Bandzoogle news http://bandzoogle.com/ Powered by Bandzoogle Mon, 20 May 2013 05:37:57 GMT http://bandzoogle.com/ http://www.bandzoogle.comhttp://bandzoogle.com/images/logo.gifBandzoogleSubscribe with My Yahoo!Subscribe with NewsGatorSubscribe with My AOLSubscribe with BloglinesSubscribe with NetvibesSubscribe with GoogleSubscribe with Pageflakes Contest: Win 3 Free Months of Bandzoogle + 1 Grand Prize of 2 years of PRO http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bandzoogle/~3/S6aaqJuhvFY/contest-win-3-free-months-of-bandzoogle--1-grand-prize-of-2-years-of-pro-26655.cfm DaveCool@bandzoogle.com (DaveCool) Hey folks, We're running a contest over on our Facebook page=> <a target="_new" href="http://www.facebook.com/bandzoogle">www.facebook.com/bandzoogle We want you on video, telling us what you love most about Bandzoogle. As we get ready to launch and promote Bandzoogle 2.0, we want to make short clips collecting member testimonials. (So by taking part in the contest you allow us to use your image and footage). 1) Film yourself or ask a friend, using your computer’s webcam, a smartphone, any camera... No need for fancy lighting, makeup or special effects! This should take you a few minutes, max. 2) Tell us a) your name and location b) your band’s name if you have one c) your website’s address and d) why you love Bandzoogle, in one sentence or two, and e) anything else you want to say, but keep it short (90 seconds or less please!) Example : "Hey this is Johnny, from Miami, Florida. I play drums in The Sunscreams and we’re the best reggae band in Florida. Our website is thesunscreams.com. I made it myself and I love Bandzoogle because they let me sell direct to my fans without taking a cut, and they have these amazing Facebook Contests that are so much fun. Come check out our new live video, on the website." 3) Upload the video to Youtube or to your Bandzoogle file manager, and paste the link in the comments here. That’s it! If we end up using your video we will extend your subscription by 3 free months, and, out of the videos we use, we will randomly pick the winner of a Grand Prize of 2 free years of <a target="_new" href="http://bandzoogle.com/pricing.cfm">PRO Bandzoogle. Good luck to all! To particpate, head over to our Facebook page=> <a target="_new" href="http://www.facebook.com/bandzoogle">www.facebook.com/bandzoogle ***Deadline = May 31*** Now, Lights, Camera, Action!
We’re running a contest over on our Facebook page=> www.facebook.com/bandzoogle

We want you on video, telling us what you love most about Bandzoogle.

As we get ready to launch and promote Bandzoogle 2.0, we want to make short clips collecting member testimonials. (So by taking part in the contest you allow us to use your image and footage).

1) Film yourself or ask a friend, using your computer’s webcam, a smartphone, any camera... No need for fancy lighting, makeup or special effects! This should take you a few minutes, max.

2) Tell us a) your name and location b) your band’s name if you have one c) your website’s address and d) why you love Bandzoogle, in one sentence or two, and e) anything else you want to say, but keep it short (90 seconds or less please!)

Example : “Hey this is Johnny, from Miami, Florida. I play drums in The Sunscreams and we’re the best reggae band in Florida. Our website is thesunscreams.com. I made it myself and I love Bandzoogle because they let me sell direct to my fans without taking a cut, and they have these amazing Facebook Contests that are so much fun. Come check out our new live video, on the website.”

3) Upload the video to Youtube or to your Bandzoogle file manager, and paste the link in the comments here.

That’s it! If we end up using your video we will extend your subscription by 3 free months, and, out of the videos we use, we will randomly pick the winner of a Grand Prize of 2 free years of PRO Bandzoogle. Good luck to all!

To particpate, head over to our Facebook page=> www.facebook.com/bandzoogle

***Deadline = May 31***

Now, Lights, Camera, Action!



]]> Sun, 19 May 2013 21:36:08 GMT http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/contest-win-3-free-months-of-bandzoogle--1-grand-prize-of-2-years-of-pro-26655.cfm http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/contest-win-3-free-months-of-bandzoogle--1-grand-prize-of-2-years-of-pro-26655.cfm Bandzoogle Heads to Florida for Driven Music Conference http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bandzoogle/~3/4fTISVd8bRY/bandzoogle-heads-to-florida-for-driven-music-conference-26653.cfm DaveCool@bandzoogle.com (DaveCool) Our Director of Artist Relations Dave Cool is off to Florida this week for the <a target="_new" href="http://www.drivenflorida.com/">Driven Music Conference at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale, May 16-19. He'll be hosting a Website Demolition Derby, speaking on a panel, as well as offering 1-on-1 website reviews throughout the conference. Plus, we have some passes to giveaway for Bandzoogle members, see details below: Website Demolition Derby Saturday, May 18 10:00AM Dave will be hosting a Website Demolition Derby along with Adam Samiljan (Fueled By Ramen, VP of Digital Marketing). They’ll offer live critiques of musician websites. Each site's design, organization, content and functionality will be assessed. How does the website fit with the artist's overall online strategy, and how successfully does it achieve their goals? Release and Promote Your Music in the Digital Age (No Label Required) Saturday, May 18 11:00AM Dave will be part of this panel presented by SoundFire Entertainment, along with Cary Nutting (SoundFire Entertainment, Co-Founder), Brian Frank (SoundFire Entertainment, Co-Founder), Ben Harper (Yellowcard, Founding Member, Takeover Records, Founder), and Shawn Radley (FanTexter, Founder). With the growth of digital music, social media and marketing tool choices, indie artists can act as their own record label and build their own business. How do you choose the right combination of tools, build the right marketing strategy, get in front of the right people and find the money to do it? Find out how. No label required. 1-On-1 Website Reviews for Artists Dave will be on hand offering free 1-on-1 website reviews. Schedule your 1-On-1 Website Review at check-in at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Panorama Ballroom either Friday May 17th or Saturday May 18th starting at 9:00AM. Attend the Driven Music Conference! If you’re a Bandzoogle member based in Florida and would like to attend the event, please email Dave Cool at dcool[at]bandzoogle[dot]com and he’ll send you info on how to receive a free 2-day Panel Pass for the event! And if you’ll be attending the Driven Music conference, let us know in the comments below or through Twitter or <a target="_new" href="https://www.facebook.com/bandzoogle">Facebook. Our Director of Artist Relations Dave Cool is off to Florida this week for the Driven Music Conference at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale, May 16-19. He’ll be hosting a Website Demolition Derby, speaking on a panel, as well as offering 1-on-1 website reviews throughout the conference. Plus, we have some passes to giveaway for Bandzoogle members, see details below:

Website Demolition Derby
Saturday, May 18
10:00AM

Dave will be hosting a Website Demolition Derby along with Adam Samiljan (Fueled By Ramen, VP of Digital Marketing). They’ll offer live critiques of musician websites. Each site's design, organization, content and functionality will be assessed. How does the website fit with the artist's overall online strategy, and how successfully does it achieve their goals?

Release and Promote Your Music in the Digital Age (No Label Required)
Saturday, May 18
11:00AM

Dave will be part of this panel presented by SoundFire Entertainment, along with Cary Nutting (SoundFire Entertainment, Co-Founder), Brian Frank (SoundFire Entertainment, Co-Founder), Ben Harper (Yellowcard, Founding Member, Takeover Records, Founder), and Shawn Radley (FanTexter, Founder).

With the growth of digital music, social media and marketing tool choices, indie artists can act as their own record label and build their own business. How do you choose the right combination of tools, build the right marketing strategy, get in front of the right people and find the money to do it? Find out how. No label required.

1-On-1 Website Reviews for Artists

Dave will be on hand offering free 1-on-1 website reviews. Schedule your 1-On-1 Website Review at check-in at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Panorama Ballroom either Friday May 17th or Saturday May 18th starting at 9:00AM.

Attend the Driven Music Conference!

If you’re a Bandzoogle member based in Florida and would like to attend the event, please email Dave Cool at dcool[at]bandzoogle[dot]com and he’ll send you info on how to receive a free 2-day Panel Pass for the event!


And if you’ll be attending the Driven Music conference, let us know in the comments below or through Twitter or Facebook.
]]> Sat, 18 May 2013 10:07:53 GMT http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/bandzoogle-heads-to-florida-for-driven-music-conference-26653.cfm http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/bandzoogle-heads-to-florida-for-driven-music-conference-26653.cfm Band Website Love: Luna Garden http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bandzoogle/~3/dxKFDZdOlHU/band-website-love-luna-garden-26641.cfm DaveCool@bandzoogle.com (DaveCool) Every week, we highlight one of our favorite websites on Bandzoogle. Who: Luna Garden What: Intergalactic Electro Where: The Universe Why their website rocks: Well, this has to be one of the strangest sites we&rsquo;ve ever seen on Bandzoogle. This simple, modern looking site is truly an extension of this unique project (the project is based in 2091, so maybe a futuristic looking site?) The Luna Garden site has no shortage of amazing visuals which compliment the story for the project, making for a well thought-out and consistent brand. And we love that their Homepage explains the story right away, has a call-to-action for their mailing list to get exclusive content, as well as a featured video. OK, and to be honest, we also love the blinking goggles! Check out this awesome website at: <a href="http://www.lunagardenmusic.com" target="_new">www.lunagardenmusic.com <a href="http://www.lunagardenmusic.com" target="_new"> Every week, we highlight one of our favorite websites on Bandzoogle.

Who: Luna Garden
What: Intergalactic Electro
Where: The Universe
Why their website rocks: Well, this has to be one of the strangest sites we’ve ever seen on Bandzoogle. This simple, modern looking site is truly an extension of this unique project (the project is based in 2091, so maybe a futuristic looking site?)

The Luna Garden site has no shortage of amazing visuals which compliment the story for the project, making for a well thought-out and consistent brand. And we love that their Homepage explains the story right away, has a call-to-action for their mailing list to get exclusive content, as well as a featured video. OK, and to be honest, we also love the blinking goggles!

Check out this awesome website at: www.lunagardenmusic.com



]]> Wed, 15 May 2013 19:33:56 GMT http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/band-website-love-luna-garden-26641.cfm http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/band-website-love-luna-garden-26641.cfm How to Write Engaging Newsletters: Ariel’s Greeting, Guts, & Getting! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bandzoogle/~3/6pEXEZZBEnQ/how-to-write-engaging-newsletters-ariels-greeting-guts--getting-26613.cfm DaveCool@bandzoogle.com (DaveCool) This is a guest post written by Ariel Hyatt from <a href="http://cyberprmusic.com/" target="_new">Cyber Pr. Cyber Pr helps place musicians on blogs, podcasts and iRadio Stations and provide educational modules that coach musicians through how to improve their social media presence. You can follow Ariel on twitter here: <a href="https://twitter.com/cyberpr" target="_new">@cyberpr. In our <a href="http://bit.ly/17zvxvq" target="_new">last blog post, we discussed the importance of email newsletters. In this guest post, Ariel Hyatt explains how to write an engaging newsletter for your fans. Enjoy! Are you still not sending out newsletters to your fans? Studies prove you should be... Boston based research firm Chadwick Martin Bailey has completed a study that all musicians should know about. Here are the important highlights: "Three-quarters of web users are likely to share content with friends and family, and nearly half do so at least once a week. But while much social networking content is built around such shared items, most people still prefer to use email to pass along items of interest." The study goes on to say: "Overall, 86% of survey respondents said they used email to share content, while just 49% said they used Facebook. Broken down by age, the preference for email is more pronounced, as users get older. And only the youngest group polled, those ages 18 to 24, reverses the trend, with 76% sharing via Facebook, compared with 70% via email." So, if your audience is older than 24 you better be thinking about your newsletter strategy now! In conclusion the study says: "Rather than focusing on sharing content they thought the recipients would find helpful or relevant (58%), most respondents cared more about what they thought was interesting or amusing (72%)." Here's the entire study if you want to read it (with lots of pretty graphs too): <a target="_new" href="http://bit.ly/b4dfcI">http://bit.ly/b4dfcI So, ask yourself: Are you including content in your newsletters that is interesting and amusing. If you are just talking about your next show and or your next release then you may be missing the mark. Long story short, in the online world, email is still king when it comes to <a target="_new" href="http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter/twitter-facebook-email-sales_b20223">generating revenue. You make relationships with fans on your social networks, and turn them into customers with your newsletter. Greeting - Make it Personal Share something non-music related here. Pull people in on a human level. Make them care about you as a person, not just as a musician. Some ideas: Vacation Something that you like / a theme of Fun, Beauty etc. Whatever you are reading or listening to TV and movies you are into, why you liked them Post photos of these personal touches on Flickr, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, your homepage, etc. Guts – The Body of the Newsletter What are you up to as an artist? Are you in the studio? Are you touring? Writing new tracks? Remember people love and connect to stories, so TELL STORIES Getting – Put Readers Into Action With Your Call To Action (CTA) This is the part of the newsletter that gets your fans to take action. This is the most critical part of the newsletter: Examples of Calls To Action For Community Building TIP: Do these before any Calls to Action asking for $ Follow on Twitter Like your Facebook Fan Page Listen to a new track on Facebook or Youtube and like or subscribe to you Vote for you in any contest you may be in Comment on your blog Review you on iTunes, Amazon or CD Baby Invite them out to hang with you at a bar, club, coffee house, another person’s show, etc. This is great for bonding with fans on another level Have them watch a video of you on YouTube & subscribe Send them a survey to fill out or a contest to participate in You could also simply ask them to have a free download – a special gift makes you memorable! Examples of Calls To Action For Money (once you’ve developed rapport) Invite them to an upcoming show Invite them to buy your music iTunes, or CD Baby (or your website): 1 track or a whole album Sell a merch item – a hat, a T-shirt, etc. Let them know that you play backyard BBQs and private parties; have them email you if they are interested (money maker!) Record personalized songs upon request (money maker!) TIP: There should only be one Call to Action per newsletter. Fans will get confused and choose nothing if they have more than one choice. A Note About Subject Lines Keep your subject line short and sweet; no more than 55 characters! Send Newsletters Regularly & Consistently It is important to deliver your newsletter letter on a consistent basis. Fans will look forward to this email every month. I recommend sending out newsletters once a month. Plan the issues in advance that you will send out your newsletter. Separate yourself from the countless artists who never hold themselves accountable, and stick to a consistent schedule; your fans will notice. Do you send out email newsletters to your fans? Does your formatting follow Ariel's advice? Let us know in the comments! This is a guest post written by Ariel Hyatt from Cyber Pr. Cyber Pr helps place musicians on blogs, podcasts and iRadio Stations and provide educational modules that coach musicians through how to improve their social media presence. You can follow Ariel on twitter here: @cyberpr.

In our last blog post, we discussed the importance of email newsletters. In this guest post, Ariel Hyatt explains how to write an engaging newsletter for your fans. Enjoy!

Are you still not sending out newsletters to your fans? Studies prove you should be… Boston based research firm Chadwick Martin Bailey has completed a study that all musicians should know about.

Here are the important highlights:

"Three-quarters of web users are likely to share content with friends and family, and nearly half do so at least once a week. But while much social networking content is built around such shared items, most people still prefer to use email to pass along items of interest."

The study goes on to say:

"Overall, 86% of survey respondents said they used email to share content, while just 49% said they used Facebook. Broken down by age, the preference for email is more pronounced, as users get older. And only the youngest group polled, those ages 18 to 24, reverses the trend, with 76% sharing via Facebook, compared with 70% via email."

So, if your audience is older than 24 you better be thinking about your newsletter strategy now!

In conclusion the study says:

“Rather than focusing on sharing content they thought the recipients would find helpful or relevant (58%), most respondents cared more about what they thought was interesting or amusing (72%)."

Here’s the entire study if you want to read it (with lots of pretty graphs too): http://bit.ly/b4dfcI

So, ask yourself:

Are you including content in your newsletters that is interesting and amusing.

If you are just talking about your next show and or your next release then you may be missing the mark.

Long story short, in the online world, email is still king when it comes to generating revenue. You make relationships with fans on your social networks, and turn them into customers with your newsletter.

Greeting – Make it Personal

Share something non-music related here. Pull people in on a human level. Make them care about you as a person, not just as a musician.

Some ideas:

  • Vacation
  • Something that you like / a theme of Fun, Beauty etc.
  • Whatever you are reading or listening to
  • TV and movies you are into, why you liked them

Post photos of these personal touches on Flickr, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, your homepage, etc.


Guts – The Body of the Newsletter

What are you up to as an artist? Are you in the studio? Are you touring? Writing new tracks? Remember people love and connect to stories, so TELL STORIES


Getting – Put Readers Into Action With Your Call To Action (CTA)

This is the part of the newsletter that gets your fans to take action. This is the most critical part of the newsletter:

Examples of Calls To Action For Community Building

TIP: Do these before any Calls to Action asking for $
  • Follow on Twitter
  • Like your Facebook Fan Page
  • Listen to a new track on Facebook or Youtube and like or subscribe to you
  • Vote for you in any contest you may be in
  • Comment on your blog
  • Review you on iTunes, Amazon or CD Baby
  • Invite them out to hang with you at a bar, club, coffee house, another person’s show, etc. This is great for bonding with fans on another level
  • Have them watch a video of you on YouTube & subscribe
  • Send them a survey to fill out or a contest to participate in
  • You could also simply ask them to have a free download – a special gift makes you memorable!

Examples of Calls To Action For Money (once you’ve developed rapport)

  • Invite them to an upcoming show
  • Invite them to buy your music iTunes, or CD Baby (or your website): 1 track or a whole album
  • Sell a merch item – a hat, a T-shirt, etc.
  • Let them know that you play backyard BBQs and private parties; have them email you if they are interested (money maker!)
  • Record personalized songs upon request (money maker!)

TIP: There should only be one Call to Action per newsletter. Fans will get confused and choose nothing if they have more than one choice.

A Note About Subject Lines

Keep your subject line short and sweet; no more than 55 characters!

Send Newsletters Regularly & Consistently

It is important to deliver your newsletter letter on a consistent basis. Fans will look forward to this email every month.

I recommend sending out newsletters once a month. Plan the issues in advance that you will send out your newsletter. Separate yourself from the countless artists who never hold themselves accountable, and stick to a consistent schedule; your fans will notice.

Do you send out email newsletters to your fans? Does your formatting follow Ariel's advice? Let us know in the comments!

]]> Sat, 18 May 2013 20:29:01 GMT http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/how-to-write-engaging-newsletters-ariels-greeting-guts--getting-26613.cfm http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/how-to-write-engaging-newsletters-ariels-greeting-guts--getting-26613.cfm The Tools of Music Fan Engagement [Part 2]: Newsletters http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bandzoogle/~3/r73vrh-pbho/the-tools-of-music-fan-engagement-part-2-newsletters-26580.cfm DaveCool@bandzoogle.com (DaveCool) In Part 1 of "The Tools of Music Fan Engagement", I discussed blogging (read it <a target="_new" href="http://bit.ly/12lnM9z">here). Another important tool to use for fan engagement are email newsletters. Having an email newsletter might sound a little old school, but the reality is that it's still proving to be the best way to keep in touch with your fans over the long term. So when it comes to fan engagement, having a newsletter should be high on your priority list of tools to use. Why Newsletters are Great for Fan Engagement Email newsletters are great for fan engagement because it’s a direct line of communication with your fans. If they’re on your mailing list, it’s because they chose to sign up, meaning that they want to hear about your career. This also means they can respond directly to you and a personal dialogue can be started between you and your fan. Newsletters are also the most reliable way of reaching your fans. With social media, you’re never really sure who is seeing your updates, and the percentage of fans actually seeing the updates can be shockingly low. For Facebook, studies suggest the average can be from <a href="http://mashable.com/2012/10/18/facebook-fan-engagement-2/" target="_new">6% to <a href="http://mashable.com/2012/05/24/facebook-post-reach/" target="_new">16% of fans seeing and engaging with Pages. With Twitter, well, it’s even <a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter/twitter-ctr_b30416" target="_new">worse. With email newsletters, open rates tend to be higher, and you can also measure the opens and click-throughs on your links, allowing you to see who is reading and interacting with the content in your newsletters. Note: Don’t ever add people to your mailing list without their permission. Spamming people can do irreparable harm to your career, as you will likely lose those people as potential fans forever. Other Great Reasons to have a Newsletter Besides being a great tool to directly engage your fans with, there are other benefits to email newsletters: You Own It Remember all those fans you had on MySpace? Well, MySpace owned their data, not you, and chances are if you didn’t get them signed-up to your mailing list, you lost contact with many of them. Facebook? Twitter? Same deal. Bottom line is that social media sites are great tools for interacting with current fans and finding new ones, but you’ll want to get them signed-up to your mailing list so you can stay in touch with your fans over the long-term, regardless of which social media site is popular at the time. As Benji Rogers (Founder of <a href="http://www.pledgemusic.com/" target="_new">PledgeMusic) said in a <a href="http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/email-email-email-if-you-make-music-you-have-to-be-able-to-tell-people-about-it-26137.cfm" target="_new">must-read blog post: “If email is not the biggest part of your social strategy, then you are giving the power of communication with your fans to companies who will gladly take them and whose advertisers will thank you to no end for providing them with eyeballs.” Drives people to your website If you’ve posted a new blog, have new music, or a new video, email newsletters can be a great way to drive your fans back to your website to check it out. And while they’re on your site, they’ll likely check out other content, and maybe shop for some merch in your online store. Speaking of merch... Best Way to Sell Music & Merch Some musicians try to sell music and merch on Facebook, Twitter, and even YouTube. But when it comes to making money, email newsletters are still the best way to convert fans to <a target="_new" href="http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/stories/040411topspin">paying customers. As noted artist manager <a target="_new" href="http://whitesmithentertainment.com/">Emily White has said, an email list is “an artist’s retirement plan”. So anytime you have new music or merch for sale, be sure to make that your primary call-to-action in your next newsletter. Shows that you’re active The new music industry is all about getting and retaining fan attention. Newsletters are a great way to regularly let your fans know about the latest news in your career and remind them that you’re still active. Keep it Authentic, Consistent and Sustain It With your newsletter, keep in mind the <a href="http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/the-3-pillars-of-music-fan-engagement-26064.cfm" target="_new">3 Pillars of Music Fan Engagement. The newsletters should be in your own voice (authentic), you have to send them out on a consistent basis, and to really see results, you’ll have to sustain it over the long term. And of course, it goes without saying (but I'm saying it again): Never leave your fans hanging. If a fan emails you back with a compliment, thank them. If they ask a question, answer it. This will encourage them to stay on your list and talk about you to their friends. Make Your Mailing List Your Primary Call-to-Action In case you haven’t noticed, I place a high importance on email newsletters. So for your website, I strongly suggest you make your mailing list signup your primary <a href="http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/musician-website-quick-fix-3-focus-on-one-calltoaction-22967.cfm" target="_new">call-to-action. A call-to-action directs people's attention to something specific you want them to do when they land on your website. If you’re an emerging artist, focus on building that mailing list before anything. Don’t worry so much about selling music & merch just yet, build a strong mailing list and over the long term it will be worth much more than trying to get that 0.99$ download right away when people visit your site. Remember to Offer an Incentive When it comes to building your list, remember to offer an incentive to the person who will be giving you their email address. Getting the “latest news” or “inside scoop” on your career is nice, but offering a little something more might be the difference between getting that email or not. It could be as simple as a free MP3, or even an exclusive song/EP/Live Album that can’t be found anywhere else. Do you send out a regular newsletter to your fans? Do you find it increases sales? Attendance to your shows? Let us know in the comments! In Part 1 of “The Tools of Music Fan Engagement”, I discussed blogging (read it here). Another important tool to use for fan engagement are email newsletters. Having an email newsletter might sound a little old school, but the reality is that it’s still proving to be the best way to keep in touch with your fans over the long term. So when it comes to fan engagement, having a newsletter should be high on your priority list of tools to use.


Why Newsletters are Great for Fan Engagement

Email newsletters are great for fan engagement because it’s a direct line of communication with your fans. If they’re on your mailing list, it’s because they chose to sign up, meaning that they want to hear about your career. This also means they can respond directly to you and a personal dialogue can be started between you and your fan.

Newsletters are also the most reliable way of reaching your fans. With social media, you’re never really sure who is seeing your updates, and the percentage of fans actually seeing the updates can be shockingly low. For Facebook, studies suggest the average can be from 6% to 16% of fans seeing and engaging with Pages. With Twitter, well, it’s even worse.

With email newsletters, open rates tend to be higher, and you can also measure the opens and click-throughs on your links, allowing you to see who is reading and interacting with the content in your newsletters.

Note: Don’t ever add people to your mailing list without their permission. Spamming people can do irreparable harm to your career, as you will likely lose those people as potential fans forever.

Other Great Reasons to have a Newsletter

Besides being a great tool to directly engage your fans with, there are other benefits to email newsletters:

You Own It

Remember all those fans you had on MySpace? Well, MySpace owned their data, not you, and chances are if you didn’t get them signed-up to your mailing list, you lost contact with many of them.

Facebook? Twitter? Same deal. Bottom line is that social media sites are great tools for interacting with current fans and finding new ones, but you’ll want to get them signed-up to your mailing list so you can stay in touch with your fans over the long-term, regardless of which social media site is popular at the time. As Benji Rogers (Founder of PledgeMusic) said in a must-read blog post:

“If email is not the biggest part of your social strategy, then you are giving the power of communication with your fans to companies who will gladly take them and whose advertisers will thank you to no end for providing them with eyeballs.”


Drives people to your website

If you’ve posted a new blog, have new music, or a new video, email newsletters can be a great way to drive your fans back to your website to check it out. And while they’re on your site, they’ll likely check out other content, and maybe shop for some merch in your online store. Speaking of merch...


Best Way to Sell Music & Merch

Some musicians try to sell music and merch on Facebook, Twitter, and even YouTube. But when it comes to making money, email newsletters are still the best way to convert fans to paying customers.

As noted artist manager Emily White has said, an email list is “an artist’s retirement plan”. So anytime you have new music or merch for sale, be sure to make that your primary call-to-action in your next newsletter.


Shows that you’re active

The new music industry is all about getting and retaining fan attention. Newsletters are a great way to regularly let your fans know about the latest news in your career and remind them that you’re still active.


Keep it Authentic, Consistent and Sustain It

With your newsletter, keep in mind the 3 Pillars of Music Fan Engagement. The newsletters should be in your own voice (authentic), you have to send them out on a consistent basis, and to really see results, you’ll have to sustain it over the long term.

And of course, it goes without saying (but I'm saying it again): Never leave your fans hanging. If a fan emails you back with a compliment, thank them. If they ask a question, answer it. This will encourage them to stay on your list and talk about you to their friends.

Make Your Mailing List Your Primary Call-to-Action

In case you haven’t noticed, I place a high importance on email newsletters. So for your website, I strongly suggest you make your mailing list signup your primary call-to-action. A call-to-action directs people's attention to something specific you want them to do when they land on your website.

If you’re an emerging artist, focus on building that mailing list before anything. Don’t worry so much about selling music & merch just yet, build a strong mailing list and over the long term it will be worth much more than trying to get that 0.99$ download right away when people visit your site.

Remember to Offer an Incentive

When it comes to building your list, remember to offer an incentive to the person who will be giving you their email address. Getting the “latest news” or “inside scoop” on your career is nice, but offering a little something more might be the difference between getting that email or not. It could be as simple as a free MP3, or even an exclusive song/EP/Live Album that can’t be found anywhere else.

Do you send out a regular newsletter to your fans? Do you find it increases sales? Attendance to your shows? Let us know in the comments!

]]> Thu, 02 May 2013 19:18:41 GMT http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/the-tools-of-music-fan-engagement-part-2-newsletters-26580.cfm http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/the-tools-of-music-fan-engagement-part-2-newsletters-26580.cfm Get Your Website Reviewed at Music Biz 2013 & TAXI TV http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bandzoogle/~3/Ww4NIUFsEHQ/get-your-website-reviewed-at-music-biz-2013--taxi-tv-26571.cfm DaveCool@bandzoogle.com (DaveCool) After a recent trip to Hollywood for the ASCAP EXPO and a series of workshops, Bandzoogle is headed right back to California for NARM&rsquo;s Music Biz 2013 Conference as well as a special online event with TAXI Music. Here are all the details: Free Website Reviews on TAXI TV! On Monday, May 6, I&rsquo;ll be joining <a href="http://www.taxi.com/" target="_new">TAXI founder Michael Laskow for a special edition of their weekly <a href="http://www.ustream.tv/channel/music-marketing-online" target="_new">TAXI TV Songwriting and Music Business Show. Instead of critiquing songs, for this episode we&rsquo;ll be reviewing artist websites. The show streams live online, so you can watch and participate from anywhere in the world: Monday, May 6 4pm (PST) / 7pm (EST) Link: <a target="_new" href="http://www.ustream.tv/channel/music-marketing-online ">http://www.ustream.tv/channel/music-marketing-online NARM&rsquo;s Music Biz 2013 I&rsquo;ll also be attending NARM and Digitalmusic.org&rsquo;s <a target="_new" href="http://www.narm.com/events/musicbiz2013">Music Biz 2013 Conference in Los Angeles. I&rsquo;ll be hosting a Website Demolition Derby as well as have a table during their &ldquo;App Alley&rdquo;: Website Demolition Derby Tuesday, May 7 2:00-3:30 PM I&rsquo;ll be hosting a website demolition derby along with Alicia Yaffe from <a target="_new" href="http://www.thespellboundgroup.com/">The Spellbound Group where we&rsquo;ll be offering live critiques of musician websites. App Alley Wednesday, May 7 11AM-5PM I&rsquo;ll be at the Bandzoogle table during the &ldquo;App Alley&rdquo; at Music Biz 2013 giving free websites reviews and providing demos of Bandzoogle&rsquo;s platform. Come say hello! And if you&rsquo;ll be attending Music Biz 2013, let us know in the comments below, through <a target="_new" href="https://twitter.com/bandzoogle">Twitter or <a target="_new" href="https://www.facebook.com/bandzoogle">Facebook, or you can email me directly at dcool[at]bandzoogle[dot]com

Free Website Reviews on TAXI TV!

On Monday, May 6, I’ll be joining TAXI founder Michael Laskow for a special edition of their weekly TAXI TV Songwriting and Music Business Show. Instead of critiquing songs, for this episode we’ll be reviewing artist websites. The show streams live online, so you can watch and participate from anywhere in the world:

Monday, May 6
4pm (PST) / 7pm (EST)
Link: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/music-marketing-online


NARM’s Music Biz 2013

I’ll also be attending NARM and Digitalmusic.org’s Music Biz 2013 Conference in Los Angeles. I’ll be hosting a Website Demolition Derby as well as have a table during their “App Alley”:

Website Demolition Derby
Tuesday, May 7
2:00-3:30 PM

I’ll be hosting a website demolition derby along with Alicia Yaffe from The Spellbound Group where we’ll be offering live critiques of musician websites.

App Alley
Wednesday, May 7
11AM-5PM

I’ll be at the Bandzoogle table during the “App Alley” at Music Biz 2013 giving free websites reviews and providing demos of Bandzoogle’s platform. Come say hello!


And if you’ll be attending Music Biz 2013, let us know in the comments below, through Twitter or Facebook, or you can email me directly at dcool[at]bandzoogle[dot]com

]]> Wed, 08 May 2013 05:30:27 GMT http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/get-your-website-reviewed-at-music-biz-2013--taxi-tv-26571.cfm http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/get-your-website-reviewed-at-music-biz-2013--taxi-tv-26571.cfm Musician Website Love: Matt Moore http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bandzoogle/~3/jWpuOsuOJbw/musician-website-love-matt-moore-26550.cfm DaveCool@bandzoogle.com (DaveCool) Every week, we highlight one of our favorite websites on Bandzoogle. Who: Matt Moore What: Independent rock artist Where: Clare, MI Why his website rocks: Matt&rsquo;s website is all about branding and organization. Professional photos and custom graphics that tie into his latest album design combine to make for an amazing and cohesive look for his website. His site also has clear navigation, and each section is really well organized, making it easy for visitors to find the content they&rsquo;re looking for. We especially love his <a target="_new" href="http://www.mattmooremusic.com/fr_about.cfm">About section, which has his full bio, a nice photo, quotes from fans as well as from promoters. And in his <a target="_new" href="http://www.mattmooremusic.com/fr_photos.cfm">Photos section, we love how he separates different kinds of photos into different galleries. Really nicely done! Check out his site at: <a href="http://www.mattmooremusic.com" target="_new">www.mattmooremusic.com <a href="http://www.mattmooremusic.com" target="_new"> Every week, we highlight one of our favorite websites on Bandzoogle.

Who: Matt Moore
What: Independent rock artist
Where: Clare, MI
Why his website rocks: Matt’s website is all about branding and organization. Professional photos and custom graphics that tie into his latest album design combine to make for an amazing and cohesive look for his website. His site also has clear navigation, and each section is really well organized, making it easy for visitors to find the content they’re looking for. We especially love his About section, which has his full bio, a nice photo, quotes from fans as well as from promoters. And in his Photos section, we love how he separates different kinds of photos into different galleries. Really nicely done!

Check out his site at: www.mattmooremusic.com



]]> Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:52:20 GMT http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/musician-website-love-matt-moore-26550.cfm http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/musician-website-love-matt-moore-26550.cfm Bandzoogle Nominated for a Libera Award http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bandzoogle/~3/ZFRSGw9sw4I/bandzoogle-nominated-for-a-libera-award-26540.cfm DaveCool@bandzoogle.com (DaveCool) We received some great news today. The American Association of Independent Music (<a href="http://a2im.org/" target="_new">A2IM) announced the <a href="http://a2im.org/2013/04/24/a2im-libby-awards-final-nominees-announced/" target="_new">nominees for the 2nd Annual A2IM Libera Awards (nicknamed the &ldquo;Libbys&rdquo;), and Bandzoogle has been nominated in the category &ldquo;21st Century Award&rdquo;. The Libbys are basically the &ldquo;Grammys for indie labels and artists&rdquo;. Last year, Arcade Fire, Glassnote Records and Daptone Records were among the winners. This year you might have heard about some of our co-nominees: Mumford &amp; Sons, Taylor Swift, The Lumineers, and many of our favorite labels (Subpop, Kill Rock Stars, Anti, XL, Dualtone, Frenckiss, etc.). See the complete list on <a href="http://a2imlibbys.com" target="_new">A2IMLibbys.com &hellip; which happens to be a Bandzoogle-powered site! We are nominated in this category: <a href="http://a2imlibbys.com/21stcentfinal.cfm" target="_new">21st Century Award &ndash; celebrating the service provider or platform that was most beneficial to Independent labels and artists • Bandzoogle • Pandora • PledgeMusic • Rdio • Spotify • YouTube As you can see, we&rsquo;re in really good company there too. We&rsquo;ll let you guys know how we make out, but as they say, it's an honor just to be nominated! About the Libera Awards The A2IM <a href="http://a2imlibbys.com/home.cfm" target="_new">Libera Awards (aka The LIBBYs) celebrate the successes of independent artists, labels and those who support independent music in the only awards show voted on solely by the independent music community for the independent music community. The final nominees are determined by independent music experts including tastemakers, media, and retail. LIBBY award winners are selected by voting members of A2IM and winners will be announced at the live awards ceremony at Highline Ballroom in NYC on Thursday, June 20th.

We received some great news today. The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) announced the nominees for the 2nd Annual A2IM Libera Awards (nicknamed the “Libbys”), and Bandzoogle has been nominated in the category “21st Century Award”.

The Libbys are basically the “Grammys for indie labels and artists”. Last year, Arcade Fire, Glassnote Records and Daptone Records were among the winners. This year you might have heard about some of our co-nominees: Mumford & Sons, Taylor Swift, The Lumineers, and many of our favorite labels (Subpop, Kill Rock Stars, Anti, XL, Dualtone, Frenckiss, etc.). See the complete list on A2IMLibbys.com … which happens to be a Bandzoogle-powered site!

We are nominated in this category:

21st Century Award – celebrating the service provider or platform that was most beneficial to Independent labels and artists

• Bandzoogle
• Pandora
• PledgeMusic
• Rdio
• Spotify
• YouTube

As you can see, we’re in really good company there too. We’ll let you guys know how we make out, but as they say, it's an honor just to be nominated!

About the Libera Awards

The A2IM Libera Awards (aka The LIBBYs) celebrate the successes of independent artists, labels and those who support independent music in the only awards show voted on solely by the independent music community for the independent music community. The final nominees are determined by independent music experts including tastemakers, media, and retail. LIBBY award winners are selected by voting members of A2IM and winners will be announced at the live awards ceremony at Highline Ballroom in NYC on Thursday, June 20th.
]]> Tue, 14 May 2013 00:18:46 GMT http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/bandzoogle-nominated-for-a-libera-award-26540.cfm http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/bandzoogle-nominated-for-a-libera-award-26540.cfm Musicians: Here's The Most Overlooked Resource In Your Back Pocket http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bandzoogle/~3/nYLmBnzcaIA/musicians-heres-the-most-overlooked-resource-in-your-back-pocket-26535.cfm DaveCool@bandzoogle.com (DaveCool) This is a guest post by Brian Thompson, aka <a target="_new" href="https://twitter.com/thornybleeder">Thorny Bleeder. Brian is a creative coach and marketing consultant. He co-hosts the <a target="_new" href="http://www.thornybleeder.com/podcasts.html">Music Biz Weekly and <a target="_new" href="http://www.thornybleeder.com/podcasts.html">Rock Star Branding podcasts, and curates the <a target="_new" href="http://www.thediydaily.com/">DIY Daily, a daily newsletter offering marketing advice, music industry news, social media tips & tools, as well as inspirational & motivational thoughts. In this guest post, Brian talks about an often overlooked resource that musicians could use in creative ways to gain more fans and generate more income. Enjoy! The #1 Most Overlooked Resource In a Musician's Back Pocket your lyrics! artists, why don't you do more with your lyrics? lyrics are uniquely yours. they're an integral piece of your art and they make up 50% of your song (in terms of publishing anyways). so why don't you do more with them? learn a lesson from what successful online entrepreneurs are doing, repurpose your content. that's what the best bloggers do, so why don't you copy what's working for them? increase your social media interaction and engagement. create new exclusive content to your fans. create new products to fans who want it. what's not to love? here's some ideas to brainstorm further on: 10 ideas to leverage lyrics to find new fans & increase sales 1. create new typography posters to share online, featuring quotes of your lyrics. 2. create limited edition prints of your most popular and socially voted posters, sell them at gigs and online. 3. create a lyric e-book, offer it as a free download when someone signs up to your newsletter. 4. turn your e-book into a stylish, collectible, limited edition, printed notebook. sell it at gigs and online. autograph it. 5. create t-shirts featuring your lyrics (rather than just your band name). see Jonny Hetherington's "Get Thru Anything" Tee Shirt here: http://buff.ly/Y3cYhz. 6. create lyric videos for all your songs. share 'em. 7. connect deeper with your audience. tell the story behind your words through a series of blog posts, podcasts, newsletters and video blogs. 8. create contests around your lyrics, "fill in the missing word and win!" 9. be creative! turn your words into new merch ideas you can sell. create banners, wall hangings, rings, wristbands, necklaces, charms, pendants, patches, bags, mugs, notebooks, posters, wristbands, prints and rolling papers. whatever works for your audience. but keep it classy and with of good quality. 10. share new lyrics with your subscribers as you write them, offered as a paid premium. offer your fans some cool souvenirs to buy. now it's your turn. leave a a comment below and let's brainstorm. what other creative ideas can we do using our unique words? This is a guest post by Brian Thompson, aka Thorny Bleeder. Brian is a creative coach and marketing consultant. He co-hosts the Music Biz Weekly and Rock Star Branding podcasts, and curates the DIY Daily, a daily newsletter offering marketing advice, music industry news, social media tips & tools, as well as inspirational & motivational thoughts. In this guest post, Brian talks about an often overlooked resource that musicians could use in creative ways to gain more fans and generate more income. Enjoy!

The #1 Most Overlooked Resource In a Musician's Back Pocket

your lyrics!

artists, why don't you do more with your lyrics?
lyrics are uniquely yours. they're an integral piece of your art and they make up 50% of your song (in terms of publishing anyways).

so why don't you do more with them? learn a lesson from what successful online entrepreneurs are doing,

repurpose your content.

that's what the best bloggers do, so why don't you copy what's working for them?

increase your social media interaction and engagement. create new exclusive content to your fans. create new products to fans who want it. what's not to love?

here's some ideas to brainstorm further on:

10 ideas to leverage lyrics to find new fans & increase sales

1. create new typography posters to share online, featuring quotes of your lyrics.

2. create limited edition prints of your most popular and socially voted posters, sell them at gigs and online.

3. create a lyric e-book, offer it as a free download when someone signs up to your newsletter.

4. turn your e-book into a stylish, collectible, limited edition, printed notebook. sell it at gigs and online. autograph it.

5. create t-shirts featuring your lyrics (rather than just your band name). see Jonny Hetherington's "Get Thru Anything" Tee Shirt here: http://buff.ly/Y3cYhz.

6. create lyric videos for all your songs. share 'em.

7. connect deeper with your audience. tell the story behind your words through a series of blog posts, podcasts, newsletters and video blogs.

8. create contests around your lyrics, "fill in the missing word and win!"

9. be creative! turn your words into new merch ideas you can sell. create banners, wall hangings, rings, wristbands, necklaces, charms, pendants, patches, bags, mugs, notebooks, posters, wristbands, prints and rolling papers. whatever works for your audience. but keep it classy and with of good quality.

10. share new lyrics with your subscribers as you write them, offered as a paid premium.

offer your fans some cool souvenirs to buy.

now it's your turn. leave a a comment below and let's brainstorm.

what other creative ideas can we do using our unique words?

]]> Tue, 07 May 2013 11:26:15 GMT http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/musicians-heres-the-most-overlooked-resource-in-your-back-pocket-26535.cfm http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/musicians-heres-the-most-overlooked-resource-in-your-back-pocket-26535.cfm Website Demolition Derby at Sync Up Conference in New Orleans! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bandzoogle/~3/h8E_YkyUzEs/website-demolition-derby-at-sync-up-conference-in-new-orleans-26490.cfm DaveCool@bandzoogle.com (DaveCool) Our CEO David Dufresne is heading to the birthplace of jazz for the <a href="http://www.jazzandheritage.org/events/2013-up-conference" target="_new">Sync Up Conference which happens during the <a href="http://www.nojazzfest.com/" target="_new">New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival April 26 & 27, May 3 & 4. Taking place at the New Orleans Museum of Art, the event is FREE. David will be speaking on a panel as well as hosting a Website Demolition Derby. Here are the details: Direct 2 Fan: Which Service? Saturday, April 27 10AM David will be part of a panel along with representatives from PledgeMusic, Topspin Media, Bandpage, and Nimbit to discuss the various "D2F" services available to musicians. Website Demolition Derby Saturday, April 27 11:30AM David hosts the Sync Up Website Demolition Derby. If you've got the guts, they'll pop your site up on the big screen and let the experts play "American Idol" with it. They'll critique your site and give tips on how to improve fan engagement - and sales. Not Attending? Listen Live Online Even if you're not attending the Sync Up Conference, you can listen to the events live online over at <a href="http://www.wwoz.org" target="_new">www.wwoz.org And if you will be attending the conference, let us know in the comments below or through <a href="http://www.twitter.com/bandzoogle" target="_new">Twitter or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/bandzoogle" target="_new">Facebook. We have a feeling David will be checking out the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival while he’s in town. There's an incredible lineup which includes BB King, Patti Smith, Dave Matthews Band, Frank Ocean, Willie Nelson, and much more: <a href="http://www.nojazzfest.com" target="_new">www.nojazzfest.com Our CEO David Dufresne is heading to the birthplace of jazz for the Sync Up Conference which happens during the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival April 26 & 27, May 3 & 4. Taking place at the New Orleans Museum of Art, the event is FREE. David will be speaking on a panel as well as hosting a Website Demolition Derby. Here are the details:


Direct 2 Fan: Which Service?
Saturday, April 27
10AM

David will be part of a panel along with representatives from PledgeMusic, Topspin Media, Bandpage, and Nimbit to discuss the various “D2F” services available to musicians.

Website Demolition Derby
Saturday, April 27
11:30AM

David hosts the Sync Up Website Demolition Derby. If you've got the guts, they'll pop your site up on the big screen and let the experts play "American Idol" with it. They'll critique your site and give tips on how to improve fan engagement - and sales.


Not Attending? Listen Live Online

Even if you’re not attending the Sync Up Conference, you can listen to the events live online over at www.wwoz.org


And if you will be attending the conference, let us know in the comments below or through Twitter or Facebook.

We have a feeling David will be checking out the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival while he’s in town. There's an incredible lineup which includes BB King, Patti Smith, Dave Matthews Band, Frank Ocean, Willie Nelson, and much more: www.nojazzfest.com
]]> Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:19 GMT http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/website-demolition-derby-at-sync-up-conference-in-new-orleans-26490.cfm http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/website-demolition-derby-at-sync-up-conference-in-new-orleans-26490.cfm Musician Website Love: Dan Fisk http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bandzoogle/~3/m2F-6yGQMbU/musician-website-love-dan-fisk-26458.cfm DaveCool@bandzoogle.com (DaveCool) Every week, we highlight one of our favorite websites on Bandzoogle. Who: Dan Fisk What: Acoustic Rock Singer-songwriter Where: Virginia Why his website rocks: Dan Fisk&rsquo;s website has a great custom design. We love the nice big header photo with his name and title, the cohesive color scheme, and his font choices all work well together. Plus, his Homepage is perfect. It has his latest news, social links, a couple of featured videos, and a mailing list signup with a great incentive (&ldquo;I promise to stop prank calling you.&rdquo;). Nicely done Dan! Check out his site at: <a href="http://www.danfisk.com " target="_new">www.danfisk.com <a href="http://www.danfisk.com " target="_new"> Every week, we highlight one of our favorite websites on Bandzoogle.

Who: Dan Fisk
What: Acoustic Rock Singer-songwriter
Where: Virginia
Why his website rocks: Dan Fisk’s website has a great custom design. We love the nice big header photo with his name and title, the cohesive color scheme, and his font choices all work well together. Plus, his Homepage is perfect. It has his latest news, social links, a couple of featured videos, and a mailing list signup with a great incentive (“I promise to stop prank calling you.”). Nicely done Dan!

Check out his site at: www.danfisk.com



]]> Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:39:03 GMT http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/musician-website-love-dan-fisk-26458.cfm http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/musician-website-love-dan-fisk-26458.cfm 5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Recording Sessions http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bandzoogle/~3/xt83HdByczA/5-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-recording-sessions-26443.cfm Adam@bandzoogle.com (Adam) As Dylan sang, 'The Times, they are a-chaaaangin'&hellip; ' and this can certainly can be applied when it comes to the recording process. We've made a transition from using tape reels, to recording zeros and ones right into the computer. You can rent massive warehouse studios with millions of dollars in recording equipment and a staff of twenty, who will cater to your recording and chocolate fancies (&ldquo;roll off the frequency of my guitar in the 1.5 k range, and no red M&amp;M's please&rdquo;). Or you can sit in someone's basement with a Mac laptop next to the laundry trying to get some reverb from a dryer drum. There are benefits to pro studios and home recording each in their own right. But the one thing that never changes, even if you're a music legend, is the budget. Even if you decide to try out home recording, there are going to be costs involved, and if you're not prepared it can still cost you more in money and time than you expect. Here are some pointers to help you prepare for that recording, and make the most out of your time, and money. 1. Come up with honest and realistic numbers for time and budget First things first: create a budget. Put it on paper, make a spreadsheet, write it on a napkin, whatever you do, figure out exactly how much you have to spend, right down to the last cent, not a penny more and then&hellip; STICK TO IT. This step is critical and it is often the most brushed off in terms of priority because nobody likes to do it. But if you&rsquo;re organized, this shouldn't actually take long. It will keep your expectations realistic, and will be the benchmark that keeps you from sinking the music ship because of money. Remember, you are not going to be spending all of your budget on recording, or at least you shouldn't. There are other things that cost money with records, including duplication, promo, websites, photos, graphic designers, etc. Recording is only one part of making a record - you may have made the decision to cut corners on some of these things or maybe you&rsquo;re getting some good deals with a designer for the album cover, so a budget will help you keep track of this, and give you a better idea of what you can spend on recording. 2. Record your own demos, apply critical listening, then serve the songs. There's a weird misconception that when artists go into the studio that everything will sound incredible no matter what they record, simply because of all that wonderful technology. Many bands fail to actually listen to their material as a whole beforehand, then go into the studio and can't understand why it doesn't sound as good as they thought it would. The best way to beat this problem is to make a demo. Knowing and mapping things like key, tone, tempos and arrangements in a basic recording while making good notes and revisions well ahead of time will save you recording time, and thus a lot of money. 3. Like the scouts, be prepared. To prepare for your recording session, meet with your band and / or your engineer or producer regularly and discuss influences and sound as well as what is actually involved when you track. Bring mp3s and CDs of artists and albums that you feel could be an influence and share them with who you are working with. If you're booking time in a studio, listen to other recordings that have been recorded there, and see how their recordings match up to what you are looking for. Think of this as preparing your ears for what to expect, because it&rsquo;s way easier to hear what you are talking about than trying to describe that &lsquo;wooshy&rsquo; effect you want on your keyboards to your engineer. You should also spend a good chunk of time thinking about what instruments get used for what parts, right down to the guitar, the snare, amps, keyboards, etc. Find out what instruments the studio has available that will compliment your ideas, they&rsquo;ve always got a gear list available. Visit music stores and play a few different instruments with specific areas of recording in mind. Do the same with amps if you feel you need them. This is a free and fun exercise, and you'll be expanding your sonic horizons by doing it! 4. Practice, practice, practice!!! Oh, and practice. I don't really have to go into this one too much do I? Practice makes perfect, with both gigs and on records, and it's cheaper at a rehearsal space than at a studio. It will translate to less takes when recording if you've already developed your muscle memory for the songs, and it's so much more satisfying nailing that take in a couple of goes, rather than trying to edit a part in post so it sounds right in mix. Think of yourself as a musical athlete. Marathon runners don't just decide to run a marathon in record time out of the blue, they run marathons every day for years to prepare for the big event at the Olympics. They spend hours just psyching themselves up for it. The recording process can be both musically, mentally, and physically challenging, so the more you practice, the more in shape you'll be for the big event. You will get better results in less time, and as a result, will spend less money. 5. Studios are not for experimenting or socializing, they&rsquo;re for recording There's always the possibility that you can spend some experimental time on your record, like tracking alternate solos and tones, or re-recording your guitar solo note for note on that really weird looking Harmonium in the corner. But save it for when everything else is done, at the end, as a potential icing on the cake, and don't count on it happening. Also consider leaving practices that you would do in the privacy of your rehearsals, well... at the practice space. Less messing about in the studio will pay you dividends when you're listening to your incredible songs over a thumping PA at your CD release, when partying and socializing actually counts for something, and you will also find you get in touch with your recording that much more, which feels pretty good too. Measure Twice, Cut Once These suggestions often come back to the same refrain: plan rigorously in all areas, make sure you&rsquo;re ready musically, mentally and physically, then start your recording. It may seem obvious, but many of these points are regularly overlooked by artists both successful and up and coming. A recording can be a huge undertaking even on a small budget, so planning a record wisely can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. And by getting a lot of things taken care of at the beginning, you will make the experience of recording more fun and creative. As Dylan sang, 'The Times, they are a-chaaaangin'… ' and this can certainly can be applied when it comes to the recording process. We've made a transition from using tape reels, to recording zeros and ones right into the computer. You can rent massive warehouse studios with millions of dollars in recording equipment and a staff of twenty, who will cater to your recording and chocolate fancies (“roll off the frequency of my guitar in the 1.5 k range, and no red M&M's please”). Or you can sit in someone's basement with a Mac laptop next to the laundry trying to get some reverb from a dryer drum.

There are benefits to pro studios and home recording each in their own right. But the one thing that never changes, even if you're a music legend, is the budget. Even if you decide to try out home recording, there are going to be costs involved, and if you're not prepared it can still cost you more in money and time than you expect.

Here are some pointers to help you prepare for that recording, and make the most out of your time, and money.

1. Come up with honest and realistic numbers for time and budget

First things first: create a budget. Put it on paper, make a spreadsheet, write it on a napkin, whatever you do, figure out exactly how much you have to spend, right down to the last cent, not a penny more and then… STICK TO IT. This step is critical and it is often the most brushed off in terms of priority because nobody likes to do it. But if you’re organized, this shouldn't actually take long. It will keep your expectations realistic, and will be the benchmark that keeps you from sinking the music ship because of money.

Remember, you are not going to be spending all of your budget on recording, or at least you shouldn't. There are other things that cost money with records, including duplication, promo, websites, photos, graphic designers, etc. Recording is only one part of making a record - you may have made the decision to cut corners on some of these things or maybe you’re getting some good deals with a designer for the album cover, so a budget will help you keep track of this, and give you a better idea of what you can spend on recording.


2. Record your own demos, apply critical listening, then serve the songs.

There's a weird misconception that when artists go into the studio that everything will sound incredible no matter what they record, simply because of all that wonderful technology. Many bands fail to actually listen to their material as a whole beforehand, then go into the studio and can't understand why it doesn't sound as good as they thought it would.

The best way to beat this problem is to make a demo. Knowing and mapping things like key, tone, tempos and arrangements in a basic recording while making good notes and revisions well ahead of time will save you recording time, and thus a lot of money.


3. Like the scouts, be prepared.

To prepare for your recording session, meet with your band and / or your engineer or producer regularly and discuss influences and sound as well as what is actually involved when you track. Bring mp3s and CDs of artists and albums that you feel could be an influence and share them with who you are working with. If you're booking time in a studio, listen to other recordings that have been recorded there, and see how their recordings match up to what you are looking for. Think of this as preparing your ears for what to expect, because it’s way easier to hear what you are talking about than trying to describe that ‘wooshy’ effect you want on your keyboards to your engineer.

You should also spend a good chunk of time thinking about what instruments get used for what parts, right down to the guitar, the snare, amps, keyboards, etc. Find out what instruments the studio has available that will compliment your ideas, they’ve always got a gear list available. Visit music stores and play a few different instruments with specific areas of recording in mind. Do the same with amps if you feel you need them. This is a free and fun exercise, and you'll be expanding your sonic horizons by doing it!


4. Practice, practice, practice!!! Oh, and practice.

I don't really have to go into this one too much do I? Practice makes perfect, with both gigs and on records, and it's cheaper at a rehearsal space than at a studio. It will translate to less takes when recording if you've already developed your muscle memory for the songs, and it's so much more satisfying nailing that take in a couple of goes, rather than trying to edit a part in post so it sounds right in mix.

Think of yourself as a musical athlete. Marathon runners don't just decide to run a marathon in record time out of the blue, they run marathons every day for years to prepare for the big event at the Olympics. They spend hours just psyching themselves up for it. The recording process can be both musically, mentally, and physically challenging, so the more you practice, the more in shape you'll be for the big event. You will get better results in less time, and as a result, will spend less money.

5. Studios are not for experimenting or socializing, they’re for recording

There's always the possibility that you can spend some experimental time on your record, like tracking alternate solos and tones, or re-recording your guitar solo note for note on that really weird looking Harmonium in the corner. But save it for when everything else is done, at the end, as a potential icing on the cake, and don't count on it happening.

Also consider leaving practices that you would do in the privacy of your rehearsals, well... at the practice space. Less messing about in the studio will pay you dividends when you're listening to your incredible songs over a thumping PA at your CD release, when partying and socializing actually counts for something, and you will also find you get in touch with your recording that much more, which feels pretty good too.


Measure Twice, Cut Once

These suggestions often come back to the same refrain: plan rigorously in all areas, make sure you’re ready musically, mentally and physically, then start your recording. It may seem obvious, but many of these points are regularly overlooked by artists both successful and up and coming. A recording can be a huge undertaking even on a small budget, so planning a record wisely can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. And by getting a lot of things taken care of at the beginning, you will make the experience of recording more fun and creative.
]]> Fri, 03 May 2013 13:04:03 GMT http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/5-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-recording-sessions-26443.cfm http://bandzoogle.com/blog/blogposts/5-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-recording-sessions-26443.cfm