Music Marketing Archive

  • No man—or band—is an island.  The success of anymusician is the cumulative effort of many people.  As you set out tobecome a legend, there are ten people you want to surround yourself andyour band with.   Whether you hire these folks, or simply find them andbuild a mentoring relationship with them—they have the expertise youneed to get where you want to be:  on top.

    10 People to Surround Your Band With

    No man—or band—is an island. The success of anymusician is the cumulative effort of many people. As you set out tobecome a legend, there are ten people you want to surround yourself andyour band with. Whether you hire these folks, or simply find them andbuild a mentoring relationship with them—they have the expertise youneed to get where you want to be: on top.

    Continue Reading...

  • If you want to get a record deal, get people to your shows, or sell music like crazy, the answer isn't some kind of

    10 Mistakes Bands and Musicians Make

    If you want to get a record deal, get people to your shows, or sell music like crazy, the answer isn't some kind of "magic pill" website that you post your music on, blindly sending out a bunch of demos, or anything to do with having good music...although good music certainly helps -- the answer is to develop a "mindset" that naturally attracts people to what you're doing as well as an understanding of how the music business game is played.

    Continue Reading...

  • David Hooper Quitting your band is one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever make. You’ve devoted time, money, and your heart and soul in to this group. Every band sees...

    10 Signs It’s Time to Quit Your Band

    David Hooper Quitting your band is one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever make. You’ve devoted time, money, and your heart and soul in to this group. Every band sees...

    Continue Reading...

  • For an up-and-coming band every gig is a vital step toward your success: your shows are where you get the chance to prove yourself; they are your opportunity to do what you do best.  A good gig can also have a ripple effect, securing you a loyal fan base and ensuring good crowds at future shows.  So when you land a gig, the key is to make it count.  Hours of practice and rehearsal won’t matter unless you have a decent crowd that can go back and tell their friends how great you are.  Your mission is not only to kick ass on stage—but to convince other people to come and see you.  Sure, it would be nice to be able to just focus on your music and let someone else handle the promotions, but few unsigned bands have those kinds of resources.  It’s up to you to get people in the door.

    10 Ways to Create a Better Draw

    For an up-and-coming band every gig is a vital step toward your success: your shows are where you get the chance to prove yourself; they are your opportunity to do what you do best. A good gig can also have a ripple effect, securing you a loyal fan base and ensuring good crowds at future shows. So when you land a gig, the key is to make it count. Hours of practice and rehearsal won’t matter unless you have a decent crowd that can go back and tell their friends how great you are. Your mission is not only to kick ass on stage—but to convince other people to come and see you. Sure, it would be nice to be able to just focus on your music and let someone else handle the promotions, but few unsigned bands have those kinds of resources. It’s up to you to get people in the door.

    Continue Reading...

  • Do it now.

Sounds simple, and perhaps you're wondering,

    Music Marketing Tips

    Do it now. Sounds simple, and perhaps you're wondering, "Do what now? I don't know what to do!!"

    Continue Reading...

  • You are an artist, it's true.  But just because
you’re an artist doesn’t mean you don’t need to get paid.  Money makes
a lot of things possible, including time in a recording studio, new and
better instruments, and paying your rent so you don’t have to live in a
cardboard box and burn your guitar for warmth.  There’s nothing wrong
with making money from your shows, and if you’re smart you’ll try to
optimize that earning power.  You don’t have to be a marketing genius
or a public relations guru—just think outside the box and make the most
of what you already have going for you.

    10 Ways to Get More Gig Money

    You are an artist, it's true. But just because you’re an artist doesn’t mean you don’t need to get paid. Money makes a lot of things possible, including time in a recording studio, new and better instruments, and paying your rent so you don’t have to live in a cardboard box and burn your guitar for warmth. There’s nothing wrong with making money from your shows, and if you’re smart you’ll try to optimize that earning power. You don’t have to be a marketing genius or a public relations guru—just think outside the box and make the most of what you already have going for you.

    Continue Reading...

  • When the day seems to get out of your control early and steam roll over you for hours until you leave exhausted, you are probably missing the three “D’s”. These can be difficult to begin yet liberating once you make this part of your regular daily routine.

    Three D’s for Time Management

    When the day seems to get out of your control early and steam roll over you for hours until you leave exhausted, you are probably missing the three “D’s”. These can be difficult to begin yet liberating once you make this part of your regular daily routine.

    Continue Reading...

  • A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch...

    Why did you get into the Music Business?

    A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch...

    Continue Reading...

  • In theory a band should be judged entirely on their musical ability.  The reality, though, is that musicians are often judged on their overall image.  A young band is put in the unfortunate position of trying to perfect their sound, and at the same time, appeal to their community.  Here are some ways that you can improve your image—both onstage and of—and increase your recognition.

    10 Ways to Improve Your Band’s Image

    In theory a band should be judged entirely on their musical ability. The reality, though, is that musicians are often judged on their overall image. A young band is put in the unfortunate position of trying to perfect their sound, and at the same time, appeal to their community. Here are some ways that you can improve your image—both onstage and of—and increase your recognition.

    Continue Reading...