INDY REVIEW

5 Tips to Get Your Project Funded On Kickstarter.com!

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 04:44:00 +0000

As I promised in the last post, I will write about how to get your project funded on kickstarter.com. Let’s start with couple questions!

What do you need in order to pitch your project to investors?

What element will you have to prepare?

Check out 5 tips below!

1. Preparation

Before you write a business plan, you will need to research. Take at least couple months to create your campaign. Take a look at some successful campaigns. Learn their strategies and create your own!

2. Create a Visual Business Plan

Even Kickstarter.com is not a bank or a financial institution, though you still need to write a business plan! Yes, a business plan! Wait, don’t forget that you are using social networking to pitch your project. A paper business plan will not work out this time. As you have seen couple examples in my last post, you may realize that most of them used videos to tell their stories.

Idgy Dean – Kickstarter successful artist said,

“The video seemed absolutely clutch to the success of my project. Having that expert presentation of your project, the look, the sound, and making sure it’s short and sweet (1-3 minutes tops), will help garner much more attention to your campaign. So, if you’re not crafty yourself with video editing, etc., be sure to find someone who is.” - tightmixblog.com

Remember, your video is the first impression of your project. You have to attract all pledgers and keep their attention to pledge your campaign! The most important thing is that you need to clearly identify what your project is, in short! Plus, your pledgers will need to know what your goal is and how you will take action after reaching your goal. Additionally, you need to be realistic and professional in order to gain pledgers’ trusts!

3. Time Frame

Your campaign length is important as well. Make sure your campaign will not be on Kickstarter.com forever! People will get bored and might put off pledging! I recommend keeping the campaign length no longer than 30 days. You need to keep it short in order to get pledgers excited!

4. Campaign Goal

I am not talking about your objective goal. I am talking about how much money will you need to reach? Remember, you will get nothing if you don’t reach your goal! Be realistic! You need to evaluate the power of your campaign and your fans. Acknowledge them! It really depends on your worth. Don’t make your goal too high or too low. Make it realistic and possible!

5. Get yourself out there!

How will you get attention from audiences if you don’t get yourself out there? There are many ways to shout out such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and other social networking channels. You may use a viral marketing plan to create buzz for your campaign as well. So, be creative! After get your campaign introduced to public, don’t forget to remind them. DO NOT remind them every minute! I know how excited you are but believe me, you don’t want people to hear too much about your campaign. It’s boring! You may keep posting your marketing message couple times a day on your personal Facebook, Facebook fan page or Twitter Yes, couple times a day should be enough!

Now, it’s time to get yourself ready and follow all tips I provided! Good luck!

Sources:

3 Ways to Build Your Brand On KickStarter

KickStarter Advice From Successful Indie Artists
7 Things to Consider Before You Launch Your Kickstarter Project

KickStarter.com : A new friend of Independent Artists!

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 01:40:00 +0000

Let's think! You have already planned on starting a project or an album, but currently struggled with a finance situation. What will you do?

I have an idea!

Have you ever heard about “KickStarter.com”? KickStarter.com is the crowd funding website to raise money by using social media platform to share and promote your creative projects. What very interesting is funding will come from people that you might have never seen their faces!

I have two examples that you might be interested!


AJ. Rafael Picture from Kickstarter.com

Do you remember AJ. Rafael? I mentioned him a while ago in this blog. AJ. Rafael first raised funds for his first album by using Kick Starter. He made $10,952 from Kick Starter, and his album was fully funded!

Wait! Fundraising through social media sounds easy but you have to work hard as well! How will you get attention from people around the Internet if you do not promote and shout it out? Shouting out was what AJ. Rafael did. He said "Once I put it out on YouTube, the very first day we reached our goal.” He put his goal $6,000 for his project, but he received a total of $10,952! Wow! He posted his video asking for help and tons of people did!

Amanda Palmer held up the signs
Picture from Kingsofar.com

Another example came from Boston. Amanda Palmer, the social media queen of rock and roll, broke the record by raising $250,000 on Kick Starter in one day and finally made a total of $1,192,793!! Amanda’s case may be different from AJ. Rafael because Amanda did not speak but she held the signs, Think Bob Dylan in the “Subterranean Homesick Blues.” Check out the video below for more ideas!

Amanda Palmer on Her Kickstarter Project
Video from Fuse

The more benefits are coming along when she is currently increasing her fans up to 500,000 followers on her Twitter! She finally became a role model for independent artists around the world. Carly Carioli, editor for the Boston Pheonix, said “This is not going to work for an artist right out of the gate, but it is also worth noting that she is not a Radiohead, she’s not a Pearl Jam,” Carioli said. “She was briefly on a major label. It was not a particularly great experience for her, and she has built her audience from the grassroots up.”

Now, you have seen the two incredible examples that successfully made funds through social networking, especially Kickstarter.com.

It is time to ask yourself,

“Are you ready to grab those chances?”

For the next post, I will write about how to create an effective fundraising campaign for Kickstarter.com. Please, stay tune!

Sources:

Be a Part of Tayler Buonos New EP

KickStarter.com: AJ. Rafael First Full Album

KickStarter.com: Amanda Palmer

The Other Asians: AJ. Rafael

3 Ways to Build Your Brand On KickStarter

KickStarter Advice From Successful Indie Artists

Jeremy Passion: Let’s Get to Know Him and Learn How “Twit-Book Medley” Helps Engage Fans!

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 02:35:00 +0000

It does not take me so long to decide what to write in this blog post. I accidentally found this guy when I was exploring several independent artists' YouTube channels. For musicians, passion is the most powerful thing to create work. Agree? Passion drives you to create work. Passion inspires you to do something. Without passion, how can you get things done?

Jereme "Passion" Manongdo, a Filipino guy from San Francisco, has proved this theory by letting his passion drives himself into YouTube community. He is one of the unique artists who became the YouTube sensation since 2006. His name already explains how much he has a strong passion for music. This blog will be fulfilled with videos of Jeremy Passion because I truly want you to feel his PASSION!

Who is he?

Jeremy Passion is a singer, songwriter, and producer from San Francisco. He is known as one of the Internet Celebrities. Of course, he is an independent artist who decided to use social networking, such as YouTube and Twitter, to drive his passion to audiences. His music has a strong meaning for his faith in God. He says, “The passion I had for music and the passion and love I had for my Lord and Savior Jesus. Without him, I am nothing, and I’m forever thankful for his love and his blessings.”

Jeremy Passsion first engaged the audiences of YouTube when he posted his video covers such as NeYo’s, “So Sick”, and other famous artists. He currently has 174,390 subscribers and generates more than 30 million viewers on his YouTube channel!

Here is one of his covers!

"So Beautiful (Soulchild Series)"
From Jereme Passion's YouTube Channel

What I love is that he has been using social media to collaborate with his fans. In his popular video series, the “Twit-Book Medley”, he let his fans request songs via Facebook and Twitter. He selected 8-10 songs to sing as a medley and posted in on YouTube. As the result of this, his video created buzz and generated more than 100,000 viewers! Here's the video!

"Twit-Book Medley"

From Jereme Passion's YouTube Channel

Here's the thing! We all know that artists need fans to support and encourage them. The question is how can you engage your fans?

Based on Jeremy Passion's strategy, he first asked fans to request songs. Can you imagine how many request he received? Tons! That’s the way to engage fans! Building connection, improving relationship and collaborating with your fans help create BUZZ for you!

There are many ways to engage fans, especially when we have a smart tool called "Social Media". You just need to be creative and use it valuably. Jeremy Passion created his own way and that was a superb example to learn!

Now, let's get back to his profile and let’s get to know him more!

As you can hear from his sound, his music style is mostly R&B and acoustic pop. His voice is not only telling the great feeling of the song, but express his passion for music as well. He usually features with other independent artists to make his music more appealing and to increase his fan based. Here is one of the best!

"Paper Airplane": Jeremy Passion & Melissa Polinar
From Melissa Polinar's YouTube Channel

I tried to find the better version but seems like these are the best I’ve found!

For a better quality, I suggest you to download his song from Amazon or iTune

Not only the cover song that became success. Jeremy Passion produced and released his first album in December 2011. It is now available on iTune and Amazon! Here are some of his originals!

"Lemonade"
Jereme Passion

"This Ain't The Way"
Jereme Passion & Tori Kelly
From Jereme Passion's YouTube Channel

As long as you have passion, everything is possible!

It is time to find your passion

and let it builds the great thing!

Sources:

Jeremy Passion: Hollywood Bowl

The Filipino “Passion” Makes Medley

Jeremy Passion on Bebo

Jeremy Passion'sOfficial Website
Singer-Songwriters and Social Media

The Jubilee Project: Doing Good is Contagious

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:40:00 +0000

Picture from Asian American TV

What do you honestly expect in life?

Money? Famous? Wealth? Or what?

People have being different expectations in life. Some wants to be famous. Some want to be rich. Some want to be everything I have mentioned above.

But the Jubilee Project group wants to be something else. I found them several months ago on their YouTube channel. I truly respect what they do and what they think. So, it is time to SHOUT OUT!

There are many ways that people can make money for their businesses, but the Jubilee Project wants to make money and return it to people. The best way that I can define them is they are independent filmmakers with a purpose. They make films to benefit people and organizations.

Now, let’s start with this video and you will know them more!

The Journey Ahead

Video from The Jubilee Project

As a result of the greatest earthquake in Haiti in 2010, three men decided to leave their full-time jobs and school to form a video production team and started an organization called “The Jubilee Project”.


Eddie Lee, Jason Lee and Eric Lu Picture from GregslistDC

Eddie Lee, Jason Y. Lee, and Eric Lu the founder of the Jubilee Project started the project under their mission statement, “The mission of The Jubilee Project to make videos for a good cause. Our vision is to produce entertaining content that will empower, enable, and inspire others to do good as well.” – Jubilee Project

The Jubilee Project focuses on making films for good causes, raising awareness and fundraising money by having sponsors donate one penny per view on YouTube. Jason Y. Lee posted about their first video in Huffington Post that,

“My first video was called "My Hundred for Haiti." In it, I busk in a New York subway station trying to raise a hundred dollars for Haiti. I figured this was a good idea because (a) I'm a terrible singer so this might make for an entertaining video and (b) I could actually raise money during the filming of the video. Unfortunately, I came $30 short of my goal. But, when I put the video online, something remarkable happened: Viewers around the world made personal donations, and some people even created similar videos in different cities. I was so encouraged by the support that I decided to dedicate one penny for each view of the initial video. When all was said and done, we raised over $700 and had over 1,400 views.”

Here is one of my favorite videos, “The Picture Perfect.” Check it out!

Picture Perfect Short Film

Video from The Jubilee Project

Well done, right? The production is very simple but extremely touching. “The Picture Perfect” was written to raise awareness for Leukemia and encourage viewers to join the national bone marrow registry.

The best thing I like being an Indy artist is that I can do whatever I want to do. Independent artists have ability to create work on their desired purpose. There are no contracts and no rules to follow. It is true that most artists want to be famous. The good thing is that independent artists who decide to take step and follow their passion are increasing currently. It is not easy to ignore the well-deserved titles and stable salaries, but sometimes your success is not about personal success. Everyone was born for a reason to create something valuable. The Jubilee Project already has done it! Have you?

I want to leave this blog with the quote from the Jubilee Project,

“JUST DO IT, LOVE WHAT YOU DO, AND THEN GO SEE THE WORLD!”

Sources:

Interview with the Jubilee Project

Jubilee Project Official Website

Picture Perfect – Director’s Commentary

The Jubilee Project: Help aCause, Make a Video, Spread Some Love.

Do-It-Yourself : Get to know Self-Promotion

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 15:10:00 +0000

In the digital age, social media kill traditional promotion. The old mass media industries are being fundamentally restructured by the digital economy. Advertising is too expensive when free Internet tools exist. Why do not you consider using social media and self-promotion strategy for your brand?

Most people think that self-promotion is a shame without knowing its benefit. There are numbers of reasons why you should consider using self-promotion instead of traditional promotion. With self-promotion, you can be right or wrong depends on your strategy. It is the art of selling yourself to your audiences. Selling yourself seems not a proper word, but believe me that it perfectly defines the word “Self-Promotion.”

The first thing to do is learning what is right and what is wrong. Self-promotion can increase harm than respectable if not performed it correctly. The effective self-promotion contributes useful information and discussion in a leading role. In other words, you must have known and be an expert in things you want to self-promote. It is not about talking out yourself and claim relevant to nothing. If you want to look good, you also have to be good.

The next step is to build your brand awareness. It is necessary to create a network and expand it. Ann Mah, a consultant and past president of the Kansas City, Mo.-based American Business Women's Association (ABWA), state “Effective networks are simply mutual obligations between people," Mah says, "Show your boss and others in decision-making positions that you can get things done through others. Show them, you are connected."

Regarding to what I stated above, it is your advantage to be an expert in things you want to self-promote. You have to know yourself, know your resume, know your strength in order to make someone else believes in you. Peggy Klaus, the author of Brag! The Art ofTooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It, says “We need to talk about ourselves with the same passion with which we talk about others we care about. That does not usually happen."

Wong Fu Productions, my favorite independent production group that I always mention in this blog, has been using self-promotion for their company, and it has worked remarkably well. They had an interview with National Film Society recently. They posted a video on YouTube explained how self-promotion works for them and why YouTube should be considered as an effective tool.

I hope you get some ideas about self-promoting and see some benefits of using it.

Now! Try your strategies!

Sources:

Improve in the Delicate Art of Self-Promotion

Why Art Artists Poor Self Promotion and Making Money in the New Digital Economy

Personal Branding and the Art of Self-Promotion

Wong Fu Production On Why Filmmakers Should Use YouTube

Digital Music Marketing Tips for Self-Publisher

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 15:03:00 +0000

Digital age is transforming the way people experiences music. Digital music becomes one of the main revenue in the music industry while physical CD sales drops. It is time to learn how to engage audiences through digital marketing.

Most independent artist has struggled with marketing and promotion strategy. They focus on physical sales and concert tickets instead of the power of digital marketing. Some independent artists have been using digital marketing for years but seems like it has not worked effectively. Digital marketing is not only signing up for Facebook and gain followers. It is about how to manage your audiences through social media.

Let me show you how!

First, define your core audiences.

If you do not know who is your core audiences, how will you know who to convey your words to?

How to find your core audiences? Find someone who loves your music. Get in touch with them and expand them from a small community to a large community. The best way to get in touch with your fans is to interact with them and bring them with you to your journey.

Then, you need to have a digital marketing strategy.

The first thing to do is to bring your band into digital social tools such as website, Facebook, Twitter, SocialCam, Instagram, YouTube, SoundCloud, and etc. This is the most effective way to reach your audiences. The next step is to provide rich contents of your band into each tool. More rich contents you have, the more you can promote yourself. I suggest you to connect every social media sites together to make your audiences explore your world in one click. Most valuable thing is to describe your contents with an attractive title as well as a keyword rich description. Remember that everything you put in each site is to engage your audiences with your band.

Now! Let’s collaborate! Be open, honest and reachable. Share your activities each day. Bring your audience to your journey. Let’s have a meet and greet event or mini concert to keep in touch with your fans. Create some viral activities through social media. You should offer your audiences bring their friends, families or communities to your live events. Then, let them share their experiences! It certainly increases fans!

Remember that more clicks, more likes, more shares, MORE FAMOUS!

After you finish all these processes, keep UPDATING and REPEATING it!

Sources:

Neil Patel on Marketing & SEO for Musicians

Creative Digital Marketing for Musicians and Songwriters

The Future of Digital Music Distribution and Online Music Marketing

Digital Marketing in the Music Industry

The Key to Artist Development: Developing a Unique Identity

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 04:58:00 +0000

In recent years, many independent artists are using the Internet and social media to promote themselves. They have been developing their fan base through YouTube, and other online services such as Facebook and Twitter.

But which of these artists are going to briefly experience Internet fame, and which are going to develop into true artists?

When it comes to artistic development, there are many factors to consider such as music production, fashion, education, publication and management. These factors, when executed correctly, all contribute to creating a unique artistic identity.

The first issue to consider when developing a unique artistic identity is a style. For an artist to stand out, they must have their own vocal style, fashion style, and music style, which includes both video and lyrics. In 2011, a photographer, David LaChapelle, sued “Rihanna” for copying his music video. LaChapelle claimed that Rihanna’s single “S&M” contained similarities to his photographs. The case was settled when LaChapelle received an undisclosed compensation from Rihanna. While settling made part of the problem go away, Rihanna and her production team may have damaged their reputations.

Lacha Vs. Rihanna from Petapixel

A side by side comparison between LaChapella (left) and Rihanna (Right
from Petapixel

The second issue to consider is the artist's name or the band's name. Obviously, it is important to come up with a catchy, unique name, but sometimes this might be more difficult than it seems. Recently, an unsigned American boy band "One Direction" sued a British boy band in band name dispute. The U.S. One Direction claimed that the U.K. One Direction causes consumer's confusion by using the same name. The U.S. One Direction stated that the band formed in 2009, a year before the U.K. One Direction had formed. However, this case is still being negotiated and is still off the record. Regardless of the results, some speculate that this case could cost up to $1 million in damages. A similar problem occurred when Apple Records, managed by the Beatles, and Apple Inc. disputed and settled in 2010. Both Apple Record and Apple Inc. had the same name, and fought to have the legal right to keep and use their names. It took almost 32 years to end the lawsuit. Both companies wasted a lot of time and money. This is simply another case that demonstrates that it is beneficial to research and verify that an artist or band's name is indeed original to avoid problems that may occur in the future.


The U.S. One Direction Vs. The U.K. One Direction from TMZ

The third issue is copyright infringement. True artists do not plagiarize other artist's work. The music industry is filled with copyright infringement cases, some of which may even be accidental. In October 2011, Syl Johnson filed a lawsuit claiming copyright infringement by Kanye West and Jay-Z’s latest album, “Watch the Throne.” Johnson stated that Kenye West and Jay-Z took a part of his song, “Different Strokes”, and used it on a song, “The Joy”, and released it without permission, credit or payment. The lawsuit was dismissed because two sides have reached a settlement; no further details were made public. Although a settlement has been reached, the settlement process was a waste of time and money.

Kanye West and Jay-Z from Soulculture

It is very important to do due diligence to ensure that the artist or band is not stealing, copying or borrowing someone else’s work. The role of an artistic developer is not only developing artist’s skills, but also to help develop a creative mind. This process will hopefully lead to the development of a unique artistic identity.

Select Your Target and Get Ready To Hit It: Are You A Nice Guy Store

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:40:00 +0000


Wong Fu's Merchandises Picture from ChannelAPA

Do you remember Wong Fu Production I mentioned a few posts ago?

Wong Fu Production started with 3 college students who shared a passion for video production. They began by uploading their short films on YouTube. They hit the one million viewer mark in 2007, and their online fame continues to grow.

There are relatively few business-savvy YouTube artists who are able to translate their online popularity into a business. Wong Fu is one in a few. What makes them more than an Internet sensation is their decision to develop a video production company and an online store, areyouaniceguy.com.

Areyouaniceguy.com

In 2007, they launched their first product, A Nice Guy T-Shirt, through their first mini series called “Just A Nice Guy” by wearing the T-Shirt in the mini series. After their first product was launched, tons of fans requested the T-Shirt and "Are You a Nice Guy" store was founded after that.

While they began selling T-Shirts, they have currently expanded their product line to include new products such as Awkward Animals and A Nice Guy Accessories. They market their other products in the same way by using Awkward Animal as props and wearing all clothes and accessories in their videos.


Awkward Animals Picture from areyouaniceguy.com

Wong Fu has created a great business model by using social media to build their fans and to define their targets. Did I mention they are Asian-Americans? They have a very strong passion for Asian-American culture, particularly in the Los Angeles community. This has resulted in a rabid fan base of, primarily, Asians and Asian-Americans enabling Wong Fu to target their videos and products to this specific population.

Define your target, and get ready to hit it! Wong Fu has shown that you can be business savvy as well as internet famous.

This is how great they are.

This is what I call “SMART.”

Sources:

Wong Fu Production Has the Perfect Business Model

Are You a Nice Guy Store

Follow Your Heart and Manage yourself, Patrice Pike

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 18:08:00 +0000

Picture from downtownhouston.org

“YOU MUST FOLLOW YOUR HEART.
Listen to the music in your soul.
Know that the food and drink you put in your mouth is like letters you are sending your body.”

- Patrice Pike, from patricepike.wordpress.com

The quote above said by one of my favorite songwriters, Patrice Pike, who always calls herself a ‘self-managed independent artist.’ If you don’t know her, please take time to watch several video clips below.

Latest Single from Patrice Pike, "I Used To Hold You"
from SXSW 2012 Showcasing Artist's YouTube Channel

"Beautiful Thing"
Video clip from Outofboredom

Patrice Pike is an independent singer, songwriter and musician raised in Austin, Texas. She formed her first band, Sister 7, in 1991. Clive Davis, CEO of Arista Record, signed up the band after he heard a demo of their first album, Wrestling Over Tiny Matters. Unfortunately, Davis was ousted from the label 3 months later. As a result, the band struggled with publication issues and split up. She decided to leave the label and started a new band, Black BoxRebellion. She also established her own record label, Zainwayne Records, to support her music career and to avoid the same disaster that happened with Arista Record. She recorded her own songs and started touring in the U.S. and overseas.

I really admire her management style. She manages her band with heart, care and desire but never ignores the business side. Some artists focus strictly on their craft while neglecting the business aspects of the business. In my opinion, it is important to strike a balance between the creative and business sides.

How has Patrice Pike been so successful? At first, she started promoting her music by attending every possible music festival to introduce herself and her band to the music industry. She impressed people with her live performances. She is known as an independent artist who devotes herself to her fans and is willing to perform for them wherever and whenever they want her. Her devotion led her to become the youngest artist inducted into the Austin/Texas Music Hall of Fame.

Pike continues to generate buzz by using social media such as blogs, Twitter, YouTube, and her own web site. In other words, she uses social media tools to help increase her audience. For example, she posts her schedule on her blog, and tweets where she is at in real time to keep in touch with her fans. She also leverages social media to help drive sales for her albums and concerts.

Another reason I admire Patrice Pike is because she believes in the power of community. She wrote and dedicated many songs to specific community issues such as The Grace Foundation of Texas, an organization that raises funds for young adults who have survived childhood homelessness. She is the foundation’s co-founder and executive director. Her lyrics encourage people to never give up hope.

Not many independent artists can be so successful by following their passion while generating success along the way but Patrice Pike has proved that it is possible. She is not just an independent artist, but also a manager of her soul.

I would like to end this post with a few words from one of her fans:

“Patrice is truly unforgettable. I listen to her as much as I can. I love the love she sings. I know it’s real.”

I wholeheartedly agree :)

Sources:

Patrice Pike Biography

Patrice Pike’s YouTube Channel

Patrice Pike’s Official Website

Patrice Pike’s Blog

Grace Foundation

A Little Secret of Deal Making: An Interview With Ananya Viriyasittarod.

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Sun, 13 May 2012 00:38:00 +0000

Picture from FineArtTips

Someone told me that,

“Negotiation is not hard as you think. It just needs you to understand the interest in it. It is not only your interest. It is your negotiator’s interest and also the group’s interest.”

The owner of this phrase is one of my idols in Thailand Entertainment Industry, Ananya Viriyasittarod. She has been working in the entertainment industry for more than 10 years. She has been dealing with people in various field of the entertainment industry such as live events, promotional events, concerts, advertising, TV, radio and music. She currently owns an event and production company, "Loma Production Group".

I met her 8 years ago when I was a trainee at Sony Music Entertainment, Thailand. She was the only one who came up in my mind when someone talks about negotiation. I made a phone call to Thailand and asked if she wanted to share some secrets of negotiation. She did not hesitate to say, “Yes”.

Another reason that I requested her to be my interviewee because she has been dealing with both independent artists (unsigned artists) and professional (signed artists) for many years. I asked a few question about negotiation especially with the artists.

Can you please tell us a little bit about your current work and how important is negotiation in your career?

I’m the owner of Loma Production Group, the event and production company in Thailand, which I usually call independent production group. The reason I call my company like this because there are many leading companies asked my company to be their partner and sign contracts to take care of their project only, but I had to reject. I do not want to be a part of something or some companies. I want to be an independent company. I want to create my own works. My company usually creates and manages live events, concerts, and promotional events. Sometimes we do TV spot, radio spot, casting and equipment rental service. Negotiation is a part of my life, and I believe that it is a part of every life. You have to make a deal to get something. It is extremely important. I work with artists and people in the entertainment industry. I let them sign a short-term contract. So, everything is about negotiation.

What is the different between dealing with independent artists and commercial artists?

Let me say this way. People may think independent artists are easy to make a deal because they are new, fresh and they need attentions. They may say yes easier than commercial artists. It is right and wrong. I think it is not fair for them if you think like that. Actually, the independent artists are nicer and have fewer tricks than the commercial artists. It is not easy to deal with independent artist, but it is not difficult either. We just have to understand that no body protects them. They have to protect themselves. Because of this reason, they will request many things in the agreement, and you will need to make it clear and fair enough for both sides.

How can you make it clear and fair enough?

Use standard rules or objective criteria first then examine their abilities and experiences. Most artists do not want to be paid too high or too low. They need you to show your appreciation for their work by paying them fair. That is it. If it is their first time show, I will use standard rate. I will show them the paper. I want to make sure that they understand my respect.

In the past, have you ever had a fight or some serious problems with your negotiator during the negotiation?

Fighting? No. Dealing? Yes. I have not had a fight. It is very important to understand and focus on the problem, not the person. I have a lot of friends working in this industry. We made many deals. Sometimes, the negotiation was stressful. We just had to make a fair deal that match our interests. After the negotiation, we are still friends. If you focus on the person too much, you will finally find out that the problem is not solved, and you already created one enemy. One trick for you, if you have to face people that never respect and bring you to the problem and if you could not make them focus on the problem, what you have to do is just walk away without saying a word. Don’t fight.. Just walk away, but before you doing that please make sure that you really do not need them, and you have other ways to go.

Are you talking about BATNA?

Yes, Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement. It is highly necessary to have a plan B or C or D. Your plan B does not have to generate the best outcome as same as a plan A, but make sure that its interests are fair enough for everyone.

How BATNA affects the outcome of agreements?

It is about how well you prepare to face the result of the agreement. You have to prepare your plan B before the negotiation. At least, it makes sure that you will fall on a soft bed, not a concrete road.

Have you ever had a deal with someone who has negative emotion during the negotiation and how did you deal with it?

I hate to say this, BUT YES! Many times. My work is about dealing with the artists. Most of them are creative people. They usually express their feelings right in front of you no matter what situation they are. What you have to do is calm them down by stepping on their side and telling them that you understand them. Try to let them know how the outcome will solve the problem. Let them know what is the best interest for them in the outcome. At this point, you have to use your language skills including verbal and non-verbal. They will not read your contract or your paper at this time. After calming them down, now you can read the contract again. Stay focus on the point and don't let emotion control you.

Unfortunately, I have not had a chance to ask her more about dealing with the independent artist. After 15 minutes, we had to finish the conversation due to her busy schedule. I will definitely interview her again if I have chance. There are many things I need to learn from her :)

Thank you for visiting!

The Effective Way To Get Your Music Goes Viral

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:02:00 +0000

As I promised in the last post, it is time to share a highly attractive way to promote your music! I truly believe that the power of word-of-mouth is the best way to pop your band. Music needs communities and band needs fans. Music needs to go viral. If you do not have fans.. there’s no reason to be an artist. Am I correct?

It is true that the Internet is the best way to share your music to audiences. They might listen to it. They might download it. The question is how many people will share your music after listening? Now, it is very beneficial to learn how to make “Viral Music Video” or “Viral Music Marketing”.

If you do not know what is the viral music video, “OK Go” is the best “viral video maker” band. To answer this question, check it out!

Here It Goes Again Music Video, OK GO

from Emimusic YouTube Channel

This music Video, Here It Goes Again, won Grammy Award for "Best Short-Form Music Video" in 2007. The video launched in 2006 and has more than 50 million views. Time Magazine named the music video as "The 30 All-TIME Best Music Videos" in 2011. It is a remarkably easy music video, but it is compelling enough to influence viewers to share it with their friends.

The one below is my favorite one, “This Too Shall Pass – Rube Goldberg Machine Version”. Check it out!

This Too Shale Pass Music Video, OK Go

from OK Go YouTube Channel

There is a little line between crazy and creative in this Video but; however, I truly love it! A Steadicam shot the Video, and it took over 60 takes to complete this production. The Video generated over 10 million views on YouTube in its first month of release, and it currently has more than 35 million views.

Now, do you feel the effective result of this viral music marketing strategy? It does not need tons of money to create a viral Music Video, but you just need to understand the power of word-of-mouth and its ability to influence audience to watch and listen to your music. Once you are compelling enough, they will undoubtedly share it. It is all your advantage.

Be unique.

Be creative.

Be the outstanding band!

OK?

Now, GO!

Sources

The 30 All-TIME Best Music Video

OK GO Official Website

How OK Go’s Amazing Rube Goldberg Machine Was Built

Ways To Generate Incomes For Independent Artists

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 16:52:00 +0000

Lady Gaga went bankrupt! …. What!!

I was so shocked when I heard this. I know it is not her latest news, but I’ve just noticed that even famous artists have problems with money situation. Money is not a big deal, but bills are still important!

In this poorly economic situation, big stars got problems about their finance. The question is .. How can you survive as an independent artist?

Well, it is different.

Let’s try this way!

As an independent artist,

You don't have a million fans to take care.

You don't need to buy ten thousand dollars dress to show on the stage.

You don't need to buy a Bentley and drive around Beverly Hills.

You don't need to hire bodyguards.

You can live like a normal person as you do now.

(I know you may want to live like Lady Gaga. I know that it is a dream life for everyone, but please focus on the present!)

See? It’s easier to be an independent artist when you don’t have to spend as much money as a big star! Now, the question is … how to gain your incomes?

I will not say that it is easy, but you just have to stick with it and do it! There are several ways to generate your incomes. Bob Kelly of Woofy Publishing discusses this topic in the Easy CoastRecording Company website.

1) Before doing anything please copyright your work! You can either sign your work with a music publisher or just publish your work to public because you have to protect your own profits! Don’t let anyone steal your profits!

2) Join societies or organizations that help generating your royalties when your songs are played on the radio or the Internet.

You can check out Sound Exchange website. Sound Exchange is the non-profit organization for independent artist that helps collecting royalties from radio, satellite radio, Internet radio, cable TV, music channels, etc.

3) There are many ways to promote your music through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, CD baby, YouTube, etc. It is the effective way to tell the world that you are coming on the way! Promote yourself and market your work!

Online community has become a huge source of income since the Internet exists but few artists agree with this. Many artists think that the Internet will kill them because of the piracy issue. Now, listen. The world has changed. You can’t expect for physical sales anymore. You should think about generating your digital sales. With the Internet and Social media, you don’t need to spend money to promote your music and gain your fans. The Internet is not the only source of income, but it is a huge part of it. It’s fast and free!

4) Build your brand identity, license it and sell it!

Picture from Wongfuproductions

Do you remember one of my favorite independent production group “Wong Fu?” (If not, click here!). After obtaining some fans, they decided to launch the online store and sell their brand product. Yes, they certainly gained more customers, more incomes and more opportunities.

Your product and your logo may help obtaining new audiences. Don't forget to make your brand unique and remarkable!

5) Go out and PLAY! Show off your abilities to get name recognition and networking opportunities. You may get some returns for the performance by selling your CDs.

These are several ways to generate your incomes. There is one more attractive way to help promoting your music that I have not written down in the blog. Please be patient! I will write about it next week.

Sources

Hollywoodreporter.com : Lady Gaga went bankrupt

Sound Exchange official website : SoundExchange.com

Ecrstudio.com : Income Streams for Independent Artists

Moneyinmusic.com : Independent Music Artist

Effective Online Tools For Independent Artists

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Picture from ConsuMusic

Welcome back to my blog. I’ve written about independent artists for a while and I've found many useful things behind my main topic researches. It's very interesting that we don't have to spend much money to promote our music anymore. Ways to be an artist are smoother when we live in the Social networking era. Many tools are available to use for empowering audiences to listen to your music.

Some useful tools are suggested below. It might help promoting and supporting your music.

Here we go!

SoundCloud.com

Picture from SoundClound.com

SouldCloud.com is an online community that helps promoting your music through social networking by easily uploading your music and directly sharing your music on your Facebook.

CDbaby.com

Picture from CDBaby.com

CD Baby is an online music store focusing in CDs and digital music sales from independent artists. According to CD Baby's Fact, CD Baby is currently the large online community of independent recording artists. Since 1998, CD Baby has generated over 300,000 registered artists, over 5 million CD sold and 200 million dollars paid directly to artists.

Unsigned.com

Picture from Unsigned.com

Unsigned is a promotional tool for independent or unsigned artists. The website offers the best possible outlet to promote your music online. They offer a chance to host your playlists of MP3 on the website to attract new listeners.

IndieUpdate.com

Picture from IndieUpdate.com

Well, I have to say that I really like this website. Indie Update keeps updating the world of the independent recording artist. They also review independent musics and bands. Many Indies are waiting for you to get to know them!

AnyGig.com

Picture from AnyGig.com

If you are looking for a place to show your ability, AnyGig.com is what you need to bookmark! The website helps promoting and supplying independent artists to achieve their goals. They also help finding venues to play at.

Artistopia.com

Picture from Artistopia.com

Artistopia.com is an online community for independent artists to show their works and expand their profiles to retrieve more audiences.

Panjea.com

Picture from Panjea.com

Panjea.com helps compiling your music, clip or picture together then broadcast your work through social networking.

Drownedinsound.com

Picture from Drownedinsound.com

Drownedinsound.com is an online magazine helps promoting your music through the busy online community. The website is an UK based music but it's also open for global music. Try to get reviews from them and you’ll be famous!

Wait! Don’t forget your Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Foursquare, Instagram and etc. Social networking is an important strategy! Please keep that in mind! It’s very necessary to let people know you first then your music. Social networking tools help expanding your fan acquisition and engagement. It’s not hard to do but it’s not easy either! What you have to do is just keep tracking your social media life and increase your fans!

Another tool that I really enjoy using it is Klout Score. It helps tracking your influential score based on your social networking actions. My score is currently 56/100. What’s yours?

Picture from Klout.com/#/playpleng

Sources:

30 Tools For The Independent Musician

Mobile Marketing For Independent Artists

25 Tools For The Independent Musician

The One and Only "AJ Rafael"

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 01:33:00 +0000

Who is he?

Someone who is famous in the Internet?

- Yes, he is.

Someone who has tons of fans on his Facebook fan page?

- Yes, he is.

Someone who obtains over 100,000 followers on his Twitter?

- Yes, he is.

Wait! He is not Justin Bieber! But he is one of my favorite independent artists!

Guys, I’m really proud to say that this guy is who I actually call “The Internet Celebrity”.

- AJ Rafael -

AJ Rafael from TheOtherAsians.com

Yeaa .. He’s not cute as Justin Bieber but he got a lot more than that!

Why do I call him 'the Internet Celebrity?' Well, I’ll tell you a little bit about him..

He is a Filipino-American musician. He is a songwriter and a singer. He started posting his music on MySpace and YouTube in 2006. In 2012, his YouTube channel has over 390,000 subscribers and over 82,000,000 viewers! He has released his original songs along with Live Music Videos since 2008. Most of them have over 300,000 viewers! He is now famous and currently has his own concert tour around the world.

Let’s talk about his music.

He has just released his first full-length album, AJ Rafael Red Roses, in 2011. In this album, he usually wrote songs based on real situations that ever happened to him. His guitar and vocal skills are awesome! It’s hard to explain so.. I’ll let you guys listen to one of my favorite songs, "Without You".

Without You (Official Music Video)
from Aj Rafael's YouTube Channel

First time when I listened to this song along with the Music Video, one question came up in my mind "Is he really the Indy?". His work, his style and his production are totally perfect!

Red Roses (Live Music Video)
from AJ Rafael's YouTube Channel

"Red Roses" is one of my favorite songs. The lyrics is simple but cute and very touching. As I stated above, he usually writes songs from his real experiences. He wrote this song after he met a girl from UCLA and all feelings just came out through this song.

What I like about him is not just his abilities but his thoughts and his ideas. His artist career was born from the Internet, moreover, he always use the Internet as a tool for promoting his event and also obtaining his fans to support many non-profit organizations. He has been working for a non-profit organization, Autism Speaks, for many years. Also, he is a big supporter for many charities and non-profit organizations. He believes that music is universal language. Music is a great tool to bring people together, to make people believe and love. Most events he created aimed at raising funds for non-profit organizations. He also created the online event called "Music Speaks" aimed at educating and raising awareness for autism. This event was broadcasted Live on AJ Rafael's UStream Channel.

Well, this is the one and only "AJ Rafael". Cheers!

If you want to know him more please follow links below.

AJ Rafael's YouTube Channel
AJ Rafael's Twitter
AJ Rafael's Facebook Fanpage
AJ Rafael's Official Website
Buy His Album HERE!

Sources:
AJ Rafael | "Good Music Will Transcend No Matter What"

A2IM : The Hope of Indie Artists

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:09:00 +0000

Official Logo from A2IM

If you are an independent artist, you really need to know A2IM.

If you are a professional artist, you need to know A2IM.

If you are not an artist, you may need to know A2IM!

I have subscribed A2IM on Twitter and Facebook for a while. I have found that they do many things to support independent artists such as representing independent music community to the music industry around the world and supporting independent artist's works and rights.

Let’s get to know A2IM more!

A2IM stands for American Association of Independent Music. A2IM is a non-profit organization that supports independent artist community. Their main objective is to protect independent artist rights and help them access to the music industry through media channels such as radio, television and the Internet. A2IM was formed in 2005 and started their missions in 2006 by doing three things: independent artist public support, independent artist commerce and member service. The organization currently drives independent artist community to a bigger platform.

First step of being independent artist is defining yourself as an independent artist. In fact, 80% of the populations don’t know what exactly is an independent artist. What does it really mean?

Rich Bengloff Short Biography from VoiceOfTheBrand

Rich Bengloff, the President of A2IM, stated in his interviews with Musician Coaching that,

““Independent” means you own your record label. So, Mike Curb owns our member Curb Records, even though it’s distributed by Warner Music. Normal Lear owns Concord Records, even though it’s distributed by Universal. Cliff and Craig of Razor & Tie own Razor & Tie, even though it’s distributed by Sony.. I assume a majority of the people you coach is artists and not labels.”

A2IM is extremely helpful for independent artist community. For example, many independent artists have struggled with their sales and their ways to access to the audiences. A2IM offers opportunities for members to promote their works through the events and social networking. Independent artists still have problem to collect royalties from major companies and it’s difficult to fight alone. With A2IM and their supports, independent artist community becomes more valuable and professional.

A2IM currently takes action on copyright and intellectual property issues. A2IM has been a strong supporter of SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and RIAA from the start. Although they support the way to promote music through social networking, illegal music must not exist. Many independent artists don’t agree with them and unsubscribed from their social sites, but they still keep their promises and their words to protect independent artist rights.

It is not easy to be an independent artist and it is hard to stand alone to promote and protect themselves. The impact of A2IM creates many benefits for independent artist community. A2IM is an organization that helps and creates the future of the independent music industry. A2IM, also, leads independent artist community to a unique and valuable position that never happened before.

Is it a good opportunity? Yes! It definitely is!

Independent artists are no more nonentity, but they are somebody who is professional and credible!

Sources:

Does A2IM Really Represent the Indie Music Community? SOPA Support Continues...

http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2012/120118a2im

An interview with A2IM
http://musiciancoaching.com/music-business/a2im/

Indie Labels Win 34 Grammys, Says A2IM

http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/indies/a2im-says-indie-labels-won-34-grammys-1006184752.story

A2IM Analysis Show Grammy Hurt Indie Labels More Than Majors

http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2011/04/a2im-analysis-show-grammy-hurt-indie-labels-more-than-majors.html

A2IM Official Website

http://a2im.org/

Joe Sabia: The technology of storytelling

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:11:00 +0000

Once upon a time,

The art of storytelling is very important. It is very interesting that there are many ways to tell one story. We have seen many storytellers talk about the technology of storytelling. It’s a simple thing that we’ve known for a while. We are currently living in the digital age. We have changed our life platform since the Internet existed and it changed the art of storytelling forever. Once books almost die, many digital presentation tools exist such as Power Point, Key Note, iPad and etc.

To make storytelling simple but creative, I would like you to watch this video.

Video from TED.com

This guy, Joe Sabia, is my favorite storyteller ever. He calls himself a conceptor, creator, consultant, collaborator and curator who generates companies and organizations in the digital art of storytelling. He shows how useful is technology help us tell stories.

Let’s talk about his style.

I love what he started his story with “Once upon a time”. His presentation really reminds me of my younger age. It looks like he brought me to a fairytale indeed. These words are interesting enough to bring me into his story and then he started to play with his iPad. He didn’t use any presentation tools to present his story. What he used is only iPad and application in his iPad. His style is different, unique, skillful, fun, dynamic and creative. He inspires me to think that there are many ways to present and tell your story. You don’t have to use same platforms and it’s true that Keynote means nothing in his presentation.

I read comments below his video. Some of them don’t like what he did. I didn’t say he’s the best storyteller but he’s my favorite one. It’s not easy to play with your iPad along with telling your story plus nice transitions. What he did is the technology of storytelling that he mentioned in his topic.

Sources

The technology of storytelling: Joe Sabia from TED

TED.com

Kina Grannis : Best Web-Born Artist 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:38:00 +0000

Kina Grannis, Picture from Ponozsticka

“She’s not just pretty but AMAZING!” I really have to say this when I first listened to her latest song, “In Your Arms”. I had to get back to Google and search that this girl is the unsigned artist for real and YES! She is! She did very great works on each video. Check out her latest Music Video and you will know what I mean.

Official Music Video "In Your Arms",
Video from Kina Grannis's YouTube Channel

Great right?

I really love the idea that she put in this music video. It is called a stop-motion music video, using 288,000 Jelly Belly jellybeans! Woo!! So now you might think, how long did it take to finish this project? Well, it took about 2 years to complete the project, read FOX news, BUT it’s worth! After uploading this music video on YouTube, the video accumulated over four million views within a month! THIS IS AMAZING!

I posted some of her nice works here. You may want to check it out or you can visit her YouTube Channel and also her official website.

Official Music Video "The Way You Are", Kina Grannis Feat. David Choi

Official Music Video "The One You Say Goodnight To", Kina Grannis

Let me write some of her backgrounds. I really need you guys to know her more!

She started posting her video on YouTube in 2007. Her first video, “Message From Your Heart,” was landed her to be the winner of DoritiosCrash the Super Bowl contest. Interscope Records signed her up to be their artist until January 2009 she decided to leave the label to be an independent artist again.

She has been releasing her songs since 2007 until now. In april 2011, her album "Stairwells," entered to Billboard Top Internet Albums chart and also Billboard Heartseekers chart. Her single “Valentine” was played by Paul Gambaccini on the most popular radio station in the UK, BBC Radio 2 (Sorry, I couldn’t find the Video), and her Valentine’s music video has been view well over 11 million times on YouTube.

Official Music Video "Valentine", Kina Grannis

Finally in April 2011, she launched her first world tour started from Canada, United State, North America, British Columbia and ending in Los Angeles. Her Europe and Asia tour will be followed in Fall 2011, want to go? Check out her tour page!

Oh! Don’t forget to say CONGRATULATIONS!! She recently won the MTV O Music Awards as the Best Web-Born Artist 2012!

Great job Kina!

Sources:
Kina Grannis YouTube Channel
Kina Grannis Makes Stop Motion Music Video With 288,000 Jelly Belly Jelly Beans by FoxNews

Ponozsticka

MTV O Music Awards

Who Needs Hollywood When You Are "Wong Fu Production"!

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:36:00 +0000

Welcome back to my blog .. Since you have seen that I am very interested in ability of the independent artist who uses Social network as a tool to make them famous. I posted some of the beautiful examples to this blog so if you haven't seen it yet please check it out! I can guarantee that they did a very excellent job.

I mostly enjoy listening to music on YouTube. Every time when I search for my favorite song I don't search for the original version but cover. Come on! You will hear the perfect, edited, sound when you search for the original version.. I need a different! I need something creative and fresh! Without commercial and money .. believe me all these independent artists do everything with their passions!

I have an excellent example that will make you say WOW in what they do. This time is not about a Singer but they are a film production group. They are the independent film production that posted their work to Cyber world, since 2003, before YouTube exists. They currently have their own production company and it's growing up to the international market. After 5 years of hard work, Wong Fu's YouTube Channel finally hit one million subscribers with more than 130 million viewers.

One of many things I love in them is .. Passion of making their work is always still in their mind no matter what takes them to the bigger step.

Here they are, Wong Fu Production!

Wong Fu Production Logo from Alivenotdead

Philip Wang, Wesley Chan, and Ted Fu of Wong Fu Production
Picture from StudentLife

The story began when Phillip Wang, a fresh man in University of California, San Diego decided to do his first project, Justin Timberlake's song "Senorita" music video cover, and shared it to their classmates in 2003. He did not actively promote it but the video was quickly circulated among other fellow college students. Phillip finally met his team, Wesley Chan and Ted Fu, in 2004 and they began working on a small scale projects in their spare time. After graduation in 2006, they all moved to Los Angeles and continued their passion under the professional name Sketchbook Media and started to post their first short series, "Just a Nice Guy", on YouTube and they finally became a famous YouTube sensation.

Just a Nice Guy Part 1 by Wong Fu Production
Video from Pwong

Click to watch Part 2 and Part 3

This series was the beginning of the "Nice Guy" brand that Wesley designed for Phillip to wear in the series. Thousands of fans asked to buy this shirt then they decided to launch the online store called "Are You a Nice Guy". As the brand grew with new products and more customers, they now have financial freedom to work and focus on their Production Company. They finally had a chance to work with Far East Movement in the short film called " You've Got a Friend".

You've Got a Friend,
Original music from Far East Movement and Phillip Wang
Video from Pwong

Click to watch Part 2 and Part 3

In 2008, They spent most of the year working in a new full length movie which a couple producers and a manager approached them to do but it did not work for them. They felt losing focus and control. They decided to bring back the way to be Wong Fu Production who follow their passion not money. Finally in 2009, CNN came to them and shared story to the world.

Wong Fu Productions feature on CNN, Video from MajaFlavaz

Wong Fu Production is expanding their work by opening the online YouTube community and joining many independent artist, YouTube Sensation, such as David Choi, Christine, Kevin from "KevJumba", Cathy Nguyen, AJ Rafael, Ryan from "NihaHiga" and also commercial Chinese artist "Wang Leehom".

"Still in Love With You"
Wang Leehom's latest official music video by Wong Fu Production

Wong Fu Production right now plugged themselves into the social network of extremely talented people. They still focus on their work which has led by his passion and believe ..

I posted some of my favorite video right here .. Check it out!

Best Date Ever by Wong Fu Production

A Short Film "Stranger Again" by Wong Fu Production

The End of Wong Fu : A Christmas Story by Wong Fu Production

This is what I mean in the Topic.

Who needs Hollywood when you are Wong Fu Production!

Sources :

Wong Fu Productions's YouTube Channel

Wong Fu Production's Officially Website

Student Life : 15 minutes with Wong Fu Productions

ChannelAPA : Wong Fu Production Hit 1 Million Subscribers

Droku : Wong Fu Productions

Choi Sung-Bong: A Homeless Orphan Became Overnight STAR!

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:01:00 +0000

Choi Sung-Bong on the stage of Korea's got talent 2011, picture from MTVK

Do you believe in a Gift from God?

I really do, after I saw this young man in Korea's got talent, a korean reality television show based on the Got Talent series format. He is 22 year-old korean homeless that decided to show his talent in the show. He finally did a really really great job and became a very famous internet sensation who has youtube viewers over than one million in a night and exceed thirteen million total.

Well, I would like to tell you a sad story about this young boy. He became an orphanage when he was 3 year-old. He ran away from the abusive institution when he was five and became a homeless after that. He spent his life for selling gum and energy drink on the street in Korean and always slept on the street .. yes, since he was FIVE! He began his life as a laborer, just for surviving, at the age of eight. Only thing he enjoy his life is singing. He said every time when he was sad.. singing is the only thing he would do.

Without any education, he decided to take a GED to complete his elementary and junior high curricula in order to enter high school. He has worked as a delivery service to earn tuition. He finally graduated from Art High School in Korea. Before he came to Korea's Got Talent, he had a very bad finance situation and he could not continue his post-seconday education.

What a sad story ever! He is a real fighter for me. Without and musical training, he decided to sign up for the Korea's Got Talent to show the world his powerful voice! Check out this clip and you will know what I am writing about!

Choi Sung-Bong in Korea's Got Talent 2011

Yes! This is what I call a gift from God! When his life was completely down.. the only thing he has is this wonderful voice that made his life completely changed! His performance clip on youtube and became a very famous internet sensation in just a night. This version that I posted above has exceeded 13 million views! Most of internet surfer call him "the next Susan Boyle".

Choi Sung-Bong on the stage of Korea's Got Talent, picture from Allkpop

After all story, I wished he could win the show but he did not. The grand finale was held on August 20th 2011. He garnered the second most number for votes. He is currently working on his vocal class that will lead him to be a professional vocalist as he wishes.

Sources:
MTVK: Homeless orphan becomes overnight star of Korea's got talent
ABC news: Korea's "Susan Boyle", Choi Sung-Bong", Overcomes Troubled Past
Huffington Post: Sung-Bong Choi: Korea's Got Talent Audition Turns Into Incredible, Heartbreaking Performance
Choi Sung-Bong's Blog (Fan's Blog)
The winner of Korea's Got Talent 2011

Sam Tsui: One Man Show A-Cappella!

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:10:00 +0000

Sam Tsui from Rukkle.com

Have you ever seen A-cappella before? Just an FYI, A-cappella is a vocal music without any instrument. We mostly see in a group is called Choir or Chorus. I guess most of you might see it before. Now, have you ever seen what I call “One Man Show A-Cappella”?

Check out this VDO and you will know how Awesome he is!

Michael Jackson Medley 2011 by Sam Tsui and Kurt Schneider

He posted this VDO on YouTube in July 2009 and currently has 28 million views. His abilities are unbelievable! He made his homemade VDO with his friend who is his producer, Kurt Schneider. He recorded himself singing everything that we can hear in his music.

This guy named “Sam Tsui”. He is an Internet celebrity. He is a very talented guy that I really want to introduce! He currently has more than three million views and more than 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. He went to the Oprah Winfrey Show and the Ellen Degeneres Show to show his abilities as a One Man Show A-Cappella.

Summer Medley 2011 by Sam Tsui and Kurt Schneider

This is his latest VDO on YouTube that already has 251,089 views on YouTube in just a week! He and his producer mashed hit songs in summer and re-arranged in their style with sounds of beat, guitar and piano. For personally, I love every minutes of this track!

This is his latest VDO on YouTube that already has 251,089 views on YouTube in just a week! He and his producer mashed hit songs in summer and re-arranged in their style with sounds of beats, guitar and piano. For personally, I love every minutes of this track!

Sam Tsui is an American musician and celebrity. He graduated from Yale University in 2011. He became famous by posting his VDO on YouTube. He is best known for covering and performing songs by populars artists. He and his producer now released their original singles, "Start Again" and "Don't Want an Ending", The song was in the end credits of the short film “Nothing Left Unsaid”.

Check out Sam and Kurt's pages!

Sam Tsui's YouTube Channel

Sam Tsui's Personal Page

Kurt Schneider YouTube Channel

Sources:

The Biggest Songs of 2011 in 4 Minutes

Start Again by Sam Tsui

David Choi : Famous Independent Social Media Artist!

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:57:00 +0000

David Choi. From Droku Magazine

“I tried many times to get my record into the labelmusic recording company”
 “I am not that handsome to be a singer” 
“There’s no chance for me to be a superstar”

We never heard that from "David Choi".

He is an independent artist that currently has more than 900,000 YouTube subscribers and more than a million video viewers. He produced and released 69 songs to download in iTune. In October 2011, his latest album “Forever and Ever” ran up to #2 on iTune chart under singer/songwriter category. His music now has been played on major channels like FOX, NBC, ABC, MTV and the Disney Channel.

Check out this YouTube Channel and you will see how good he is! Once I first listened to his songs, my attitude in “Independent music artist” was transformed from impossible to POSSIBLE!

His music style is easy listening with acoustic guitar, ukulele and pop catchy lyrics. If you are a girl, I can say that it’s not hard to fall in love with this guy just right after listening to his song. His first album “Only You” was released in 2008, with acoustic pop style. I first accidental listened to his song in YouTube while I was looking for my friend’s channel. With catchy lyrics and cute melodies, I spent my whole night searching for his songs and decided to be his fan finally. His second album,“By My Side,” was released in 2010 with hit single “By My Side” my favorite one. His third album, “Forever and ever,” was released in October 2011.

Official MV "By My Side"

David Choi was born in Anaheim, California. He's Korean and comes from a musical family. His family owns a music store name "Grace Store". He took classes in Violin and Piano. He was great as aconcertmaster of his school orchestra. He never heard pop song until he listened to "All Star" by "Smash Mount" then he came across to pop music by stopped taking violin class and began taking Jazz Piano instead. He entered to one pop music award and he won his first award.

He started to use social media to spread his music by posting his covered clip to YouTube. He said in the interview by Musician Coaching that he first posted a YouTube video just for fun and started to write song and kept posting. He didn't expect anything and couple weeks later his video had half million views!. He also said that he has been trying many thing, not just YouTube but other social media to market himself out to the global music industry.

There're many things to write about his talent. I would like to suggest you guys to check out his musics whether in his personal page or YouTube. And you will see why I chose him to be the example of independent artists who became a real man of social media artists. He is a role model of DIY musicians who want to present themselves to the world.

If you want to know more about him, Check this out!

David Choi's YouTube Channel
David Choi's Music
David Choi Tumblr
David Choi's MySpace

David Choi iTune

Sources:

AX3Battery : David Choi
Musician Coaching : YouTube music marketing with David Choi

A sample post

noreply@blogger.com (Pemika Assawasoponkul) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:46:00 +0000

This is a sample post of my My songs..