| As a musician, bands have it easier than a solo artist | | | | also available in my book). |
| in terms of cost to make a CD. Other than that, | | | | It's the same with contacts. You have to put |
| there are little or no differences. For bands/artists | | | | yourself out there and network. You need to spend |
| who wish to start the process of making, distributing, | | | | a lot of very early mornings and very late nights |
| and getting radio airplay by themselves, believe it or | | | | initially surfing the internet for information on how to |
| not, you are starting your own record label. Even if | | | | find and meet the people you need to help you on |
| your goal is to land a major recording contract, you | | | | your path. You will also need to attend various |
| will still need to gather more attention for your music | | | | functions and music gatherings where the music |
| by cutting, distributing and promoting your own music. | | | | makers meet. Remember - it's a see and be seen |
| You'll have a much better chance at getting a great | | | | world. Join your local version of the BAMM or WAMI |
| record deal with a major label if you are successful | | | | association. These are local clubs where musicians |
| on your own first. You may even find out that initially | | | | meet on a regular basis. Many important local |
| you can even be more financially successful on your | | | | musicians will be members and might be there to |
| own than if you had a record deal. | | | | network with. Most every major city will have some |
| In my book, The Indie Guide to Music, Marketing and | | | | sort of club like this. |
| Money, I discuss how MC Hammer started out by | | | | The next step is marketing. Collect all of the |
| himself. He knew the bottom line and how much he | | | | write-ups on yourself and your band and put them |
| made working his record in dance clubs. When a | | | | into a folder. Then based on those, you'll need to |
| record company approached and wanted to sign him, | | | | write a one-sheet up and pass it out to the people |
| he initially said no. Face it, if we were offered a deal | | | | you meet at the parties. (A one-sheet is a one page |
| like that or any deal, most of us would be rendered | | | | marketing tool that emphasis the important aspects |
| speechless and simply nod our heads to say "yes." | | | | of your band/act.) If writing is not your gig, find |
| After all, that's the musician's dream, right? Why did | | | | someone who writes professional one-sheets or bios |
| he say no? Because he knew and understood his | | | | on a regular basis. |
| business model. MC knew how much he made on his | | | | Once you have those marketing tools in hand, start |
| own, and he knew he could make a lot more money | | | | making appointments to audition for local clubs. Take |
| on his own than they initially offered. Eventually the | | | | every gig that is offered to you initially, whether you |
| record label had to meet him on his terms. They | | | | are paid for it or not, and make sure to get the |
| offered him a much better deal in the end. | | | | most press out of that gig. If you do get paying gigs |
| So, how do you do what MC Hammer did? Marketing, | | | | when you first start out, great! Make sure you have |
| Marketing, Marketing - and it's not all dependent on | | | | a contract in your hands that is signed by the person |
| having your own label or producing your own music. | | | | who will be paying you. In case there is a dispute, |
| In my book, "The Ultimate Guide to Music Success" | | | | and they do arise, you have a contract spelling out |
| there's a chapter of do's and don'ts for those of you | | | | whether or not you were going to be paid and how |
| who aren't interested in creating your own record | | | | much. Although it would be nice if everyone could |
| label and promoting a CD yourself. It will show you | | | | work on faith and trust, make sure you get your |
| the correct ways to send a demo and get heard by | | | | contracts written, signed and in place. |
| the A&R staff of major-labels. It also includes a truck | | | | Before you sign any contracts, make sure you get a |
| load of fresh contacts, email addresses, phone | | | | reputable entertainment attorney to look it over. |
| numbers and web sites to help you on this journey. | | | | NEVER sign a contract before you have followed |
| If you are one of the lucky few and have a lot of | | | | that step. You could lose the shirt off your back and |
| contacts and a lot of extra money, your path will be | | | | much more! |
| much easier, but still not guaranteed. If you are like | | | | What's next? Work it baby! Work it! This is not the |
| the rest of us, you have a limited budget, fewer | | | | time to be shy and bashful about your career. You |
| contacts, and even less time to spare. What do you | | | | have to grab onto every single opportunity and use it |
| do? | | | | to your advantage. Unabashed marketing is what you |
| First you need to spend some money no matter | | | | need to do...so go for it! Just do it! No is just a word |
| how limited your funds are. There's no way around | | | | in the dictionary. It may hurt for a minute, but it's the |
| that. You must also spend some time to start your | | | | people that can take the "no" 50 thousand times that |
| business up and make your CD (a budget guide is | | | | will get the prize in the end. |
