Unsigned Musicians - Network & Resources Blog | SeeJoeRock.com

Via Nancy Prager on MusiciansAtlas.com

Whether you pursue the label route or self-release, it is important to realize that the “thing” that you create as an artist is a product, which must be protected. Your songs, music and even your image are all classified as “Intellectual Property” and qualify for a variety of legal protections to ensure that it not be stolen or misused by someone else. As an artist, it is your most important and valuable asset and it is not enough to rely on your managers, agents, or even lawyers, to protect your interests in the works you create.

Intellectual property law is complicated and nuanced, but an understanding of the fundamentals will help you be more effective in protecting your rights. Please note that the purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the intellectual property rights associated with music and the music industry in the United States. It is not intended, nor should it be used, as legal advice, but a launching ground for you to begin to learn more about your rights as a musician.

Why Copyright?

No matter where you are in your career, Intellectual Property laws, particularly Copyright law can greatly impact your art and income. Similar to a title on your car or house, a Copyright provides proof of ownership. Your songs, music and recordings qualify for Copyright protection in the United States of America as guaranteed in the Constitution.
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• http://www.musicconference.net/ - Feb 18-21, 2010 (Harrisburg, PA)
• http://www.digitalmusicforum.com/east/ Feb 24-25, 2010 (NYC)
• http://sxsw.com - March 12-21st, 2010 (Austin, TX)
• http://www.redgorillamusic.com/ - March 17-21, 2010 (Austin, TX)
• http://www.wintermusicconference.com/ - March 23-27, 2010 (Miami, FL)
• http://www.launchmusicconference.com - April 15-18, 2010 (Lancaster, PA)
• http://nxne.com/ - June 16-20, 2010 (Toronto, Canada)
• http://www.nextbignashville.net/ (Oct 09) (Nashville, TN)
• http://mpmf.com/ - September 23, 24, 25 of 2010 (Cincinnati Ohio)
• http://www.deweybeachfest.com/ - Sept 30 - Oct 2, 2010 (Dewey Beach)
• http://cmj.com/ - October 19-23, 2010 (New York City)
• http://www.digitalmediaconference.com/west/ Oct 28, 2010 (SanFran, CA)

More to come as they are updated!

So this past weekend, we had the amazing opportunity to attend the Dewey Beach Music Conference in Delaware and let me just say, it was awesome!!  For those of you who don’t know what this event is or what goes on, be sure to check it out here [Dewey Beach Music Conference] and get hooked up for next year!! It’s every independent, DIY Musician’s MUST ATTEND event!!

I have to say, out of all of the amazing people we met, pros in the Industry, amazing bands and musicians.. the one thing I took home with me that I thought was crucial to make sure I got back to every musician out there reading this.. was the importance of musicians getting themselves registered to get PAID for their PLAYS! And one way is with SoundExchange. Read the rest of this entry »

Need ideas on how to spread the news that you are ready to hit the music scene? Don’t know where to start your music marketing and promotional efforts?

This is Part 2 of a two part series about getting your music heard, especially if a career in music is your ultimate goal.

We had so many ideas for Indie and unsigned musicians, singers and songwriters music marketing tips that we couldn’t fit it in one article. Here is part two with more ideas to get the word out on your music. Read the rest of this entry »

100 Tips to Market Your Music (Part 1)
By Artistopia

Marketing is all the activities and processes of planning, communicating and executing a product, with a price, the promotion and the placement of an item to an end user.

Your music is your product which you are then supplying to the end user - The Music Fan

Between you and the fan is a big space on how to bridge this gap. You may think that if you just get a record deal with some label, your prayers are answered and this instant bridge is built across that space.

This is for the most part, not how things work today.

As an aspiring indie or unsigned singer, songwriter, or a musician in a band you can not do just a few things to promote yourself and expect success in your music career.

Offline and online music promotion and marketing exposure is an ongoing process in this DIY age. Music companies are looking for artists that already have fan bases, sold CDs, and are proven ready to move up to a higher level.

Presented here are more than 100 tips and ideas for you to think about and tweak as you will, to get noticed, gain fans, and get heard. Read the rest of this entry »

How many of you have read a resume or bio from someone in the music industry such as a studio, an engineer or a producer and run into a strange list of names. You know, “I work with This Person who worked with That Person.” While this impresses a few fans and friends, it actually makes you look worse to the industry. The name dropping doesn’t fool anyone….anyone = the people who matter. Yeah, I’m talking to you, studios and producers. Instead of just appearing strong, why not funnel that energy into actually being strong?

There is referencing that is beneficial and then there is just outright bragging. Like I said, come off strong, but let’s clearly define that. Ego, bragging and arrogance are overdone. In a way, by going over the top, instead of standing out, you are just dropping yourself in to the bag with a truck load of other mediocre studios, engineers and producers. Instead, showcase what you have really done and how you really do things. Read the rest of this entry »

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While one person hesitates because he feels inferior, the other is busy making mistakes and becoming superior. ~Henry C. Link
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Brought to you by: Ty Cohen

9. FAILING TO CREATE MERCHANDISING OPPORTUNITIES

CD sales are just a fraction of the earning potential for artist like yourself these days… So at this point if you are not doing so already, I highly suggest that you start designing t-shirts, buttons, bumper stickers, coasters, calendars and other products other than, or in addition to your CDs to sell at shows and on your website.

Keep in mind that your fans literally want a piece of you, and in this day and age they expect it. Choose appropriate merchandising opportunities that reinforce and promote your brand when you make your offering. Remember ABM…. Always Be Marketing!

8. NOT ESTABLISHING THEIR BRAND

If you don’t know your brand you can’t reinforce or promote it and you can’t expect others to know who the heck you are, right? Right! It’s not enough to be “very talented” or “good” these days…. In fact that stuff matter very little.. Sorry, but it is the truth. Differentiation is the key to your success and will enable you to stand out in a marketplace that’s over saturated with music artists. What makes you different? What do you have to offer that others don’t? What do you stand for in terms of values, philosophies, and ideas? What causes do you stand behind? Can you answer these questions? More importantly your fans should be able to answer these questions if you’ve branded yourself correctly. Investigate your core values and build your brand around them. People need to know what you can deliver and what they can expect from you.

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