We’ve all heard the accusations, especially with older religious groups, that Rock n’ Roll is the Devil’s music. We’ve shrugged that off over the years and even evangelical Christian Rock groups have taken to the sound. But they not have been far off the mark if you believe in legends and have an open mind.

If you are a music lover, musician, and are open minded, I invite you to take the time and listen to a legend. The legend of the beginning of Rock and Roll!

Robert Johnson was a poor, African American man, born in Mississippi in 1911. During his life he became known as The King of the Delta Blues. Robert Johnson however, was not always the a great guitarist.

The Story

Robert Johnson had been making his way from Yazoo City Mississippi, trying to get to Helena. He had been playing at a club in Yazoo and his ride had left him on a cool October night near a levee where Robert heard a dog howling. Not just any howl but a bluesy, rhythmic, soulful, howl. The dog was hairless, and as the legend goes, was standing in a ditch near a tall, barrel-chested black man.

The howling touched Robert Johnson’s soul, causing him to go down to his knees. It was something he had never heard before; as if the dog were crazed.
“That dog gone mad.” Robert said.

The man laughed. “That dog belong to me. He ain’t mad, he’s got the Blues. I got his soul in my hand.”

The dog let out another howl. This howl gripped Robert Johnson’s soul. It made him twitch and move. Robert grabbed his guitar and his fingers began playing the most wonderful thing he had ever heard. When he was finished, and the dog was no longer howling, Robert tried to play that sound again but couldn’t.

“Put that guitar down boy.” The man said. “You just another guitar player like all the damn rest. You need to throw that thing in the ditch next to that dog, and go play the harp for Willie Brown. You is a simple guitar player, nobody ever gonna remember you..or..you wanna play that guitar like nobody ever played it before?”

Robert looked at the dog. “I want that dog Devil man.”

“That dog ain’t for sale Robert Johnson…but the sound can be yours. That there is the sound of the Delta Blues.” The man said with an evil smile.

“I have to have that sound! That’s a lot of women and whiskey! Where do I sign?”

The man said to him “You don’t need no pencil Robert Johnson. Your word is good enough. All you have to do is keep walking north. But you better be ready, there will be consequences!”
“Be ready for what Devil man?” Robert asked squinting at the big man.

“You know where you are Robert Johnson? You standin at the crossroads, right at midnight. This ain’t just any crossroads Robert Johnson. I put this “X” on the ground for a reason. I was waitin for you. You take another step North and you be in Rosedale. East and you’ll be back at Highway 61 in Cleveland. You could go West and sit there on the levee and look down at the river, and South will put you back in Beulah. It’s your choice. But know this, you head North to Rosedale and you be playing the Blues like nobody ever heard. That sound will take hold of all who hear it. Your soul will be mine Robert Johnson, for eternity.”

“Step back Devil Man! I am going to Rosedale! I AM THE BLUES!” Robert shouted.
“Go on then Robert Johnson. You go be The King of the Delta Blues. But when you get to town, get yourself a hot plate. Where you goin son, you gonna need a little something on your belly.”

With that, Robert Johnson headed North to Rosedale and sealed his contract with The Devil. Robert Johnson went on to become The King of the Delta blues and spawned a new sound called Rock n’ Roll.

At the age of 27 Robert Johnson was poisoned by the owner of a juke joint he had been playing. Robert had been messing around with the owner’s wife. The story goes when he died, he knelt down on all fours and let out a howl, a howl that no one could believe a man could make.

This story lives on in many forms and has been linked to influence some stories, movies and songs. A popular one being “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” In this instance the Devil lost. Also a movie was made closely related to this legend, Crossroads starring Ralph Macchio.

The Club

Robert Johnson (1911-1938) is said to be the first of the 27 Club and the father of what was to become known as Rock music. Though some people might argue he is not the actual Father of Rock n’ Roll, but that sound would never have been if it weren’t for the Delta Blues.

The Delta Blues/Crossroads legend has become been linked to the 27 club legend as others have risen to great success only to die at the young age:

Jim Morrison Dec 1943- July 1971
Janis Joplin Jan 1943 – Oct 1970
Kurt Cobain Feb 1967 – Apr 1994
Brian Jones Feb 1942 – July 1969
Jimi Hendrix Nov 1942 – Sep 1970
Amy Winehouse Sept 1983 – July 2011

Other celebrities from movies to television have also passed on at age 27 and have joined the ranks of the 27 club. Robert Johnson and his pact with the devil, some say, is where it all started. Others shrug it off and say it’s all coincidence. So maybe, just maybe it is the Devil’s music, but we took it from him.

For me, let’s just say you won’t see me standing at the crossroads anytime soon…

Bonus Video

If you are a music fan and haven’t the movie Crossroads, you are missing out. Check out this YouTube clip.

Guest Post: Jay Fowler is co-host of the podcast Social Blend. Raised in Memphis Tennessee, the Delta Blues hold a special place in his heart.

No related posts.

Do you remember 1987? If not, do you wish you did? Then you need to listen to this podcast.

Joe, Greg and I play a few tunes from that year, discuss some of the movies that were big (and are still relevant today) and revisit a few other pop culture topics.

Click here to listen to Social Blend now.

Related posts:

1. The Halloween Podcast: CRANIUMELODY XI – Social Blend 176
2. Social Blend 144 Podcast: CRANIUMELODY 1986
3. Listen To This New Cover Songs Podcast: CRANIUMELODY X – Social Blend 174

In the music business, you need to strike while the iron is hot, and take your chances when you get them. You never know when a once in a lifetime opportunity will present itself, and when it does, you need to be ready to step up to the microphone and rock it.

You need an artist management company who knows how to function in the fast paced world of the music business.

Best Kept Secret

The best kept secret in the music business, though, is that, more often than not, “once in a lifetime” opportunities don’t just happen. Most bands and artists who have achieved any degree of success in the business got their big breaks because of someone in the background pulling the right strings and making sure the pieces fell into place so they could get that legitimate shot at success. Most of the time, the ones behind the scenes are aggressive artist managers or artist management companies.

Finding the right artist manager is one of the most important decisions you will ever make as an artist or a band. Unless you happen to really know what’s what in the music industry (and most don’t), you need someone who can steer you in the right directions. You need someone with the right connections who can make sure that the right people get to hear you perform.

Ideal Candidate

You need someone who has natural leadership ability…someone who can deal with the different personalities and egos both in your band and in the music business in general. You also need someone who has a great deal of salesmanship, someone who’s going to be able to convince others in the business that, out of all the up and coming artists, you are the one they should give the gig or recording contract to.

On top of all of this, you need an artist manager you can trust. The music business, like any other business, runs on trust. Be people of your word, and expect the same of your management company. Don’t accept any less. Your career depends on it.

Guest post: Matthew Downes is committed to helping this up and coming generation of musicians optimize their careers by giving them consummate guidance in all areas of the music industry. As president of ktc mgmt, a company specializing in helping artists achieve maximum profits with real world business advice and career consulting, he can help you reach your goals and maximize your profit in the music industry.

For more information about Matthew and his company ktc mgmt please visit http://www.ktcmgmt.com/

PHOTO CREDIT:  photo credit: Epiclectic

Related posts:

1. Oblivious Signal sign booking contract with C&A Media, release John Tovar from management contract and re-sign with Static Management.
2. Artist Defections and DRM Doom
3. Musician Interview with The Butterfly Effect Soundtrack artist Darius Lux

photo credit: B Rosen

At a time when music is gradually perceived as a streamed commodity for most listeners (as opposed to the traditional ownership model which peaked in the era of CDs), we think there is room for new initiatives that will reinvent a sustainable ecosystem for both the end-user and the artist.

We’ve just launched a GLOBAL musical social network bringing together private hosts of house concerts and solo artists. The idea of house concerts has been around for a few years but there have been few attempts to organize it properly on a global level. This will be our challenge. Our ambition is to build the network of hosts during a few months to gain enough traction before launching the first tours.

Serious People Only

We believe in a form of curation to guarantee the quality of the experience for all parties involved: we won’t grant automatic membership. We want motivated & talented individuals to join the network. Slowbizz does not equal showbizz. We position ourselves in the “slow movement”.

Whereas most music online marketeers advocate ways to entice wildfire “click & forget” like/follow behaviour, we strongly recommend to grow a genuine fanbase in the not-so-outdated real world, one gig at a time, one fan at a time. Slowly but surely. And there’s no better way to do it than via an organically built network of engaged music lovers.

Slowbizz.com is already open for both hosts & artists submissions.

It’s only the beginning of a great adventure. There’s no rush, we’ll take our time.

Slowbizz.com will be slowly built with passion, by music lovers for music lovers.

Go Take a Look for Yourself

Join the artist community here.

Join the host community here.

Look Who’s Talking

We’ve just been featured on Springwise & Hypebot.

Guest post by Frederick Tubiermont the owner and manager of Slowbizz.com.

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

 photo credit: B Rosen

Related posts:

1. Finally, An Internet Music Marketing Plan With Promise (Join Me)!
2. Bring the Live Music to You with a Concert in Your Home

photo credit: rick

When I heard about Google Music and read a few stories (below), I figured I would jump in with both feet and get in while the gittin is good. Hell, maybe even snag some new listens before everyone and there mother has their tracks streaming and up for sale.

Here are a few quick observations I had when researching and signing up for Google Music.

My Observations

The good…

• No middle man. Just you and Google
• Google is SUPER conscience about rights. They are constantly emphasizing that you own everything (music, pictures, copy, etc) that you are uploading. Yeah many sites are like this but they just go above and beyond.
• Your songs go right into the Android market, are available to be streamed on Google Music, are sharable on Google + and on YouTube along sode your videos (this is huge in my opinion). Also, I’m assume the tracks will be more prominent on Google’s old school search. All pluses in my book.
• They offer listeners the chance to share full songs. Which is a good thing (I hate only being able to hear partial songs don’t you?).
• When I was setting up my album they give you the option to offer tracks in the following ways: totally free, paid with two free plays, paid with no free plays.

Others Observations

Google Music Artist Intro Page

Hear about the service from Google themselves.

Google Just Dropped Two Gigantic Bombs on the Music Industry…

This Digital Music News post sold me on putting my music on Google Music.

Google Music’s Artist Hub turns indie musicians into personal record labels

Personal record labels? Yeah kinda.

Have you had any experience with Google Music? Have any thoughts? Share the in the comments below.

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

 photo credit: rick

Related posts:

1. Why Musicians Should Consider Google Plus For Online Music Marketing
2. Musician Interview with Trevor Potts of NYC-based indie rock band, Red Directors:
3. The Indie Bible Kicks Ass

Image via Wikipedia

Led Zeppelin has gone down in history as one of the biggest bands of all time. I’m here to convince you that they are, in fact, the greatest of them all.

Remembered as the biggest band of the 1970′s, Led Zeppelin gained iconic status through their electrifying live shows. Over time, their popularity hasn’t waned, and they are still one of the most popular bands today. Only reuniting a handful of times, they have remained true to their legacy and will be forever remembered as their classic line-up: Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham.

Here are five reasons why Led Zeppelin is the greatest band of all time.

BEST LYRICS

Who can forget such classic lines as “Mean old levee, taught me to weep and moan”, or “I don’t know, but I been told, that big-legged women ain’t got no soul”.

Led Zeppelin’s lyrics have much of Lord Byron about them: grandiosity, majesty, and more than a handful of irreverence. The lyrics cover everything from love, to The Lord of the Rings, to sex in its sexiest form, to childhood friendship. Whether influenced by blues, folk or good old rock ‘n roll, Led Zeppelin’s lyrics encompass a wide range of experiences.

Listen to Black Dog

FATTEST BASS LINES

John Paul Jones will forever be the unsung hero of the group. A versatile multi-instrumentalist, he contributed keyboard parts to such classics as Stairway to Heaven and Kashmir. He will, however, forever be remembered as bass player extraordinaire, whose simultaneously improvisatory and pocket style was the perfect counterpoint to John Bonham’s drumming. John Paul Jones’ effortless finger style bass can be heard on numerous sessions from the 60′s, and can be heard on the frankly excellent album Them Crooked Vultures, proof that old age has not yet caught up with this god among men.

Listen to The Lemon Song

MOST THUNDEROUS DRUMS

One only needs to listen to Moby Dick to recognise that John Bonham was an extraordinary drummer of seemingly limitless ability. His thunder can be heard on songs ranging from cock-rock classics such as Black Dog, to the beautiful ballads Over the Hills and Far Away and The Rain Song, to the folksy Bron-Y-Aur Stomp. A man who knows his stuff, Dave Grohl, among many others, has described Bonham as the greatest drummer the world has ever seen. His legacy is such that Ludwig Drums to this day sells not one, but two authentic “Zep kits”, based on Bonham’s one-up two-down set-up.

Listen to When The Levee Breaks

MOST FACE-SHREDDING GUITAR SOLOS

The guitar solo is a hallmark of rock ‘n roll and many artists are credited as being masters of the craft: from Jimi Hendrix to Slash. However, few solos carry as much emotion as Jimmy Page’s, whether we be listening to Since I’ve Been Loving You, Rock and Roll, or Stairway to Heaven. Page’s perfect mix of fast and slow passages, highs and lows, all set against Plant’s voice define the Led Zeppelin sound, and you’d be hard-pressed to find another artist who delivers the goods so succinctly.

Listen to Since I’ve Been Loving You

MOST BEAUTIFUL MELODIES

Led Zeppelin will mostly forever be remembered as a rock band, whose classics such as Whole Lotta Love, Trampled Underfoot and Kashmir shook the foundations of the genre to its core. But there was another side to the Led Zeppelin coin, a side characterised by sensitivity, contemplation and beauty. Led Zeppelin authored some of the most beautiful ballads ever written, from the tribute to Plant’s deceased son All My Love, to the love song Thank You, to the hauntingly indescribable The Rain Song.

Listen to The Rain Song

What do you think?

This is a guest post on behalf of Liberty Games, a supplier of jukeboxes for your home and other great games room equipment.

No related posts.

Are you thinking about having a custom album cover done for your next release? Well then you are going to want to read this.

I sat down (virtually) with album cover designer Jennifer Paganessi of JL Album Art (and latest Musicgoat partner) to pick her brain about the importance of album covers, why she is passionate about them and why you should let her do yours.

Oh and she even reveals some of her favorites from the past andpresent (one may surprise you).

Musicgoat:  Can you give me a few reasons why a musician would want a custom album cover

Jennifer Paganessi of JL Designs: A custom cover will display your style. As a musician you put so much hard work and effort into making your album and that effort should not stop at what is in it but also create a cover that will reflect that work.

Your cover is really an album identity. To promote your album you should use that same design for a Facebook skin, t-shirt design, set design, possible new website design and more.

Building a solid brand identity is crucial for success in this modern market, and your cover becomes the visual identity of your music.

MG: How did you get into the album cover business?

JP: I have always loved music and art is my passion. Typically in my business I have done more corporate work. While I do enjoy that side I was missing the creative freedom, the ability to get a little wild from time to time So my thought was to combine my two passions and create a division dedicated to album design.

It’s an art that I think was lost for awhile but is making it’s way back to the music community. Especially with the digital age more and more you are seeing covers for singles, albums and remixes.

MG: Why should they get them from JL?

JP: Experience. JL Design has been actively in the design business for over 14 years. We started as a print design company but have progressively been pursuing the digital design world. With experience in both you can be assured that your design will work in both platforms well.

MG: What are some of your favorite album covers past and present?

JP: There are so many to choose from, I guess my present favorite would have to be Maroon 5′s, Hands all over. It’s just one of those you glance at and think ‘oh that is just a naked chick’ and then you do a double take and realize she has 4 arms. It’s a little crazy, weird and sexy and I really think it matches their music style.

From the past I would have to say any of Metallica’s albums or pretty much any of the heavy metal artists from the late 80′s. The artwork displayed on those are incredible and done at a time where there wasn’t photoshop.

I also really remember the reaction I had to Sting’s The Soul Cages album. I remember that packaging was made out of folding cardboard. Sting was making a statement on how the longboxes were damaging to the environment (this was in the early 90′s). The CD package was a longbox that folded into a jewel case size. It was very fitting since Sting was huge into world events and the environment.

So there you have it. Does Jennifer sound like somebody you want to work with? Well then visit her website now.

And what about you? What are some of your favorite album covers?

Like This Stuff? So do  Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

Related posts:

1. Their Stage Art Goes Beyond Just Custom Kick Drum Heads
2. Musicians: Why You Don’t Need to Make an Album

To keep you posted on the whole Google Plus Page thing, I have a few things for you to check out. I came across a great resource on how to create your Google Plus page as well as another post outlining some of the things you can’t do with Google Plus Pages.

How To Get Started With Google Plus Pages For Business

Yeah it says business but if it makes you feel better, pretend it say musicians or bands or whatever. Either way, Christopher Penn puts out top shelf  info on anything related to marketing and social media. This post gives you a quick guide to setting up your Page.

UPDATE: Create A Google Plus Business Page in 2 Minutes

Like to learn via a video better? Check out Paul Colligan’s how-to video

Why You Should Get A Google Plus Page For Your Music ASAP

Wondering why you even need yet another page? Read this and you’ll see.

I Wish I Never Heard of Google Brand Pages

Uber Social Guru Robert Scoble has a few interesting point in this post. It will give you an idea of what you can’t do with Google Plus (like not being able to have more than one admin for your page).

My Google Plus page is a work in progress but you can check it out if you’d like.

Corey Koehler Music on Google Plus 

Do you have any tips or know of any other resources that can help us musicians get the most out of Google Plus? Great, feel free to share them below.

 photo credit: The Daring Librarian

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

Related posts:

1. Great Resources on Google Plus For Bands And Musicians
2. Bands and Musicians! Here’s A Great Google Plus Music Marketing Circle For You
3. Why Musicians Should Consider Google Plus For Online Music Marketing

One of the reasons I started this blog was to share music. To be honest, I have been horrible at it lately. Today that changes (at least for today).

Besides, Soundcloud makes it so damn easy to share and embed music that there really isn’t an excuse.

Chief Ghoul

Today, check out Chief Ghoul from Chicago. Distorted acoustic guitar, distorted haunting vocals and I am really diggin on this.

To be honest I wasn’t crazy about the production at first but the songs quickly made me forget about it. Plus, after listening for awhile, it totally works and gives the tunes – and the Chief – their own identity (and thats what it is all about).

In My Time Of Dyin’ by Chief Ghoul

The Way by Chief Ghoul

What do you think of the Chief?

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

Related posts:

1. Music Podcast 037 – Acoustic Americana Triple Double Featuring Chris Knight, Willy Porter and Rob Anthony
2. The Problem With Folk Music Today
3. New Cover Song: Metal Meets Folk as Ryan Adam’s Cover Iron Maiden (Music Video)

photo credit: Vectorportal

The term ‘rock star’ tends to evince a different image depending on who you ask. Me, I imagine a hard-drinking, guitar-shredding womaniser who can turn a subdued crowd of spectators into an exigent stampede. I picture Axl Rose, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain. I don’t think of The Beatles or The Who, though many will. Images of a tongue-wagging Gene Simmons or microphone-raising Freddie Mercury are what pop to mind. Yes, it’s fair to say rock star is a polarising term.

There is rock royalty of course, many of whose members huddle under the umbrella term ‘monsters’. So-called monsters of rock generally include Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and Iron Maiden, their modus operandi comprising a blend of gigantic riffs, superabundant solos and memorable antics, both off stage and on. They are the big guns, the Hall of Famers. Kicking ass and taking no prisoners, the monsters have assured their place in history, and provide fertile ground for modern rock stars to thrive. But is the rock dinosaur extinct?

Where Are The Rockstars?

Putting musical output aside for a moment, it strikes me that there are few heavyweights currently making waves in the same manner in which the old guard did. See it as ‘there’s nothing like the old days’ cynicism if you like, but can Chris Martin really stir a crowd into a frenzy like Eddie Van Halen? Can The Strokes command the public gaze in the way The Rolling Stones managed at their peak?

We are, of course, talking about grandiosity and presence here; a band or musician’s ability to create history and sear a passing moment permanently into human consciousness. Perhaps it’s a simple case of the modern rock star being, well, a product of modern times. Climate change, atomic energy, global debt, poverty, war, disease, famine and corruption may provide a rock star with material for a song, but it also makes bombastic showmanship a less tenable commodity. Modern rock stars such as Radiohead barely even play shows anymore, so concerned are they with reducing their carbon footprint and eschewing the sort of greedy capitalist clutches bygone rock stars embraced like lovers (sometimes quite literally).

It’s All About the Music Though, Right?

Well, suffice to say music tastes have also changed. The monsters of rock preached good times and love, excess and lessons forgotten. Modern rock stars preach lessons learned, love, regret and socio-economics. While one can still find bands to fit their mould of what rock stars should be, the mainstream is very much a slammed door in the face of the old-school rocker.

Can anyone seriously say a rock gig from the last ten years has a hope in hell of ranking among the best ever? Pink Floyd’s The Wall concerts, Jimi Hendrix plowing Woodstock or Nirvana at 1992′s Reading Festival occupy a special place in time and are unlikely to be unseated by more sedate offerings from many modern rock royals.

Indeed, arguably the finest rock concert of the past ten years saw dinosaurs The Rolling Stones come bounding into the present, celebrating 40 years of carnage by decimating Wembley in 2003.

However you like your rock stars, there’s no denying that the monsters and dinosaurs will live in infamy beyond the fading sound of their gratuitous solos. Rock on.

Sponsored Guest Post: This article was brought to you by Cash Generator, the discount retailer of new and used musical instruments.

photo credit: Vectorportal

Related posts:

1. Musician Interview with Trevor Potts of NYC-based indie rock band, Red Directors:
2. See Gene Simmons Rock on Celebrity Apprentice
3. Real American Rock and Roll is Back with Flexx Bronco

Vinyl records hit the mainstream market during the 50s and 60s rock n’ roll revolution. When vinyl records were the principal music medium, the collectors were dye-hard fans of the bands at the time – mainly the younger generation that would have gone to the concerts of the bands.

Little did these folks know how things would be 50 years down the line…

Down The Line

Now, thanks to the internet, you can browse online vinyl record marketplaces, sat in pretty much any location of your choosing, be it your bedroom, an airport or a coffee shop.

The internet also gives us the opportunity to buy records from around the world. Online market places such as musicstack and Gemm, mean that we don’t have to just buy from large online stores or shops either, but get to browse thousands of records from individual sellers.

One can see then, the added dimensions and scope that the internet has provided the record collector with.

What About The Record Stores?

But what about the independent record store? Are these amazing online record marketplaces killing off the back-alley gems where we used to spend a couple of hours rifling through to find something that was at least closely related to what you were looking for?!

Well it is true that the number of record stores has been in steep decline, and reached an all-time low in 2009. However, you may be surprised to hear that a report by the BBC has discovered that for the first time in years, last year saw a small increase in independent record stores.

Granted this increase only comes as a handful, but this is no small feat for something that many thought would be completely dead in the water by 2011.

A Collectors Dream

OK, so vinyl continues to remain a collectors dream item – the artwork, the sound, the nostalgia. But is making a trip to the record store an unmissable part of the collector’s experience? Or is it worth missing out on, in order for convenience, and more importantly ensuring that you are getting the best vinyl at the best price?

If one was to completely dismiss the vast marketplace that we have access to on the internet, then one is missing out on looking at records from around the world, from millions of artists, with different collector’s attributes. And I don’t think that there are many people out there that are stubborn enough to avoid looking for records on the internet for the sake of saving the independent record store.

The Answer

But, there is a simple answer to all of this; one which I put into practice myself; and that is to do both! Use the internet to browse vinyl records from round the world.

Also, make sure that you sometimes make a trip to your local independent record store – because lets face it, an internet marketplace can’t always substitute the musty smell of an independent record store, and doing your record hunting in the company of other vinyl record collectors.

Guest Post: Written by Claire Jones of VinylRecordSearch.com  - A vinyl records price comparison search site.

No related posts.

Looking for some under rated or obscure tunes to get you in the spirit of Halloween? Well then you have come to the right place.

Listen to Greg, Joe and Terr as they spin and discuss music from bands like Misfits, White Zombie, Still Corners, Public Image Ltd, Kalmah, Godsmack, and Murderdolls.

Click here to listen now!

Related posts:

1. Listen To This New Cover Songs Podcast: CRANIUMELODY X – Social Blend 174
2. Social Blend 144 Podcast: CRANIUMELODY 1986
3. Time Machine Circa 1987: Social Blend 144 Podcast: CRANIUMELODY 1987

Dear Songwriters and Composers,

I’d like to invite you to share your unique songwriting talent with me for my new project, Sirenstories.

My goal is to post 1 new song—and information about the songwriter—each week for 1 year at http://www.sirenstories.com
(Occasionally there will be a post about a book, book trailer or other creative project on the site.)

INSTRUCTIONS:

FIRST: UPLOAD *YOUR SONG to the Sirenstories group on SoundCloud http://soundcloud.com/groups/sirenstories

SECOND: PLEEEEASE make this easy for me by answering the following questions in your notes:

1. What’s your name, or your band’s name? *If the song was not written by the person or band performing it, tell me the name of the songwriter.

2. What’s the title of your song?

3. Where are you from?

4. Best websites to see/hear/contact you.
(Be warned, I’ll probably go there and get a pic of you or your album art.)
**If your music is for a book trailer or movie, please give me the url to embed.**

5. Briefly describe your music.
Include quotes from the press if you’d like, as well as info about the track’s producer or the players.

6. What’s your song about? PLEASE PASTE THE LYRICS IN YOUR NOTES.

Please upload 2 tracks in case I want to feature you twice

Beginning June 1st 2011 go to http://www.sirenstories.com to hear 1 new song every week for 1 year. How awesome is that?

Hope to hear you soon, and thanks!

Very best,

Mimi

Guest post: Mimi Cross is currently writing novels, which she says are just really long songs. She created Sirenstories because before she was a singer/songwriter, she was a fan.

Singers + Songs = Sirenstories http://www.sirenstories.com

Related posts:

1. Your Internet Music Marketing Plan Should Include This Powerful Force

What does it sound like when a bluegrass band covers Van Halen? Or when Ozzy Osbourne covers the Bee Gees? OR when a jazz band goes thrash? OR, and this is could be the craziest of them all, a Crash Test Dummy puts a spin on Britney Spears?

There is only one way to find out and that is by listening to the latest addition of the Social Blend Craniummelody episode.

And, for all of you who like a little talk mixed with your music, we talk in depth about the merits of cover music, share some interesting music trivia that you probably never knew and much, much more.

Go listen to Social Blend now because it is guaranteed to brighten your day (Not kidding either!).

Related posts:

1. Social Blend 144 Podcast: CRANIUMELODY 1986
2. The Halloween Podcast: CRANIUMELODY XI – Social Blend 176
3. Time Machine Circa 1987: Social Blend 144 Podcast: CRANIUMELODY 1987

A lot has been spoken about concerning indie artists and the ‘Long Tail’, but with the introduction of more advanced in-home studio software, the gap has been widening into a chasm that so many artists fall into and can sometimes never return from.

The Long Tail

The Long Tail is a term that was first coined by Wired Magazine editor Chris Anderson. It is actually a very simple concept that describes the phenomenon of the online environment. It operates on the principle that 20% of the artists earn 80% of the music income and 80% of the artists earn 20% of the music income. In recent times the top of the tail has become even steeper with closer to 5% of the artists earning 95% of the income. This whole scenario is particularly relevant to the indie music market as it rushes headlong into the future.

It has become even more important than ever for an artist to hone their craft and prepare for the onslaught that is the independent music market. So exactly how does an artist navigate through the minefield that has become indie music? The answer – know your market.

A Clever Move

Two case studies from completely different fields are Ben Craven, indie progressive rock artist from Brisbane, Australia; and another Aussie sensation, Stonefield who have scored a distribution agreement through former Warner Music Australia President of A & R, Michael Parisi’s indie label, Wunderkind.

I first met Ben Craven several years ago and his demo version of his latest album “Great and Terrible Potions” blew me away. Playing every instrument and inserting every sound meticulously, he created an album that has been getting outstanding reviews particularly across Europe. He hasn’t toured or played his album live yet, but there has been no need. The album was given the stamp of approval by Roger Dean (album artist for Yes, Asia, Uriah Heap). Mr Dean designed the album cover and this point alone has put the prog-rock fans into a feeding frenzy. If Roger likes it, then it must be good.

The move was a clever one on Ben’s behalf; it opened the door for fans of prog-rock to at least take a listen. He knew he was sitting in the tail end of the long tail and decided to do something different to gather the attention of his target audience. He knew his market would be super critical of anyone sounding remotely similar to the greats like Pink Floyd so he made sure his approval was gained before the critics had their say.

The Payoff

The gamble of paying for a well-known prog-rock artist to prepare the album art paid off with online reviews calling him the spiritual grandchild of Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson. His is now being released to music stores around Australia and across Europe and USA…and he did it all independently.

In the next post we will find out about all-girl band Stonefield and how they managed the indie minefield to get a major label’s notice.

The Indie Guy

Guest Post: The Indie Guy is the presenter of Indie Uncovered on the new online radio…The Indie Project FM launching in November. If you want your music to be played on the show, head over to theindieproject.org

Related posts:

1. A DIY Musicians Review of The Indie Bible
2. Finally, An Internet Music Marketing Plan With Promise (Join Me)!
3. Your Internet Music Marketing Plan Should Include This Powerful Force

Google Plus Music Marketing Circle

If you are a band or musician looking for some great music marketing resources to follow on Google Plus, look no further.

Here is a link to my Google Plus Music Marketing Circle . All you need to do is click on “Add Circle” and you will automatically have your own circle filled with all of the great music marketing gurus I’ve come across.

Oh and if there is anyone I missed, let me know in the comments below so I can add them.

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

Related posts:

1. Great Resources on Google Plus For Bands And Musicians
2. Why Musicians Should Consider Google Plus For Online Music Marketing
3. Google Plus For Musicians Update: How To Build Your Page

 photo credit: neate photos

Vocal Warm Up by Musicopoulos turns your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad into the most powerful and versatile tool for your voice!

Create as many warm up playlists as you like! Each warm up can be created for whatever range you like, included any exercises you like, play them in any order you like.

This isn’t just a bunch of MP3′s for you to sing along to, the app actually creates the music based on your preferences. You can really make this app your own and make it work for you! There is nothing out there with this kind of power and flexibility!

See it in action in this YouTube Video.

Guest post: SpartanApps is a young company that is creating amazing apps for musicians. We are currently focused on delivering apps dedicated for musicians. Whether you are new to music or a seasoned veteran, we have you covered. Check out our website at www.spartanapps.com

No related posts.

Image via Wikipedia

Did you see all the changes Facebook is making these days? It is just another reminder for you and I about how little control we have over our content outside of our own website and mailing list. It also made me start thinking about how you and I could move some of the Fanpage dwellers over to our mailing list.

Here is what I did:

1) Craft a Message

I wrote a simple message about why I want them to get on my email list and offered them a few free songs in return. I also whipped up a simple landing page with a sign up form that I linked to right in the message. Note: You may need to make your own landing page but some email marketing providers make it simple for you to do this. I use Aweber.

Here’s what I said

Hello,

Unfortunately, Facebook may be making some changes like discontinuing our ability to have friends’ lists. With potential changes like this a possibility, I am reaching out to each of my Facebook friends and fans individually to make sure that you and I can still connect by email.

Click this link below and let me know if you’d like to stay in touch.

Click here now.

If you decide to stay in touch, I would like to thank you by sending you downloads of my songs “Take This Ring” and “Change The World.”

Talk to you soon.

Best,
Corey

Pretty straightforward but I think you get the idea.

2) Send a Message

Updating all of your fans is pretty simple but it is kind of buried. Here’s how you can find it

1. Go to Facebook Fanpage and select “Edit Page”.
2. Click on “Resources” on the left menu
3. Click “Send an Update.

Should be pretty self explanatory at this point. Just target your message if necessary, paste your message and send.

Results

With this campaign I was able to add 18 fans over to my mailing list over the course a 2 weeks. Not huge when you consider I have 500+ fans but 18 more than I would have had if I hadn’t.

Now go and try it out for yourself and see what kind of results you get. Then stop back and tell us about it.

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

Related posts:

1. Undercover Hippy Needs Your Help
2. Come And Hang Out With Us
3. How To Maximize The Benefits of Traffic From Your YouTube Cover Song Video’s

Looking for a quick and simple way to offer your fans some merch (or even make your own custom swag)? No problem. I have an simple solution for you to get a band merch store up and running fast. Check it out.

Here is a Musicgoat store  that I whipped up a in about an hour using a site called Zazzle.

Zazzle Dazzle…

I went with Zazzle because they seem to cater to musicians and artistic types plus – and this is a big plus – they give you a commission on sales for stuff sold outside of your store. Meaning, should one of your fans decide to look around and find other stuff and buy it, you get a little somethin, somethin yourself. Cool huh?

Plus, they have a ton of cool stuff to slap your band logo on. Besides the obvious stuff like T-shirts, buttons and posters they also have cool stuff like skateboards, shoes and iPod cases.

I Know What You’re Thinking…

For the record, I am sure there are better deals out there if you are looking to buy merch in bulk for your shows or for a tour BUT if you are looking for a very quick way to throw up a merch store without worrying about building your own online store where you have to do the shipping and handling, this is the way to go.

Go check out Zazzle now.

What do you think?

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

 photo credit: chucknado

Related posts:

1. Cool Ass Way To Make Music Videos For YouTube

I was homeless for many years and hoped for a chance to play my music for the public, and no matter how hard times became, my faith and strong desire kept me fighting.

I knew one day I would share my music, then a man named Trey Noran of “His Love Street” seen me play on the 16th Street Mall in Denver and believed in me and he landed me television Interviews from CNN, to CBS “Early Show” to recording my first Cd which will be released on October 1st 2011.

We have received calls from Ellen DeGeneres to Rosie O’Donnell. My goal is to be able to make enough money to have a comfortable life and to go from city to city finding other talented homeless singers and helping them fulfill their dreams.

Trey Noran has me on his record label called H.I.S. and my CD is called “Trials and Tribulations” and my debut is in Denver, Colorado September 28th 2011 at Lannies Clocktower Cabaret. So never lose track of your dreams as they can come true.

Guest Post: Dred has the power to be a household name as his talented is loved from teens to seniors. His bluesy and soulful talented and love for others shall make him a household name. Trey Louis Noran

Related posts:

1. Purple Rain (New Acoustic Cover Song) – Dred Scott (Denver Homeless Man)
2. From Reviewer To Reviewed! Hear The Debut Album From Me, Corey Koehler
3. Russian Reggae – Paul Roderick fet Neville Staples (The Specials) – New Single

After almost two years of frustrations Oblivious Signal has cut ties with their notorious manager John Tovar (Marilyn Manson, The Mavericks) .

Oblivious Signal front Woman Cristina T Feliciano

“While having long term ties to the music world, John didn’t come through for us the way we had hoped.” Commented Feliciano on the unexpected turn for the band. “We just felt like we have more opportunity to move forward with our former management agency, Static Management, so we are working with them again and really excited about it. We weren’t looking for a cheerleader, but we need a manager that is going to be behind us and be available to us.”

Along with this move Oblivious Signal is looking forward to branching out to doing more regional shows up the East coast and into some of the southern states via C&A Media booking. Having searched for a booking agent with a good reputation and solid credentials for years, their team finally found the right match with Carolina based C&A Media, who book several other regional acts and are partners with the record label Filament Records.
This mating with mean several short trips to neighboring states to extend their fan base and to finally play for some of the fans beyond the Florida borders.

“A band in our position has to take some chances. We have the music and the line up, we have to be willing to put ourselves out there and commit to some out of town shows without big guarantees. What’s important now is getting our music and live show in front of new fans.” Says Feliciano regarding their quest for a reputable booking agency.
“But we couldn’t sign with a booking agent that asked for large up front fees yet doesn’t take responsibility for the bands they have on the road and doesn’t look out for our best interests. Some bookers can leave you hanging in a band nightmare, waiting on your confirmations, no lead time to promote, not a green M&M or pink stage towel in the whole place.” kids Nick Orisino, founder member and lead guitarist.

Nick Orisino Live at The Talent Farm

“That’s why we are thrilled to be with C&A Booking. They don’t promise us huge up front premiums, but have a reputation for putting bands in front of substantial crowds and being responsible to their talents. I feel when we leave Broward we will have confidence that we will have great shows and come home with new fans.”

Oblivious Signal has been in studio for several weeks laying down tracks for new songs and an upcoming Spanish language release that had been temporarily shelved. They will be available for shows starting immediately through the agency.

Feliciano continues to be elusive about the side project she is working on with Luis Salazar, but it is said to have dance and pop influence and be just for fun, not a replacement for Oblivious Signal.

For booking information on Oblivious Signal please contact: Tony Andrews @ tandrews@camedia.org

 

Inflicted Shame, Oblivious signal’s first professional video:

Inflicted Shame

 

Related posts:

1. Why You Need An Artist Management Company
2. Modena Release Second Time Around Video
3. John Lennon, Ritchie Yorke And 2 Degrees of Separation

Related posts:

1. Music Video For My Memorial Song “Minnesota Got Colder” (My First Video Ever)
2. Oblivious Signal sign booking contract with C&A Media, release John Tovar from management contract and re-sign with Static Management.
3. The Music of Apocalyptica: Thrash Metal Without Guitars (Video)

Looking for a cool way to make music videos for YouTube without spending a ton of time or money? Check out this video.

I saw this video on my Google Plus stream and thought it was a great example of a simple video that keeps you watching.

It looks like something any one on a limited budget, very limited time or limited equipment could do.

Here it is -

What about you? Do you have any simple, cost effective ways to make videos?

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

Related posts:

1. Why Musicians Should Consider Google Plus For Online Music Marketing

Opened up the feed reader today and I saw this video posted over on Switchblade Comb. I had to share it here because it reeks of the Musicgoat spirit: a folk (or Americana or Alt-Country) songwriter – and obvious Musicgoat – stripping down a metal song. Musicgoat heaven!

Anyway, cover songs are best when an artist takes the song and makes it their own. Good or bad, that it what Ryan Adams does with this Iron Maiden classic (He definitely makes it more melancholy).

Here’s a taste of both.

Maiden Original.

Ryan’s Take

Which one do you prefer? Or Do you like both? Tell us below.

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

Related posts:

1. New Cover Song: How Do You Make Punk Moody, Atmospheric, and Exciting? (Music Video)
2. New Cover Song – Eliza Neals “Misery” (Barret Strong Cover)
3. The Music of Apocalyptica: Thrash Metal Without Guitars (Video)

Vinyl is Back Baby!

Over the past week a fellow musician Erik Peterson and I got into some heavy vinyl and cassette chat over on Google Plus (Click if you need an invitation).

He shared a few articles that were great food for thought if you are thinking of some alternative ways to release your album,have a fanbase that is receptive to these types of media or are looking at cracking a new marketing of people looking for new music on these formats.

Check out the articles he shared.

Vinyl records make comeback in digital age

The thing that surprised me most in this article is the age of the fans that were spurring the comeback on.

“…Fleming [owner of] Ear Candy [record store], he says teenagers and twentysomethings make up a large amount of his record buyers.

Indy Record Label Puts Spin on Cassettes

This is the article that really surprised me. I didn’t think there was a chance in hell that cassettes would still be even remotely relevant but I was dead wrong.

Notice how inexpensive they are to make and you don’t need a very large quantity. This got me thinking that perhaps this could make for a nice headline grabber. I mean who isn’t going to click on a press release that says “[Artist] Releases New Album on Cassette”. Just a thought.

Anyway, check those out and stop back to let us know what you think.

Can you see yourself releasing anything on vinyl or cassette?

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

Related posts:

1. Great Resources on Google Plus For Bands And Musicians
2. Hey Bands and Artists! Do You Have What Willie Has?
3. Headliner.fm: Let’s Try It Together

Image via Wikipedia

Even with the right strategy the battle is only half won if the strategy succeeds only with professional execution of tactics. In today’s music industry….the important thing is to get started.

Many potentially great artist spend too much time in the ” waiting for something to happen stage. ” The artist who get that phone call, that one much needed connection or that big break that they’ve always dreamed of are the ones who shake themselves out of that waiting stage and make something happen.

It is far better to engage in some form of simultaneous planning and implementation. Tactical plans must be shaped in relation to reality with the information learned form contact. The Master Bruce Lee said it best in relation to training: ” Boards don’t hit back. “

The 4 Rules

Here are 4 Strategic Rules Of Waging War In Today’s Music Industry:

1) Marshal Adequate Resources

In every battle, the one with the most resources has the odds in his favor. ” The battle may not go to the strong, or the race to the swift, but that’s the way to bet. ” The problem of adequate resources is especially critical for artist/labels who are just starting out because they do not have the base of loyal customers, customers who’ve been converted as such from once being fans, friends, and family within their networks.

2) Make Time Your Ally

Building strength rapidly is, in itself, a clever advantage either because you take the opponent unaware or because the swift concentration of multiple elements creates the force of simultaneous action. So it is that the first one to the river usually crosses without difficulty. The speed with which a position is occupied is critical.

Think in terms of particular genres. Those who own a position early within a certain genre may need to expend less resources representing it than those who come later and must try to break into that genre to have their name become well-knowingly attached to it.

Example, back in the early 90′s when people heard the term gangsta-rap….they immediately associated that with N.W.A. All gangsta-rappers after that had to work extremely hard to earn that tag. Here are a key few key issues in making time an ally:

• As a rule, earliest is best.
• Time saved is time gained.
• The later you start, the more you require.
• The more urgent the need for a decision, the longer it takes.
• Rapid decision making produces rapid execution.
• Rapid action is simultaneous action. Delayed decisions inevitably lose their positive quality.
• All the positive consequences of speed accrue to the early offensive.
• The less you delay, the less apt you are to be surprised, the less ready will be your competitor, the greater the probability your time of attack will be earlier than expected.

3) Share the Wealth

Everyone On Your Team Must Profit From Victories

4.Know Your Craft

In layman’s terms- Stay in your lane. Stick to what you do best.!!

Guest post: I’m Quintius Monte Walker, CEO and D.I.Y artist of Loced-Out Recordz. I’m better know by my stage name Peta’Loc. You can catch more of me here: http://www.locedoutrecordz.com

Related posts:

1. Bands and Musicians! Here’s A Great Google Plus Music Marketing Circle For You
2. This Internet Music Marketing Plan Is Working
3. Why Nobody is Buying Your Music

Image via Wikipedia

I saw this Mashables Cover Song Faceoff today and it reminded me of how powerful doing cover songs on YouTube can be especially if you do it right.

The two things I noticed is how some of the artists are really missing the boat and how others are really maximizing the exposure. Let me explain.

Missing The Boat

They have hardly any info in the video description and worst of all, they do not have any links to a download store or a website where they can capture an interested fans information. Here’s an example of a description that could be better.

On The Right Track

The ones doing it right are putting links to their websites and/or iTunes store right at the top of the video description section. Like this guy , he certainly has plenty of links (almost overkill but hey).

For What It’s Worth

I like to put both up types of link up top on my videos. I make the first link go to a landing page offering a free track in exchange for their email address.

I like to make sure I can start the process of building a relationship with the new fan and keep them around for future promotions. Check out how I do it here.

Bonus

to really cross your I’s and dot those T’s, you can learn about some other things you can do to make your video’s more searchable on this video SEO tips page I found for you.

In The End

Now you have now idea whether or not your are going to pick the right tune OR even get your video showcased on a high traffic site like Mashable. But do yourself a favor and take a few extra seconds to add at least one link to make sure you are prepared if it does because you never know.

What do you think?

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

Related posts:

1. New Cover Song: How Do You Make Punk Moody, Atmospheric, and Exciting? (Music Video)
2. New Cover Song – Eliza Neals “Misery” (Barret Strong Cover)
3. Purple Rain (New Acoustic Cover Song) – Dred Scott (Denver Homeless Man)

It was only just over 11 years ago that CD sales hit their peak but what a difference the past 10 years has been in terms of music technology.

Download Versus CD’s…

Music downloads have superseded CD sales quite staggeringly. In fact, the ability to download music has changed every aspect of the music industry from record labels to artists to the end listener. CD sales have dropped to an all time low Music downloading has even changed how our high street looks with the demise of the music stores such as Zavvi and Woolworths which were found in the top locations of nearly every town and city up and down the country. With HMV consisting reporting huge losses and the closing of branches, it maybe won’t be long before they have the same outcome.

10 Years Ago..

10 years ago, club DJ’s were using increasingly more CD’s when mixing but vinyl was still the mainstay of their record bag. Who would have thought it 10 years ago that the Official UK Chart would be made up of download and CD sales and that households would be getting rid of their CD collections completely as they only purchase downloadable music formats! It wasn’t all that long ago that people were ditching their vinyl in favour of CD’s!

The widespread choice, availability and ease of music downloads now has completely changed how we buy and listen to music. Whether you have an ipod or any one of hundreds of different mp3 players on the market, downloading music is what we are all doing. It is practical, easy and cheap which is a winning combination.

What’s Next…

So what’s next in terms of music downloads? Well with the widespread ownership now of smartphones, music downloading is shifting once more. With companies selling music downloads that are sent direct to a smartphone, music can be purchased anywhere. Smartphones eliminate the need for a separate mp3 player with many of them having 16GB plus of internal memory, the iphone even with a choice of a 32GB flash drive. Downloading music direct to a mobile device couldn’t be simpler. Click buy on the music download that you want. This will then load up a buy page. Enter your phone number, and you will receive a code to verify payment. Enter this code into the buy screen, and your mobile music will be sent straight to your phone.

With some of the music download sites having over 2 million tracks, mobile mp3s and mobile albums and couple that with the constant update the content of the website, music lovers come back daily for fresh music downloads. As with a high street record store, these sites for music downloads have sales with tracks as low as 99p. With transport costs rising, saving on petrol, bus or train fares when purchasing music is a large factor in the current climate.

Guest post by Jon Seymour of MobileChilli.com who is kind of secretive about himself BUT would like to encourage you to Click for music downloads for your mobile and get a free PC version of the mobile music that you have bought sent straight to your email address.

Related posts:

1. How Digital Music Changed Everything About How Music Is Acquired
2. Free and Legal Music Downloading: The Fingertips Digest (September edition)
3. Free and Legal Music Downloading: The Fingertips Digest (August Edition)

One of the most common things I hear from fellow guitar players when I ask them if they’ve been playing at all is “man I just don’t have the time”. I totally understand since I’ve been there before myself so I usually throw out this simple guitar playing  tip.

It’s real simple….make sure you see your guitar at all times. Just set that sucker next to the TV, computer or somewhere else where you will be able to see it alot. If it is there you will pick it up, trust me. It will call to you. I started doing it with my PRS Guitar all the time and it worked like a charm.

Hell, even if you pick it up for just two minutes and it doesn’t do anything for you that time, that’s fine, I guarantee there will be that time where a quick pick-up turns into a stress relieving marathon or an inspiring journey of learning and discovery (how’s that for cheesy?).

But seriously, go right now and dig that sucker out from under the mounds of crap in your basement and set it up. If it doesn’t pull a few chords out of you right then and there, just find a good spot to put it and go about your business. It will call to you sooner or later.

Oh and before I let you go, a few words of caution. Wives, husbands, girlfriends, boyfreinds, or all of the above, may not find the instrument visually appealing as it relates to your home decor (which is hard to understand if you’ve ever seen my PRS Guitar and now my Taylor). You’ll just have to figure that part out by yourself. I suggest learning or writing a ballad or two (wink, wink).

Happy jamming!

Related posts:

1. Three Ways to Learn Guitar Online
2. Have You Heard About the Self-Tuning Guitar
3. 8 Plus Guitar Tools Every Player Should Have

Image via Wikipedia

One of the most overlooked parts of the guitar, for many beginners, is the strings. These thin strands of metal can make all the difference in your sound and even influence how much fun you are having when you are playing.

Here are a few facts about strings and a few guidelines to follow to stay on top of your sound.

Why Change Them

The biggest reason you will want to change your strings on a regular basis is because new strings simply make your instrument sound better.

New strings also results in better playability. Older strings tend to tarnish and which creates this rough texture (especially on your lower strings) that tends to slow you down a bit when you are sliding to and fro.

Bottom line, new strings make your ax sound much better. And when your ax sounds good, you will tend to play with more enthusiasm.

What Kind of Strings Should You Use

If you ask me, string brand is more of a personal thing. I’ve used some expensive strings and some cheap strings and have had success and failure with each. It also has a lot to do with what style of music you play and what your personal preference is as far as sound.

The main thing for you to know is that there are two main types; coated and uncoated. The only real difference between them is is coated last a little longer, feel most slippery and cost almost double in some cases. I’ve used both and like each better in different situations. I’ve use coated strings on my electric and I think they are great but prefer the uncoated variety when I string up my acoustic. They coated strings just did not seem to sound as good on the acoustic – which again, is my own personal choice.

Gauge is also important to consider when you are buying a set of strings. The thinner the strings, the easier they are on the fingers but you start to lose the volume and the sustain you get with thicker strings. Try out a few different kinds to see what you like but it is recommended that you start out with the lighter if you are just a beginner.

When To Change Them

Unless your strings are pretty fresh – i’d say the 2-4 day window – I would recommend changing them before a performance and definitely before you do any recording.

Other than that those two situations, “when to change your strings kind of varies a bit depending on what kind you kind of strings you get – coated or uncoated – and what you are looking for for sound. Many players will tell you they sound best right out of the shoot but personally I like the way they sound after a day or two of playing. After about a week they start going downhill and get pretty dull.

Quick Tips

If you want to be anal about preserving your strings, washing your hand before you play is a good idea. in addition to the oils that naturally reside on your skin, there may be other substances that contribute to the deterioration of your strings.

Also, make sure you have all the right guitar tools to help make changing string easier.

There you have it. Next time your ax needs a little boost in the tone department, make sure you check your strings first.

Any questions? Did I miss anything? I’m here for ya. Just Let me know in the comments below.

Pssst, To learn more about guitar strings and how to further improve your sound by learning guitar set-up, check out the Learn and Master Spotlight Series: Guitar Set-Up (affiliate link).

Related posts:

1. Three Ways to Learn Guitar Online

Image by Ecstatic Mark via Flickr

Do you create an on-line buzz to get the fans along to the gig, or use the energy created at the gig to get the fans to sign up your Facebook page and follow you on Twitter?

Real life and internet marketing aren’t as segregated as you might think. You need to combine on-line and off-line marketing to create the big picture. And get the big audience. But you still need to turn these fans into paying customers.

Take advantage of all the help that digital music distribution channels can give you, like embeddable players and sales tracking. It’s not unreasonable to want to sell more gig tickets, or make money from your music.

One of the best ways to get more fans, whether out to see you play live or on your Facebook page or even following you on Twitter, is to get your existing fans to help you out. People listen to other people, especially when they’re all part of a community. What you really want is for your fans to recommend you to their friends. Personal recommendations work.

You should be connecting with your fans on a regular basis already, at your gigs and through all of your social media channels. So engage with your fan base. And don’t just talk to them, entertain them! You know your fans and followers better than anybody, so you know what they want to hear from you. If you don’t – then you should.

Don’t forget to offer them something in return. Maybe a free download from your website? Maybe a free badge at your gig? All of these things can be shared with others. At no extra cost to you. The free download should net you an email address. You can use that for future marketing. The free badge is free advertising at minimal cost to you.

Don’t discount any channel, however minor it may seem. With all the excitement over internet hype it seems that good old fashioned word of mouth gets forgotten, but it still works.

You still need to turn your fans into paying customers. They want to hear your music, you want to be able to afford to make it. They buy gig tickets, you get to play live. Everybody’s happy.

Guest post: This is a guest post by Selina Murray of independent digital distribution leaders Zimbalam

Related posts:

1. Google Plus For Musicians Update: How To Build Your Page
2. Bands and Musicians! Here’s A Great Google Plus Music Marketing Circle For You
3. Your Internet Music Marketing Plan Should Include This Powerful Force

Get A Free Snark Guitar Tuner!

As a performer and guitar player, I often get asked questions about playing guitar. So I figured I would get them out of my brain and in writing. Today, lets talk guitar tools.

Here are a few that I use that make life with my ax easier and more productive .

1. Electric Tuner - It is ideal knowing how to tune your guitar by ear but if your pitch is a little off, your guitar – and therefore your songs – may sound a little off. Tuners are very inexpensive (as low as $10-$15) and they will ensure that your instrument and your songs are sounding their best. (psst..here’s how you can get one free).
2. Metronome – If you ever want to play in a band or are looking to record anything, it is a good idea to practice with a metronome. These handy little devices will help you stay in time. Again, these are a pretty inexpensive devise to have around ($10-$15). Also, there are some great beat generators that are free to download too. The cool thing about them is that they sound a little more like a drum beat. HammerHead Rhythm Station is one I can think of off the top of my head and you can usual set something up in a DAW’s .
3. Digital Recorder – This little device can really help you improve by keeping you honest. You may think you are sounding good but when you listen to a recording of yourself, you might find out otherwise. Digital recorders always tell the truth and will help you hone your skills. Also, if you are thinking about doing some songwriting, this thing will become your closest friend. You always want to record your ideas because they can escape your mind almost as fast as they came in to it.
4. Small Tool Kit – Get yourself a small tool box or small plastic container and fill it with the following items: string winder, wire cutter, peg puller, cotton cloth, extra picks, extra strings, toothbrush and toothbrush.
5. Notebook - It is a good idea to keep one of these around. You can jot down a few notes after each practice session to keep tabs on your progress. And, like the digital recorder, if you plan on doing any songwriting, you will need one to keep track of all those timeless nuggets flowing from your inner genius.
6. Music Stand - To keep your music organized and positioned right where you can see it.
7. Capo – A capo isn’t absolutely necessary but you will come across tunes that require one.
8. Guitar Lessons DVD’s/Books/Online – If you want to make progress and get better, you are going to need some help. Since personal instruction can be very spendy ($20 an hour and up) and results can vary greatly depending on your instructor, having a reliable set of lessons can be invaluable. The most thorough course, in my opinion, would be Learn and Master Guitar (affiliate link). It is a home study course so you’d have all the material in front of you but there are some great online resources like Jamorama (affiliate link) and GuitarTricks (affiliate link).

There ya go. Once you cross everything off this list, you’ll have everything you need to be the best guitarist you can be.

Hey veterans, what do you think? Did I miss any?  Let us know in the comments below.

Psst, to learn more about guitar tools and how to use them to set-up your guitar like a pro, check out the Learn and Master Spotlight Series: Guitar Set-U (affiliate link).

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

Related posts:

1. Guitar Playing Tip: One Simple Way To Find More Time For Your Guitar
2. Have You Heard About the Self-Tuning Guitar
3. Three Ways to Learn Guitar Online

Image by matthewvenn via Flickr

There’s a specter haunting the fringes mediocrity – thousands and thousands of incredible musicians who can play, can create – who can do amazing work.Years ago, these musicians could only be heard among their family and friends. Maybe they would play at some alleyway bar. Or maybe, just maybe, someone would hear them and serve them up to the masses – but only when tamed and put into a marketable genre. That era is over. Anyone who can create should record their music and share it with the world. Let me show you why you – anyone should just get started.

Collaboration.

Never before has deeper, better collaboration been possible. Ever. The old way was to find your three friends who all liked a a form of music, then practice and hope. Occasionally, communities would form in cities like London, New York, or even Athens, GA where something entirely new would happen. It still does. But now it can happen faster on a bigger scale. Sites like Indaba, YouTube, and the plethora of community sites like MusicGoat allow people to not only learn, but share, edit, and collaborate allows creativity to flourish. It doesn’t matter your skill level when collaborating, just get in the mix, and you’ll learn even faster by being involved and collaborating with people. Rebecca Black gave it a shot – and is now famous and learning from the best.

Creativity.

A dovetail of collaboration. Any musician can get faster feedback from a more diverse audience than ever before. There are tools to make creativity happen. No longer do you have to abandon or be ostracized for your love of grunge metal if you live in a rural country town. Want to do an amazing experiment with a didgeridoo, but don’t have the skill to complement it? Get on uJam and sync it with a beat. Friends don’t have a critical ear to give feedback? Upload it to YouTube – get feedback, make it better. But give it a go. Start recording your music.

Cash and Causes.

Yes, the record companies are dying, but recorded music is booming. Business models may be really warped but there is still a ton of money to be made. And best of all, you can make it with sometimes only a 1000 die-hard fans. The internet turns the market from how far you can drive to…everyone with a connection. Jonathan Coulton makes $500/yr recording from home. Cash isn’t your drive? It works the same way for causes. An amateur singer wrote a song about United Airlines’ customer service – and changed corporate policy and embarrassed a CEO. 10 years ago, his friends might have gotten a chuckle, but now the world can listen.

All that to say, record your art – share it, collaborate, experiment. Don’t stay stuck and isolated. Collaborate, join in, and end mediocre music.

Guest post: Andrew Shivar is an amateur guitarist and writer. He helps people get started recording at home with good equipment and accurate information. I edit the blog at http://www.HomeMusicGear.com/blogs/blog

No related posts.

Image via Wikipedia

Since writing a post about Google Plus from a musicians perspectiveabout a month ago, I’ve been tracking what other people have been saying about it.

I want to learn more myself and I to see if artists and music “Guru’s” where seeing what I was seeing.

Today I share all that info with you. Enjoy…

Hypebot – Warning: Do NOT Start a Google+ Account for Your Band, Label, Studio or Store. Here’s Why

Bands, I am starting with this one because many of you been asking how to start a band page and here is your answer. IMPORTANT: I would still recommend check out the rest of articles below though so that you understand it. Also you might find a few tips on you an your band mates could use it in the meantime.

Bob Baker – Google Plus for Music Marketing

Bob has been helping musicians market their stuff for eons. He has really jumped on this whole Google Plus thing. In this article he show a few examples of how musicians are using Google Plus Hangouts (Hmmm, now where have I heard that before…? hint).

Gen Y Rockstars – Why Social Media is Actually Ruining Your Ability to Obtain Fans

Eric Hebert points out the dangers of chasing fans on the latest social media craze. Even though I feel some of his angst is directed at guys like me (“Led Astray by Music Industry Bloggers”) and he comes off as a little whiny (“these music bloggers are making my job so hard”…just being honest), he knows what he is talking about and I think he makes some great points.

Internet Marketing This Week – If You Want To Pull A Persons Eye

It is not specifically geared towards music marketing but that’s fine. I typically learn more from the non-music internet marketers – who are often more ahead of the curve – than I do from the music marketing guys. This is the most “put it in perspective” discussion i’ve heard or read on the subject of Google Plus.

Marketing Over Coffee – Now With More Google Plus

Chris and John are awesome and each listen generate so many ideas on marketing in general. anything they say about Google Plus is worthy of your attention. OH and here’s a bonus for you, make sure you check out their Derek Sivers (CDBaby founder) interview.

That should do it for today. Book mark this post becuase I will update it when I find other things great things about Google Plus.

What about you? Have you been using Google Plus with any success or otherwise?

Also, if you have any great resources that you’ve come across, share. Put a link in the comments below.

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

Related posts:

1. Bands and Musicians! Here’s A Great Google Plus Music Marketing Circle For You
2. Google Plus For Musicians Update: How To Build Your Page
3. Why Musicians Should Consider Google Plus For Online Music Marketing

Ready for some inspiration from one of indies most innovative and rising stars? Great, then I have a podcast for you to check out.

Not exactly sure how my friends Greg and Jay from Social Blend were able to swing it, but they have Nataly Dawn from YouTube/ video song superstars Pomplamoose.

She talk about the following:

• How Pomplemoose started and gained popular using YouTube
• Their early struggles
• Using covers to make fans aware of your music
• How they choose covers
• What music inspire them and their work
• Why they are indie
• What it means to be indie
• Upcoming collaborations
• Where she thinks she looks like a hooker
• How they are able to keep their sanity as their popularity increases
• Her new Kickstarter campaign she started to raise money for her latest project
• And more..

Bottom line, whether you are a music fan or musician, there is a ton of great stuff in this interview. Very inspiring!

Anyway, enough outta me. Go listen for yourself by clicking here.

OH and one more thing, please share this podcast with anyone your can. Greg, Jay and Nataly all work very hard and deserve to have their work heard.

Related posts:

1. Hear It! The Social Blend 153 Podcast: CRANIUMELODY VIII
2. Listen To This New Cover Songs Podcast: CRANIUMELODY X – Social Blend 174
3. The Halloween Podcast: CRANIUMELODY XI – Social Blend 176

This is about as indie as it gets. Here is a very cool cover of Princes “Purple Rain.”

The interesting thing here is, Prince HATES people covering his music. So much so that he wants to outlaw (yes outlaw) cover songs (wtf ?). I can’t even imagine a world without cover songs. Hell think of a artists that have benefited from their songs being covered and I know there are songs out there that were actually better when they were covered.

I personally would be honored to have anyone cover one of my tunes. Its almost like to ultimate compliment.

Either way, I think Dred does a great job on the tune. I kind of feel bad sharing it cuz I don’t want to get the guy in trouble but it is just to damn cool and besides, I don’t think Prince is reading this blog.

And what about you. How do you feel about cover tunes?

Related posts:

1. Dred D. Scott: From Homeless To Debut
2. New Cover Song – Eliza Neals “Misery” (Barret Strong Cover)
3. New Cover Song: Metal Meets Folk as Ryan Adam’s Cover Iron Maiden (Music Video)

What do you get when you grab a Geek of Doom (Greg Davies), an electronic musician who loves gaming (Terr Ciavarra) and a music blogging folk rock musician dad (me) and record their conversation?

You get a podcast filled with…

• Songs by underrated musicians that pretty pretty damn good
• Music facts that I bet you may not know but wished you had (or not, fun either way)
• Insight on being a dad and musician (Greg asked what my kids thought about their daddy being a musician)
• An exploration of Micheal Bolton the rocker versus Micheal Bolton the crooner (this will surprise you)
• A little Google+ for bands chat (We just couldn’t resist)
• The merits of being an “analog” artist versus a “digital” artist and something about vinyl.
• And some other stuff I missed

Related posts:

1. Listen To This: Cranium Melody IV – From the Basement (Music Podcast)
2. The Halloween Podcast: CRANIUMELODY XI – Social Blend 176
3. Listen To This: Cranium Melody IV – At The Movies (Music Podcast)

Distortion can sound great, we all love distorted guitar sounds, however there is a big audible difference between overdriving valves in a guitar amp and overdriving semi pro recording equipment.The following explains how to reduce harsh unpleasant distortion during recording and mixing.

All current digital audio workstations can operate at 24 bit resolution so what does this actually mean and how will it help your music sound better? One of the most important factors of improvement by using 24 resolution in recording and mixing is being able to set your recording and mix gain structure up for lower distortion.

A few easy figures firstly, when you peak an input signal at -18dBFS (on a digital meter) you are still theoretically in excess of the audio resolution of cd quality audio by 30dB. Initially -18dBFS sounds low doesn’t it ? Well in actual fact it is electrically equivalent to +0Vu. A Vu meter is an old school needle type meter on a large format SSL or NEVE mixing console. 0Vu to +4Vu was the nominal suggested channel operating level on these desks, so you see -18dBFS is not as low as you might have first thought.

With this in mind when you make recordings at 24 bit resolution you can now afford to leave much more headroom than you previously did. This has significant advantages related to distortion on your recorded music. When you peak at -18dBFS the electronics in your audio equipment (mic preamps and outboard compressors for example) will be operating more cleanly because the small integrated circuit (IC) opamps which reside in your equipment will not be working as close to their operational limits. As such cleaner less distorted recording will be made. This is just the first advantage at the recording stage of operating with lots of digital headroom.

In addition when you next start mixing a track try this different technique of creating a reference instrument to mix against. I suggest peaking your kick or snare drum at -18dBFS on your master stereo output bus and balancing the instrumentation against this as a reference instrument. There may be temptation to adjust the level but try not to change it by more than a dB or 2 and balance all other mix elements against it. By doing so, you will have built in significant mix bus headroom from the outset. This is great because you have just upgraded your monitoring courtesy of not running the small opamp IC’s in your soundcards outputs (post digital to analogue conversaion) at such hot levels. i.e. less distortion and cleaner monitoring. The icing on the cake is that your 24 bit mix will be perfectly levelled for either self finalizing or professional online mastering.

Guest post: Barry Gardner operates SafeandSound online mastering a low cost high quality online mastering studio.

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

No related posts.

I’ve worked in the music industry for over 20 years and, even as so many things have changed, one thing remains the same: Your live show can make or break you. Much like Marvin Mosby wrote in his “Why Nobody Is Buying Your Music” post, you really can’t fake it… not if you really want to make it.

Old School 101

The artists that pretty much everyone agrees are classic – whether you enjoy their music or not – all have toured consistently throughout their careers and continue to do so. At 63, Stevie Nicks is about to kick off a solo trek and she’s well aware of the passing time: “At the moment, I can’t stop. If I ever feel I’m doing things that are age-inappropriate, I might reconsider. But female opera singers work into their 70s. Why not a rock singer?”

Yes, why not? Even when their records sales have faltered, truly talented artists’ ticket sales have remained robust. (Think Paul McCartney.) Some are even known more for their live performances than their records. Sure their albums sell well, but their tours go crazy. Prince is a great example, having just completed a 21-night run in Los Angeles. Can you name his last release?

Biggers Not Always Better

U2, Dave Matthews Band, Neil Young, Pearl Jam, Elton John, Bob Dylan… these guys are all still out on the road causing a ruckus with a minimum of 20 years of touring on their resumes. Though U2 still makes a big to-do of it all, bigger isn’t always better. And it’s certainly not required, despite what Katy Perry might think. She told Rolling Stone recently, “Touring is no longer an ordinary thing where you play an instrument in jeans and a T-shirt. It has some pizzazz these days, and I’m definitely bringing the pizzazz with a lot of bells and whistles.”

In contrast, Janet Jackson, who is embarking upon her Up Close and Personal Tour, has re-established her footing on stage by actually taking it down a notch. One critic noted, “This straightforward but effective production goes a long way toward restoring Janet Jackson’s reputation as one of the finest female pop superstars of the modern era. As a total package she’s still leagues ahead of perennially popular Britney Spears and suddenly stalled Christina Aguilera.” If she’s leagues ahead of those two, she can’t even see Perry in her rear view mirror.

And that’s just it – you can have “pizzazz,” but if that’s all you have, then you really don’t have much. Janet Jackson has broken record after record throughout her lengthy career. Sure, Katy Perry has enjoyed some hits, but will anyone still pay to see her in 20 years?

Bright Future

But the younger, emerging generation of artists does have some bright spots, some future classics in its midst. Brandi Carlile, The Avett Brothers, Ray LaMontagne, and others not only make great records but they rock the socks off their live audiences, to boot. My money’s on them.

Do you agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments below. Be honest!

Guest Post: Writer and music biz veteran Kelly McCartney cites Shaun Cassidy, Kenny Rogers, and Rick James among her early musical loves. These days, she’s more likely to be listening to Josh Garrels, Gillian Welch, and TV on the Radio. Learn more about how Kelly could help you at http://www.thekelword.com/.

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

Related posts:

1. Bring the Live Music to You with a Concert in Your Home
2. Why Nobody is Buying Your Music

Image via Wikipedia

Marketing music online isn’t an easy job these days. There are many places to be and a gazillion tools to use. With all the learning and managing required your head can start spinning pretty quickly and your precious time can evaporate quicker than Windex on sun-drenched windshield. But I think Google Plus might just help us with that.

Brogan Knows

At first thought Google Plus looked like another take it or leave it ploy by Google to grab some attention away from the Facebooks and Twitters of the world. But after reading Chris Brogan’s Google Plus 50 post, I have changed my mind, BIG time.

He goes through and points out how Google plus – along with some of the new features like  Circles (more on that below) – will bring all of their stand alone tools like Picasa, Gchat, Gmail, etc together for a one stop social party. Which got even more weight a day later when Google announces is will rebrand Picasa and Blogger.

Add that to fact 400,000+ Android phones are being activate per day it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see Google might have something here that is useful for music promotion.

Here is the part of the Chris’s post that really perked my interest.

“How long before we see our first Hangout live music “jam?” That’s one record button away from being supercool. And one “name your price” Google Checkout tweak away from being instant micro content for sale.”

How cool would that be? Monetized (or not) push button live shows – with all the promotion tools included – at your finger tips. Almost makes sites like Ustream and StageIt sound complicated.

Circle Jerks Works

CDBaby also recognized the potential of the Google Plus Circles feature in a post . They bring up a great point:

Basically, you can put your friends into different categories and communicate with each of them separately. For most users, circles would probably include “family,” “close friends,” “acquaintances,” “work associates,” etc. But for musicians, this function could have some added benefits if account holders are allowed to create circles for in-town fans, fellow musicians, booking contacts, studio owners, journalists and bloggers, etc

That will be pretty slick. How many times do you want to share links, vids or chit chat with other artists about music marketing on various social networks but don’t because you don’t want to share that conversation with your fans and vice-versa?

Being able to segment conversations means you may not have to have two Twitter accounts or multiple fanpages to log in and out of.

Only The Beginning

And really that is the tip of the iceberg. I can’t get in to try out Google Plus at the moment to really poke and prod but you can bet I will be in there playing around the minute I get a chance. Stay tuned

In the meantime, go check out Google+ for yourself. And I strongly encourage you to go and read Chris Brogan’s Google Plus 50 post and check out the conversation going on in the comments because he goes into way more depth than I have time or first hand knowledge to here.

Oh and as a side note, Google getting bigger and better is kind of freaky. Hell, between my email, my reader, my phone, etc, the conspiracy theorist in me knows they have a crap load of my information. But [fingers crossed] hopefully it is much ado about nothing and I can reap some time saving and fan finding benefits of pretty innovative thinking on their part.

Enough from me. What about you?  Do you know something I don’t? Will you use Google Plus?

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

Related posts:

1. Bands and Musicians! Here’s A Great Google Plus Music Marketing Circle For You
2. Great Resources on Google Plus For Bands And Musicians
3. Google Music: Indie Musicians New Best Friend?

Image by rick via Flickr

It’s a tough old world out there, and with record sales plummeting it’s easy to see every other musician as just another competitor for the paltry cash available. However, something that we’ve learnt in the post rock scene is that having an active community surrounding your music by cooperating with like minded musicians has tremendous benefits.

Here are just 3 of the reasons why.

1. You can share each other’s fanbase

Let’s face it, most marketing is about getting your product in front of other people’s audiences. Whether that means getting on a popular radio show, mentioned on a high traffic blog or retweeted by an ‘influencer’, marketing is about reaching out to new people.

With a niche genre like post rock a lot of these opportunities aren’t so available as the most popular broadcasters don’t get there by concentrating on relatively unpopular music.

By being associated with other similar bands, you’re getting a direct line to the people most likely to be into your sound.

2. It makes fans more dedicated

Operating in a like minded community is how you create a ‘scene’ around your music. If you’re seen often playing on the same bill as a handful of similar bands, it creates the idea that there’s a thing happening here which is something fans can buy into.

Rather than just being a fan of a band, they’ll feel like they’re part of something, and that’s a lot more exciting than just liking some band. It means they’re more likely to talk about it, and try and introduce their friends into this great scene they’re a part of.

Particularly in the early days when you’re still very underground, having an underground ‘scene’ rather than just a band hardly anybody’s heard of increases the atmosphere of exclusivity. People like to feel like they’re early adopters, give them something to adopt.

3. It opens up opportunities

If out of your handful of bands one of you gets radio play on a particular station, you can now immediately namedrop them when you approach the station, or even get your mates who already have a contact to have a word for you.

The world works on recommendations. If a particular DJ or blogger is really into a band that you’re associated with, and that band tells them to check you out, they probably will. Or at the very least, they’re far more likely to than if you approach them cold.

It also makes an easy jump for A&R guys to make if they snap one of you up. Labels like to follow a trend and you’ve just made it easier to identify one for them to follow.

An opportunity for one is an opportunity for all.
What you can do today

Chances are, there are already a few bands or artists that you run into on the gig circuit that do something quite similar to you. These are the people you need to build your community. Here are just a few ways to go about it:

• Where possible, always make sure to invite them to play gigs with you.
• Organise your own shows, always putting on bands you’re associated with (or would like to be).
• Go on tour together.
• Actively promote each other online – mention each other’s gigs and releases on Facebook, Twitter et al.
• Release joint singles.
• Guest on each other’s recordings.
• If you really want to, formally announce a collective, put a website together and plug it on all your flyers and posters.

It’s a dog eat dog world out there, and your best chance is by traveling in a pack.

This is a guest post by Nick Lewis on behalf of post rock label and promotions company Nice Weather for Airstrikes. Find some of the best post rock bands in the UK at http://niceweatherforairstrikes.co.uk

Related posts:

1. Bands and Musicians! Here’s A Great Google Plus Music Marketing Circle For You
2. Great Resources on Google Plus For Bands And Musicians
3. Why Musicians Should Consider Google Plus For Online Music Marketing

Check these guys out! Dino Planet is a new groove-based power rock trio from the Bay Area. Focusing on updating classic funk and reggae stylings with a modern edge, their do-it-yourself attitude, catchy tunes and musical aptitude are winning over fans by the dozens.

Catch them all over California this summer!

Go check out their video or go grab some of their tunes for free at http://www.reverbnation.com/dinoplanet

Related posts:

1. The Essentials for a Great Summertime Playlist

Image by the.barb via Flickr

I love music. I loved the industry. I pretty much love everything about it. From A&R, to advertising & promotions, to radio, the studio, the songwriting process, beat-making, etc…I can go on & on & on.

The state of the music industry is a sad one. I think it is hilarious that artists & musicians question why people are not playing their songs, videos, or buying their albums. Let me help you out.

Why should we go spend our money (that could go in the gas tank, towards a meal, or a bill..) to buy music that sounds RECYCLED, BORING & LAME?

Yes, I said it. Music lovers want to hear and buy music that is unlike anything or anyone we have ever heard. There is already one Beyonce, stop copy-catting. Whenever Beyonce comes out with new music, it does NOT sound like the songs that are being played on the radio and her videos and performances are not like the ones you constantly see on MTV, VH1, 106 & Park…Take note: Bey aims to release music that nobody else can pull off.. This is why she is relevant. This is why she sells records and sells out shows.

Singers, songwriters, artists..stop making music to make money. If you make music to make good music, you will have fans; you will have people requesting your songs & buying your LPs.

Living in St. Louis, we now only have ONE hip-hop/R&B station that plays the same 7 songs all day. Cut it out. There is so much talent bubbling under the radar waiting to be heard & seen but we are too busy celebrating music that I can make using an app on my phone. I want to hear a voice unlike no other. I want to hear beats and instrumentation that takes me to another world. I want to hear a hook that I will remember for years down the line..

Nobody is buying your music because you don’t really have musical talent. For example, Cassie. I love Cassie’s swag & sometimes her style, but she cannot sing. She is a pretty face that Diddy thought could make him money, but boo, you cannot sing. Ryan Leslie’s beats could not mask that.

It is 2011. We as music buyers look for music that is fresh, exciting, bold, and original. You have to have SOMETHING TO SAY…something listeners can relate to. There is only so much hood sh*t that we can take without getting fed up. You can look good, have a nice body, and take good pics, but you still cannot make good music.

Although Kanye is arrogant, he aims to make GOOD music. He strives to go into the studio and crank out tracks that his counter parts are afraid to do. He dares to be different. He isn’t afraid to take risks with his music & his career.

So, for all of you singers and artists, if you have NOT been selling records, take notice of what you have been doing and do the opposite.

Guest post by Marvin Mosby. Marvin is a rising entrepreneur and lover of the music industry. He hopes to be able to make a name for himself in the music industry by sharing his passion and knowledge with others.

Related posts:

1. Music Marketing Strategies: Where You Can Send Your Music Demos
2. Your Internet Music Marketing Plan Should Include This Powerful Force
3. This Internet Music Marketing Plan Is Working

Want to seriously improve your listening skills? Here is a great exercise that you can easily set-up in your home recording studio.

1.) First, prepare some audio files you are currently working with. Any complete song will do whether it is already mastered or not. Open it with your favorite recording software or DAW.

2.) Now that you can see the audio wave, select at most 15 seconds of audio from it typically starting at the chorus section of the song.

3.) Copy that 15 seconds audio as another wav file, then save it as original.wav. Make sure to save it at highest resolution as possible: 24-bit, 96Khz.

4.) Now open original.wav, you need to create 9 audio files out of it using different EQ settings. Create these files with the applied EQ setting:

original_1.wav
Boost 1dB at 50Hz
Q=1.0

original_2.wav
Boost 2dB at 50Hz
Q=1.0

original_3.wav
Boost 3dB at 50Hz
Q=1.0

original_4.wav
Boost 1dB at 2000Hz
Q=0.7

original_5.wav
Boost 2dB at 2000Hz
Q=0.7

original_6.wav
Boost 3dB at 2000Hz
Q=0.7

original_7.wav
Boost 1dB at 12500Hz
Q=0.7

original_8.wav
Boost 2dB at 12500Hz
Q=0.7

original_9.wav
Boost 3dB at 12500Hz
Q=0.7

So you have 9 audio files with different audio file name and 9 distinct EQ settings applied to it.

5.) Put these 9 files in a Windows media player or any wav player that you use. Enable shuffle for playback. Include original.wav in the playlist which are not applied with any EQ. Listen to the original.wav very carefully until you fully understand how it really sounds like. Remove original.wav in the playlist after listening to it.

6.) Start the test by listening to each audio files and guess the file name based on the EQ adjustments applied (without looking at filename in the playlist). For example if the bass sounds too much as compared to the original. Then it must be original_3.wav.

Just before completing the 15 seconds clip, take a look at the file name being played and check if you correctly guess it.

What you will learn from this exercise?

This is to check how accurate are your ears in perceiving small changes in the frequency response which are important in becoming a successful mixing or mastering engineer.

The most difficult test are those that have only +1dB adjustments. Do this everyday and you will be amazed how this will contribute in improving your listening skills.

You can even re-do the test by creating new set of audio files now implemented with cutting instead of boosting.

Guest post by Emerson Maningo. Find out more about how Emerson plans to rule the world through music at his site AudioRecording.me.

Related posts:

1. Music and Mixing Advice From The Certified Genius
2. How Digital Music Changed Everything About How Music Is Acquired
3. Your Guilt-Free Free Music Downloads Report: We7

This is a guest post from Jennifer Hawkins (aka Jen The Music Maven ). Jen’s career includes expertise in: recording, production, publishing marketing, promotion, branding, merchandising and distribution. Jen currently teaches music business courses at Houston Community College, Spring Branch Campus.

Why I use a 3 step approach to music success that starts with: your music!

The brutal truth about the record biz: a song needs to grab it’s audience in the first 10 seconds. Don’t believe me? Consider this: when you’re surfing radio stations trying to find a good song to listen to…how long do you give an unfamiliar tune before you decide to continue listening or go on to the next one? Answer: the same amount of time label execs, publishers, and A&R execs give new song submissions: 10 seconds.

Picture this: Music publishers, labels, etc. can get anywhere from dozens to hundreds of song submissions per day. This industry is uber-competitive, your song must grab the label personnel’s attention immediately or it runs a very big risk of getting tossed or deleted. It’s been the rule since day 1…when audiences have choices..they’ll choose what ‘grabs them’.

I’ve worked in a publishing office before; my job was screening all submissions and I rarely (if ever) found a song that violated the 10 second rule and was successful. I remember one evening having more than my regular overload of submissions and I took them home with me to finish screening. My sister was observing me as I worked; she didn’t believe that 10 seconds was all it took to screen a song (15-20 if it’s quasi-appealing). So…I challenged her. I gave her the 30 or so songs I’d already screened and rejected. She listened to all of them in their entirety… I made a believer out of her!

The artists listed below have made believers out of all of us: The following songs (spanning over 40 years) all sold over 6 million singles. Most of these songs ‘burst’ into an audience’s conscioiusness, same take a few secs but not much. Listen to the first 10 secs of each and hear what I mean. Each of them sets their emotional tone immediately.

Note also: popular songs talk about common human experiences: Love, romance, pain, jealousy, desire, betrayal, sorrow, rejection, loss, family, injustice, nostalgia, etc. When was the last time you loved a song that didn’t grab you and you couldn’t relate to?

Avril Lavigne: Girlfriend 2007, 7.3 miln
Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean: Hips Don’t Lie: 2006, 10 miln
Eminem featuring Rihanna: Love the Way You Lie 2010, 9.3 miln
Elvis Presley: Hound Dog 1956, 9 miln
The Beatles: I Wanna Hold Your Hand 12 miln 1964

Related posts:

1. How To Improve Your Listening Skills in Audio Recording, Mixing and Mastering?

A friend of mine sent me this video the other day and I thought I would pass it along. The band is Stereoside and the song is “On Our Way.”

The song pays tribute to some of the big artists through the past 3-4 decades. One of the cool things about this tune is, they aren’t really picky about genre – both in the music itself and the lyrics. The writer is obviously a Musicgoat (we like that here).

The song starts out with this country blues feel and ends in hard rock. One verse will mention Waylon and Willie and the next will mention something about Guns n’ Roses and Alice in Chains.

Another cool thing about this tune is, I can see it relating to a lot of people – especially those that I have grown up with (Hell, I almost wish I had written this tune myself).

And the opening is a nice touch which sets the table nicely. The vid opens with a mysterious hand pouring a strong one and some mysterious inhaling sounds (hmmmm…wonder what that could be?).

AND, the dude has a cool voice. Somehow I think he can pull off some solid G n’R covers.

Anyway, enough with the ands, check it out. Let me know what you think below.

Related posts:

1. The Music of Apocalyptica: Thrash Metal Without Guitars (Video)

What do you do when you’re feeling down? The answer for many people is obvious: put on some headphones and listen to your favorite mood-lifting tunes. Many studies have been published recently that confirm what most people know: music is powerful, and has the ability to treat everything from a down mood to depression. Whether you’re listening to ’80s hits with a pair of cheap ear buds or expensive Klipsch speakers there’s simply no denying the power of music.

Music has been used as a therapy for depression and sadness for thousands of years, finding a place in every culture. Many people have cited music as an important factor in their life while recovering from depression, illness or even a simple bad day. There are even people that respond better to music than medication and traditional therapy! Today music therapy is offered to many people that don’t respond to other forms of help and the benefits are obvious.

The emotional tie that bonds people to music also has an interesting effect. Most people have memories of dancing around their bedroom to an upbeat song to cheer up, although it seems music does not have to be cheerful to banish depression. Listening to music that mirrors the feelings of sadness can work just as well, perhaps due to feelings of empathy and understanding. As William Congreve put it, “Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.” Music has the power to transform the way we feel, both physically and mentally. It can bring to life happy memories, as well as fade the painful ones. Music in all forms is perhaps the most magical and meaningful creation in our history.

Guest post by Robbie.  He is a dedicated music fanatic, and has spent a lot of time pondering the power and influence of music on society. He is a consumer, through and through. He writes for http://www.technected.com and is working on a personal site that is soon to come.

No related posts.

In this time of crisis and turmoil, happiness is something that people all over the world want to feel and music plays a big part.  With an upbeat tempo, and beats that make you want to move and get up and dance, P.A. Teezy has the sound that makes you forget about your problems.

After discovering his talent at the age of 12, P.A. Teezy has steadily continued to develop and mature his sound into what is is today.  Already an underground Miami legend with the club smash “Do My Dance,” P.A. Teezy is now poised to take over the world.

P.A. Teezy’s new single “Bennie Biggle Wiggle,” off of the “P.A. Teezy vs. DJ Pat” mixtape, has quickly spread all over Florida as well as portions of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, New York, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Canada, and even the UK. P.A. Teezy is making a name for himself and quickly proving that he belongs in this game called music, for now and many years to come.

Check out the vid!

Check out more P.A. Teezy at one or all of the following sites:
www.diamondsoundrecords.com
www.twitter.com/pateezy305
www.facebook.com/pateezy305
www.youtube.com/diamondsoundrec

No related posts.

Image by moyogo via Flickr

On World Heart Day, Sept 29,2011 Vancouver BC will be Hosting the Highest Vertical Stair Climb in the World to raise funds for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation Heart Center.

What music do you suggest Trevor listens to that will inspire endurance during his 21-24 hour non-stop 61,000 ft climb? (enter your suggestions the comments below)

P.S. That is over twice as high as a passenger jet flies.

Thank You
Paul J Cody
Producer, ” Take The Stairs ” Kids, Corporate and Community Challenge
http://www.gtwyh.org

Editor note: Off the top of my head, I am gonna suggest “Rise Above This” by Seether. That tune always gets me jacked up when I’m running. Good luck Trevor!

Related posts:

1. 6 Live Music Events Every Music Lover Must Attend in Their Lifetime
2. Top 10 Best Driving Songs

This is a guest post from Nick Lewis, chief engineer and MD of online mastering studio Brighton Mastering. Find out more at www.brightonmastering.co.uk.

Image by James F Clay via Flickr

One of the most commonly asked questions I’m asked as a mastering engineer is whether analogue or digital equipment is better. There tends to be a latent assumption amongst musicians that analogue equipment is inherently nicer. This assumption often comes with enthusiastic fetishisation of unattainable vintage gear and its mythical ‘musical’ quality.

It is true that a lot of analogue equipment can do magical things to sound that digital, with its cold, hard precision, can’t replicate. However, as Paul White, editor-in-chief of Sound on Sound magazine points out in his recent leader column, obsession with this is often the result of rosey eyed nostalgia rather than empirical evidence. Vintage gear did funny things to sound because it was cobbled together out of whatever components were available. The technology has moved on a great deal since then, and what digital does is what the equipment was actually always supposed to do.

On a different, more technical note, digital processing degrades the signal far less. Most plug-ins operate at an internally higher bit rate than the source material, meaning the original signal is barely touched by the processing. Sending it out to analogue gear will degrade the audio every time, particularly if you’re bringing it back to digital (which most modern studios will). Unless you have extremely good analogue to digital (and vice versa) converters, you’re losing the integrity of your recording every time you do anything to it.

Moreover, due to the fethishisation of vintage equipment and the reality of their mythically ‘musical’ results a great deal of digital technology is geared towards emulating otherwise unobtainable or impractical analogue technology, but with all the convenience that digital brings with it. The success of these emulations are getting ever better, particularly with impulse response technology like that used in Focusrite’s excellent Liquid Mix, where the developers sampled the effects of sending audio through classic gear to digitally recreate the same effect on whatever you send through it.

This type of technology provides the best of both worlds – the analogue sound with the flexibility and signal integrity of digital. It’s this same technology that is rendering the argument a moot point, and leaving racks of equipment unused in modern recording studios, left only to impress clients.

Perhaps most important of all, is that as long as you’re happy with the sound, it really doesn’t matter. And as I told a client recently, that’s at least as much how you use it as what you use.

No related posts.