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1. SAY CHEESE – BAND PHOTOS

Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, Kiss – Bet you just got the mental image if you read the header of this story first, didn’t you? Their logo’s are recognizable all over the world and cross musical genres. Why? Easy…they look cool. But other than that they do other things you might not have realized automatically.

Each of these logos ‘fit’ the band. KISS with their sharp angles and theatrical appearance and those lips and huge tongue of the Rolling Stones…well…look at their front man and it goes without saying. A fancy font isn’t the only thing a band should consider. It’s also about what the logo says about your group. It’s about image so you need a logo that conveys what you want people to know about you. A metal band won’t use a Wedding Script font in their name but it’s a perfect fit for perhaps a smooth jazz and R and B vocalist. If you can’t decide what really fits you ask some fans or narrow things down and host a poll on your website. One, it gets the fans involved and two, sometimes an outside observer is just what you need.

Consider too how the logo will look when it’s printed. By printed I mean everywhere – T-Shirts, posters, Press Kits. If you’re band is a success and you’re still around like the rolling stones 40 years later it better be a logo you can live with.

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2. OFFICE MUST HAVES

Yeah it’s boring but every band needs an office, somewhere, someplace, even if it’s in a tiny corner of your guitarists one room apartment. There are a few ‘must haves’ that need to be the part of any successful business and your business is no different.

Do you have?

• Local and federal taypayer ID number. Are you a sole proprietor or a partnership? Maybe you’re incorporated. Perhaps you don’t know WHAT you are. First step is to find out what type of business you want to be and then filing the proper paperwork. Don’t wait until the last minute to do these things. Your local courthouse is usually pretty friendly and can help explain the forms, and the terms, to you.
• A computer and printer. You don’t need the latest state of the art 10 million meg memory computer to be successful but you do need something in this day and age to communicate with and print out letters to prospects.
• An Internet Connection. Remember, you need a way to upload all those mp3 samples you have on your web page and email to answer fan mail.
• Proper Software. Must haves – Web Design software (if you don’t hire out), email program, word processing programs and if you can swing it, a graphics design program. There are tons of manufacturers out there so check the box and read up about what each one can do before you buy.
• A permanent business address. Some bands live out of their vans but you still need a ‘home’ base where important documents can get to you without trouble.
• Fax machine or fax software on your computer printer. A club owner you’re talking to says, “Sure we’d be interested! Fax me your press kit!” Problem is you don’t have a fax. Do you run to the area office supply store and hope that it gets through or do you make sure by doing it yourself and seeing that he instantly gets it?
• A telephone/cell phone that takes messages. You’re playing a gig or rehearsing and you get the big call from a record label. All they get is an endless ring. Think he’ll call back? Maybe but why take that chance. Make sure anyone interested in you can leave a message

All businesses have these things and if you’re going to be taken seriously you should be no different.

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3. TAX TIPS? IT’S NOT APRIL YET!

It might not be April but everything you do NOW has an affect on your return NEXT year. You can make tax time easier with this simple suggestion.

Do you keep your receipts in an envelope (and on your dresser and by your computer and in your glovebox and…)? Chances are the first of the year you spend most of your time groaning because you need to sort it all out. Maybe you know what a mess it is so you put it off until the last minute.

Save yourself a little trouble and instead of keeping one envelope stuffed full of tax info have 12 envelopes on hand. On each envelope put the month on it in big bold letters so it’s separated. It’s a serious time (and frustration) saver. If you want to be REALLY organized make 24 envelops – one for earnings and one for expenses. When tax time comes it won’t be as painful to sit down and figure out everything if you lack the time to put it all in a database in your computer during the year.

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4. I DO DECLARE!! TAX TIPS - PART DEUX

Keeping with getting a jump on the tax season don’t forget to deduct the following this year from your expenses…

• Instruments Equipment/Gear (even your computer can be counted it you use it to write or record music)
• Any Supplies (drum sticks, guitar strings, paper, envelopes, printer ink, etc.)
• Website, Internet connection and e-mail related fees (if you have a music website)
• Travel expenses (buses, rentals, mileage you’ve recorded, auto repair, hotels, meals, etc.)
• Performance clothes and dry cleaning fees
• Practice space, gear storage, and P.O. box rental fees and other postage fees.
• Music organizations and associations fees
• Music business books, directories, trade magazine subscriptions and informational CD’s.
• Advertising costs, including but not limited to demo duplication, press releases, press kits, band photos, flyers, announcements.
• Legal fees for attorneys, managers, agents, accountants and copyright registration fees
• Music lessons, sheet music, CDs (particularly if you are playing covers)

The tip is to save EVERYTHING you spend (and make) in relation to your music business. If the IRS does question your return you have everything to back it up. For mileage keep a small notebook that notes when you traveled and the distance to and from your ‘home office’. The best way to avoid IRS hassles is to A) look like a legitimate business so they can’t claim you’re just writing off a hobby and B) being honest. Some people try to declare everything under the sun and might not have the receipts to back it up. So make sure to take the deductions you have coming to you but never ‘pad’ them because you might cause suspicion.

Also first time businesses - keep this in mind over the next six months. If you started your business this year in order to declare any expenses you have to have earned money to get your deductions. What that means if you bought all your equipment, rental space, etc in 2005 make sure you get at least ONE paying gig in 2005. Otherwise all those deductions won’t be considered. Yes, it’s not April but consider these tax tips BEFORE the end of the year.

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