Q: What are the first steps toward really getting your music heard?
There is no one simple answer to this question. Its a competitive market so you need to do your homework and develop a solid fan base. Start by building your e-mail list. The people who sign up are your best customers for your music and merchandise. Let people know when youre performing next in your e-mail correspondence to draw them in for your next gig. When youve built up a local following, you should expand to a few new towns. Check out sites like MySpace.com, Friendster.com and other networking sites. Create a great web site and stay in touch with your audience. You might want to hire a publicist and gradually expand your touring area, in turn building your e-mail base. And make sure your CD sales are being tracked so you can build a story around that. You can also network at key industry events around the country like SXSW, CMJ or the DIY Convention. Build your e-mail list; build your network of people who support you; and you will evolve from there.
Q: I am starting my own independent publishing company and am searching for an administrator. How do I go about finding a good one? What are the basic jobs of an administrator and where do they find money?
You can advertise in any number of music trades like Billboard or contact organizations that deal with music industry employment (NARIP, for one) to find someone to handle your publishing catalog (if youre willing to pay a salary). Publishing administrators wear many hats, from trying to place music to collecting money to making sure the paperwork is up to date. Administrators find money in anything that uses musicfilm, TV, advertising, web sites, ad infinitum.
Q: How do I get signed to a record label?
In todays competitive climate, major and indie labels are looking for something unique, talented and well developed. Record labels are in the business of making money from the artists that they sign. The labels want bands and artists that have built a following by touring and that have already sold self-released CDs. Be smart, do your homework! Know where your fans are, develop savvy marketing strategies that will help you stand out from the rest of the unsigned artists. Apply to play at a BMI showcase in your local area. Apply to showcase at one of the top music conferences, such as SXSW or CMJ. Attend seminars and other educational workshops where key a&r people will be in attendance and contact the local colleges, radio stations and newspapers to further publicize you. Built a unique, informative website that includes a bio, photos, song samples and tour dates.
All of these approaches are suggestions and should be part of assembling your game plan for your future. The best way to attract label attention is to build a success story that will help you stand out from the rest of the unsigned artists and help gain the attention of the industry
Q: What does a publisher do?
A publishers main function, whether its an individual or a corporation, is to exploit (get your songs recorded, performed, etc.) your songs and collect income from that exploitation. A publisher works with producers, directors, music supervisors, record companies, commercial production companies and trailer houses to negotiate fees for licensing your music for artists to record and for use in movies and on TV, in advertising and other outlets.