So, you want to be a rock and roll star, or country or hip hop, jazz, pop, or any genre of music star. Well, dreaming is fine, but no matter what they said in the secret, it isn't going to make you any money, and it sure isn't going to make you a star. You have to get off your bed and get started.
Believe it not, this is a great time to get starting in the music industry. The old system, where the major labels owned you for better or worse, is on its way out. And according to a quick survey of the staff at MusicMarketingCenter.com, there is no new big thing in music out there. There's plenty of room for something different. And, if your music fits a genre, there's an already established audience for it.
First thing, find what niche your music belongs in. That gives you a starting point of where to look to promote yourself. We'll talk about that and promoting yourself online in future articles. But, for now, let's concentrate on playing live.
Does your music fit into a category? If it does, then that's where you start. Look for venues in your area that support the music you play. Even if it's a place where you get paid by the money that's put in a hat that's passed around, it doesn't matter. You've got to start somewhere. This is the way to create a following in the real world.
Every time you play, bring whatever you need to build your mailing list. This is super important, and will be the topic of a number of posts at the musicmarketingcenter.com. But for now, even if it's a legal pad for people to put their names, snail mail and e-mail addresses on, get that info. This will be your core list of fans, and the ones that are going to tell their friends all about how great you were. You need their info so you can e-mail when you play again, release a CD or have any news you'd like to share.
Who knows... maybe you'll even make a t-shirt and sell it to your list at a profit. What a concept! actually making money from your band with something other than the music! Ever notice people walking around wearing a t-shirt from their favorite band? Ca-ching!!!
At the end of your set, spend some time with the audience. Tell them to sign up for your list at every chance, but also, just chat with them. People love to be noticed by whoever is currently at the center of attention, and after you've just played, that is you! Be nice to them. They will appreciate it and promote you and your music like crazy.
What if your music doesn't fit into any established category? Look for colleges. They love going against the norms of society and are always looking for something new. There are also still some clubs around that like to give different kinds of music a chance. Just like you want to be a rock and roll star, plenty of club owners want their club to become the next CBGBs.
Be sure to scour the newspapers for audition and open microphone nights. Why not? It's another chance to play and practice your live skills. Tons of famous bands and musicians started out playing on these free nights, even if only one or two songs. Don't ignore the opportunity just because you may think it sounds cheesy.
All in all, you need to just get out there at every opportunity and play your music live. For the fans, there's nothing like hearing a band do their thing right in front of you as part of a crowd. And for you, it's great to get the immediate feedback and admiration from a live audience. Although there are ways to get your music to more people at once, there is no other way to generate the kind of impact that a live show of your music creates. - 16747
Believe it not, this is a great time to get starting in the music industry. The old system, where the major labels owned you for better or worse, is on its way out. And according to a quick survey of the staff at MusicMarketingCenter.com, there is no new big thing in music out there. There's plenty of room for something different. And, if your music fits a genre, there's an already established audience for it.
First thing, find what niche your music belongs in. That gives you a starting point of where to look to promote yourself. We'll talk about that and promoting yourself online in future articles. But, for now, let's concentrate on playing live.
Does your music fit into a category? If it does, then that's where you start. Look for venues in your area that support the music you play. Even if it's a place where you get paid by the money that's put in a hat that's passed around, it doesn't matter. You've got to start somewhere. This is the way to create a following in the real world.
Every time you play, bring whatever you need to build your mailing list. This is super important, and will be the topic of a number of posts at the musicmarketingcenter.com. But for now, even if it's a legal pad for people to put their names, snail mail and e-mail addresses on, get that info. This will be your core list of fans, and the ones that are going to tell their friends all about how great you were. You need their info so you can e-mail when you play again, release a CD or have any news you'd like to share.
Who knows... maybe you'll even make a t-shirt and sell it to your list at a profit. What a concept! actually making money from your band with something other than the music! Ever notice people walking around wearing a t-shirt from their favorite band? Ca-ching!!!
At the end of your set, spend some time with the audience. Tell them to sign up for your list at every chance, but also, just chat with them. People love to be noticed by whoever is currently at the center of attention, and after you've just played, that is you! Be nice to them. They will appreciate it and promote you and your music like crazy.
What if your music doesn't fit into any established category? Look for colleges. They love going against the norms of society and are always looking for something new. There are also still some clubs around that like to give different kinds of music a chance. Just like you want to be a rock and roll star, plenty of club owners want their club to become the next CBGBs.
Be sure to scour the newspapers for audition and open microphone nights. Why not? It's another chance to play and practice your live skills. Tons of famous bands and musicians started out playing on these free nights, even if only one or two songs. Don't ignore the opportunity just because you may think it sounds cheesy.
All in all, you need to just get out there at every opportunity and play your music live. For the fans, there's nothing like hearing a band do their thing right in front of you as part of a crowd. And for you, it's great to get the immediate feedback and admiration from a live audience. Although there are ways to get your music to more people at once, there is no other way to generate the kind of impact that a live show of your music creates. - 16747
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