The Difference Between You & an American Idol

by Kevin English I speak to musicians everyday who desperately want to become famous, sell millions of records and pack arenas. Once in awhile I have a chance to chat with entertainers who have been to the mountain top only to look down at how far they had to fall. The space in between is reserved for those who live a “normal” life, but I’ve always been curious to know what it feels like after the crowd has...

How To Survive The New Music Industry

by Kevin English Every time you crack open a new book, read an indutstry blog or attend a music business seminar, you hope that something will be said to make your life as a musician better. Unfortunately, nothing ever seems to work and artists are left looking for answers. Wait. What’s the question? As I sat through the sessions at last week’s CMJ Music Maraton Film & Film Festival, I couldn’t help...

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...