It doesn't matter what kind of music you play, if you want to make it big in the music world, you can't just dream about it. You have to get off your bottom, and get out there and do whatever it takes to make it happen. You can visualize whatever you want, but until you do something to make it happen, all it is a wish, not a reality.
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.
Before you do anything else, find your niche. For this article, we are going to discuss performing live. We will talk about getting you music out there in the virtual world at another time.
If your music already fits into a set category, don't try to reinvent the wheel. Look for places that already cater to the kind of music you play. Take the jobs no matter what they pay. Maybe you'll get a percentage of the door, a set fee, or just wait for quarters to be thrown on the stage. The point is you need to play and start gathering a following.
That following... your fans is your number one asset. You need to bring whatever you need to create a mailing list. This is the most important thing you can do to nurture your career, and is the subject of quite a few posts at the MusicMarketingCenter.com. Try to get them to sign up right then and there for your mailing list (or fan club). Strike while they are excited about your music... when hearing it live. Bring a computer with an internet connection and let them sign up for your mailing list right there. If you can't do that, at least bring a pad of paper and some pens. Just get that info so you can keep in touch with your fans. The better they get to know you, the more likely they are to tell their friends, and increase your fan base.
Along with promoting yourself, your gigs, your cds, etc. with your mailing list, why not make some cash? Get tshirts, posters, or other merchandise created, and offer it to your list at a profit. Music fans love to talk about the new band they've discovered, and tshirts are a great way to help them to talk about you. Think it's going to cost you a lot of money to print tshirts? Wrong.. Check out cafepress.com. They print tshirts and other merchandise on demand and there is no start up cost at all.
When you finish your set, and even in the middle, mention signing up for your mailing list. Stick around after you play. Talk to the audience, and tell them to be sure to sign up for your list so they know what you are up to. You may not think talking to you is a big deal, but to someone who doesn't know you and liked your music, you are a star, and it makes them feel special to have actually talked to you (yes, you). Be nice, thank the fans, and allow them to love you and think you love them back. Don't put on the punk attitude. Even in the late 70's when the punk scene and attitude was at it's height, the people loved talking to them, and plenty of the 'stars' would be really nice to people off stage. Fans eat it up.
Have you checked out your local colleges and small clubs? They love to 'catch a rising star,' and that could be you. Especially if your music is a little different than most, the people booking these places do so because they are music fans, and they'd love to be able to say that they had you play there back when no one knew who you were.
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.
The main thing to remember is that if you want to make it big in the music business, you need to get heard. And, for most bands and musicians, the best way to be heard is in front of a live audience. No other form of distribution of your music is going to have the impact of a great live show. - 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.
Before you do anything else, find your niche. For this article, we are going to discuss performing live. We will talk about getting you music out there in the virtual world at another time.
If your music already fits into a set category, don't try to reinvent the wheel. Look for places that already cater to the kind of music you play. Take the jobs no matter what they pay. Maybe you'll get a percentage of the door, a set fee, or just wait for quarters to be thrown on the stage. The point is you need to play and start gathering a following.
That following... your fans is your number one asset. You need to bring whatever you need to create a mailing list. This is the most important thing you can do to nurture your career, and is the subject of quite a few posts at the MusicMarketingCenter.com. Try to get them to sign up right then and there for your mailing list (or fan club). Strike while they are excited about your music... when hearing it live. Bring a computer with an internet connection and let them sign up for your mailing list right there. If you can't do that, at least bring a pad of paper and some pens. Just get that info so you can keep in touch with your fans. The better they get to know you, the more likely they are to tell their friends, and increase your fan base.
Along with promoting yourself, your gigs, your cds, etc. with your mailing list, why not make some cash? Get tshirts, posters, or other merchandise created, and offer it to your list at a profit. Music fans love to talk about the new band they've discovered, and tshirts are a great way to help them to talk about you. Think it's going to cost you a lot of money to print tshirts? Wrong.. Check out cafepress.com. They print tshirts and other merchandise on demand and there is no start up cost at all.
When you finish your set, and even in the middle, mention signing up for your mailing list. Stick around after you play. Talk to the audience, and tell them to be sure to sign up for your list so they know what you are up to. You may not think talking to you is a big deal, but to someone who doesn't know you and liked your music, you are a star, and it makes them feel special to have actually talked to you (yes, you). Be nice, thank the fans, and allow them to love you and think you love them back. Don't put on the punk attitude. Even in the late 70's when the punk scene and attitude was at it's height, the people loved talking to them, and plenty of the 'stars' would be really nice to people off stage. Fans eat it up.
Have you checked out your local colleges and small clubs? They love to 'catch a rising star,' and that could be you. Especially if your music is a little different than most, the people booking these places do so because they are music fans, and they'd love to be able to say that they had you play there back when no one knew who you were.
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.
The main thing to remember is that if you want to make it big in the music business, you need to get heard. And, for most bands and musicians, the best way to be heard is in front of a live audience. No other form of distribution of your music is going to have the impact of a great live show. - 16747
About the Author:
Want to be a Rock and Roll Star? Music Marketing Center is the best resource for musicians who want to make their living with music. Promote your music with tons of tips, resources and articles you won't find anywhere else at the Music Marketing Center dot com.
