Jumpstart Your Music Career!!!





Using Live Performances

Live performances are one of the most effective marketing tools that a musician has. You can make new fans or start a word of mouth campaign by doing a fabulous show. In order to get the most out of your live performances, you should plan your marketing strategy ahead of time. At each live performance make yourself accessible to the fans. Greet every person that you can. Nothing converts attendees to fans faster than personal attention. It gives them a stake in the band's popularity.

Another method of promotion at live performances is to make sure that the club owner or manager invites you back. Remember he/she is interested in the bottom line - how many people pay for entrance and more importantly how many drinks they sell. Get the word out and rally the troops. Get as many friends, family and fans to a gig as you can. Crowd numbers are important.

Always have people in the crowd selling your latest CD, tape or other band products such as T-shirts. People often buy things on the spur of the moment. Make sure your salespeople are roaming the crowd, talking to people and showing off your merchandise.

Other ideas for live performance promotion include:

Posting banners on or near the stage with the band name and Internet address. Having plenty of business cards on hand. Keeping a few media kits close by in case some reporter visits the show. Getting fans and family to wear band merchandise and stand in prominent view of the crowd.

Getting Your Music to the Masses

The Internet can play a major role in your promotion plans. One of the easiest ways to get your music to the masses is to permit one or two of your songs to be downloaded as an MP3 file. But just a listing on the big MP3 sites won't do you any good if the listener can't purchase it online so include links to where to purchase it online. Take time when creating your MP3 listing. Make sure you are listed in the right category of music by listening to other artists listed there. Often you are asked for a short history of the band or the song that listeners can download. Spend a little time writing these summaries to entice potential listeners.

Once listed on an MP3 site, let your fans know. Send out an email to folks on your mailing list with a link to the site. Add a link on your band's web site. Also don't forget to ask your friends and fans to write reviews if the MP3 site permits.

Always be Ready to Sell

I can't stress this piece of advice enough. Always have copies of your CDs, tapes and other merchandise close at hand. Never go out without business cards. You never know when you will strike up a conversation with someone who wants to buy your music or visit your web site. Don't make them have to work for it. Have the merchandise on hand or a card for them to visit your web site.

This brings up another tip. Don't be afraid to talk about yourself or your music. Talk to everyone and tell them your a musician. You don't have to give them the "hard sell" but let them know what your do.

Get Educated about the Music Business

If you want to be a professional musician, you need to take the time to focus on the business aspects of your career. If you do not have an attorney or business manager, this may include a lot of legal aspects that you had not considered. For your music you'll have to become knowledgeable about copyrights, licensing and royalties. For taxes as well as to avoid future problems for band members, you'll have to figure out if you want to incorporate or not. If you do incorporate you need to understand what form of corporation to become (partnership, sole proprietorship, etc.). Other business aspects include understanding and negotiating contracts. You'll have a lot to learn about this side of the business. An excellent book you might review is The Musician's Business and Legal Guide, compiled and edited by Mark Halloran, Esq.

Every Day Do Something for Your Career

Musicians often scoff and say, "I practice every day." But there is so much more that could be done. Listen to other musicians on the Web or go to local shows. Know which music magazines (local and national) promote your type of music and contact them about advertising and reviews. Research writers, editors and reviewers to find those that will listen to your music and write about it. Check out how other bands promote themselves and what kind of merchandise they have. You might find some creative ideas that you can use. Network with other musicians. And I hate to add this one, but read everything you can on the business. Sign up for newsletters from other musicians, magazines and e-zines. Study music promotion and make it your business. This is not something you learn over night but if it's your career, you must constantly be growing, changing and adapting to the new music industry.


Deb's Top 5 Songs Of The Day:

Billy Joel, I Love You Just The Way You Are
Partridge Family, Cherish
Elton John, Can You Feel The Love Tonight
Joe Cocker, Unchain My Heart
The Beetles, Baby I'm Amazed

Local Artist Of The Day:

Kronis