Unsigned Musicians - Network & Resources Blog | SeeJoeRock.com

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

(Post via Musicgoat.com) Guest post: Susan Kemman resides in South Park (no kidding), is a Prog music nut and is the Assistant Director of - and talent scout for - The Highest Independent Music Tour in the World, The South Park Music Tour. Take it away Susan!

The Summer will be brimming with competitions, festivals, tours and holiday bashes; many opportunities for getting your Band a gig or a little name recognition. Talent Searches, Tours and Battle of the Bands  pay out prize money or comps equal to what you would earn at a gig, ALL for just a one hour performance.

Networking with the Bands and Industry people at these Events can offer tremendous earning potential by breaking you into new Venues.

Here are some simple tips to get an edge over your competitors:

1. Play original songs. You’re allowed only one cover song and it’s got to be perfect.
2. Your song should have basic structure. Like in writing; intro, body and conclusion.
3. Songs shouldn’t be longer than 5 minutes.
4. Play for your allotted time or less, but never more.
5. Move. Everyone in the Band needs to be active at the same time.
6. Your timing needs to be impeccable. It proves a Band is well rehearsed.
7. Spend very little time with sound checks; one song only with minor quick adjustments if absolutely  required.
8. Get the audience moving. Play your hottest beats and most gut punching riffs from song one and don’t stop.
9. Demonstrate your instrument or vocal talent with a solo. Have a focus song. 45 seconds of fame.
10. Try to go last in the line-up, leaving a lasting impression.

These competitions not only put cash in your hand but promote your Band. You will need to register early or go through an acceptance process with small fees to be a performer. They’re usually sponsored by radio stations, sound companies or huge corporations.  Seek out Talent Searchs, Tours and Battle of the Bands to compete and “be seen” in your area. No matter how small the Venue; if you come out as the winner, it’s a feather in your cap so toot your own horn and post that big win on your message boards.

Make your web site a destination by keeping it updated and including news, giveaways, and things to make it worth visiting!