Music Business Hacks

It's our final episode! Today, I reflect on the lessons learned from our journey of one year of music business hacks together. Follow me on tour: www.theslants.com Stay in touch: @SimonTheTam

In today's episode, we talk about how you can learn best practices from other artists in a way that fits your own music business strategy. Do you have guidelines? SMARTER goals? These can provide guidelines for you when considering options that are sustainable and relevant for you. Recent Interviews: Episode #356 - Diving Into the World of K-pop with ESAE Episode #357 - How to be an Unstarving Musician with Robonzo Episode #360 - Using Memes and Humor with Blank Face Villain Episode #361 - Crushin it with Camp Crush: Hustlin' Kids and Instagram Hacks Episode #362 - Touring for One Year Straight in an RV with Elissa Sun

Today's interview is with Ellisa Sun. “Ellisa Sun is a force of nature.” (KFOG) She cuts out her heart and leaves it on the stage—which is why she never wears white. Currently on her first national tour, Ellisa is showing she has what it takes to make it on her own. Just a guitar, a 30-foot RV, and an insatiable desire to perform. Raised in Los Angeles, Ellisa migrated north and found a home in San Francisco’s creative scene, where she wrangled a seven-piece band to play her music. Her sound is honest and textured, combining elements of jazz, soul, and pop. Ellisa self-produced her debut album Moon & Sun in 2017 to critical acclaim. SF Weekly called the first single, Unravel “as near to perfect as any song could be” and “damn gorgeous.” Ellisa self-released her 2nd album—the Just a Little More EP—in September 2018. With support from her talented bandmates, the 5-track EP boasts a one-of-a-kind, edgy sound that “takes listeners on a trip across all spectrums of love” (WomenCrushMusic) and is “too much of a

Today's interview is with Camp Crush. Seeing Camp Crush live is like watching two people fall in love in front of you. And it’s true - the band was born when now-married Jen Deale and Chris Spicer discovered they were at the same summer camp together as children, and years later found each other in Portland, OR. With a late 80s mood-pop influence and driving indie rock rhythms, the duo has discovered new territory; a nuanced middle ground between Madonna and Brandon Flowers, Debbie Harry and Win Butler, “blending old school and indie rock into something wonderful” according to Pop Dust. Camp Crush has been busy, releasing two EPs in the last year, with a third arriving fall 2019. Soaring vocals combined with blistering synths, epic balladry, punching drums, and substantive lyrics all makes for a musical experience that is unforgettable. For more, visit www.campcrushmusic.com Watch: November Skin (Official Music Video) by Camp Crush Resources: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth (B

This is Blank Face Villain's self-written bio: "Ay fam, it's cha main man Blank Face Villain AKA BFV AKA yung jimmy AKA 2Uncrustables. I play too many instruments. I've torrented a bunch of programs. I take pictures. I'm just here to make sure those around me have a good time. Invite me to your wedding(s)." When you hear today's conversation and his approach to music business, you'll understand what this all means... Check out Blank Face Villain: Website: https://www.blankfacevillain.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4NAtTLJWLOWLRIj3gXXlEq Resources: Music Business Hacks (BOOK) The Last Question by Isaac Asimov (BOOK) The Needle Drop podcast MUSIC VIDEO:

Today's audio is from my session at the DIY Musician Con. We all understand that social media is an essential part of an artist’s career but there are very few resources on how to do it well. In this practical and inspirational session, you’ll learn how to build an audience online, make new fans, and create new excitement for your music in a way that defies trends. If you're interested in receiving a copy of the slides from this session, please hit that contact button. Thank you!

Today's episode is from my presentation at the 2019 DIY Musician Conference. The world’s most successful artists, brands, and companies have one thing in common: They understand their true fans. If you want to build a sustainable, thriving music career, you've got to understand how to work with target audiences. This session is a master class in marketing, funding, and developing your art so that it reaches your most enthusiastic fans. Mixing inspiration, information, and practical application, this session offers practical steps for you to dominate a niche market.

About Robonzo: Roberto R. Hernandez (aka Robonzo) is a part-time professional drummer and vocalist, who performs with multiple bands throughout the course of any given year. While he’s most at home performing on a drum kit, Robonzo also regularly gigs with a Cajon, Djembe and other accoutrements of percussion. He’s worked with original artists and cover bands in and around San Jose, California since 2001. Although he’s a predominately self-taught drummer, Robonzo has in recent years become a student of the acclaimed online educator Mike Johnston at MikesLessons.com. Robonzo played his first gig at a college bar in Arlington, Texas. Within months of that first gig, he was performing throughout the greater Dallas-Fort Worth and the neighboring states of Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Thanks to two older siblings, Robonzo’s earliest music influences included The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Cream. In addition to his love of the 60s, Robonzo has always maintained a healthy interest in new musi

ESAE is a self-taught producer, singer, and artist based in Los Angeles and Orange County. ESAE (pronounced ee-say) is derived from the first two syllables of her Korean name, and means second generation, which is an integral part of her identity. As a second generation Korean-American, she grew up experiencing first-hand the pressures and expectations that millions of immigrants and Asian-Americans in particular face, while secretly nurturing a genuine love of music and an unique artistry born from that conflict. Resources: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/573hBKu7MUNNUbp0OKhuRr Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/esaemusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esaemusic/ Recommended Book:  The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry WATCH: Groove (Official Music video by ESAE):

Yesterday, we focused entirely on how to be a better interviewee. Today, I want you to think about what it's like to be on the other side of the questions.

Today, I'm focusing on a key skill that very discuss yet is essential for any thriving musician: how to handle interviews. There's a couple of key concepts but the most important one to remember is prepare, prepare, prepare! Resources:  MAONO USB Condenser Microphone Kit ($55) Fifine USB Condenser Microphone ($28)

This week, we dived into several key concepts about time and your music business. Today, I'd like to encourage you to invest in yourself. Here the episodes we discussed: Episode #347 - Knowing the Right Season Episode #348 - How to Improve Your Timing Episode #349 - Real Time Marketing Episode #350 - Time and Goals Episode #351 - When You Should Refresh Your Brand/Sound Episode #352 - Interview: How "Bedroom Producer" String Player Gamer Creates Viral Content

Diwa de Leon, AKA The String Player Gamer, is a professional film and tv composer, and live musician that specializes on string instruments such as the violin, guitar and the hegalong, a two-string guitar from the Philippines. Through his viral content, he's earned over 140,000 subscribers on YouTube and has topped 30 million streams on Spotify. Learn More: STRING PLAYER GAMER: Spotify Official Website  Facebook Twitter  VIDEO GAME MUSIC BOX: Spotify Official Website Facebook Diwa's Preferred Gear: Sony 4K Handycam Camcorder (FDRAX33) Logic Pro X (DAW software) Focusrite Studio Bundle (Interface, microphone, headphones, monitor) Limostudio Green Screen and Light Kit Western Digital 10TB External Hard Drive  BOOKS: Lord of the Rings (complete set) Harry Potter (complete set) The Complete Chronicles of Narnia

Artists update their look, change their name, and evolve their sound all the time - should you? Today, I'll cover when and why companies update their brand and what you can learn from that process yourself.

I've often mentioned how your goals should be SMARTER, but in addition to having goals that are time-bound, you should also create time specifically for them. Let these deadlines help inspire more creativity so that you can get more done than ever!

Today, we're going to talk about Real Time Marketing (RTM) and how you can take lessons from this practice to help strengthen your own ability to produce viral content. Grab your Oreos and listen up! Resources: AdWeek article: 8 Types of Real-Time Marketing, and the Brands That Got It Right

When it comes to performing music, rhythm and timing are essential. In that sense, they are always important abilities for the business side of things as well. In today's episode, I discuss how to improve your intuition so you you can better know how and when to deliver on certain tasks. Resources: Episode #43: Why Every Musician Should Have a Post-Show Game Plan Episode #347: Knowing the Right Season Take Lessons article on improving your timing

You've probably noticed that most major artists release albums and singles around the same seasons. Most music festivals happen around the same time. And most bands choose to tour during the same weeks of the year as well. That's because they're operating around specific seasons. Today, I want to focus on the right seasons for you: for booking, for seeking new sponsorships, and for more opportunities. This episode will help you plan your own seasons for the next few years.

What does it mean to be D.I.Y? In today's recap, I wanted to go over some of the ideas we discussed in light of being an independent musician. Who do you rely on? Who do you work with? How do you make decisions? If you are going to the DIY Musician Conference, use code DIY2019SC for $30 off tickets at: https://diymusiciancon.com/ Episodes Covered: Episode #340 - Who to Tour With Episode #341 - Fitness for Musicians Episode #342 - Making Your Own Merchandise Episode #343 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Episode #344 - Weighing Opportunities Episode #345 - INTERVIEW: GLASYS on Trending on Reddit, Getting Endorsements, and T-Pain

Today, we're speaking with GLASYS. GLASYS (Gil Assayas) is a pianist, synthesist, producer and vocalist who delivers intricate virtuosic keyboard parts, electronic soundscapes and impassioned vocals in one package that combines his many influences including Electronic music, Alternative Rock, Jazz and Classical music. Since relocating to the US three years ago, GLASYS has been endorsed by major gear manufacturers such as Nord Keyboards, 64 Audio, Sequential and Spectrasonics, has developed a large social media presence with over two million total video views, has been featured on the GRAMMY's website, and has had his song 'The Pressure' played at a Portland Trailblazers NBA game. Recently, he was discovered by Hip-Hop giant T-Pain on reddit and the two are now collaborating. GLASYS is also currently touring and collaborating with legendary musician and producer Todd Rundgren. Watch these Videos: Resources: Find GLASYS here: Website | Facebook | Youtube | Instagram  Also check out the Grid Kids podcast and Ad