Independent Artist Distribution and Marketing

There was a time when people only believed they had a chance in the music industry if they were able to get signed to a label. An independent artist did not have much of a chance. Today that’s not necessarily true due to the advancement of the Internet. Recently I viewed a video from one of the most informative websites for musicians active and aspiring to the music industry called Artist House Music. Jon Vanhala, SVP Digital & Business Development Island Def Jam Music Group, in and interview goes over some strategies for promoting you career as an independent artist.

Marketing a Music Website

The music industry has many components that need to be completed if you want to be placed in the best position for success. You have hire the right publisher, agent, manager, and booking agent. You have to get the right studio people involved for the recording and of course you have to have good music. You got to posses an ability to write, play, sing or all of the above.

One of the most important aspects of any business is marketing. Without marketing, that good work is wasted. Sure, some of the above businesses or team members will help you do that, but what are you doing specifically and individually to make sure you increase your presence in the music industry? Today the way to do that best is a professional Internet presence.

Free Music Marketing Ideas: Give your Music Away?

Dexter Bryant Jr. wrote an article that I found on Artist Music House called “Free Music = Free Advertising = Smart Business.” That’s an interesting concept in an age where artists, songwriter and the music industry in general are taking every precaution and measure available under the law to stop people getting music for free and Bryant suggest that we give it away.  Well I think he is right.

The New Myspace for Artists

MySpace attempts to return to it former form by going after the artists. Recently Rolling Stone reported a preview video of the MySpace redesigned site.  MySpace apparently will use stakeholder Justin Timberlake to help them draw musicians and other entertainment and creative industry people to choose MySpace as the social network of choice.

Publishers in the music business and why the songwriter may need to become one

As a songwriter there are many aspects of the music industry that we need to understand to truly be successful. The first skill we need to have is a desire and ability to write songs. The next most important skill we need is the ability to market that song. That’s where at the publisher comes in.

Taylor Hicks and BeBe Winans at the RNC. Is it a good choice for their careers?

Over the years we have watched many performances from artists at the national conventions of the Democrat and Republican parties on election year. Last week America watched Mitt Romney accept the official nomination as the Republican Party candidate for President of the United States at the Republican National Convention. During that convention America also watched season 7 American Idol winner Taylor Hicks and Gospel/R&B singer, BeBe Winans take the stage as performers on Romney’s big night.

In this charged political season is it smart for artists to risk association with any political party. As a manager how would you advise your client? The question I’m asking is, “Is this a good choice for their careers, why, or why not?

Music Industry Lawyers

Recently I viewed three posted videos on the Artists Music House website. The videos were interviews with entertainment lawyers Randall Minter, Peter Shukat and Barry Menes. The videos contained important information that every music industry professional should know concerning the music industry in general, contracts and the importance of obtaining a lawyer and legal advice.