Connecting With Fans Brings Money

Today emerging and existing artists are trying to figure out how can they sell out their music and shows, when music fans want it for free.  Well, free just might answer that question.  I read an article from techdirt.com by Mike Masnick about the future of the music business model.  There was an interesting equation that seemed to work for artists with successful careers and those who were trying to grace the scene, which was 'Connect with Fans (CwF) + Reason to Buy (RtB) = Business Model.'  This business model emphasizes connecting with your fans and giving them a real, scarce, and unique reason to buy.  When fans get what they want for their desired price, everyone still makes money and everyone is happy.

Masnick used an example from Trent Reznor's tactic in how he encourages fans to connect with each other, offers free downloads for his music knowing that they'll show up on file sharing sites, releasing tracks under a Creative Commons License allowing anyone to share them online and offered a two disc CD for $10.  The double disc set was $75 Deluxe Edition package that included a DVD of photobook images.  He also offered $300 Ultra Deluxe Limited Edition Packages with a limit of 2,500 available, which sold out in 30 hours bringing in $750,000.  It suggested that offering free music opens up new and more opportunities for a stronger business model-- improves the ability to make money.  You can read the entire article by the following link to find out about the other known and unknown artists who have found success with this business model: http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20091119/1634117011.shtml

I believe this is a very wise strategy.  Fans like to feel like they're really apart of some kind of club, and catering to their desire fuels their excitement with you and your music.  In the end, connecting with fans increases the percentage of them becoming lifetime fans.  For new artists looking for a break within the music industry, I'd suggest giving away free music and allowing fans to create, connect with you personally other than social media, and provide quality products inexpensively to open doors for fans to introduce you to others, purchase tickets to shows, and spending more money in general because of the advantages you offer.  Limited edition products with autographed signatures are also very effective.

Crowdsourcing Promotes Music

On a previous blog post found at http://careersinmusic-kd.blogspot.com/2011/06/effect-internet-has-on-music.html, I mentioned the negative effects crowdsourcing has on the music industry.  Now I am about to discuss the positive attributes crowdsourcing can have on aspiring artists.  Talenthouse found at website http://www.talenthouse.com/creative, is a platform that hosts contests and exhibits the art the user who chooses to display and attain feedback for the creativity and gain more popularity.  The platform allows the artist to choose what they want fans to submit, while Talenthouse organize what’s submitted.  The contest submissions are posted on the fans’ profiles, while advertising the contest to all of their friends and family.  Since Talenthouse allows fans to review and vote via Facebook, it sequentially increases the artists ‘likes’ percentage.  “The real win with Talenthouse is how these contests also help promote the artist to new fans via Facebook's viral network” (Bruno, 2011).  So as we can see crowdsourcing have its advantages and disadvantages.  What do you think about crowdsourcing?  Considering the various effects, is it helpful or disdainful to the music industry?  Don’t forget to check my blog post discussing crowd sourcing featuring a video of Christopher Wiengarten. 

The contests hosted by Talenthouse also allows artists to attract new fans to their art and websites, which serves a duality function as a means to promoting their work rather than just becoming a fan of it.  It was reported that 80% of the submissions to contests came from people who were not fans of the featured artist.  It was also reported that another 65% of those who submitted information for the contest end up ‘liking’ the artists’ Facebook band page.  This means Talenthouse has provided a way for artists to attract new fans and have them promoted to other potential fans with the viral posting on Facebook.  What a way to capitalize on free promotion.  Word of mouth is the best advertisement!  What do you think? 
Here's a link to my survey regarding crowdsourcing (http://goo.gl/0wXvs); please fill it out.  Thank You!

Bruno, A. (2011, July 21). Universal music group taps talenthouse for crowdsourcing artist campaigns. Retrieved July 22, 2011, from http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/universal-music-group-taps-talenthouse-for-1005288142.story.

How Do Bands and Artists Get Paid?

I watched a video by Fox News titled Music Industry Woes in 2011, which consists of an interview with Richard Yaffa, the Founder/CEO of Media Ventures Group Holdings.  I'm sure we are all aware of the popular trend within the music industry to date.  Digital music sales increase as time goes by.  Through the advancement of technology and digital formats, record labels and established artists are looking for different ways to generate revenue.  The big dilemma is how to determine how to monetize their music, because CD sales decrease as digital sales increase.  When was the last time you have seen a record store, such as Sam Goody's, and I'm not talking about the small independent shop in your town?  None...they've closed down. 

The increased use of the web and social media has become the new way to discover music, and purchase.  YouTube can benefit unsigned artists by streaming their music to fans across the world, but established artists would not agree to using media networks as YouTube to stream their music because they need to sell it.  Touring seems to be only one of the many ways to monetize revenue from their artistry, however ticket sales have also plummeted.  Corporate partnerships is one way to assist in generating revenue, because they take care of the marketing and promotion side of the music business, which was available by record labels when they had much larger budgets.  Brand partnerships and sponsorships are more strategies taken on by bands and artists to bring in more revenue.  Vevo was launched by the major record labels as a sort of social media so they would be able to monetize their music through advertisements.  Today, every facet of the music industry is seeing a cut, except for digital sales.  



Social networks connect people from all over the world and sharing music serves the same purpose. When fans buy a full album from artists, it is seen as a leap of faith.  Artists are being put to the test to create greater songs than before, and they would have to do so if they want to sell their entire album instead of a couple of songs.  When artists adapt to using social media, it enables their fans to follow them and connect them to their passion.  There has been a huge transition on the consumer side and the artists side of the music industry, and artists must adapt to this change in the best way possible if they want to monetize their art (Yaffa, 2011).
(2011, February 11). Music industry woes in 2011. fox news. Retrieved July 2, 2011, from http://video.foxnews.com/v/4534588/music-industry-woes-in-2011/.

Scammed in Buying Instrumental Beats!!

One thing artists today must be aware of is being scammed by beat producers.  I can tell of my personal experience and how I prepared myself to protect my investments in the future.  I would first like to inform you on some tips to consider and strategies that con-artists pull when selling beats.  I read an article written by Timothy R. Adamek, from ezinearticles.com and he enlisted some very important pointers about purchasing beats online and what I found to be personally effective.

It is imperative to know the difference between exclusive and non-exclusive rights to beats you're attempting to purchase.  If you purchase beats with exclusive rights, this grants you total ownership of the beats and their copyrights.  Non-exclusive rights means the producer leased the beat to you and has the privilege to license the beat to other interested artists.  I believe an instance of this sort happened to me, but not as an online purchase.  I bought a few beats from a beat maker in my hometown, with .wav files included, and while I was performing at one of my shows, another artist asked me about one of the beats to my song and professed a fellow artist has the same beat from the same producer.  Now you know that put me in a frenzy because I thought I did a lawful and justified transaction with the producer.  Let's just say that producer will not be used again. 

Before purchasing a beat, you should make sure the mix sounds good and clean.  Contacting the producer in advance is a good tactic, especially for any questions of uncertainty.  Producers who provide contact information and professionalism in conducting business are people you should feel comfortable in doing business with.  Keep your antennas up for those producers who sell stolen beats and sell beats to artists without completing the transaction where the artists never receives their purchase.  Those scammers are out there!

The website in which you are buying the beat from should have a very good sound quality when previewing the beat.  It gives a clear vision of how the beat will sound after you buy it, record on it, and get it mixed and mastered.  Always search for quality.  Buying beats in a bulk is always a good look and a good business move when developing a relationship with a producer.  Usually, the producer will work out a deal when you purchase beats in quantities, so make sure you ask of this if it is not offered.  To give insight on another situation that occurred to me is when I was ready to purchase three beats from a producer online.  The beat maker was ready and eager to lease and sell me the beats of my interest.  I kept reiterating that I want exclusive rights to the beats and how I was getting my contract looked over by my attorney so the beats can be released to me exclusively with full ownership of the copyrights.  Well, I told the beat producer I'm finalizing the contract and I need his contact information and copyright dates if applicable, and the producer never got in contact with me again.  It seems as if the contract and my lawyer were my secret weapon for preventing any unlawful scam or unjustified purchase of the beats that I desired.  Now that's the way to weed out any producer who's strategy is to get over on ambitious artists.  So I encourage you to be very wise when purchasing beats (online) and make sure every transaction is in writing because it protects you from scams and infringement.   

Adamek, T. R. (n.d.). Buying instrumental hip hop beats online. Retrieved June 18, 2011, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Buying-Instrumental-Hip-Hop-Beats-Online&id=1902460.

'Strategies' With DamoEntertainment

I had the liberty to interview an industry professional who has built his own brand, and I have witnessed his charismatic attitude for local artists, musicians, and the music industry as a whole.  David Morris has branded his named with a catchy and straight-to-the-point phrase, which is called DamoEntertainment (DamoEnt). Here is what we discussed:

Q:  What is your function within the music industry?

A:  My function is the Music Industry is to promote the Underground Artist and try to get them more exposure not just within their city but other major cities.

Q:  How does social media networking benefit an artist and music businesses?

A:  Some social media aren't really worth the time that a number of people put their time and energy. A number of them seem like they are worth it and you think you are building a fan base but you are really not gaining fans but wasting time. Even though there are some good social medias out there it is very hard to get people to listen to underground music. Once you get them to listen they still don't understand the word supporting them especially if that person likes your music. 

Q:   What advice would you give to an upcoming artist who's building their brand?

A:  Advice that I would give an up and coming artist is (1) Make sure you have a true fan base; (2) Make sure you are putting out quality music; (3) Invest your money in your product but watch where you invest....all promo is not good promo.                                                                         

Q:  What kind of marketing do you deem is most effective within the music industry?

A:  Anyone that can send out email blast to DJ's, people that love music, not just mainstream, Join as many websites and talk to as many people as you can and always stay professional. If someone seems interested in your music..make sure you keep personal contact with them.

Q:  Are there any comments you would like to ask?

A:  Believe in your music...invest in yourself, build a fan base of not just friends and family, but fans of your music because there is a difference..Fans buy music and spread the word.

Morris, D. (2010, November 14). Music Promoter. Interview.

This is very important advice to take in consideration, and if you're serious about your music career do not forget these essential strategies. Good luck and I'll see you on the world platform!!