Music Business Hacks

If you're playing in a loud band, chances are that you'll need a place to hold those rehearsals. And if you're in a town that has nearly every rehearsal space booked out, you're going to need some other options. Whether you do nor not, it's always good to have several options in mind because they can not only save you money, but build partnerships as well. Resources: Episode 4: Bands Shouldn't Practice. They Should Rehearse Instead.

This week's feature interview is with Bree Noble. Bree had a successful 7-year run as a touring singer/songwriter including 3 album releases, several songwriting and artist awards including Best Female Vocalist at the Inland Empire Music Award (2007) and an opportunity to sing the National Anthem at Dodger Stadium in front of 60,000 people.  In 2007, during her time as a touring musician, she founded an online radio station, Women of Substance Radio, to promote quality female artists in all genres. During its 10 years on the air, the station became a highly respected and sought-after source of promotion for female artists, pursued by their PR agents and Record Labels. Bree’s marketing efforts cultivated a large Facebook following, significant listenership, a healthy email list and regular advertising revenue.  The weekday Podcast of the same name launched in 2014 to spotlight quality songs by unsigned female musicians. A few weeks after its debut, it hit #1 in New & Noteworthy in all 3 of it's categories

We normally do a month-long recap every ~30 days, but today I want to focus on a question that I'm repeatedly asked: what is the one thing I need to do to be successful? It is the question underneath all of the other questions out there (How do I get a record label deal? Which social media site should I use? etc.) Resources: Storytelling episodes: Episode #97 - Storytelling part 1: Creating an emotional arc Episode #98 - Storytelling part 2: Lyrics Episode #99 - Storytelling part 3: Writing a better bio/press release Episode #100 - Storytelling part 4: the Live Show Episode #101 - Storytelling part 5: Social media + marketing campaigns Episode #102 - Interview: Joe Jiang

If you want to make people excited (like, really excited) about your e-newsletters, content that you share, or your general communication with your followers, then you need to be providing something truly special. By having consistent, exclusive content, you can reward faithful fans while achieving your music career dreams. And, for loyal listeners of the show, I have special exclusive reward for you! Resources: Episode 51: The Science of Persuasion

This week, the suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain rocked our world. Countless entertainers, musicians, and fashion icons have taken their lives - it shows artists are not any more immune than anyone else. I wanted to have an honest conversation about mental health and provide some resources for those who may need them. Resources: Mental Health Screening Self-Tests National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 1-800-273-8255

In today's episode, we talk about how you can reach music business and industry leaders who are busy. How can your email stand out from the rest? How do you get people to respond to your requests? Resources: Episode 9: Perfecting Your Pitch Episode 51: The Science of Persuasion Episode 72: 6 Phrases That Make You Sound Like a Diva  

It happens. People get sick. But when you have performances or a record on the line, how do you deal with people who need to call in sick? And what kind of remedies are actually the best for a singer in recovery? In today's episode, we find out. Resources: Loquat Syrup (for speedy recovery and best throat care in the studio) Episode 24: Interband ageement

It happens to the best of us: hecklers. When you're performing at venues, especially bars with drunk audience members, people can sometimes get unruly. But instead of responding in anger or frustration, you can use a bit of compassion and humor to defuse the situation. In doing so, you'll win over fans in a new and unexpected way.

The worlds of art and activism have been connected for as long as social structures have existed, however, we're living in a new era of inter-connectedness where the lines between activism and art have blurred, on and off stage. How can artists passionate about a cause advance incorporate their values into their work in a meaningful manner? Songs in this episode: Childish Gambino - This is America Bob Dylan - Times Are a Changin' Bruce Springsteen - Born in the U.S.A  

This week, we focused on developing some core music business practices that every artist should have a grasp on: trademark registration, accounting/finance, press photos, and having the best EPK/press kit possible. Are your materials up to date? Do you need some inspiration? Then listen in! Resources: Episode #111 - How to Get a Registered Trademark Episode #112 - Music Business Budgeting Episode #113 - Hiring a Photographer to Get Your Best Press Shots Episode #114 - How to Improve Your EPK (Electronic Press Kit) Episode #115 - How to Become a Famous Singer Episode #116 - Interview: Matt Westin on Meeting Danny Trejo on a Slayer Set, Making Meaningful Music, and Gary Vaynerchuk

Matt Westin's first single, “Our Redneck of the Woods” reached the IndieWorld Country chart and the European Country Music Association charts. Matt is nominated for a 2018 International Music and Entertainment Association award. In this episode, we talk about making a record dedicated to the memory of his father, hanging out with Danny Trejo on a Slayer music video film set, and social media hacks from Gary Vaynerchuk.  To learn more about Matt, check out: http://www.mattwestin.com https://www.facebook.com/MattWestinMusic/ Resources: Favorite books: The Holy Bible Prophecy Edition (NKJV) Live Like You Were Dying: A Story About Living by Tim McGraw A Case for Christ by Lee Strobel Crushing It - Gary Vaynerchuk Favorite microphone: Shure SM58 (wired and wireless) "Our Redneck of the Woods" lyric music video: [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Pslvqzdtr0[/embed]

Recently, I came across an oft-asked question: "How do I become a famous singer?" It's so common that Alexa and Google suggest it, leading to a generic article with advice that won't really get you anywhere. So today, I'm going to answer the bigger question under this sentiment (while helping you with an activity that will ultimately get you there).

Here's the hard truth about submitting anything via Sonicbids or Reverbation, your press kit to a record label, or trying to book a big show: You have less than one minute to get the person's attention. With those kinds of stakes and competition for attention, you better get it right by having an EPK that is up to date, has great information, and gets the right details across! Related: Episode 9: Perfecting Your Pitch Sonicbids (EPK site) ReverbNation (EPK site)

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So what are your press photos saying about you? In today's episode, we talk about why you should have better press photos and how you can find the right photographer.  

Do you have a business for your music business? Have you forecasted your revenue or expenses for the year to include touring, new albums, and merchandise? In this episode, we cover this crucial (and sometimes painful) business essential: the budget Resources: Episode 62: Interview with Scott Stratton (Finance for Musicians) WikiHow: Create a Business Budget Sample Music Business Budget/Template

What is a trademark and why should every artist get one? How does it differ from a copyright? In today's episode, we discuss some of the most important information about getting a trademark registration for your music business. Resources: Need a trademark registration? Try one of these attorneys: Ron Coleman Joel MacMull Anthony McNamer Want to try it yourself? Go to the official United States Patent and Trademark Office

Touring is a staple for most performing musicians. This week, we focused on some best practices for artists who travel for a living. Check out the episodes to build your skillset and professionalism: #104 - How to Soundcheck Like a Pro #105 - How to Overcome Common Obstacles on Stage #106 - How to Use Special Effects for Your Live Show #107 - How to Keep a Tour Vehicle Running Properly #108 - How a Tour Driving Schedule Can Save Your Life  #109 - Interview with Ed Wimp

Today, we speak with Ed Wimp. Ed Wimp is a Speaker, Author, Tour Manager, Artist Manager, and Musician from Orlando, Florida. After graduating college, Ed began transitioning into the business side of the music industry when he began working as part of the road management staff for R&B legends Earth Wind & Fire. From there, he was able to travel and tour with hip-hop icon A$AP Rocky. In the Fall of 2016, Ed released his debut book, Building Fans, Fame & Wealth: The 18 Revenue Streams of Music. The book shares real life stories from the music business, and encourages musicians to think outside of the box to develop several revenue streams. While staying involved in the fast moving music industry, Ed earned his Juris Doctor from the Florida A&M College of Law. He currently holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Monmouth College and a Master's Degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Ed is an avid golfer and takes the opportunity to play whenever his busy sch

If you are going to be doing any kind of extended traveling, it’s important to do some basic maintenance and preparation on the vehicle to prevent any unexpected breakdowns. Here are some things you should consider getting: Resources: AAA Emergency Roadside Kit Compact Tire Gauge Roll of Blue Shop Towels AAA Roadside Assistance

Many bands don’t think of set design unless they’re touring large venues on a regular basis. Even then, some only go as far as putting a large backdrop or banner. However, touring acts have the ability to kick things up a notch by applying some creativity, lessons from theatre, and special effects from magic shows to really enhance the performance. Good stage design can help transform mundane rock clubs into unique experiences that help the band stand out. Many of these things don’t even require a large budget to start out with - just some forethought and a little talent. These are some of the things that you can enhance your stage with: Custom lighting Projections (or LED wall) Art pieces/sculptures/banners Pyrotechnics Confetti and streamers Fog/smoke Bubbles/stage snow Wind/air movement Phosphorescent paint or materials Fabric Custom instruments Strobe lights Balloons Height (ramps, risers, etc.) Other theater effects Resources: TheatreFX (great place for fog machines, confetti canons, and breakaway glas