Indie Band Survival Tactics

I recently read 'The Indie Band Survival Guide'
Great read for up & coming musicians.
This book explains the old way the music industry
conducted business. Then they slap you with the
truth and the methodology to make music your
career work in today's digital age.

The way to follow your passion whether it be artistic
or corporate style is to use the tools of those who
came before you.

Not convinced that these authors know what they
are talking about? They have lived the life.

Their website  http://www.indieguide.com/
provides constant updates and info on music
careers. You can do it yourself and don't have
to dream about that big 'record deal' anymore.

Touring Bands -There's Always Drama

I can't believe the perpetual drama
that is second nature in a touring
rock band.
There is a nonstop babysitting program
with new members or road crew when-
ever a band hits the road.
If there isn't an alcohol or drug issue
there must be some kind of dialog
with a clubowner, fan or other band.
On the way to being a professional
musician what does it take for every-
one to act grown up and not sabotage
the band trying to make music a career?

Indie Musician Guide Part I

In the new world of the independent musician there needs to be
some type of formula to get your music to the masses. Once you
are making 'good' music what will set you apart? What will turn
your passion for music into a money generating career?
From time to time I will add to this formula by giving you book
titles, websites, artists to check out plus work assignments that
may be daily, weekly or less often.

First, in this day and age unless you already generate enough
money through club dates, cd sales, online download sales &
other merchandising then you need to keep your day job.
If you already make a good living I may be able to provide
some ideas to strengthen your cash flow.

Start your journey by signing up for Ariel Hyatt's Band letter and
checking out her video interviews and if you can find the cash her
Web 2.0 Marketing Course will set your career on the right path.
She has a YouTube series that can give you valuable info at no cost!
http://arielpublicity.com/

My next mentor to follow in your journey is Bob Baker. His Guerrilla
Music Marketing is a must for your reading. He also has newsletters
and web insight.
http://www.bob-baker.com/buzz/

Always check 'used books' on Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com when
purchasing 'Indie Musician' books.

Another great book of invaluable info is Martin Atkins -'Tour Smart'
http://tstouring.com/

Those sources are a start to getting your career jumpstarted.

Next time I will give you some stats on the great internet sites to get
your music played 'free' and worldwide.
If you want to preview my next tips on the industry just look at these
sites:
altsounds.com
reverbnation.com
imradio.com
playlist.com
taxi.com
If you are already familiar with these sites you are ahead of many others.

Music Industry and Social Networking

While the musicians and the corporate world of the music industry
continue to debate and try to reform each other there is another
dynamic taking place. That is the digital world of Social Networking.

If you are a musician then get to the best social networking sites and
get the word out. Myspace is no longer the rule of thumb. You need
the following:

LinkedIn
Twitter
Facebook
Flickr
YouTube

Once you create your accounts then go online to gain the knowledge to
use these sites. A couple good sources online are: http://www.twittip.com/,
http://www.linkedintelligence.com/ and http://www.whyfacebook.com/.
Also check one of my favorite e-zine articles (sign up for his emails also)
http://www.bob-baker.com/twitter/music-promotion.html

If you are 'print book' person like myself try :'I'm on LinkedIn -Now What?'
I think there is a Facebook Now What also. Then there is 'Twitter Power'
and 'Twitter Means Business'.

Today's market is better navigated as an Independent Musician rather than
waiting for that 'Big' record label contract. Every musician should be an artist
and a businessperson. If you wait to get 'discovered' then you are letting some-
one in the music industry OWN you and your creativity.

In the business world every musician must realize their product is their music
and the performance of that music. If you write for other artists like Diane Warren
and Jeffrey Steele you can also forge a great career. If wish to own the rites to
publishing and performance you can have an even greater career.

Learn the inroads to Social Networking -meet club owners, studio owners, web
designers, and any other business people you may need to further your career.
Get your name out there! Brand your music and your style.

With YouTube you don't need thousands of dollars and the 'right' connections
to get your video on MTV, VH1 or CMT. Get a cool video or animated video
with your music on YouTube! Then link your YouTube videos on your social
networking sites.

This may take some time to get rolling but once your network is in place you
just need to find new 'friends' and update your chat regularly.

As a musician you can easily update your sites from reverbnation.com.(USA)
You may also want to set up a free account with altsounds.com (in the UK)

Now I've given you some tools -get out there and get your career to the next
level!