Archive for the ‘Pointerz’ Category

Artist management is a big responsibility and you must be ready, willing, and able to bring your cards to the table to meet the artists needs. The unity between the both of you becomes one. It’s a business, and it’s a journey! The artists become your sole reason of purpose. Basically in order for you to make income from the artist, you have to bring income to the artist. The video below by Paul Allen gives an excellent review of the things you should consider in managing artists music careers.

Another excellent resource from Paul Allan’s website…

Artist Management and Music Management Directory

I’m just gon’ dive right in and ask this question! As female producers do you think we have a certain image of greater expectation to uphold over our male producers? To break it down, do we need to be sexy, revealing all but what mother nature gave us to even get attention? If we had the mentality of knocking up every male that came in the studio, are we considered names we care not to repeat? If we dressed down because it is our comfort zone to create… does this make a statement of questioning our sexuality? As you can see here, we are in a catch 22….we’re damned if we do, and if we don’t.

However, I strongly feel we have a responsibility in our presentation as female producers. And yes unfortunately, we have to live with that, unlike our male counterparts. They can look the worst of the worst, wear anything, act any way, and still get noticeable respect for their music. I believe our presentation, as well as our attitudes and lifestyles have to be consistent with our ability to make music, especially if we’ve decided upon this as a career.

If you’re trying to get attention to your music with your half-naked body and excessive makeup like you’re going hang out on a corner… it may get you attention, but it’s clearly not to your music and often times disrespect. Since we know this music industry is male dominated, perhaps you feel the marketing approach of ’sex sells’ has sparked your interest and maybe even a quick dollar! But I believe in the end of the day, you’ve sold yourself out, and your career is limited.

And for my female producers that dress the totally opposite and even considering yourselves as one of the guys. Is this your best presentation? No matter how you may act like the guys, you will always be considered a female producer to the eyes of the industry. I’m not saying change who you are, I’m saying if music is what makes you, then allow the world to see that.

The balance? Great question! I would think having first the right mind and attitude to even wear the name as producer is a start. Developing a professional approach, respect your music peers and work hard at the one thing you desire to do. More importantly, think about if someone presented themselves to you the same way you are doing to others. Is it something that would draw you in and prompt interest in their production capabilities? Dress the way you feel, but present it tastefully upon the occasion. (Read that again!) In simpler terms, let your music breathe through. That’s what this is all about, right?!  Allow your beauty and your swag to reflect your passion and your game plan. Through that everything else comes together. Your outer portion will not be denied because it’s who you are… so leave the acting to the actors.  And as we may try and get around it… image is very important is this industry…not by just a visual, but by an experience.

Take this with you and write it down…  You want to be seen??? Then be heard!!! Respect is earned and determined by the way you respect yourself first. Be sexy…sexy with your music, be beautiful… beautiful with your music, get ugly… ugly with your music, get raggedy… raggedy with your music… got an attitude? Put it in your music! As a producer, it has to be all about the music!

I ask everyone, both male and females, what are your views on this topic?

In this video, I demonstrate several of my tracks in the Roland Fantom X6. I also talk briefly about sampling and pass on some pointers!

As music is distributed between producers and artists, understanding work for hire is viable in this business. In simpler terms to distribute a piece of work you’ve created as a work for hire to another party, you no longer have any ties to that work! Read more from source

Here also is an excellent resource of music business contracts. Be sure to have your attorney review before administering!

So you’re bad like that huh? Got it like that? Awesome! So now that you know it, profusely raving about it, and confident about it, I’m sure your fans, and those in your circle feel the same way, right? Probably not! A closed mouth never gets fed, however, eating in moderation keeps one full also. In other words… know when to just ’shut up!’

The CAS is a disease that’s widely common today especially to those who are still trying to find themselves! And it’s contagious too! So be careful to take your meds. The prescriptive measures to not let the laws of arrogance prove you’re just hyping yourself, ’cause nobody else is.

Yeah that was deep, but the point is it’s okay to recognize the talent within you. It’s yours and whether you’re born with it or acquired it… you deserve honor! However, whether CAS is your marketing strategy to get your name out there (yep I’m speaking to the ‘I haven’t made it yet’ clan) or a sweet promotional move… know that very few support cockiness in an early riser!

Be humble about your craft. Find creative measures to exploit your talent that connects your audience which in turn creates a dedicated fan base, and a reason for them to want more. A&R’s love to feel the genuine connection between you and your fans. In today’s music world, SHOW, and IT will TELL.

Also remember being humble is also a special gift… you’re either born with it or you soon and hopefully acquire it!

1. To increase your fan base and develop online skills.

2. Digital media is the new-age driving force in music relations.

3. Many A&R and record execs will ask, and or Google to find you online before doing business with you.

4. Know the difference between a web presence and a web site. A web presence is a blueprint of your character, musical talent, and social skills. A web site is just a web placeholder that does nothing unless you do something.

5. Drive impulsive sales.

6. Recognition

7. Content interaction and sharing.

8. Access to tons of social media outlets, software and applications to increase your web presence as an artist.

As the child in the picture looks bored, this facial expression takes me back to when Simon Cowell was first recognized as THE heartless individual who could tell it like it is or say what no one else wanted to say about the performances and auditions before him.

As many may beg to differ, it is not a bad thing to be honest with someone who may not realize they are not as talented as they think they are. However, as humans, we get the soft-side and feel we don’t want to hurt any feelings or cause grief to someone who’s aspiring and seriously focused on their budding singing career.

As a producer, can you take money from a singer knowing they can’t deliver on your song?  Does a sell mean more to you than being honest with that artist? Do you feel it’s not your place to form an opinion, and that business is business? Can you even work with someone knowing they have no singing talent?

I’ve seen talentless artists come and go in the studio and out there in the streets, and many times they are the hardest working individuals in the game.

As we also know image plays a strong role in how songs are sold these days… (Some may argue this is unfortunate and that we lose focus of the musicianship), it is known that many of these talentless artists use their cute/handsome faces and over-exposed bodies to create interest and buzz… and at the end of the day, how does it ever come to light that singing may not be their money-maker?

What’s your take?

While today’s music industry has taken quite a turn in the last few years, it’s evident if you don’t have an internet presence, you are basically non-existent. The same goes with artists, musicians and producers in the industry.

Back in the day (and not so long ago) records were broke with a certain mystery behind the artist that evoked great anticipation, as well as the wonderment of the lifestyles of our favorite artists. Well now days and special thanks to social media in the likes of Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, we can basically logon and find the latest in the lives of our celeb family.

Do you find it necessary for artists to engage with their fans? Is there a point where too much information kind of breaks down barriers and the connection becomes overwhelming and demanding? Like back in the day, should there always be an untouched side between artists and fans?

I do believe social engagement is a necessary and effective marketing tool for anyone in business. Now whether it’s the artist tweeting, or some hired help behind the computer screen; it’s something that must be done to aid marketing and promotional efforts. Social media has bridged the gap so to speak between artists and fans, and it’s no secret the internet is the greatest medium to get your business around the world in seconds.

Relative to all this, starving/over-eagerly aggressive/aspiring artists take great advantage of reaching out to these celebs. Many would call that a good and or bad thing. However, on the flip side, celeb artists are people too, and not even the average MoJane wants someone sweating them all the time. Many people don’t think about this.

While some artists socialize more than others, would you still buy their music if they didn’t? Is it about being sociably engaged with them or supporting their music regardless? I have to say for myself, I’m a music lover first… and was one well before social media took over the web. I support good music regardless of the social engagement.

On the other hand, I can understand why many artists may not utilize the social medium outlet. It’s easy for things to get flipped out of proportion, especially if the gossip media feels like having a field day!

Your thoughts?