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1. LIVE PERFORMANCES MUST DO'S

There’s more to a live performance than getting in front of a group of people and singing or playing an instrument.  Sure, you might sound great but make sure to market yourself before and while you’re there at the show. If you get a gig at a club make sure to pack the place with friends, family or folks from the day job. The key is numbers. If you can make a club money you can beat you’ll be asked back again - of course, that’s pending that no fights break out or things get stolen which is linked back to you but that goes without saying. The point is if you can drive the audience numbers up, the club makes more money. The more money the club makes the more likely they’ll want you around again.

While you’ve got all those friends and family there make sure to turn them into walking billboards. Put them in your t-shirts and make sure they circulate the room. People are far more likely to remember your name if they see it on someone they’re talking to so if you’ve got any ‘social butterflies’ in your fold make sure they circulate the crowd to recruit new fans without being too obnoxious. When you’re performing make sure to put up posters and make your business cards and flyers with your web info easily available. Those that can’t buy your merchandise that night (CDs, T-Shirts, Posters, etc.) might head out after the show so those promotional cards are important.

And since reporters also enjoy a night out once in awhile keep a few of your press kits handy. If your buddy John comes to you and says that guy at the bar writes for the Herald, you need something in hand you can give him that tells who you are. Being prepared and taking yourself seriously as a musician will impress them. Remember they’re ‘off duty’ but establishing a face-to-face relationship could be a foot in the door to getting more press so always be ready.

   

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2. INDEPENDENT MUSIC CONFERENCE

Taken from gopmc.com: Now in its second year, the IMC2004 is a revolutionary new kind of Music Conference held in Philadelphia, PA September 2nd - 6th, 2004. Presented by IndieGate.com online independent music store, the IMC2004 will focus on empowering musicians to achieve indie success. This event is NOT about "how to get signed" or "discovered." If you are smart enough to know that the chances are slim to none that someone in a stretch limo will pull up to your curb and hand you superstardom on a silver platter, then this is the conference you want to attend. It is an educational and internetworking event coordinated by InterMixx, the membership based organization that has been helping indies for almost 20 years. However, the IMC is ultimately planned and built by you - the indie musician who wants to succeed on your own terms. Discounted registration for the event is currently available. If you would like to attend the conference, you will need to register for the event. The current $75 per person fee will get you registered for all the conference activities. For further details visit to http://www.gopmc.com/

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3. GIVEAWAYS OUTSIDE THE BOX

Too often bands blunk down hundreds, perhaps even thousands, in print advertising, plastic pens or those cutesy little stress balls with zero results. Meanwhile, the greatest promotional item you own, your CD, is sitting in boxes, gathering dust and waiting for sales.

If you tour, give your CD’s to local libraries and large businesses a month or two before your show. For example, La-Z-Boy Inc has their world headquarters in Michigan. They have approximately 500 plus employees. Check to see if they would be interested in a ‘give away’ to their employees. Most companies usually are because the employees like getting free stuff and it makes the company look good without spending a dime. So again, if you’re playing in the Detroit area there’re at least 500 prospective people (and their friends/family) who might go to your show. Keep in mind, the money you spent giving away your CD could be spent on local newspaper ads. But here’s the choice: giving potential fans something for free or paying for ads which end up buried in the back of the arts section? Which do you think will have a greater impact?

Hotels are also a great way to get word spread about your band – a free disc with a nights stay deal is cheap promotion for you and something free a hotel can give it’s visitors. Concentrate on areas and seasonal festivals in cities like Nashville or Cleveland. Yes, Cleveland. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is there and they get tons of tourists each summer you could expose your music to. So research, do any of these hotels offer ‘Hall of Fame’ packages? If so contact them about a giveaway.

The exposure by giving away – yep, you heard that right, giving away – your music is far greater than any pen with your logo slapped on it which only gets lost. You stand to make more money and have more of a following in the long run. If you do decide to send out the CD’s make sure to include information on our website if it’s not on the jacket and always put in your tour dates and locations so people can stop out to see you live. A small piece of heavier grade paper in business card size is all you need.

So don’t hold onto your CD’s like they’re gold. And if you haven’t placed your order yet for your CD’s be sure to order extra copies for just such a promotion. Leave the stress balls to the insurance companies and law firms. Instead, spend your money wiser and let your music be heard.

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4. GOT REJECTED? HERE'S WHY

Bands are a dime a dozen but good record labels are not. If you’ve recently gotten a reject consider the following:

1)  Presentation – Did your package look like a sixth grader put it together? Does your cover letter have tons of errors? Is your contact information easily accessible and on both your kit AND your CDR demo? Did you make sure to take of the shrink-wrap on your CD? Record Ex’s don’t have much time so don’t waste any of theirs if you can help it.

2)  Originality – Be objective with this one. Do you sound like the latest Rap, Country or Pop artist you can hear on any Clear Channel Station? Tip: The world has one Britney Spears. That’s plenty.

3)  Live Performance – Do you play live? If not, learn…and fast. The label will want a tour and if you tell them you don’t play live do not pass go; do not collect $200 (or a record contract).

4)  Videos – Record Ex don’t want to know how pretty or handsome you are. Your press kit can show them that. And don’t think by sending something different like a DVD you’re showing that you can be high tech. They want the music not the flash. Flash can come later.

5)  Wrong Label – You play grunge but you sent it to ABC Records and all they produce is country. Oops! Do your homework and KNOW the company you’re sending to.

6)  You Stink – Again, objectivity here. Does your lead singer sound like a yak in labor? Does your bassist screw up every other line in the songs? Does drummer have the rhythm of someone with two left arms? Harsh, but it might be true so take a good look. That doesn’t mean you should just pack it all in just yet. What that means is find out where you sound terrible and practice, practice, practice.

Once you’ve made changes go back to programs like Industry Yellow Pages (http://www.musiccontracts101.com/docs/products/005/index.html) and start over with a clean slate to find labels that cater to your musical style.

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