a club like this, make your CD available for $3.00. It might be a little less than you want, but EVERY person in that club has $3.00 on them. If they like your music in anyway, they’re two times more likely to purchase something when it’s exactly the amount of money sitting in their pocket.
At the Gig:
1. Make a mailing list sheet and ask EVERY SINGLE PERSON in the venue to sign up for it. This is the only way you can track and keep up with your fan base.
2. Have a stage show. No one wants to see Billy, John, Bob and Larry stand on stage with their heads down. Practice moving around and interacting with each other. Performance is more important than the music. Deliver it with passion.
3. Thank the promoter and everyone for coming.
4. PLUG PLUG PLUG PLUG YOUR MERCH BOOTH!
5. Let everyone know about your myspace or website, and have them friend you!
6. Try to talk to everyone there and ask them how they liked the show, it will also help you build relationships with your fans.
7. Don’t get drunk and suck. That’s the biggest turn off for a music fan. A musician who doesn’t take their craft seriously. You’re nothing, remember you’re like a new business trying to get new customers. Be as professional as you can. When you’re backstage and Aerosmith is opening for you, that’s when you can have Jack Daniels delivered to your room so you and Jay-Z can have a good time before you go on stage.
After the Gig:
1. Email everyone that signed the mailing list thanking them for coming to the show.
2. Email the promoter/club owner thanking them for the show opportunity and establish a contact for a follow-up show.
3. If any press or media companies came to the show, or reviewed your album before hand, thank them and offer to send them a merch package or free tickets to your next show.
4. If you’ve gotten pictures of the show, upload them to your myspace/website and put out bulletins letting everyone know they can check them out.
1. Send the promoter/club owner an initial email introducing the band with a link to your electronic press kit, or make an initial email requesting an address to send a traditional press kit to.
2. Follow-up with the promoter/club owner 1-2 weeks after sending the email or kit making sure they received it. If they have, ask if they’ve had a chance to check it out. If not, ask them to take time to look at your press kit.
3. After you know the promoter has received the kit, follow-up in 2-4 weeks to negotiate a date.
Promoting the Gig:
1. Don’t expect the promoter to promote! Some promoters will do advertising for bigger shows, but if this is your first time at a club, DO NOT expect the promoter to do as much as put a flyer up. It’s up to YOU!
2. Make a flyer, and email it to the promoter. Also put it up in any and all local shops within 10 miles of the club who will let you. CD stores, book stores, coffee shops are all great places to start.
3. Invest some time in finding local press and media companies who would be interested in checking out your show for review. Send them a package with your album, and some information about the band and the show. Many times the local press will do reviews of albums by the bands coming through town the week they will be there. What better way to promote a show to thousands of people than through press who is praising your work!
4. If you’re a local artist, build a buzz through radio advertising. Most packages start out at $400, and play at great times for bands. To the naked ear, if your name is on the radio, you’re the real deal. Even if people have never heard your music, they’ll be intrigued to see you just because they heard you on their favorite station.
Before the Gig:
1. CALL/EMAIL THE PROMOTER confirming the gig one last time. It’s not cool when you show up and you find out the gig has been cancelled, especially if you’ve driven hours and hours to get there. Be SURE the gig is still on!
2. Arrive on TIME! Nothing pisses off promoters and club owners more than bands who put them behind schedule with soundchecks and getting the club ready for the show.
Your Merch Table:
1. Set up your merch booth. BRING LIGHTS! Every merchandise table needs lights so people can see what they’re buying. Black T-shirts, CD’s, and stickers do not sell well in a black room. And no offense to the guys out there, but it’s a proven fact that a pretty girl behind the table dramatically increases sales.
2. Make sure you have EVERY size t-shirt! There are extremely thin as well as extremely large people out there, so just getting medium and large sizes will NOT cut it.
3. It’s a harsh reality, but no one is going to by your 6 track EP for $10. CD sales have been declining for the past 10 years, so keep it cheap! Good rule of thumb is, 10 songs is $5.00. I know you’re saying that’s low, but I’m serious, you want to get your unknown band known? 10 songs $5.00. Lose the ego.
4. Make a deal. T-shirts 10, CD’s 5, buy both for $12.
5. Many all ages venues that allow 21+ to drink will sell tickets for $10.00, then give $3.00 back to 21+ at the door. If you’re at a club like this, make your CD available for $3.00. It might be a little less than you want, but EVERY person in that club has $3.00 on them. If they like your music in anyway, they’re two times more likely to purchase something when it’s exactly the amount of money sitting in their pocket.
At the Gig:
1. Make a mailing list sheet and ask EVERY SINGLE PERSON in the venue to sign up for it. This is the only way you can track and keep up with your fan base.
2. Have a stage show. No one wants to see Billy, John, Bob and Larry stand on stage with their heads down. Practice moving around and interacting with each other. Performance is more important than the music. Deliver it with passion.
3. Thank the promoter and everyone for coming.
4. PLUG PLUG PLUG PLUG YOUR MERCH BOOTH!
5. Let everyone know about your myspace or website, and have them friend you!
6. Try to talk to everyone there and ask them how they liked the show, it will also help you build relationships with your fans.
7. Don’t get drunk and suck. That’s the biggest turn off for a music fan. A musician who doesn’t take their craft seriously. You’re nothing, remember you’re like a new business trying to get new customers. Be as professional as you can. When you’re backstage and Aerosmith is opening for you, that’s when you can have Jack Daniels delivered to your room so you and Jay-Z can have a good time before you go on stage.
After the Gig:
1. Email everyone that signed the mailing list thanking them for coming to the show.
2. Email the promoter/club owner thanking them for the show opportunity and establish a contact for a follow-up show.
3. If any press or media companies came to the show, or reviewed your album before hand, thank them and offer to send them a merch package or free tickets to your next show.
4. If you’ve gotten pictures of the show, upload them to your myspace/website and put out bulletins letting everyone know they can check them out.
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