You asked for it. And now I'm delivering. Because, as you know, I aim to please. A few weeks ago I wrote about Outrageous Music Marketing Ideas, and the response was tremendous. So here are some more out-of-the-octagon concepts to get your self-promotion wheels turning.
Stimulate the five senses. Don't think of yourself as someone who only creates music. You're an artist who also creates experiences for your fans -- especially when it comes to your live shows. One way to make an impact and truly reach people is to involve as many of their senses as possible.
You probably focus on the audio quality of what you do more than anything, which makes sense if you're a musician. Next, you probably think about your visual appearance. Of course, you want to look good, professional and appealing. But what else might you do with the visual impact of your shows? For instance, how might you spice up the stage or your sales table?
And what about the other senses: smell, touch and taste?
I recommend you organize a See-Hear-Smell-Taste-Feel event. Your act (and perhaps others) can supply the sound. Invite artists and photographers to exhibit to feed the eyes. Maybe incense or aromatherapy to tickle the noses in attendance. Including food vendors will take care of both smell and taste. Maybe having a massage therapist or a fashion designer with clothes to try on would satisfy the sense of touch.
What if you combined all of these into one stimulating sensory event? Call it the Five Senses Festival or the Five Senses Celebration or Tour. On a smaller scale, you could simply throw an art-music-film-book-food house party.
Earlier I wrote about turning your CD into an interactive trivia game. Here's another idea: A drinking game based on your music. (Although you might get some understandable flack for encouraging alcohol consumption.) This would work like the old Bob Newhart show game. Only instead of sipping after every "Hi Bob," players would take a swig whenever a certain lyric (such as "yeah" or "baby") is sung.
Or add some mystery by announcing that there's a secret message to uncode within your lyrics, song titles or CD liner notes -- a la "The DaVinci Code." Make a game out of it and you just might get an infectious buzz going.
More outrageous ideas still to come.
Wednesday, October 5, 2005
Monday, October 3, 2005
What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
It's the age-old question you've probably been asked repeatedly since you were old enough to recite the alphabet: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Comedian Paula Poundstone once quipped, "Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they're looking for ideas."
Joking aside, it's a reasonable question, but considering the context in which most people ask it, it's not completely accurate. The real answer that people are looking for is "what do you want to do" when you grow up -- meaning what job title you will carry, what type of company you will work for, what type of duties you will carry out in a career.
You've no doubt encountered this thinking when well-meaning friends and relatives try to steer you away from music and in the direction of a traditional day job.
Again, these are understandable questions. But they miss the real point of finding one's ideal vocation.
According to Sam Keen, "There is no easy formula for determining right and wrong livelihood, but it is essential to keep the question alive. We have to stop pretending that we can make a living at something that is trivial or destructive and still have a sense of legitimate self-worth. A society in which vocation and job are separated for most people gradually creates an economy that is often devoid of spirit, one that frequently fills our pocketbooks at the cost of emptying our souls."
So how do you determine the best way to fill your soul? Answer: Ask better questions. Instead of "What do you want to be or do?" ... answer these two questions:
- How do you want to feel most of the time?
- What type of person would you like to become?
Your emotions are a great indicator of when you're connected and in the flow, as opposed to when you're disconnected and frustrated. The key is to identify the feelings and states of being that make you feel the most purposeful and alive. Your ideal vocation will be directly linked to the activities that generate these positive feelings within you the most.
Tip: Although these states of mind make you feel good, they are rarely only self-serving. They almost always come from doing something that serves others -- such as creating music that touches people in meaningful ways. But these feelings can just as easily come from teaching children, tending a garden, writing a novel or play, etc.
The second question above will also lead to a better understanding of your right livelihood. When pursuing a purpose and activities that are in line with who you truly are, you grow as a person -- far more than you would in a job you tolerate to pay the bills.
Who you become as you invest your time and energy into a worthy pursuit makes all the difference. Again, this is far more than a job title such as "lead singer" or "artist manager." Who you become can also be described with such words as respected, trusted, creative, determined, passionate and happy.
What words describe who you want to become?
Let's examine one more quote, this time from poet Robert Frost: "The brain is a wonderful organ. It starts working the moment you get up in the morning, and does not stop until you get into the office."
There are times when you have to take on a brain-dead "real job" to make ends meet. No doubt, you must take care of your basic needs in whatever way you can. But as you think about your life long term, focus on how you want to feel and who you want to become.
Because that's where you'll find the true path to what you should be when you grow up.
Comedian Paula Poundstone once quipped, "Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they're looking for ideas."
Joking aside, it's a reasonable question, but considering the context in which most people ask it, it's not completely accurate. The real answer that people are looking for is "what do you want to do" when you grow up -- meaning what job title you will carry, what type of company you will work for, what type of duties you will carry out in a career.
You've no doubt encountered this thinking when well-meaning friends and relatives try to steer you away from music and in the direction of a traditional day job.
Again, these are understandable questions. But they miss the real point of finding one's ideal vocation.
According to Sam Keen, "There is no easy formula for determining right and wrong livelihood, but it is essential to keep the question alive. We have to stop pretending that we can make a living at something that is trivial or destructive and still have a sense of legitimate self-worth. A society in which vocation and job are separated for most people gradually creates an economy that is often devoid of spirit, one that frequently fills our pocketbooks at the cost of emptying our souls."
So how do you determine the best way to fill your soul? Answer: Ask better questions. Instead of "What do you want to be or do?" ... answer these two questions:
- How do you want to feel most of the time?
- What type of person would you like to become?
Your emotions are a great indicator of when you're connected and in the flow, as opposed to when you're disconnected and frustrated. The key is to identify the feelings and states of being that make you feel the most purposeful and alive. Your ideal vocation will be directly linked to the activities that generate these positive feelings within you the most.
Tip: Although these states of mind make you feel good, they are rarely only self-serving. They almost always come from doing something that serves others -- such as creating music that touches people in meaningful ways. But these feelings can just as easily come from teaching children, tending a garden, writing a novel or play, etc.
The second question above will also lead to a better understanding of your right livelihood. When pursuing a purpose and activities that are in line with who you truly are, you grow as a person -- far more than you would in a job you tolerate to pay the bills.
Who you become as you invest your time and energy into a worthy pursuit makes all the difference. Again, this is far more than a job title such as "lead singer" or "artist manager." Who you become can also be described with such words as respected, trusted, creative, determined, passionate and happy.
What words describe who you want to become?
Let's examine one more quote, this time from poet Robert Frost: "The brain is a wonderful organ. It starts working the moment you get up in the morning, and does not stop until you get into the office."
There are times when you have to take on a brain-dead "real job" to make ends meet. No doubt, you must take care of your basic needs in whatever way you can. But as you think about your life long term, focus on how you want to feel and who you want to become.
Because that's where you'll find the true path to what you should be when you grow up.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Stupid Mistakes Musicians Make
Sometimes the most important things you can do for your career advancement are the simplest things. This e-mail provides a case in point ...
Beau sent me this forwarded e-mail from the Film Music Network mailing list:
Later in the same message, the mailing list moderator added:
There's no need for me to elaborate on this much further. The point is clear. Don't take anything for granted. Assume the items in your promo kits will get separated, stepped on, mutilated and run through the ringer. Package them securely and make sure EVERYTHING is labeled properly and clearly.
Don't miss out on a great opportunity because of a simple, stupid mistake!
"Hi Bob, it's Beau Wadsworth with the Rude Street Peters. I'm a big fan, bought your books, etc. Anyway, you have talked in the past about how important it is to put contact info on ALL of your materials -- every single piece. So I thought you would appreciate this."
Beau sent me this forwarded e-mail from the Film Music Network mailing list:
"We received a CD from a group for a documentary that I'm supervising and there is no contact information on the CD. I'm interested in licensing one of their tracks."
Later in the same message, the mailing list moderator added:
"This music supervisor is ready to license this music, but the band failed to put contact information on the CD. Putting it on the tray card or case is not good enough, especially if the CD gets separated from the case. SO ... if you're the band who submitted it, please contact (details left out for privacy reasons) and we'll get your info to this music supervisor."
There's no need for me to elaborate on this much further. The point is clear. Don't take anything for granted. Assume the items in your promo kits will get separated, stepped on, mutilated and run through the ringer. Package them securely and make sure EVERYTHING is labeled properly and clearly.
Don't miss out on a great opportunity because of a simple, stupid mistake!
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Why Your Audience Needs You
I just read something that literally gave me chills as I absorbed the significance of it. In a recent blog post, Joe Taylor Jr. described how many of his clients had expressed a feeling of insignificance after watching all the events related to Hurricane Katrina.
Musicians asked him questions like "Why is anybody going to listen to my music when they're glued to CNN?" or "Will anyone even come to my show if they're spending all their money on overpriced gasoline?"
Joe explained that these are all understandable questions to ask. Then he issued the following challenge:
Later in the post, Joe adds this wisdom:
Awesome! Thanks for this important reminder, Joe.
Musicians asked him questions like "Why is anybody going to listen to my music when they're glued to CNN?" or "Will anyone even come to my show if they're spending all their money on overpriced gasoline?"
Joe explained that these are all understandable questions to ask. Then he issued the following challenge:
Your audience needs you today, more than they have ever needed you before.
You possess gifts that deserve to be shared with as many people as possible.
This week, like the weeks that try us all in private or in public, should remind you that your talents are more rare and more valuable than you believe. Sure, you might surf every indie music weblog and bulletin board around, and maybe everyone you hang out with is a musician just like you. I know that it can sometimes feel like everyone is trying to do the same things as you are.
Pull back to the satellite view with me for a minute.
Very, very few people on this planet understand how to play an instrument, write a song, or even stand in front of an audience. You didn't get these gifts by accident.
Now, more than ever, is the time for you to share those gifts.
Send that newsletter to express your sympathy for audience members and loved ones touched by tragedy. Unite your audience to help relief efforts. Show them -- by your example -- that the world keeps spinning.
Later in the post, Joe adds this wisdom:
Finally, entertain your audience. Let them escape into your world through your music, your lyrics, your art, and your craft. If you sing about the world and political affairs, let your audience use your shows to share their grief and their anger. If you sing about love and fun and happy days, let your audience come to you for a well-earned respite from the depressing and bizarre news of the world.
As with all things about your music career, the relationship with your audience is the most crucial factor. Putting aside all of our usual discussion of achieving success and breaking away from a boring day job, your audience needs you right now. If you take the time to read this note, you are a beacon, a leader, and a shining example to at least ONE person in your audience -- whether you believe it yet or not.
Awesome! Thanks for this important reminder, Joe.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Music Biz Headaches: You Need the Eggs
At the beginning of the movie "Annie Hall," Woody Allen's character, Alvy Singer, tells a joke about a guy who goes to a psychiatrist and says, "Doc, my brother's crazy. He thinks he's a chicken." The doctor says, "Well, why don't you turn him in?" And the guy says, "I would, but I need the eggs."
At the end of the film, the joke comes full circle when Alvy ties it into the roller coaster ride of a relationship he's had with Annie (played by Diane Keaton):
"I guess that's pretty much how I feel about relationships. You know, they're totally irrational and crazy and absurd, but I guess we keep going through it because ... most of us need the eggs."
Funny stuff -- and more true than many are willing to admit. The same sentiment can be applied to the music business. Can you relate?
Have you ever been frustrated by the actions (or inactions) of a booking agent or club owner? Ever felt like pulled out your hair over a stubborn singer or guitar player? Ever been disappointed by the amount of money you spent or made doing something music related?
Of course you have. And you probably wondered if it was all worth it. You may have even considered chucking the whole thing and accepting the idea that you're not cut out for this business.
Then what happened?
Most likely, you worked your way through it and found the ideal final member to round out the band. Or finally played the big show you've been dreaming about. Or got the CD recorded and released. Or landed the big article in the local newspaper.
And it was then that you felt fantastic and realized the journey was totally worth it. The ups and the downs. The joys and the frustrations. It's what you have to go through to reach meaningful goals and enjoy your passions.
And that's true whether we're talking about romantic relationships, music business success or just about anything else in life that's worth doing.
So get busy pursuing your goals. Because, admit it ... you need the eggs!
At the end of the film, the joke comes full circle when Alvy ties it into the roller coaster ride of a relationship he's had with Annie (played by Diane Keaton):
"I guess that's pretty much how I feel about relationships. You know, they're totally irrational and crazy and absurd, but I guess we keep going through it because ... most of us need the eggs."
Funny stuff -- and more true than many are willing to admit. The same sentiment can be applied to the music business. Can you relate?
Have you ever been frustrated by the actions (or inactions) of a booking agent or club owner? Ever felt like pulled out your hair over a stubborn singer or guitar player? Ever been disappointed by the amount of money you spent or made doing something music related?
Of course you have. And you probably wondered if it was all worth it. You may have even considered chucking the whole thing and accepting the idea that you're not cut out for this business.
Then what happened?
Most likely, you worked your way through it and found the ideal final member to round out the band. Or finally played the big show you've been dreaming about. Or got the CD recorded and released. Or landed the big article in the local newspaper.
And it was then that you felt fantastic and realized the journey was totally worth it. The ups and the downs. The joys and the frustrations. It's what you have to go through to reach meaningful goals and enjoy your passions.
And that's true whether we're talking about romantic relationships, music business success or just about anything else in life that's worth doing.
So get busy pursuing your goals. Because, admit it ... you need the eggs!
Wednesday, September 7, 2005
Make Money Selling Digital Downloads
Being the hip independent music person that you are, you're already well aware of the growing number of consumers who are buying digital downloads of their favorite songs and even full albums. Just check out these news stories to brush up on the latest trends.
Perhaps you've already signed up for CD Baby's Digital Distribution deal, which makes the songs you select available at the biggest online sellers, such as Apple iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, MSN Music, AOL's MusicNet, Yahoo MusicMatch, Sony Connect, MP3tunes, etc.
But there are a number of smaller sites popping up that offer music downloads for sale to the public and encourage indie artists to join them. Here are some that I found. Inclusion on this list does not imply an endorsement. In fact, I encourage you to leave comments on your experiences with these and other download sites and services.
Jamzilla.com
Mperia.com
DownloadMusicMart.com
MyGlobalSound.com
IntoMusic.co.uk
And here are a couple of sites that can help you set up your own secure download sales system on your web site.
Tradebit.com
Payloadz.com
Your turn. What's worked and not worked for you? Just click Comments and start posting.
Perhaps you've already signed up for CD Baby's Digital Distribution deal, which makes the songs you select available at the biggest online sellers, such as Apple iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, MSN Music, AOL's MusicNet, Yahoo MusicMatch, Sony Connect, MP3tunes, etc.
But there are a number of smaller sites popping up that offer music downloads for sale to the public and encourage indie artists to join them. Here are some that I found. Inclusion on this list does not imply an endorsement. In fact, I encourage you to leave comments on your experiences with these and other download sites and services.
Jamzilla.com
Mperia.com
DownloadMusicMart.com
MyGlobalSound.com
IntoMusic.co.uk
And here are a couple of sites that can help you set up your own secure download sales system on your web site.
Tradebit.com
Payloadz.com
Your turn. What's worked and not worked for you? Just click Comments and start posting.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Help Hurricane Victims
The news coming from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida is devastating. Hurricane Katrina did a number on many coastal cities and a lot of people are homeless and hurting. Check out these pages at NetworkForGood.org and FEMA to learn about ways you can help.
Musicians are stepping up and putting together benefit shows, as you'd expect from the creative community. And here's a pretty cool e-mail that Derek Sivers from CD Baby just sent out to artists who sell their CDs on the site:
Do your part and help out any way you can.
Musicians are stepping up and putting together benefit shows, as you'd expect from the creative community. And here's a pretty cool e-mail that Derek Sivers from CD Baby just sent out to artists who sell their CDs on the site:
If you'd like to donate all profits of your CD sales to the Red Cross disaster relief fund, to help the hurricane victims, I set up an easy way for you to do this at CD Baby.
Log in to your CD Baby artist account here:
https://members.cdbaby.com/login
After you log in, click [YOUR ITEMS], up top, then [EDIT ALBUM INFO] next to your CD, then click next to "Giving profits to charity." It will explain more about how it works, there.
If you choose to do it, it will put your CD into a special section of cdbaby.com, linked from the front page, of other artists who have chosen to give their CD profits to the Red Cross.
Tomorrow morning I will email over 1 million CD Baby customers, telling them about this special promotion, encouraging them to buy some CDs from this special section.
You may think that a few sales won't help, but with thousands of musicians banded together to do this, I think it will help a LOT of people get their lives back together after this disaster.
Do your part and help out any way you can.
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