For many artists, landing a record deal is the ultimate goal. Obviously you’re undertaking a Herculean task in trying to get label attention, but here’s some insider knowledge that should help you feel a little better: Here are some of the biggest mistakes made when contacting record labels, learn what you can do to set yourself up as the type of artist labels dream of signing.

1. Not Doing Your Research

This is the cardinal sin in contacting record labels! You wouldn’t believe how many p...
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I get a lot of emails everyday and to be honest with you sometimes they provide a well needed comedic break in my day. I often read emails and think "Oh my God, I can't believe someone actually wrote this to me!" I thought it would be nice to share four things you should never write in an email and why. These are in no particular order with regards to comedic value.

 

1-I need your help, please! What does your company do?

Let me break this down for you because there is so much wrong w...

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Ever wondered why some super talented musicians don’t get the fanbase and recognition they ‘deserve’, while other not as talented musicians get a lot more exposure and seen in all the right places? Well while there could be a number of different reasons for this, one of the most common is that successful person’s ability to handle the business side of the music industry. More specifically, they probably know how to market themselves well.

Music marketing is that key piece to the puzzle...
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Everyone talks about networking and how it’s so important for your business, but when it comes down to it, not many people know how to do it and why it’s so valuable. Here are a few tips for all the new networkers out there.

No matter what your business, if you’re a up and coming musician, a publicist or an accountant, it’s important to know people in your industry. Industry connections, no matter the context, can make a considerable difference when it comes to growing and maintaining ...
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Quick. Simple. And they make a huge impact. What’s not to love?

1 Remember Peoples’ Names
Ya ya ya, you meet a lot of people… we get it. If you want people to remember your name, you better sure as hell try to remember theirs. Find a good system. Make notes. Facebook stalk. Do something.

2 Send Thank You Notes
A small and simple gesture that goes a long way to ensure you leave a great impression.

3 Database Relentlessly
Keep organized and detailed databases of your mailing list, the local ...
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I've read at least a dozen articles with people who make sweeping claims like “Don’t release in January” that quite honestly don’t have any idea what they’re talking about. When you should release your album depends on A LOT of factors and there’s no simple reason why you should pick one month over another. It all has to do with what your plans are AFTER the release. Let’s take a look.

January Boom - In the last few years there has been a big push to get major label artists to re...
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One of the major problems that has plagued today’s music world is the bad stigma placed on lack of “Professionalism”. With the market being as flooded as it is, it becomes extremely difficult for artist to set themself apart from the rest of the pack. Furthermore, to even break out of the local music scene you might just have to enlist help  – imagine that! You have embarked on a business journey that, if handled correctly, will be very rewarding. But, how do you avoid fatal errors co...
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Twice in one week I heard from two different people involved with booking bands about the importance of your website and social presence. Sometimes I feel like all I do is repeat myself when I say your official website needs to be core to everything you do and it must be current and look professional and… engage with your fans on your social networks. Well this article is going to repeat those statements again.

I was at SF Musictech and listening to Nic Adler from the world famous Roxy night...
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Taylor is a killer vocalist. He’s always been a natural and never had to practice much. He doesn’t need to warm up, just shows up, belts, then goes partying with his friends. He’s done shows buzzed or hungover more than once.

Dan’s dream is to be a recording artist. He practices every day. He’s not particularly musical, and he’s rather shy, but he works hard and doesn’t leave the house much.

Luke is a likeable guy and a decent drummer, though not the best. He practi...

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There are some fundamental things that you as an artist have to understand to make your art go from a hobby to a career. First and foremost, if you are trying to make your music your career, you have to be able to view it in two forms: art and business–there is no other way. If you can’t do that, you need to re-evaluate what you’re trying to accomplish. Now that we’re past that, let’s discuss your music career as a business and how you should be investing in it.

Treat it like...

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