Understanding Distribution

So I have this amazing song, did the publishing thing, and now what? What do you mean? You spread the word. I’ve hit on distribution from a marketing angle in my Musician and Entrepreneur article. This time let’s discuss the various places you want your music to appear.

Brick and Mortar Retail Stores

If you can find a record store still running you are amazing. Let me know where it is.  You can find coffee shops and other small businesses that may be willing to place a small order for your CDs.

When you have live shows you should be able to sell your merchandise. Check with the venue’s manager before you set up shop.

Most likely you will be distributing your music on the Internet. First, let us look at blogs.

Blogs

Blogs are a great place to submit your music. Some writers will provide a short description of your band and link. Some may ask you for an interview. Others may only play the track. Regardless, give them a link to your website and your contact for booking. You never know who may be viewing the post. Having only your music means an interested person has to look up your website and people are busy these days. Hyperlinks are the way to go.

The great thing about blogs is they often have comments. You can check those written about your music to see what fans think. Some contributors give their websites. You can check out what they have and get a feel for your audience.

You want to link to any blogs that feature interviews with you on your own site.

Internet Radio and Podcasts

Internet radio is another way to go. A lot of people use their computers and mobile phones to listen to music. They can sit at the desk and discover new tunes. It’s also a way to reach audiences around the globe. Some Internet radio sites allow you to customize the type of music you wish to hear. Others let users upload the their favorite songs and create playlists they share with others. Anyone who likes your music can add it to his or her playlist.  Still others are similar to traditional radio in that they have a program director. The station’s website should have more information.

 Online Retail Stores

Your website is great for distributing your media if you want to get paid. Many website builders host stores for their clients.  You will need to set up accounts so that you may accept credit card payments. Paypal is great option. This is what many Google sites use.

You also need to make sure you have an effective method for fulfilling orders. Do you send them out or are they pressed, wrapped, and shipped from a second party? You will need to make sure your prices absorb your expenses. The idea is to make money. If you plan on selling a lot of albums, and you do, having someone else do the work for you could be more cost effective. Make sure you use a reputable company with great customer service. Unhappy customers may blame you.

Digital Downloads

The most cost effective way to deliver your music to adorning fans is via digital download. Some services will distribute your music to only their program. Others distribute your music to many media outlets. You need to consider the payout structure of each option before you decide who will handle your online presence. Think of the sites where you download your music. This is where you want to be.

Virtual Environments

There is a growing trend in virtual environments. Think of a video game that users from around the world log into to interact with other users. Some have rooms that feature different genres of music. Some have clubs. Users can make their avatars dance to your music. Many artists are using these sites not only to share their music but also give concerts and sell music. Participants purchase virtual money and buy things they like in these worlds. Check out Second Life and Turntable.tm.

Try to get your music into the hands of as many outlets as possible. The more visible you are the more fans you will garner. Use these outlets reports and comments to gauge the needs of your audience.

Which of these are you using to distribute your music? Are they working for you?

 @caramelsarajo

Music, Fans, And Mobile Application Part 1

So I’m reading this article in Mobile Marketer by Dan Lowden on retailers harnessing the power of mobile applications to reach loyal customers, and I think “if retailers can should not also artists?” Indeed, they should. There may already be mobile applications for musicians to reach their fans, or to gain fans, but in going through the top apps for iPhone I didn’t see any.  I don’t have an android. I do think such an application would prove not only helpful, but also profitable.

How could an artist integrate mobile marketing into their promotional campaigns? Facebook Connect makes this easy. You could create an app that allows users to sign in via Facebook. This takes away the step of them having to remember another password. Sometimes the idea of creating another account scares me away. It may have the same effect on your fans.

An application can also alert your fans when you are going to play in their area. It could help them find bands with similar sounds. You may worry about this, but the idea of cross promoting means you could share fans. Stop being greedy!

A band application will also help you decide which songs to include on your album when you finally release it for purchase. Interactivity is the key to an application succeeding. Considering allowing listeners to vote up their favorite songs or videos. You may find more people willing to listen to your music on their phones because they will have access to them in idle times, such as a bus commute or waiting in line at the DMV. Give them something to do and they will thank you for it.

The beauty of an application for musicians is that it is not limited to use with only one band. A label can include it’s entire roster and these artists can battle it out every week to see who is the favorite act. It is an intimate approach that seems lost in the internet. I believe I heard of a study that said people are never more than eight feet away from their mobile phones (I was in school; it’s been a while).  If that’s true go ahead and take advantage.

But how you may ask. You will need to decide if your application is native or a web-dependent application. I’ll go more in dept with the how-tos next article. As for now brainstorm on the type of application you want to create. 

If you have a mobile application that is working for you please tell me all about it. 

 

@caramelsarajo

Hello,

If you don't already know I write songs as well as blog posts. I have been enjoying my creativity a lot recently. I wanted to share some of my music with you.


http://soundcloud.com/caramelsarajo/sets/your-chanteuse/

I hope you enjoy. If you need a writer let me know.  Please, share some of your music with me.

Love ya,


Follow me https://twitter.com/caramelsarajo
Sara Jo

Intro: Working With Artists (Video)

This video is about what managers and other music professionals deal with when working with stubborn artists. If you have been guilty of being one of those stubborn artists you can turn over a new leaf and energize your pursuit to reach the top. Being great means working hard. If you want your manager to work hard for you you need to be willing to work hard for yourself.

http://youtu.be/9w4zizZWuRQ

Album Release Party

Let’s say you have a growing number of fans because you have been marketing like crazy. Now your album is done and you are ready to share it with the world. Do you just put it online and wait for the dollars to roll in? You could. But, why not have more fun? Put together an album release party. This is a great way of thanking your supporters and creating more press for yourself.

What to Provide

What should you have at your album release party? Besides the obvious, the band and DJ, you will need plenty of albums. Bring merchandise for your fans to purchase. Remember, this is to thank everyone, so remember to give away plenty of products. Autograph the CDs to add that special touch of gratitude.

You will also want to have catering there. The food does not need to be heavy. This should not be dinner, but a snack is preferable. According to your brand you will benefit from having beverages.

Of course fans will want to photograph with the band. Make sure to get a good photographer. Some will have their own cameras. Be sure to tell your fans about your website and inform them your pictures will go up soon. They will be interested and go to your site where they can find out more about what you are doing. This is also a wonderful marketing opportunity for those who have only been introduced to you.

Where to Host

When selecting a place to have your party first decide the mood you want to set. If you are going for an intimate occasion with your most loyal fans a friend’s home or a coffee shop may work well. You may decide you want a big stage and a little distance from the fans. If your album is highly conceptual you may want a theatre. Look for a place that fits your brand and the sound of your music.

Check out the places you spend time. Also, find your fans and see where their favorite places to go are. They may know of a spot that would love to host the party.  Of course, you should start this search early enough to set aside funds in case you need a security deposit. Wherever you go make sure to get a contract that clearly states what your money buys you. Some places will include catering and alcohol.

What to Perform

You clearly want to perform songs that are going to get your fans singing along. Make sure the songs are ones you are excited about. Ask those who have heard the album which are their favorites. Album release parties are supposed to be fun introductions so keep anything depressing out of the set, for now.

While you have your fans present interact with them. You may have industry professionals or press there. They will want to see how the crowd responds to you. You do not want people tweeting your party is boring. Accessibility is a must for artists today.

Marketing

You will want to use the same marketing techniques you use to get your fans. As mentioned in the “Musician and Entrepreneur” article this includes blogs, emails, and other shows. Ask the business owners in your community if you can post flyers about your show. Make sure these stores fit your brand or are knowledgeable of your music. Take cds with you to give as a thank you. If you are uncomfortable giving all your music away pick your top three songs or offer a free download code on your website.

Funding

If you are asking anyone to help finance your party you must approach them with a win-win situation. People do not want to offer up their resources without something in return. This could mean your friends too. You do not always have to present cash. Sometimes a mention on your blog and pictures with the building name will appease business owners. If you do not have money offer your services as a musician for a party of theirs in exchange for whatever you need from them.

If you have friends and family helping out make sure not to take advantage of them.  Loved ones may be happy to assist you if you show your appreciation. This could mean free merchandize for them, free entrance, or free drinks. If they are paying definitely remember to send a thank you card.

Look for creative ways to fund and promote your album release party. Get a nice outfit, take photos, and turn up!

@caramelsarajo

Know Your Audience

In my Masters program I had to create a business plan. Before you can do anything in business you must answer several questions well. (1) What is your brand? (2) Who is your target audience? (3) Is there a need for you in the market or are you creating a new one?

I’ve talked to you about the importance of knowing your brand. You must decide this before you make any decisions because all decisions must center around this. Your brand informs you on your audience. So let us direct our attention there.

The following are questions you can use to define your audience.

1.     What is the age of my fans?

2.     What do they do for a living?

3.     What do they do for recreation?

4.     Do they drink alcohol?

5.     Do they smoke?

6.     Are they religious?

7.     Where do they live?

8.     What brands do they buy?

9.     Did they graduate college?

10. How much money do they make?

11. Where do they vacation?

12. What do they wish they could have that they do not?

13. Are they emotional?

14. Are they responsible?

15.  Are they married or single?

16. Do they have children?

17. Where do they hang out?

18. What kind of cars do they drive?

19. What are their favorite websites?

20. What are their fears?

21. What are their fantasies?

22. Who is on their Ipods?

23. What are their favorite sports?

24. Do they have a healthy lifestyle.

25. What social networks do they use?

26. Do they play video games?

27. What designers do they wear?

Underground artists are great at studying their audiences. Companies higher market researches to find out what consumers want and do not want. They leave surveys under the door. You can do something similar on your website. Simply ask them to opt-in to a questionnaire. Make the questionnaire simple so as not to take too much time. Enthusiastic participants will leave comments. You can also leave simple polls on your site.

Of course everyone is not going to be the same but creating a profile of your target audience will allow you to find brands that have similar target audiences. These are companies you can approach for sponsorships and collaborations later. In the meantime use the information you gather to reach your audience. If you know where your crowd hangs out you can go there and talk to them. You will be able to give them samples of your music and receive hits on your websites. These hits will translate to faces in the crowd and more downloads. If you know their favorite websites you can interact with them online.

Take advantage of the opportunities you get to speak with fans. Use the feedback you get from those who purchase your records to make your sound stronger and solidify your image.  You can reward those who supply you information with something free like a download or access to an exclusive video.

@caramelsarajo

Interview Questions

Hello there,

This is a short and sweet post. Earlier I stated how I wanted to do interviews for my site.  Well, here are some questions that I would love to have my guests answer. If you think of any more please feel free to add them to the comment section.

Who is in your band?

How do you get along?

Where did you get your name?

How would you describe your sound?

Why did you get into music?

Who is your favorite independent/underground artist besides yourself?

What and who inspire your lyrics?

What are your live performances like? (Example: Laid back, energetic)

Who is the craziest person in the group?

What is a typical studio session like?

What do you love most about the music scene these days?

What do you dislike?

What is your songwriting process like?

Do you do other things besides music?

What kind of artists do you want to work with?

What are your fans like?

Who has the most twitter love?

Who eats the most?

Who is the worst driver?

Share a funny story.

When you become millionaires, what fun things will you do with your money?

What are your favorite websites?

Who are the special fans you want to thank?

What do you want to accomplish with your music?

Any extra footage or comments?

Where can your fans get your music?

Where can music executives contact you?

Add press kit if desired.

Much love,

SJ

Music Licensing

So I found this interesting article on music licensing as I was researching on the internet and thought I would share it with you. Thank you Mr. Jensen for sharing.

So, what do you think of the article? I know I am trying to learn all I can so I can place music for myself and other artists. I believe it is rather important to respect the time of a music supervisor. Also, look for music supervisors from all over. You may get your song on an indie film, or even a local commercial. All could generate review. Get your publishing in order first. Make sure your music sounds great. You know all this. Hehe.

Til next time,

Sara Jo

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

Becoming Famous: Band Marketing

So today I am up trying to figure out how to make some folk famous. My friends have great talent and deserve to be in the spotlight. I'm going to do what I can to help. I've been looking up sites about sharing media, networking, and radio play.

Here are my ideas as a business plan for artists.

1. Meet and greets
2. Merchandise
3. Email lists and mobile numbers
4. Send demos to college radio stations
5. Get articles written about your music
6. Get band bios
7. Band blog
8. Spend time with your potential fans
9. Get press kits
10. Touring
11. Live broadcasts like blog tv
12. Open for an act bigger than you
13. Find another band to swap fans with
13. Do it regionally- city to city
14. Create band widgets
15. Have giveaways
16. Use rss feeds, digg, others
17. Album release party
18. Live performance broadcasting
19. Create own social network
20. Licensing
21. Join trade organizations


Hope these ideas help.


Love ya, SJ