Music Industry Stats to Help you Better Market Your Music

Hey Tribe….

Ok, instead of re-posting my blog from www.iammusicnetwork.com here on this blog I am going to simply give you a link to go view the article.

Music Industry Stats to Help you Better Market Your Music

In a nut shell…

Do you know your music industry statistics? If not, you are losing money right now, today! If you don’t know who is buying music, where they are buying music, why they are buying music, and more…. how can you possibly market your music to consumers? You can’t. You can throw money here or there, but you can’t really know for sure what will work, from the get, and really spend your money the right way.

Marketing your music is more than having a strategy or two in your toolbox. Any strategy is only as good as the information it is built upon. Music marketing strategies work because they are build upon genre and demographic music industry statistics. What is crazy…. you can easily get the facts at anytime if you take the time!

Check out the full blog post – that details a lot of the music industry statistics you need right now to better market your music!

Peace,
Jai
“Love the MUSIC in Yourself, Not Yourself in the MUSIC!”
Learn how to start, manage, market, and profit your career in the Hip Hop Music Industry!

Music Marketing: Create Better Graphics to Get Better printing!!!

Hey Folks,

I just got off the phone with  John Ehrenberger of GigPromos.com – a poster printing company for your music marketing posters. John took about 30 minutes out of his day to share some printing and graphic insights with us that will help you get better quality printing from your marketing graphics. The interview is great. It details things like, dpi, resolution, file size, page size, color, bleed, paper weights, and a lot more.

So, take a little bit of time out of your day and listen to this exclusive interview. I guarantee that you will learn something useful!

Click on the following link to listen to the interview now:

Music Marketing: Graphic and Printing – Resolution matters!

After you listen to the interview leave a comment, ask a question, or…. well…. just do something! It’s your career – you have to get up, get going, and take action to make it work for you!

Peace,
Jai
“Love the MUSIC in Yourself, Not Yourself in the MUSIC!”

Artist Development – The Live Show

Hey Folks,

I am working with a new independent hip hop record label and have been working on teaching them artist development techniques – live show or performance in particular. After talking to them, learning what they did know -vs- what they might need to work on, and setting up a schedule – I realized that maybe there are a lot more artists and labels out there that need a bit of a refresher or push in the right direction as far as live show development is concerned. So, here is something to consider….

Your live show is about connecting with fans on a personal level. This makes up about 80% of your show. The music, well, reality is that it only counts for about 20% of the live show. People and fans go to live music venues to have a good time. The music is cool, it may be what makes them come to this venue instead of another, but really – they are there to hang out, meet girls/guys, and generally have a good time. If your music and live show is good – they might stop talking with friends and give you a listen for a minute or two….. but only if you really connect with them.  There is a way you can increase your odds and the time they do listen….

Artist development – live shows in particular – is about training yourself or your artist to connect with fans. It’s about creating a live performance that is more than a cluster of guys/girls on stage screaming into bad mics on a crappy sound system. Come on, you know what I am talking about. We have all been to hip hop clubs around town that offer live music – the sound systems are crappy and the mics are – at best – from radio shack… sure there are exceptions, but not many! and how many times have you seen 4 or 6 guys/girls on a tiny stage bumping into each other with no real show except to spit into a mic and rap at you, all at the same time, with no way to understand what the hell they are saying?

Anyway…. A live show is something you have to create, practice, review, and perfect. It’s not something you throw together at the last minute. True artist development takes time and effort to get right. You have to actually care enough about what you are trying to accomplish to take the time to do it right. Remember, you can never get anything for nothing. This is more true in the music industry than anywhere else. Do you think the super stars get what they get because they just show up and think the music will speak for them. I assure you… they don’t. They work harder, longer, and smarter than you would ever think possible. MTV and BET has clouded reality with images of parties, good times, and sippin’ champaign.

And… if you are going emulate “stars” shouldn’t you emulate the multi-platinum selling artists, not the gold or single platinum artists? Or do you only want to be a mid-level star? I hear, way too often, “so-in-so” doesn’t do that, or that is how “this artist” does live shows. But when you look at who they are talking about and see a mid-level artist that is struggling to sell gold….. “But they are on the radio…” Who cares if they are on the radio? The end game is selling units (CDs)…. isn’t it? I mean that is what puts the fat roll in your pocket doesn’t it? So, if you are going to emulate artists, and take cues from what they have done to get where they are, shouldn’t you emulate the artists that have developed a live show that helps sell records?

Create three shows. A ten minute, a twenty minute, and a thirty minute. Do not just put songs on a CD with individual tracks of songs that the DJ can play. Actually create a show from start to finish in the time space you have available. Fade into each song or place sound effects in-between songs. Leave time to speak between songs if you want, or do what ever your heart desires for a good show. But then, create the entire show into one track to place on the CD. This will first insure the show the DJ plays is your show and not a fumbled version of plying each song individually. But what is also does is create an environment for you as an artist that demands you rehearse and actual show and not individual songs.

Now, take the time one day a week to work on what you will do during the show. Work on individual parts of the song at a time. Work out what you will say, what you will do, how you will move, what your hype man/girl will do while you are doing your thang, and everything in-between. Work out what you will wear, what you will promote, etc. Basically, you need to work out every single detail of the show. You better believe the super stars do it. Every detail of there shows is worked out months before they hit the road. They know what they will say, how they will move, and what the rest of the crew is doing well before they even hit the road!

Next, two days a week go to a rehearsal spot – church, rented space, club you made a deal with, or where ever you can find a stage or area to work out in…. and perform the show for a few hours. Yes, I said hours. Do not stop if you mess up. What you are doing here is training your mind to keep going no matter what happens, how you mess up, or when you forget your words. You have to train yourself, through artist development and repetition, how to keep the show rolling. There is something that happens in the brain when you force yourself to practice your show from start to finish no matter what happens. What it does is get you so comfortable with your show that when you actually hit stage… well,  you can be confident/comfortable enough to actually let your personality shine! This is how you make a connection from stage… you let your personality talk to the fans!

Video tape your rehearsals. But then actually watch the tapes. Does you show look like what you have in your head? Is everyone one stage in0sync and where they should be? Do the clothes you are wearing look good – among all who is on stage? Are you talking too much or not enough? You get the point. You need to watch the tape and refine your show until it looks as good as any national, multi-platinum selling artist on the market. It doesn’t matter that you are not on some huge tour…. every show is as important as any other no matter the size…. it doesn’t even matter if is’s just open mic night. Every time you get in front of potential fans you have to care enough to make them your fans that you put on a great show!

OK, there is more…. but this is long enough already. You need to work out what you are going to do before your show and after your, how you are going to connect with fans on a personal level, and what you are going to do to ensure you sell tons of CDs and merchandise at every show…. that’s the next post in a couple of days!

Do me a favor…. hey, I take the time to give you tips and tricks, right…. so you can do me a favor….. leave me a comment! Let me know you are reading and these are helping…. or if they are not helping then tell me what you want to see more of…. take the time to get in the music industry and network… leaving comments is just one way you can get involved with your career and show the world you do care about making it!

Peace,
Jai
“Love the MUSIC in Yourself, Not Yourself in the MUSIC!”

Hip Hop Music Marketing Takes Effort…..

Ok People.

Here it is…. point blank…. in your face…. and REAL!

Your lazy! There I said it. Get pissed off. Kick the cat, scream at the computer screen, and do what you typically do when something gets so deep under your skin it makes your emotions erupt. But you know what, only those things in life that hit a cord or touch a sensitive nerve allows you to get that angry. It’s true. You are lazy and you are looking for someone to do YOUR work for YOU. Now, maybe it’s you just don’t know what to do so it forces you to be lazy…. ya right, keep telling yourself that! I mean come on… it’s gotten you and your career this far…. right?

Ok, here is what I am basing my thought upon. You don’t comment on blogs, not this one, and not the countless others I have been researching for the past month looking for your input. You don’t take part in any online discussions that I can find other than a few shouting matches and beefs or at minimum leaving a comment or two about a “hot” girl… or guy for you ladies reading this…..

You are not actively taking part in your career. Your sitting on the side lines wishing “coach” would put you in the game. Here on this blog I guess I am “coach.” On other music marketing blogs and forums I guess “that guy” is “coach.” But this is your career. It’s your music or at minimum your artist’s music that you are funding and hoping for a profit. Doesn’t that make you the “coach.” Doesn’t that mean it’s YOU that should put YOU in the game?

On this blog and other music marketing blogs I read daily… just like you…. I see very, very, very little participation. I know you have questions, comments, gripes, praise, or simple “props.” But nothing, no where. I used to think it was just me. That’s why I went on a quest to find out how many of you actually “talked” on other blogs…. you don’t. I looked for how many of you actually blogged yourself on myspace, reverbnation, and other social networking sites…. nothing, nadda, not a more than a handful.

Sure, I see where you are posting your music… hoping someone will listen. I see where you are creating a few videos here and there…. again, hoping that someone will find them…. but come on, this is not “build or create it and they will come.” This is music marketing. You have to take an active roll in the successful outcome of what you are hoping will work. You have to find where fans hang out, reach out to them, and actually become involved in their communities….. You don’t.

I know what you are reading this blog and others looking for…. a magic trick that will take all the work out of music marketing. You want me or others to give you that one thing you are missing that will get your music in the hands of more fans, sell more of your merchandise, and get on a national tour…. like right now! Well, here it is… I am ….. Get off your lazy butt and actually take part in your music marketing success. Nothing is better than actually taking part in your career than getting up and putting in the time to do it. That is your magic trick, silver bullet, get out of jail free card…. or what ever you want to call it.

Why my rant…. because it’s time for you to get in the game. All us music marketing “coaches” can come up with all the game plans in the world… but if your “team” doesn’t get in the game…. well, YOU still lose. Start asking questions on blogs, taking part in online discussions with fans, sharing your world with others, and basically work your career until you get what you want!

Get in the game, ask questions, get clarification, and start taking control of your own career!

Peace,
Jai
“Love the MUSIC in Yourself, NOT yourself in the MUSIC!”

Learn step-by-step how to start, market, manage, and profit your hip hop career TODAY!

Music Marketing Posters for the Low Low….

Hey,

Just a quick resource I found today….

John at Gigpromos.com just hooked me up with some great posters at a price us indie artist can afford. I am not talking about the little posters you usually get that are so thin they tear when trying to hang em. These are high quality, large format, posters for cheap! And no, I ain’t making a dime for passing on this little gem of info. They are just that good.

Click on this link: www.Gigpromos.com and check em out.

If you buy posters from they, you will see a comment section toward the bottom of your order page… the only thin I ask is that you drop my name and let them know I sent you. Maybe next time I order John will give me a bit of a hook up… HINT HINT JOHN!!!!!

Really, check em out and you will see that the order process is easy. Oh, and by the way… shipping is free!

Peace,
“Love the MUSIC in Yourself, Not Yourself in the MUSIC!”
Jai

Been a Minute …. Long Minute Since I Checked In!

Man,

I have been so busy with the studio, managing other artists, and life I have totally let this blog down! I am sorry. Nothing I can say but I will be here daily from now on bringing you the hot topics, tips, and tricks you need to get your career further and your record in the hands of fans! Stay tuned over the next week or so for a face life, added features, and tons of real world info you can actually use!

Peace,
Jai
www.HipHopBusinessAdvisor.com
“Love the MUSIC in Yourself, Not Yourself in the MUSIC!”

STOP THINKING LOCAL!!!

Who do you consider your competition? Is it the local artists in your area? Is it regional artists in your State? Or Do you consider National and International Artists as your competition? This is a huge question and it deeply impacts what you do everyday to market your music and succeed your career!

Are you wanting to be a local “Hood Hero” or a National artist? That is the real question. If you want to “make it” and be a star or at least known world wide than your competition had better be the National artists that are currently getting play by radio and bet. If not, you are not competing at all. You are sitting on the side lines hoping you can get there. The only way you are ever going to “make it” is if you start to consider and look at what the National artists are doing.

I can hear you now…. “But they have money, and teams, and this or that…”

So what! Did you know that you have you international distribution right now – I mean come on, you are reading this post, that I wrote in Dallas Texas, from somewhere else in the world right? Isn’t that international distribution? You bet it is! Don’t you have a myspace, twitter, facebook, or some other social networking site? All those friends on there, aren’t they a marketing team for you? You bet, you just have to find out how to motivate them to do what you want or need… by the way, have you asked them to actually help you… oh, you think that wouldn’t be cool. OK, sit in your local hood and be cool…. but you better believe, and can see for yourself, IF you go to your real competition, you know, the National artists, and look at there websites and social networking sites. They ask all the time for people to help them get the word out. Why arn’t you? Are you afraid about what the people in YOUR HOME TOWN might think… because they are haters and are not doing it themselves so IT MUST be stupid? Get over it!

Folks, start competing on a National level is you want to be National. Stop putting all your energy into getting on your local radio station…. come on we all know you are only getting play on Friday nights when your boy is spinnin’… your not in REGULAR ROTATION! Stop worrying about what your local scene will think about you. They will have to paly you if the rest of the country is, they will have to see that you are National when the rest of the country does.

The hardest thing in the world is to break your own market. WHy, because they went to school with you, go to parties with you, and drink at the club with you. THey know your real name. They know EVERYTHING about you. THEY CAN NOT SEE YOU AS A NATIONAL! But they will when you break as a National. STOP THINKING LOCAL

STOP THINKING LOCAL
STOP THINKING LOCAL
STOP THINKING LOCAL
STOP THINKING LOCAL
STOP THINKING LOCAL
STOP THINKING LOCAL
STOP THINKING LOCAL
STOP THINKING LOCAL
STOP THINKING LOCAL!

Research, discover, and see why Nationals are Nationals!

Peace,
Jai
“Love the MUSIC in Yourself, NOT Yourself in the MUSIC!”

Full Record Pool List

Hey Folks,

been a minute, it has been crazy around here trying to write the update to “Hip Hop Business Advisor” my step by step book about how to start, market, manage, and profit from your own independent record label….. But the good news…. I found a great resource will writing that I wanted to share…

http://www.recordpools.com/recordpools.html

This will give all the details to just about every record pool in the world. This is a huge resource to promote you music and get it out to the masses!

Peace,
Jai

Stop Wasting Money in the Studio!

What Up Folks,

Today were really talking about recording studios and how to save money. I know, I know, this blog is usually dedicated to music marketing social networking and other ways to drive fans to your music. But I feel that saving money in the studio will help you with your marketing efforts because it puts more money in your pocket. A lot of you know that I am a recording engineer and work with a lot of artists every single day. This last weekend I worked with an artist that I just simply watched waste a lot of money and get nothing in return they walked out of the studio after two days without a Finished song whatsoever. That’s just crazy!

The recording studio is a creative environment. You want to have a good time, share your creativity with your friends, and generally make it more of a party environment rather than a work related activity. I understand. But there has to be a line. You are paying for every minute you are in that studio. The more people you bring to the studio with you the less you will get done, really! I cannot tell you how many times I have seen artists or groups walked into the studio 15 or 20 Deep and walk out with only one song if that. yes, some songs require 3, 4 or even five people on the song to get what you want. But in 20 years of recording, I have yet to see a song that needs 15 people. I’m not saying that it’s not possible we are the world took a lot of people, but the average song that hits the radio, or is played in the clubs, really doesn’t need it.

When you go to the recording studio, only take the people that you must have to complete the songs you’re going to record. As each person finishes his or her parked on the song they should leave. I know this sounds little harsh, but it’s not. You are trying to compete with major label artists that have major label producers and major-label budgets behind them. I guarantee you every session I have done for major-label artist or with a major label producer only has had the essential people at the session. This is because they know every second they are in the studio they are being billed.

In addition, alcohol and recording studios do not mix. Again, I understand, you may be taking a drink or two to loosen up for calm your nerves, and this would be okay. But the problem comes when that one or two drinks turns into a bottle or case over the course of a session. Creativity does not come from alcohol. Creativity comes from a clear mind. Aggressiveness, slurred speech, and downright dumb mass behavior comes from too much alcohol. Drink at the club, drink at home, or drink at the park, but don’t drink at the studio. I promise you that an engineer will sit there and let you drink yourself silly because it means he or she is going to make more money. But I also promise you, if you get so drunk that you dropped a microphone or below a pair of headphones, you will get charged. This is money you could use to market your music.

You are in the business of music. Treat it like a business. A recording studio can be fun, it can be a party, and it can be a place to socialize. But it has to be done in moderation. The goal of your recording session should be to get the best music and lyric recorded you possibly can.

Peace,
Jai
“ love the music in yourself, not yourself in the music”

Using Social Media To Connect With Fans

Ok, so we all know about social networking, right? But really, do you really get it? Do you know how to use it for good rather than letting it hurt you? Do you interact with your fans and potential fans or do you simply go out and try to add as many fans as you can to never hear from or talk to again?

Social networking, as I have said time and again, is not a one time thing and move on. You have to interact. You have to actually become friends and you have to actually listen. Then, you have to take action. Give your fans what they want, give them a reason to interact with you, and give them a reason to visit your website other than to simply buy something.

Here are a few things you can do within your social networks to start taking an active roll in creating real friendships:

Release mini videos – they don’t have to be high quality, use a webcam – of you talking about what is going on in your life, the groups affairs, or what your record label has in store for the next week

Invite fans to a live “twon hall” meeting and have them sign up on your website. You can do an unlimited number of these a month for less than $40. Go to google and do a search for webinar and you will see many companies offering there service cheap. I prefer gotowebinar.com but use what you like.

Do a live show online using your webinar feature. This is really cool. You can set up in your living room and host a live show for your fans to watch and then interact. Use this to work out details of a show. Host an invite only show, where your fans have to sign up to win, and then perform your show and ask your fans for instant feed back. Use the to perfect your show as well as getting your fans involved in your lives.

Post raw video footage to your social networking sites and ask your fans to create your next music video. Host a contest and give a way a free party night with the band or group at your next show to the winner. Then rent a projector and play the video at the show.

As you can see, there are many, many ways to interact with your fans on your social networking sites. I came up with these on the fly in less than five minutes. Spend some time, do some research and see how you can start interacting with your fans on your social networking site. Just remember, you are not trying to sell them anything. You are trying to become friends. The sales will come naturally if you start building the relationships!

Peace,
Jai
“Love the MUSIC in Yourself, Not Yourself in the MUSIC!”