10 Mistakes Bands & Musicians make by David Hooper
Current mood: 
amused
Category: Music
i'll
be posting a few interesting articles I've bumped into, many of which I
don't agree with 100% so remember that, but like any advice it's what
you took from it. Because many of these articles had some brilliant
points.
AUTHOR: 
David Hooper | October 17, 2008 |
Here's a post that was posted on MTT Open! Thanks David.
If
you want to get a record deal, get people to your shows, or sell music
like crazy, the answer isn't some kind of "magic pill" website that you
post your music on, blindly sending out a bunch of demos, or anything
to do with having good music...although good music certainly helps --
the answer is to develop a "mindset" that naturally attracts people to
what you're doing as well as an understanding of how the music business
game is played.
As you develop as a
person, your music career will develop with you. Sounds crazy, but
it's true...and I've seen it time and time again, with thousands of
acts that I've worked with, from garage bands, to the guys selling out
arenas. Check out these ten common music business mistakes:
10. Being Too Difficult (or Too Nice)
First
of all, let's get this clear... Just because you wrote a few good
songs and recorded them, doesn't mean that the world revolves around
you. Lots of people write and record good songs, so get in line.
Contrary
to what the online rumor mill or media would have you believe, people
in the music business are involved because they love music…and they're
not making enough to deal with jerks. And they won't deal with jerks.
If you're a pain, they're just go to the next guy, who also writes good
songs, but has a better attitude.
With
that said, don't be too nice. You don't have to say yes to
everything. Pick your battles. If there is something you really feel
strongly about, don't settle for anything less.
Bottom line: Keep your ego in check and behave with courtesy and respect. At the same time, don't let anyone treat you any less.
9. Trying to Convince People of Anything…
You play music; you're not in the convincing business. Either people get what you're doing or they don't.
So,
some reviewer, booking agent or manager doesn't like your new album.
Let it go! Don't try to convince him he'll like is better after a
second listen. He won't. And the more you press him to give your music
another shot, the more he'll remember how annoying you were. This
means he'll be far less open to ever listening to you again.
There
are a lot of people who won't "hear it" when you approach them. So
what? Move on. There are plenty of other people in this business who
can help you. Go find the people who do "hear it" and put your energy
into building good relationships with them instead.
8. Looking for Industry Approval
There
was a time when the "industry" had a lot more pull when it came to
breaking an artist, getting them distributed, and everything else.
This is a new time, so we're playing with different rules now.
Distribution
is easy. Every day, more and more albums are being sold digitally, so
you no longer need a label to finance pressing tens of thousands of
physical albums (or more) and getting them to record stores.
These
days, recording music is easier than ever. You can get a good recording
setup for just a few thousand dollars. And if you can't afford
recording equipment, there are plenty of people who have some, whom you
can hire inexpensively. You are not limited on the number of options
for getting something on tape.
But most
importantly, once you get this stuff together, you don't need the
industry to tell you your music is worthy. The consumers, the people
who buy your music, are really the only opinions that matter. And when
you have the love of the consumers, the industry will come around.
The
thing is, in the music industry, technology has changed faster than
mindset. Stop believing you are at the mercy of any record label
executive. You're not. Connect directly with your fans--on your terms.
The feedback, loyalty and money you receive from them will be far more
gratifying than you spending your time beating your head against a wall
trying to figure out a way to get an approving nod from a record label.
7. Not Building Strong Relationships with Fans
People aren't stupid. They know that they're being marketed to. They know when you're looking to sell them something.
Do they mind? No.
In
fact, if you have a good relationship with your fans, they won't mind
being marketed to and, if you do it well, they look forward to being
marketed to.
However, they have to know you care.
Building relationships with fans take time. You have to show them you care.
Do things like:
Give them a few free songs to download
Have message board on your website and build a community there
Do a "fan appreciation" show
Record a holiday album that you give out to your fan club.
Show
them in special ways that you, not only care, but that you're willing
to go the extra mile to show your appreciation. In turn, they will buy
your music, travel to see you play, call radio stations on your behalf
and promote you all over the Web.
Every
day, no matter if you're busy recording, on the road or at home
worrying about how you're going to find the money to make your project
happen, do something (no matter how small the gesture is) to reach out
to your fans.
6. Not "Getting" How the Fan/Artist Relationship Works
You're the leader and your fans do the following. You make the offer, they choose whether or not to accept.
Take
charge, record the music, play the shows, print the t-shirts, and let
them have the options of buying your album, coming to see you, or
getting something to wear.
The average
person has enough "leadership" in his day. He's looking for somebody
to take control, and let him ride along for a little while. Do it.
5. Laying Everything on the Table…
You're
a rockstar. Keep that fantasy. Don't tell people how broke you are,
that you're still living with your mother, or anything else that breaks
the image of you fans have in their minds.
One
of the reasons people like music is because they have the opportunity
to live vicariously through the people they are listening to. When you
are on stage, they're up there with you. When you're on the road in
your tour bus, they're riding shotgun. Don't take that away.
Give
them insight into your life and what it's like in your world. However,
be selective with the details. Always remember, you're selling music,
but you're also selling a persona.
4. Thinking The Key to Success is Musical Talent, Money, or Looks
Yes,
if we're talking about pop music, MTV, or the major label system, a
certain amount of a contrived "image" probably helps sell records.
Obviously, money helps things. And it's always good if you can sing.
But
it's not "image" that gets somebody on MTV, it's marketing. It's not
good songs that get people on the radio, it's marketing. And it's not
money, although it helps. It's marketing.
You can play well, have money, and look like a model, but if you don't have the marketing to back you up, none of it matters.
You
know what? If you do have a good, solid marketing plan in place (and
you're using it), everything else doesn't matter so much.
3. Giving Up Power
Keep
control as long as you can. Yes, a major label deal will give you
opportunity that being on an indie label won't. And a professional
manager has connections that you don't.
But
when you sign with these guys, you're handing over your career to
somebody else. Nobody cares as much about your career than you do. When
you and your talent are the most important commodity you have to offer,
do not give up your power easily and without a damn good reason.
Your
music is worth something. You are worth something. Think of your career
as being "virtual real estate" which, if marketed correctly, will pay
dividends for years to come. So, treat it like that.
2. Jumping at Every Opportunity
You
don't have to say yes to everything. In fact, sometimes, saying no to
something can be more beneficial to your career than saying yes.
Why
do you say yes to things? Take a look at your standards and make them
higher. As an example, just because a club has a PA system doesn't mean
that it's worth playing there.
There are some gigs that just aren't worth playing. There are some
connections that just aren't worth developing.
When
you say yes to something, especially something that takes your time,
you're saying no to everything else. Leave yourself open to saying yes
to the opportunities that really matter.
Trust
your own judgment. If something doesn't feel right and you want to say
no, it's ok to say no. At that moment, you may worry you're passing up
a great opportunity and will be missing out. The reality is, better
opportunities (that are a better fit for you) will come and you will be
ready for them.
1. Not Getting Help
You don't know everything. This business has been around for a long time--long before you were involved.
Read books, get advice from people who work in the industry and keep studying every aspect of the industry.
Don't
be afraid to ask for help. You can bypass a lot of the problems you're
likely to run into simply by asking people who have already been in,
and dealt with, the situations you find yourself in.
Remember this:
Time is worth more than money. You can always earn more money, but you have a limited amount of time.
Don't
waste your time. If you don't know something, or need specific help,
don't be afraid to pay somebody to help you deal with whatever obstacle
you face. Don't let anything stop you from having all the knowledge and
know-how you need to have the success you aspire to have.
David
Hooper is the founder of MusicMarketing.com and host of the syndicated
radio show, Music Business Radio. He specializes in direct response
and new media marketing.