Music Business Hacks

In this episode, we talk about strategies for helping launch a new effort: whether it is a cd release, a new music video, or kicking off a tour, you'll want to have a specific plan in mind for creating the momentum that your music project deserves.

In today's episode, we talk about how you can tour with less stuff on the road. Really, you have three options: downsizing your gear, working with a strategic partnership, or borrowing it. What makes the most sense for you? Resources: Here are some of my favorite things that are portable and sound great. Guitar amp: ZT Amplifiers (especially the lunchbox), Fender Mustang III (1x12 is fine) Bass amps: Markbass CMD121P or Ninja 102 250, Fender Rumble 250. I also love the Sansamp. Drums: Pearl Compact Traveler busking kit Episode #3: How to Get a Sponsorship pt. 1 - Creating Partnerships Episode #22: How to Get a Sponsorship pt. 2 - Making the Approach Fender Rumble 250

Today's episode is a highlight reel of some of the most important topics covered over the past 16 episodes (at least in my opinion and based on listenership). If you've missed some, now is a good time to get a review for a mini-music business cram school. By the way, be sure to check out We Are the Northern Light's new single out today! Here's the link on Spotify Resources: Episode #225 - Interview: We Are the Northern Lights Episode #226 - How to Feel More Fulfillment as an Artist Episode #227 - How to Provide a Legitimate Excuse and Balance Responsibilities Episode #228 - How Tim Ferris and Malcolm Gladwell Conquer Fears Episode #229 - How to Create a Facebook In-Stream Video Ad - Episode #230 - 5 Things That Prevent Musicians From Growing Episode #231 - Unique Songwriting Advice from Tom Waits Episode #232 - How Successful Artists Spend Their Free Time Episode #233 - The 2 Reasons Why Artists Aren’t Seeing Results on Social Media Episode #234 - How to Make the Most Out of Small Shows Episode #235 - There's

Today's episode is for the introverts out there: you're not alone (even if you want to be). Touring can be extra tough for us so be sure to pay attention and work on some new habits before you hit the road! Resources: My favorite earplugs for sleeping: Mack's Ultrasoft -32db ear plugs My favorite eye mask: Bedtime Bliss Meditation app: Headspace Book: Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Today's episode contains some of my remarks from the National Conference on Free Speech at Duquesne University, shared earlier in the day (October 21st). I believe the First Amendment is something that is important for all creators, especially to push for social change. I hope you enjoy this talk and my story.

Today's episode was inspired by Jet Li: it is a reminder to review who owns what. When it comes to things like your music, your name, and even your images, it's important to know (and not just assume) who owns what, especially if you have licensing/distribution deals, work in a band or partnership, and are actively touring. Resources: Why Jet Li Turned Down the Matrix (article) Episode #111: How to Get a Registered Trademark Episode #46: Protecting Your Music Through Copyright Registration Episode #24: Every Musician Needs an Intraband Agreement Need an attorney to help you through this all? Try Ron Coleman, he's the best.

FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out, is a powerful human emotion that gets people to act. Have you ever thought about the principles behind it and how you can use it to sell more tickets, get more fans to sign up on your mailing list, or to help with your crowdfunding campaign? Today, talk about 6 ways you can use FOMO in your music business. Resources: Free book: Music Business Hacks Episode #51: The Science of Persuasion

In today's episode, I talk about my favorite and most influential non-music business books that have radically changed my own outlook and approach to music business. Resources: Music Business Hacks (free download!) Books mentioned: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell The War of Art by Steven Pressfield All Marketers Are Liars by Seth Godin The Four Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferris You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Today, we talk about how image impacts music, especially the unconscious signals that we provide to others. Image is more than just the clothes you wear: it also is your venue, your lighting, what the merch tables looks like, and how you physically perform your music. As you think about what image is, consider how you can control the signals you send. Resources: Free Book: Music Business Hacks Akimbo podcast: Honest Signals Huffington Post article: Musicians’ Appearances Matter More Than Their Sound, Study Suggests

In today's episode, I go a bit deeper into the idea of finding unconventional ways into the opportunities we're seeking. Whether it is SXSW, Sundance, or a particular college where you'd like to perform, we should approach opportunities with creativity and enthusiasm. Resources: Episode 30: Hacks for Booking Colleges Episode 165: How to Book Conventions and Trade Shows

This past weekend, I caught an unexpected show while eating dinner at a restaurant. It definitely wasn't the environment for a performer but many of us have been there before. In today's episode, we talk about how to make the most out of those situations and turn them around.

This week, we learned of how Taylor Swift was able to get record-breaking numbers of people to register to vote with a single Instagram post. This inspired me to do an episode of the things holding artists back from seeing the kinds of results they'd like, the return on investment we hope for, on social media. Resources: Episode 97 – Storytelling pt. 1: Creating an Emotional Arc Episode 98 – Storytelling pt. 2: Writing Great Lyrics (with advice from Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Lin-Manual Miranda, and Leonard Cohen) Episode 99 – Storytelling pt. 3: How to Write a Better Biography Episode 100 – Storytelling pt. 4: Making a Better Live Show with Story Episode 101 – Storytelling pt. 5: How to Use Storytelling Techniques in Social Media and Marketing Episode 102 – Interview with Joe X. Jiang on How Filmmakers Use Story (and What Musicians Can Learn From Them) Extra Gum commercial: [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLpDiIVX0Wo[/embed]

In today's episode, we discuss the habits of successful artists who have built a sustainable career and how they parallel with the best practices of entrepreneurs. How do you spend your free time?

Tom Waits is one of the most celebrated and prolific songwriters of our time. He's known for innovative songs as well as unconventional songwriting practices. Today, we discuss some of his songwriting advice to other artists. Resources: Episode 53: Songwriting Secrets from Max Martin Episode 98: Storytelling part 2: Lyrics Episode 139: Rules for Songwriting Sessions

Today, we talk about the 5 most common reasons why artists feel stagnant in their music careers and what they can do to overcome the things that are holding them back from enjoying the success they work so hard for.

In which we discuss how you can create your own video ad that appears mid-stream in others' content. Remember the four most important concepts: audience, content that creates emotional responses, placement, and monitoring/editing.

In today's episode, I share advice about performance from two influential thinkers: Malcolm Gladwell and Tim Ferris. Each has their own approach for dealing with nervousness and anxiety but both are related to the classic philosophy of stoicism. You can take these concepts from the studio to the stage and enhance your overall performance while reducing nerves. Resources: Malcolm Gladwell on Ariana Huffington's Thrive podcast Tim Ferris TED talk

Today's episode answers a question submitted by a listener on how artists can provide excuses in order to get away from other obligations: work, school, etc. In addition to answering the question, we focus on the bigger question of balancing relationships and responsibilities.

In this episode, we talk about joy: how to stay feeling fulfilled so that we have the motivation and satisfaction in doing our work in the music industry. It's easy to fall into ruts, to lose focus, or feel disappointment when things don't go our way - so let's create a healthier approach in preparing for those moments so we don't falter.

Today's interview is with We Are The Northern Lights. “They say lightning never strikes the same place twice…” unless, of course, you are We Are The Northern Lights, the self-proclaimed “accidental passion project” of indie popfolk duo Hadar Orshalimy and Sheldon Low. With tight harmonies, melodic hooks and personal lyrics that draw comparisons to The Lumineers and The Civil Wars, as well as two of their four placements in film and television less than a year after WATNL’s creation, it’s hard to imagine anything about the project being “accidental.” Check out We Are The Northern Lights: Website: http://www.wearethenorthernlights.com On Facebook On Instagram On YouTube Resources: Book: No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour by Shannon Curtis Book: Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit Book: How to Make it in the Music Business by Ari Hearstand Book: What Happened by Hillary Clinton Book: The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris Book: Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Ro