Music 2.0

The term ‘Music 2.0′ refers to a different model accepted by the music business. In a 1.0 world, Record Labels prevailed as the major distribution means for new albums, Radio Stations as the major promotion vehicle for new acts, and Live Concerts as the sole entertainment-based interaction between musical groups and fans. Today’s evolved model has shifted, and put Fans in the driver’s seat of much of the Distribution, Promotional Acceptance, and Interaction with new acts. How is it then, that so many new acts fail to accept this model?

It’s quite simple really: Most musicians are just learning about the necessity of integrating technology into their budgets, touring, and media. However, there is not enough time in a day to manage the demands of rehearsal, tour planning/management, fund-raising, promotional activity, online ‘fan/friend’ requests, etc. A Musician 2.0 is now demanded – one who fully creates her career trajectory and foundation on that of technology integration, rather than simply adding a few ‘tech’ pieces here and there (ex: MySpace page, and website).

What are your thoughts on how Musician 2.0′s can succeed in the future?

What’s Lacking In Music Business Schools

Even in today’s uber-competitive Music Business Schools  there is an underlying deficiency that prevents millions of aspiring (and very talented!) music business students from reaching the right industry professionals, companies and resources.

In today’s saturated collegiate market – students struggle to open doors and get ahead of the pack – often the wrong way by “shopping” resumes and templated cover letters across organizational HR departments nationwide – only to be disappointed at the results. Many Music Schools preach the larger Firms to be great potentials for newbies – but as many of the larger Record Labels collapse and other firms get consolidated – students find themselves not knowing where to turn next….

How then, can music business students stray from the pack of wolves and find opportunity, employment and a career path?

They should do the following:
1) Pick a niche in the industry that is un-saturated, find a contact person at the firm, and get a referral to setup a meeting.

2) Acquire a tangible skill (think Excel Spreadsheets, PowerPoint, QuickBooks Software, etc.) that can be the tipping point that gets you the job.

3) Read as much about the industry as possible. Knowledge is power, and smart firms recruit smart people. Even Musicians should know the relative trends happening across the local, national and global industry sectors.

- Best of Luck,

Reagan
Founder
WorldMusicLink.com
Connecting the Music Industry

You’ve Got Talent – But Why Don’t They Hear You?

Today’s the day to get excited about your Music Career!

Why? Because I’m teaching you How to Get Your Music Above the Noise.

All too often, music acts think that its only a matter of time until they’re next in line for the BIG BREAK. Well….how many struggling 50 year old musicians do you see getting signed to a 5 year record deal? I’d bet very few.

The key to getting above the noise made by other bands is to do the following:

1) BUILD BUZZ

2) REACH THE PROS

HOW TO GET #1: Building buzz means effectively capitalizing on a specific market – that could be your town, your city, region or state. It could also be more specific than that – being the most well-known Blues Act in your Town is better than being the best musician in town. Why? Because notariety (aka: Popularity) sells records, fills concerts, and gets you noticed by the Pros. Musicianship, is a great foundation – but you better have BUZZ to cut through the NOISE.

HOW TO GET #2: So, now you’ve got the BUZZ — how do you reach the Pros? Join www.WorldMusicLink.com, fill out a profile, and reach out to the PROs with a professional introduction. Once you get the ball rolling, you will get what you want. Think about the professional receiving your email while they are talking on the phone, looking at their BlackBerry, after a long day at the office. Sell the Sizzle, Not the Steak. Open with a Catchy Subject like: “Joe and the Boys Blaze Through Dallas – 3 Sold Out Shows.” Now, isn’t that a lot better than, “Yo Dude, I Wanna Get Signed To Your Label”. In the Message, keep it simple and to the point – Be Direct and Succeed!

Reagan

Founder

WorldMusicLink.com

Connecting the Music Industry

Music Capitalists 2.0

Ever heard the term, Venture Capitalists? 

For many music industry folk (musicians included) a venture capitalist and his/her procedures have nothing to do with the music business – so why do I even mention it?

Venture Capitalists (VCs) invest money and resources in start-up, emerging, and high growth companies (or ventures), with the anticipation that they will get paid back (ROI – Return on Investment) + compounded interest (5X – 10X their investment) in a 3-7 year period of time.

How are Record Labels, Music Publishers, Managers, Agents, and other pros any different than a Venture Capitalist when it comes to finding, investing in, and partnering with you?

THEY’RE NOT DIFFERENT.

So, what does this mean to the aspiring (or established) musical act who wants to get noticed, signed, booked or promoted?

It means – start viewing your music / brand as a start-up company, and you’ll start to see what I mean – and get closer to success.

VC’s and Music Industry Professionals look for the following in the next act:

1. Differentiation (How unique is the act?)
2. Market Size (How large is their fan following? Where?)
3. ROI (Does this act, or can this act produce a return on my investment?)
4. Musical quality (Is their product demanded for today’s market?)
5. Payback Period (How long would it take to get paid back?)

Answer these questions – or start focusing on achieving strong results for these, and you will win.

Reagan

Founder

WorldMusicLink.com

Connecting the Music Industry

The 4 Differences Between You & a RockStar

The single largest controversy happening within the past ten years (since the true emergence of high-speed Internet infrastructure /  capabilities on a mass scale) has been that of MUSIC DISTRIBUTION.

The Holy Grail for Record Labels has and continues to be the ability to manufacture, distribute, and track / earn income via the sale of music.

Why do Record Labels, Musicians, and other Industry players continue to enforce on Fans the Pay for Play model with Music?

Here’s the Fact: Fans want music to be: Free (or as cheap as possible), Mobile (accessible via any means), and Ubiquitous (everywhere they are).

Why then, does Music Talent and Industry Professionals continue to force payment for music if diminished margins (that’s profits), shrinking distribution chains, and piracy continue to win the race?

Here’s My Take: GIVE MUSIC AWAY FOR FREE.

Wanna make it as the Next Big Star? View your Music as a Virus.

What do I mean? A disease, if quaranteened, dies. An album or song, if quaranteened, dies. The fundamental difference between an emergining artist and an established act is that of resources:

1) Distribution Channels

2) Industry Professionals

3) Financial Backing

4) Experience (This is up for Debate)

HERE’S HOW YOU BECOME THE NEXT (YOU FILL IN THE GENRE) STAR.

1) Forget Traditional Distribution Channels: (Ex: WalMart, Virgin Megastores, etc.)

Established artists have one less defensible barrier to entry (that’s Business School jargon for “an easier way for others to replicate you and win”). In today’s industry, FREE is the ONLY WAY. Record old and new tracks with a plan on making them spread like viruses. Give them to as many people as possible without charge. Have a stack of CDs at ALL your Shows. Make music available for FREE download on your website. Make a ringtone jingle and distribute it free to your fans. Get fan feedback on E-Z ways / places to put your music.

*Most musicians have been brainwashed into thinking that their Music is their Financial Blood. Wrong. Think about your Music as the BAIT, and your merchandise, live video footage, concert tickets, interviews, etc. as the money makers.

2) Need Industry Professionals? That’s why we created www.WorldMusicLink.com. PS: It’s free to join – so don’t complain that you can’t muster up the money ($).

3) Financial Backing: Most musicians forget that they are in Business for themselves (see my earlier post). As entrepreneurs, you must find people who are “infected” by your music, cause, purpose, vision, brand, movement, mantra (mission statement), etc. This is why you must create your brand, publish it everywhere, and as famed entrepreneurial marketing guru Guy Kawasaki says “MAKE MEANING”. People want to follow others who make a difference. Your old High School friend who now is the Bank Owner may have a Metallica t-shirt on under his 3-piece suit – and he may be looking for a “cool” way to invest money in something he can get behind. Be bold. Ask for financial investors – and reward them handsomly. Ex: Give them a small % of income (but gradually increase it as you earn more) so that they take a little here and there while you take off as well.

4) Remember the old expression, “Knowledge is Power”? It’s true. The more you know about the Music Business, the better. Make friends with people who are smarter than you, who run a venue, book bands, etc. Ask questions and be honest – most people who know something like to share it (and have an audience that cares).

Reagan

Founder

WorldMusicLink.com

Connecting the Music Industry

Why Most Musicians / Bands Fail On Stage

A live concert or performance is the ultimate culminating portrayal of a musician or band’s hard work, dedication, and investment to date. Why is it that so many acts fail to capitalize on the tremendous opportunities that materialize during a set?

Live performances are estimated to reach nearly $21 billion world-wide this year (includes concert tickets sales, tour merchandise, music event sponsorships and other forms of concert-related revenues – http://www.emarketer.com/).

For most emerging acts, the average gig-price ranges from free (used for simply gaining more exposure of their music / brand) to $2,000+  for larger music festivals. However, in the hasty preparation of riders, equipment, band members, lighting, etc. — many musicians / bands fail to prepare the business items that coincide with their show. This includes items that encourage additional revenue (that’s money in your pocket) and future revenue. Next time you get booked to play a show, try the following:

• E-mail all of your friends, family members, fans (let’s hope you actually keep a spreadsheet or email list of these) – letting them know about the show. BE SURE TO INCLUDE: Physical Venue Location, Ticket Price(s), Times, Other Acts (Headliners, Openers, etc.), Age Limits (18+, 21+ ID Required), “Sounds Like” meaning the music will sound like Ex: Beatles meets Radiohead) and add your Group’s Logo – this is important for additional branding. PEOPLE FOLLOW BRANDS. You’re brand can be simple, but needs to convey your name and a message (could even be your website) . Example:  The Leftovers (add a picture of a plate) www.theleftovers.net. Microsoft Publisher works well for this. Make a graphic, save it as a (.TIF or .GIF) and insert it into an email. ENCOURAGE the Recipients to Forward it On & Spread the Word.
• Give a friend $20 (in advance so they feel good about going) to come to your show and setup a little business table. At the table you should have the following: Large Poster that CLEARLY displays the Act”s Name (I like Glow in the Dark Paint because most venues are dimly lit and shows occur at night). Also include: an Information Sheet (1 page sheet that describes your act, music, theme, location, vision, up-coming show dates/locations, and includes links to where they can hear music, buy merchandise / music / tickets, and where they can follow you (ex: Twitter.com, MySpace.com, Facebook.com, etc.).
• Setup the table away from the stage / speakers (near the door is best). Customers will have questions, and they need to hear the answers over the sound and be comfortable to exchange money in a place where the entire audience isn’t staring at them / or where the moshpit is. Go to the bank before (or ask the venue) to exchange $50 to get you started. Keep a secure box (simple lock box is best) or briefcase for all transactional funds. Be sure to give each customer the one-sheet along with their items purchased.
• Have your friend ask all visitors / customers to the table to drop their business card in a hat / bowl or add their name & email to the list for a chance to win 2 free tickets to an up-coming show or a CD / T-Shirt (you decide what you can afford to give away  … keep it under $15).  Start the list with three names & emails of your fans – REMEMBER, PEOPLE FOLLOW PEOPLE. Rule of Thumb: No one wants to be the first one on a list.  This list should grow at each venue you play at, and should be added to your Excel (computer) spreadsheet or email fan database for future e-blasts. You can also thank everyone for attending and invite them to follow you on your Social Networks / Website.
• During your Set, make 3 announcements (When you first get on stage, half way through, and at the end of the show) about where audience members can buy CDs, Merchandise, Enter to Win Free Tickets / Merchandise, etc. Also mention that your group can be made available for private / corporate events – please see “Bobby – your friend” for more details at the table in the back. People are your audience, they come and go at different times — DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE END (you might have missed the first 100 people who came through for a drink and left to another venue).

Following these aforementioned tips will help you organize, manage, and grow your fan base. At the same time, it will help you SUCCEED on Stage by properly engaging the audience and impressing them with your strong desire to grow your BUSINESS.

Always analyze the results after a show (or the next day if you’re too exhausted). Set goals for yourself and the group. Example: Last show the venue held 200 people, we had 100 showup (50% capacity). 10% joined the e-mail list, and 3% purchased merchandise of some sort. Next show, we want 130 people to showup, 15% to join the e-mail list, and 5% to purchase merchandise. TRACK YOUR GOALS AND RESULTS. You Will Succeed this Way.

Reagan

Founder

WorldMusicLink.com

Connecting the Music Industry

Music Marketing Without a Business Degree

Being a musician means that you’re an entrepreneurial small-business.

Knowing how to balance expenditures, increase sales, build strategic relationships, and hire employees / associates (band members, agents, managers, labels, etc.) requires a significant amount of time, knowledge and resources.

The most fundamental challenge Music Talent (musicians, bands, singers, songwriters) face is DIFFERENTIATING THEIR MARKETING.

Specifically, How Do You Stand Out Above The Crowd?

TRY THE FOLLOWING:

View your music / look / theme as a BRAND.

Whether you like it or not – you must promote and distribute your BRAND via as many marketing mediums as possible (for as little investment cost) as you can budget.

Rule of Thumb: If you can think of 3 other bands / artists that have a very similar sound, look and brand appeal as you do – ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE.

You must view your audience members / customers (new or established) as if they are one MySpace / Twitter click away from following another group, and diverting their attention (and MOST IMPORTANTLY) disposable income to that other group.

When thinking about your music, your look and your theme – think different – while still being true to who you are.

Try bouncing your overall “brand” off of some new folks who have never heard or seen you before.

1) Get a feeling of the age range that is most receptive to your music / brand.

2) Understand the customers buying decision (Why did they come to my show?, How much were they willing to pay to see me perform? How much did they spend on average on my merchandise, music, etc.?

3) Keep a journal or Excel (computer) spreadsheet of these answers. Try different things, mix up your show / merchandise price point (more on this later).

4) Fundamentally, understand WHO LIKES YOU, WHO DOESN’T, and WHY.

Once you more fully get the following, you’ll be quickly on your way to increasing your fan-base, attracting attention from industry pros, and making more money.

Reagan

Founder

WorldMusicLink.com

Connecting the Music Industry