Your Big Break

In an industry where only a fraction of the talent finds success, it's not hard to see that there's more to making it than making good music. It can take years to get a record deal, even if you're good. So many musicians make the mistake of putting all their stock into outdated marketing strategies and dead-end demos. They end up blending in with the rest; their demos and their press kits end up in the trash. There's no reason to wait for a suit to tell you it's your time. The music industry is moving out of the traditional brick and mortar and into the digital realm; indie artists are finding more and more ways to get there music out of their garages and into your iPod. Emerging artists looking for play time will get their name out there not by sending out hundreds of demos, but by getting their face and name on the web, getting their music played for the people who will listen, and building up a following. Record companies can't ignore a well established fan base.

When you're starting out, forget fame for a second, and get down the basics:

1. Know your stuff. Think of your favorite artists: before all the fans, before the CDs, before the Rolex watches and the autographs, they were all just musicians, and they knew how to play. If you're truly committed to making it in the music industry, then be committed to the music first. Practice and master your craft. This is the most practical, common, yet important advice you'll ever get. If you want to make a lasting impact and develop a steady, long term career, not only should you take the time to develop your own unique sound, but you should know and play your instrument well. Whether it's your voice or your guitar, you should be the best at what you do. Only hard work and commitment will get you there.

2. Play and Get Played. If your only audience is your immediate family or your roommate, you're not going anywhere. The key to building a fan base is to play your music and get your music played. Bars, coffee houses, high schools, YMCA's, local fairs - if there's a venue, do everything you can to get up on that stage. If you've followed my advice above and you have a dose of natural talent, this shouldn't be a problem. Above all else, make sure that anybody and everybody that might want to hear you play always knows when and where your gigs are. (See #3) The best advertisement is word-of-mouth. Talk about it, tell everyone, create the hype and get your friends and family to do the same.

Secondly, get your music out there so people can listen to it. Your chances of hearing yourself on the FM radio right off the bat are slim; but put yourself on the internet, and your chances of getting air time skyrocket. Internet radio is the fastest growing medium for music. Record your songs and put the mp3's on the net; no one can resist a free download. Once it's on their player, your chances of getting heard will grow exponentially. Music sharing is often portrayed in such a negative light, and this may be the case for established artists and their labels, but for new artists it has the opposite effect. That's where Blue Beam Radio enters the picture.

3. Be Available. Nine times out of ten, the first thing I do when I hear a new artist is visit their website. Even if it's a single page, find yourself a piece of digital real-estate and put a face and a look with the name. Forget telling people where you've played or what you've done. Instead, tell them about the story your lyrics tell, how you connect with the music and why you play. Listeners are more interested in what the music means and what it can do for them than anything else. Make sure to include a list of upcoming events, samples of your music, etc. Blue Beam Radio is designed to help you in this department. Not only can you create a band page and upload your music for free, but you increase your chances of getting heard and known. If you make it into the top ten and stay there through October 1st, you've got yourself a gig in New York.

Ultimately, it comes down to whether you've got the talent and the appeal; after that, it's what you choose to do with it. Blue Beam Radio can help you get the air time and exposure you need to get your music out there and make your big break. It's your chance, be heard.

About Author:
Nathan Hallford is a freelance writer for Blue Beam Radio http://www.bluebeamradio.com. He is a professional in his field, knows the in's and outs of the music industry and more than anything loves music.

Blue Beam Radio is an online music service/internet radio station which is organizing a music event in the later part of 2006. They will be the only music website in history to throw a concert for their musicians.

Article Source: http://www.articles-hub.com

Master Quality Demos That Sizzle!

As a former talent booking agent with the William Morris Agency and founder of ReelMusician.com, I can tell you that reviewing demos can be both a curse and a blessing. Even as demos pile up on the desks in A&R offices and music industry professionals office floors as well, I can almost guarantee that the vast majority of demos 1) wont have a chance, 2) don't get listened to, at least by the major A&R folks and not through a pres-screening process utilizing college interns, and 3) it might not even be the music itself, but the packaging and marketing colors, etc that are used for the artist press kit that result in the artist contract denial. What makes for a master quality demo? What makes for a master quality demo that will get listened to? These are great questions and I can tell you that a host of folks will have all kinds of ideas and suggestions; I will consider some gut level thinking and ideas that I have mentally compiled through the years that Ive always felt would be an asset not only musically, but from a marketing perspective as well. Hopefully there will be some nugget of truth that you can capitalize on to further your music career and song demos.

As we begin to look at master quality demos and what makes them up, what are your goals and ambitions? The reason I am asking this is because not only does it help to mentally prepare you and help you set goals for your career, but it also helps set the blueprint for where and what your demo ought to be sounding and looking like. There is a big difference in submitting your demo to A&R folks and to the club owner trying to gain playing gigs. But regardless of where you are submitting your demo, you have to exude a professionalism and character of not only your music, but in the credibility of the act as well. That last statement is critical. If your act is perceived as credible with the ball rolling and with some key elements in place, you are much more likely to be 1) reviewed by the actual A&R director and 2) any enthusiasm might snowball down the halls of the record company ultimately landing you a record deal.

But lets get back to your demo. At ReelMusician.com we compile demos for songwriters and for jingle singers trying to break into the jingle singing market and I can tell you from experience, that its difficult to create a master quality demo when the song itself is not master quality song demo material. So be honest about any material you are recording. Is this top 10 if given the chance, or is this a filler, b side song? Yes, you can take a fair song and make it listenable to with a great production, but it still reasons that a fair or b side song cut is still a fair or b side song. You look back through the years at songs that held your attention and were almost mesmerizing and this is before the onslaught of incredible and affordable recording gear. These songs were just plain great songs even without the slickest of todays recording abilities.

As you record, don't rely on a bunch of recording tricks or padding type effects that detract and try to uphold an otherwise fair song. Many individuals with a lot more authority can speak about effects, etc than I, but I will say that less is more, and you ought to be concerned about the quality of the song and production utilizing all effects that are needed and not just effects thrown in there without reason or cause.

Who are using for players on your demos? Obviously if you are a band you are recording your whole group, but if you are a solo act or a writer creating master demos, then consider a couple of options. If money is not an object, then go for the whole rhythm section and keyboard pads, etc. One thing that you need to know and understand is that it is better to use fewer players who are just incredible, than to have the full rhythm section with less experienced players or players that just cant support your song. I remember years back when I was first starting out before all of our TV and radio credits, that for the sake of having a full sound I compromised the overall production for players, while more affordable, not as seasoned and consequently my productions were not as strong until I learned that valuable lesson. And even today, I will choose to use a first string guitar or piano player in lieu of a full rhythm section on projects if thats what the song and production call for. Always get the best musicians It always pays. These players oftentimes have ideas and broaden your production and bring incredible artistical elements that you wouldn't have thought of - Which leads me to my next point.

Keyboards are incredible and there is a vast array of sounds and pads that can be used to create all kinds of emotional tones in your music, but don't get caught in the, I have a keyboard, mic and computer syndrome. Your music will suffer. You want the creativity of other players. They bring the musical magic that most of us, quite honestly, aren't creative enough to capture, but with their experience, and talent, they are able to deliver not only incredible rips, but a professionalism your demo might not never otherwise of had. Utilize the best players possible whenever you can. I can tell you that our demos at ReelMusician.com sound incredible because of our effort in obtaining the best players Get the best!

With a few moments left, lets look at some important final notes and ideas. Don't get discouraged after recording a song you thought would turn out differently. You know, without sounding clich, productions and songs do getter with time and practice. Always look at money spent on demos as schooling. Where would you go to learn the lessons you just learned? From a textbook, of course not. Keep at it; be honest about your writing and productions. Continue to learn from great writers and producers. Listen to great classical writers as well and broaden your next pop ballad string arrangement. Don't be afraid to try new ideas. Get the best players in an affordable, yet quality studio, and hopefully you'll start recording the next top ten hit!

About Author:
Mr Gauger is a former talent booking agent with the William Morris Agency and founder of http://www.ReelMusician.com. You may contact the author at tgauger@reelmusician.com. Free e-books The Jingle Singers Guide, and Secrets To Great Song Demos, may be downloaded at http://www.ReelMusician.com.

Article Source: ArticleHub

A&R Reps and Record Deals

Oh, everyone seems to be chasing that elusive record deal or are at least trying to figure out how to get signed. Unfortunately, there is no one way to get a record deal. The good news is that if you are truly talented and you work hard then you may eventually get some kind of deal. A lot of people would say that when it comes to how to get signed, timing is everything. Being at the right place at the right time is crucial, it doesn't always seal the deal.

One surefire way to get noticed is to attract the attention of the notorious A&R people. It's a fact that all labels have A&R departments. They are the scouts of the music industry and they are always looking for bands or artists to invest in. Once you have impressed the ever-so sought after A&R man, then they become your liaison meaning they basically oversee everything from songs, to monetary allocation to touring. But when it comes down to it, these are the guys you need on your side.

But that was jumping ahead just a bit. A&R guys usually have some form of mental checklist when they are scouting bands and it probably goes something like this:

1. How strong are this band's songs?

2. How is the live performance?

3. Do you fit into the genre they are scoping out?

4. Do you have that style and appeal?

5. How is the audience responding to you?

6. Most importantly, will your music sell?

Your line of attack when approaching A&R needs to be planned out and to the point. Give or play your demo and invite them to a gig. Make sure that demo is impeccable because more than likely they are only going to listen to a very tiny portion of it. If they liked it, then they just might show up at the performance. Keep in mind that this gig needs to be an impressive one. Make sure you have a fan base there and a good vibe going with the crowd. This is crucial because you not only want to sound good, you want the crowd to be into you as well.

No matter who you are if you are wanting to know how to get signed or how to get a record deal then take to heart the tips offered above. A&R reps are not the only way to score a record deal but they are most definitely one way and it is a way worth trying more than once. There are tons of labels out there and even more A&R reps so get to work and the first place to start is with an awesome demo!

About Author:
Ty Cohen is the owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, a former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.EZRecordDeal.com for more info on how to get signed, how to get a record deal, record deal.

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You Too Can Start an Independent Record Label

It's no big secret, the trick of how to start a record label definitely involves some cash and most definitely involves some talent. If you want to know the secret to how to start and run your own label then here it is, talent. You have to have something to sell your business pitch with. It doesn't matter what your particular genre is, you need to get out there and discover your first million. Yep, I am talking about dollars.

If you are just sitting around trying to figure out how to start you own independent record label then you are wasting your time. Get out there and try to find "the" band or "the" person that is worthy of a record deal. Go to clubs, rummage through MySpace, hang out at bars with live music, there is talent all around you so find it.

Do you have friends or a band already in mind? If you do then you are one step ahead of the "how to start a record label" game. Two or three bands would really be optimal when beginning your own record label. For those of you who don't have someone in mind, then you have some work to do.

A good way to search for talent is to have an idea of what you are looking for. If you are going to learn how to start and run your own record label then you must be able to find the gap. There is a gap somewhere and you need to find it. Keep in mind, you are searching for someone who is marketable, a true money maker.

If you can't quite pinpoint a gap, then identify a target market you think you can penetrate and go for it. Who would have thought that the Backstreet Boys or 98 Degrees would have made it big? Well, the guys from their record label were definitely on to something. Teenage girls were where it was at and boy did those guys stumble on to something big and man did they make a profit! Believe me, that is your first step in how to start a record label.

Just like with any other business, you are going to have to sell your product. And you can't sell your product until you have your product. So, this is your first lesson in how to start your own independent record label. In this business, you are going to have to think outside the box and when you do that, you will be ready to start your own record label.

About Author:
Ty Cohen
The former owner of an independent record label, current owner of Platinum Millennium publishing & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. He's also the author & creator of 40+ best-selling music business books, reports, courses, audio products & more "How to" resources, that helped 1000s of people like you to success. Go to www.TheUltimateRecordLabel.com for more info.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com