Loyalty and the Music Business

Written by Jennifer Yeko True Talent Management For some reason, loyalty is a word not often written about in the music business. No, the sharks in the music business (and many folks that work in the entertainment industry) seem to live and breath by the concept of placating one’s own ego and doing whatever it takes to succeed, as long as it isn’t illegal. And sure, I bet a lot of those people make more...

Attending a music biz conference? The REAL way to do it.

Attending a music biz conference? Here’s the REAL way to do it… by Derek Sivers sivers.org Being the cheap music-biz conference slut that I am, I’m often asked my advice for attending a conference. Here it is: The Tao of promotion: it’s about them, not you You know the way to be interesting to others is to be interested in them. (Why is this so hard for self-promoters to understand?) So, the week...

Nobodys Going to Help You

Nobody’s going to help you. Does that encourage you or discourage you? by Derek Sivers sivers.org Nobody’s going to help you. It’s all up to you. Does hearing that discourage you or motivate you? The reason I’m asking is that a musician friend emailed me two questions last week (December 2008): How can I find a great/major booking agent? And how can I find an investor? I need someone to invest...

Music Business Conference Dos & Donts

by Allen Johnston Music Conferences today have become big business for the individuals and companies that put them on. Almost every conference created has an educational component, a seminar, panel discussion or technical workshop. Here lays the problem: Why pay good money to come to a conference with positive seminars and not attend? Every conference I have attended in the United States this year has had more...

The Ultimate Music Business Conspiracy Theory

by Bob Baker Whether it’s the second gunman on the grassy knoll, the alien mystery at Roswell or what really is hidden within the high-security confines of Area 51… conspiracy theories abound. Many of us are amused by the speculation, while hardcore buffs examine every nuance looking for clues to support their version of the story. If you’ll notice, all of these conspiracy theories involve some...

What’s Wrong with ‘American Idol’?

Bob Baker’s updated manifesto on how the popular show is creating widespread misconceptions about what it takes to succeed as a musical artist today. It’s one of the most popular TV shows of recent years, drawing tens of millions of viewers every week. Even I admit, American Idol is fun to watch. The show provides all the elements of good pop culture entertainment: passion, emotion, the thrill of...

Every Song Tells A Story… But Does It Need To Be An Abstract Novel?

By Sheena Metal For a musician, your songs are your art. They are the physical embodiment of your creative gifts. Every bit of anger, happiness, angst, joy, pain, elation, knowledge or humor goes into the story known as your song. You write and re-write it, scouring over each note and word…perfecting it for recording and live performance. But when you play it for others, you’re not getting the reaction...

Artist Management – Artists & Bands Seeking Representation

by Jeremy Rwakaara Indie Managers Association At least a dozen times a day, I receive a phone call or an email inquiry from an artist asking: “how do I find a manager to represent me?” or “do you know any managers in (pick a state) who can manage me?” or “how do I go about finding a manager?” I often respond that the appropriate question is: “when should I consider being represented by a manager?”...