according to Liam Gallagher from Oasis:
"lower record sales is ok as long as you tell the truth"
MTV 2002
So you want the next Coldplay or Lil Wayne? Use the 360 and not be used by it.
In today's climate, it's harder than ever to get hit. With illegal downloads, tighten radio playlists and a jaded consumer..... It's very hard to get a hit record. Even though the "record" is far less important in 2009 than in 1989, it is still a gauge or a scorecard that is used as a negotiating tool.
Know your base! Without them, the larger gen. pop. won't care. Throw some sincere red meat & engage them
Radio playlists have grown increasingly tight are very not very responsive to unknown entities. I will cut to the chase, since I hate to type.
Get pass radio / mtv stranglehold on good songs by following these 3 steps:
1. K___ Y___ B___
A. Listen to your base
3. Micro Target
A. Non targets or assuming the base is smarter than it is. Wrong move.
3. Invest some tour cash into I____ S_________ V_____
A. $150,000 in the production of video and $50,000 in marketing.
Additional advice from the experts - 2008
*Spread your music in any and every way possible.
-Dave Ulmer, Senior Director, Multimedia Products and Services, Motorola
"Revenue comes from fans, not brands. Therefore, spread your music in any and every way possible. Unrestricted DRM-free via P2P, downloads on your web sites, on your MySpace page(s), etc. But, make sure you also have an easy spot for anyone to buy your full collection, either as albums, 3-packs, or singles on Amazon or iTunes. The more people hear your music the more sales, and merch, and tickets, and attention from larger benefactors."
*Work hard.
-Ali Partovi, CEO, iLike
"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There is no free lunch. The path to success is from working hard, and sticking with it even when it looks like success is impossible."
*Personalize the attack, target your niche.
-Ali Partovi, CEO, iLike
"Use your mailing list and social networks and be as personal as possible in trying to spread your music."
*Protect and project your image wisely.
-Kevin Arnold, CEO, IODA
"Pay attention to the image that you want to present, make sure that what you put online or send to people to represent yourself is unique and shows as much of your character and creativity as possible. You've only got one chance to catch people's eye."
*Write great songs. Record frequently.
-Scott Cohen, Cofounder, Vice President of International, The Orchard
*Give it away, and sell it at the same time.
-Scott Cohen, Cofounder, Vice President of International, The Orchard
"It used to be that you gave away a free track to sell the other stuff, like the album. Now, when we give away a track, that track sells more."
*Overnight success takes time.
-Robb McDaniels, CEO, INgrooves
"The most important thing for a new DIY artist is to develop a fan base over many months (or years) prior to releasing an album. Hit the road, launch a cool website and blog and stay active on the social networks."
*Make a good MySpace page.
-J. Scavo, General Manager, MySpace Records
"Spend time to make a MySpace page that reflects the aesthetics of your music, is compelling and engaging to look at, is up-to-date with the latest music, photos, blogs, etc., and loads easily (not too large of images or flash pieces)."
*Target writers that like your style of music.
-Mitch Schneider, President and Founder, MSO
"It's like doing homework..."
*Align yourself with a cause you believe in.
-Terry McBride, CEO, Nettwerk Music Group
"Causes often have a bigger PR mechanism behind it that exposes your music. But it has to be really authentic, and something you really believe in."
John Fair, CFO, Geffen Music
I hope this helps all of the aspiring musicians out there
Rocky
