Questions Every Indie Artist/Band Should Be Able To Answer

The Homework Portion 

 Every artist wants to think he is doing great. I'm just gonna make music and sell sell sell. Do you have fans? Yeah! How many? Blank stare. If you want to know the health of your band you have to think of it from an manager prospective. These are the same things an A&R and record label are going to want answers to. Knowing the answers can also save you a lot of time and money. If you realize where you need help you can fix your problem. If you are doing great you know you are on the right path and can continue doing what you are doing. Either way, look at it as encouragement. I'm a numbers girl. The numbers don't lie. They are painful sometimes in life, but the truth sets you free so I'm told. Also, knowing this can help when writing your press kit. So get started. Feel free to post your answers as a response or to do them with your band.

    

I want real answers too.  

1.    On average, how many fans come to a show specifically to see you?

2.    How many views do you get to your youtube channel each month?

3.    When someone comments, how long does it take you to respond with thank you or answering a question?

4.    How many people at your shows sign up for your email list?

5.    How many emails do you send out a month?

6.    How many cds/albums do you give away at every show?

7.    How many cds/albums do you sell a month?

8.    How many likes does your Facebook page get a month?

9.    Do you post regularly to your website/blog?

10. How many fans do you think you have that do not know you personally?

11.  What are your favorite venues locally? Nationally?

12.  What are your goals for the next six months?

13. How often do ppl request you to book a show with them?

14. Do you have plans for reaching these goals.

15. Do you have a manager?

16. Do you listen to your manager’s advice?

17. What steps do you take to learn about the music industry?

18.  Do you feel you would benefit from bringing someone on to work (paid) for you?

19.  How do your friends/loved ones help you?

20. How do you promote yourself?

21. What websites/magazines are you on/in?

22. Do you submit your music for press purposes?

23. Are you happy with these numbers? 

Identify the areas you need to improve in and do so. Before you can go on tour and sell out shows you have to have people purchase your music. Before you can have people purchase your music you must have fans. Before you have fans you must do your part to get them. Once you get them you have to hold on to them. It’s a loving relationship that will have it’s ups and downs, but you must be committed for it to work.  If you have someone to work for you you have to listen. Don’t pay and them ignore his/her advice. Get someone you trust, someone who has your best interest at heart.  Even then, learn all you can. That way when you receive advice you will understand it and be more inclined to follow through. Or, you can ask the right questions, or reject it with understanding. If you are performer of music looking to be a seller of music you must be a student of the music business. No way around it.

If you have any questions or you want some paid help hit me up. Make sure to follow me on twitter for more tips.

Hope this helps,

Sara Jo

Music Submission for Review

Making money as an artist is all about selling to the fans. But, first you have to get fans!!! How do you build your fanbase? There are many ways but one of the most obvious is getting press coverage. If you can get a feature on a blog or a magazine this will help. Everyone wants to be in popular magazines and famous websites. However, even mentions on small sites help. You never know who is looking. Getting listed on these sites also gives you a place to direct your fans. Those who love to explore will appreciate the links. Search engines will go to the big sites first, but having your media on various sites helps you out. The more links the better. So go approach any music writer you know or find interesting and ask him/her/them to review your music. Great reviews are best, but even those that are not still count as links. I wouldn't add them to my press kit though. 

To help you out these are some places I’ve found where you can submit your music. Most should accept hip-hop. I know the first does. Some others are popular publications. You may find tips or be able to email for a request. Those are listed toward the end.

http://wwsmag.com/updates/submissions/

wwsmagfeatures@gmail.com

http://www.allindiemagazine.net

http://www.yoraps.com/submission.php

http://www.wordofsouth.com/

http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/

Writers@vandalaconcepts.com

http://www.nine5four.com/mag/music-reviews.html

http://www.musicindustrynewswire.com

http://indiemusicuniverse.com/

http://www.myspace.com/all4magazine

colin@indielaunchpad.com

http://www.theChickenFishSpeaks.com

http://www.DamMagazine.com

http://www.exmogul.com

http://www.rhinosilver.com

http://www.world-newspapers.com/rap.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/muc/2541012269.html

If you are a writer and would like to add yourself to my list, please don't hesitate to let me know. Email is best.

Thanks and love,

Sara Jo

We Are Going On Tour

I have DECIDED my friends the musicians are going on a state-to-state tour in 6 months. I have to find sponsors. I have given us all this responsibility for several reasons. One, touring is one way to make money and gain exposure. Two, it requires me to do research and learn more about the music industry. Three, it will show labels, music supervisors, A&R, whomever in the industry, that my babies work hard and know what they are doing on stage. And four, it will make for great television which we can then pitch to a network. You see, I'm always scheming. Of course, they have homework too. But I just wanted to get this in writing so they know mama means business. Someone's gotta push em, right? Might as well be me.

Talent Only Movement in full effect.

If you have any tips on planning a tour, or are interested in helping out with information, sponsorship, or booking, please send me a message.


Thanks,

Sara Jo

More to Come

Hello,


Been spending time with my entertainment family and I am excited about all the things to come. Recorded some stuff with my sis Ms. Safiyyah. She is absolutely hilarious, y'all. Below is some of the stuff we've done. Of course, we are doing more. A film is in the works (I'm still writing it). I am so excited, well, my version of excited, that I have some more roles cast. Oh, this is gonna be a lot of fun and hard work. I am ready. Just gotta get that pocket book right. Hehe. Working on that too.

I am enjoying the music thing. I think what is pushing me is that one, I need the money, and two, this is my dream field. Who doesn't want to work in entertainment?

I have to put aside time to make some great songs too. Oh, the writing of the song. Sometimes that comes fast, other times slow. But, we will get it done.

Love you guys,

SJ

How to Break Up

If you ever have a hard time saying goodbye to someone, probably because you actually care about someone's feelings, here you go. This will help you out.

What are your break up techniques?

Love ya,
SJ

Nine Seconds of Your Time

Hi,

This is my sis running through the park.

She gotta go. You've been there!

Okay,


Love y'all.

Finding Music Distribution

Hello fellow artists, are you interested in distributing your music and making a profit? Check out http://www.rhinosilver.com/. Make $1 giving away music, $5 for music download and physical cd, and $8 for musical download. Video distribution also available. Please feel free to message me with any questions you might have or if you would like to sign up.



Thanks.


Sara Jo

Advertising

Hey,

I'm working on this new thing called advertising. Well, I'm selling advertising. I think I am going to enjoy it. Now I am coming up with lists for possible clients. If any of YOU are interested let me know. If you are a musician looking to distribute your music let me know that as well because that's the kind of company I'm working for. If any of you have tips on selling advertising let me know also.

Also, I'm working on my screenplay and getting my actors to be in the same space. I think we are going to start out with some improv techniques.


Okay,
love you all.

SJ