Music Biz Academy Digest - Issue #35 - May 13th, 2002
An update from http://www.musicbizacademy.com.

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THE MUSIC BIZ ACADEMY
http://www.musicbizacademy.com

The Musician's Online Directory:
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/directory

The Academy (Articles and Tips)
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles

The Bookstore
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore

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Welcome, subscribers to the April 29th edition of the Music Biz
Academy Digest!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT....
According to a survey released by Jupiter Media Matrix (JMM.com)
earlier this month, 34% of the people who listen, download or
trade digital music via the Internet tend to buy MORE music as a
result. Only 14% of those surveyed said they bought LESS music.
To quote the report, "It is safe to say that active usage of
online music content is one of the best predictors of increased
consumer purchasing."

This survey contradicts the RIAA's position that the distribution
and swapping of free music on the Internet contributes to the
flagging financial condition of the music industry - a position
the RIAA has held as their call to arms against those involved in
distributing or trading 'free' music on the Internet.

Now the RIAA, who represents the five major music labels, has
come out against the JMM report, blasting it for being an
inaccurate reflection of the truth. According the RIAA, the
survey did not cover teenagers who are the heaviest downloaders.
"It is a serious flaw that the research doesn't cover teens, who
are among the heaviest downloaders, and who are most vulnerable
to replacing CD purchases with downloaded files and even buying
burned CDs for a fraction of the price from friends at school,"
the RIAA said.

In response to the RIAA's response (a response to the response of
the response is forthcoming, I'm sure), JMM admitted they did
not cover teens, the reason being that teenagers do not account
for the majority of CD sales. "The people that we're talking
about are the people that have money to spend," said JMM analyst
Aram Sinnreich, who wrote the original report.

All of this aside, I have a question for the RIAA as well as the
recording industry. Have you really talked to actual,
Internet-savvy music buyers? I don't ask this sarcastically, but
with all seriousness. Jupiter's results should be no surprise.
From where I sit, they are an accurate assessment of reality.

'Song swapping' has been going on for decades. When I was a kid,
I use to tape my friends new LPs, take them home, and listen to
them. Why? So I could find new music to *BUY*. There is a pride
that comes with actually owning albums by the artists you love.
You don't want just a 'copy', and a digital recording downloaded
off the Internet has the feeling of being altogether temporary,
lacking any real substance.

The whole reason I listen to Internet radio today is to preview
albums before I actually buy them. One of my favorite Internet
radio stations, which I won't mention here, plays entire albums
of music by some of its artists. Guess what? I just bought four
new CDs as a direct result of listening to this station. Though I
could continue to just listen to the music online, I'm not wholly
satisfied by that. I want to 'own' the music. I want to hold it
in my hands and know that I can listen to the CD any time,
anywhere, with anyone I want. And, I want to be able to hand it
off to my friends who are also in a never-ending search for good
music.

I can state this as a fact: If it weren't for free, unrestricted
Internet radio as well as the ability to stream and download
music for free, I would buy a lot less CDs.

As a 36 years old, I can hardly stand listening to Top 40 radio
anymore. Yes, I'm nearly over-the-hill, but I still love music.
And since I can't find what I like on my radio dial, I find it
online, and the musician in me is much happier for it.

Please, keep the music free, so I can buy with freedom!

David Nevue
Editor, The Music Biz Academy
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/internet/index.htm
http://www.mp3.com/davidnevue


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THE MUSICIAN'S ATLAS - 2002 Edition
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/musiciansatlas.htm
Created by The Music Resource Group, this 368-page volume
provides access to over 15,000 music businesses and key industry
contacts in more than 25 categories. Current names, phone and fax
numbers, e-mail and website addresses, detailed submission
policies and the styles of music preferred is just some of the
information you'll find on every page of The Atlas. Available in
hard copy for only $24.95!


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Latest Additions To The Academy
http://musicbizacademy.com/articles/
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THOUGHTS FOR THE ASPIRING MUSICIAN
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/knab/articles/thoughts.htm
Why do some musicians 'make it' in the music business while
others don’t? A few thoughts from music consultant Chris Knab.


HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC ON MP3.COM FOR (ALMOST) NOTHING
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/internet/mp3promote.htm
In one of my recent articles, Selling More CDs Online: A
Three-Pronged Approach, I stated I was able to generate over
50,000 song listens at MP3.com using 'basic, simple, inexpensive'
promotion strategies. This comment generated a few inquiries from
readers. Namely, what exactly do I mean by 'inexpensive'
promotion? Article by David Nevue.


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MUSICDISTRIBUTION.COM
http://www.musicdistribution.com/
MusicDistribution.com aims to help you find the best places to
promote, sell, and distribute your music on the Internet.
Includes our top 10 list, music promotion tips, and
recommended resources.


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Recent Additions/Updates to the Musician's Directory....
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/directory
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ABC PICTURES
http://www.abcpictures.com/
ABC is the premier photographic duplication company for artists
looking to procure photo slicks or other promotional materials
for your press kit! We have personally worked with ABC and can
vouch for their price, quality, service and turn around time. ABC
offers 8x10s, posters, postcards, business cards, and cassette
inserts. Highly recommended. Call and request their free catalog.


THE CELEBRITY CAFE
http://www.thecelebritycafe.com/
While not exactly offering services to musicians, the 'Celebrity
Cafe' is a great place to go to hear from the "voice of
experience." The site features tons of interviews from
celebrities of all walks of life; music, sports, film,
supermodels, record producers and much more. You'll find
interviews here with a number of top bands and artists which will
be of interest to musicians. Some examples; Milla Jovovich, Ike
Turner, Blues Traveler, Extreme and more. The Celebrity Cafe will
also review your CD for their web site.


FALLING SKY DESIGNS
http://www.fallingsky.net/
Jared Johnson, designer, is a fellow musician using his artistic
skills to help support his music career. At his web site,
fallingsky.net, you'll find a small portfolio of album art he's
done for a few bands over the last couple of years. If you're
looking for CD design, poster design, or even web design, give
Jared a call and ask for a quote.


GIGMASTERS
http://www.gigmasters.com/
Gigmasters is a well designed site specifically targeted to
clients looking for musicians or performers for their venue or
special event. While we doubt many of our readers are actually
interested in booking an artist, you might be interested in
giving yourself a free listing in this International directory.
Already, the Gigmasters database contains close to 15,000 entries
searchable by music style or event type. There is a one-time
registration fee of $59.95 (as of 05/03/2002). From that you get
a lifetime membership, an online press kit, booking system, gig
calendar, and lots more. The top money earner has made over
$13,000 through Gigamasters.


LAWRENCE MARIE DESIGNS
http://www.lawrencemarie.com/
Lawrence Marie, Inc. offers some very impressive design work for
CD packaging, logos, brochures, advertising, posters, web sites
and t-shirts. Pretty much everything is offered, in terms of
style of design and media. A large portfolio with some large
corporate clients is available at the site.


MICROBIZCARD.NET
http://www.microbizcard.com/
If you're looking for a very cool promotional product for your
band, Microbizcard.net creates interactive CD business cards that
contain not only your music, but photos, flash, interactive
tools, and links to your web site. These CD cards can be created
in literally any shape you require. Stars, guitars, or even a
custom band logo, the CD can be shaped to your personal needs.
Microbizcard also offers creative packaging for their shaped CDs.


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Contests, Competitions, and Opportunities
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GIBSON GUITAR GIVEAWAY
http://www.voyetra.com/site/contest/intro.asp
Voyetra has been helping people learn to play instruments for
years with its Teach Me Series of software products, packing
years worth of lessons onto a CD-ROM that you can review at your
own pace. Now, Voyetra has teamed up with Gibson Guitar to make
it even EASIER for you to learn to play the guitar, with the
Gibson Guitar Giveaway. Just answer a few quick questions, tell
us a little bit about yourself, and you could be the winner of a
Gibson Les Paul Junior Special! You could also win coupons for
great Voyetra and Turtle Beach products. Entries are accepted
from now through May 31, 2002.


2002 U.S.A. SONGWRITING COMPETITION
http://www.songwriting.net/
Entries for the 2002 USA Songwriting Competition are now being
accepted. Winning songs will receive airplay on a nationally
syndicated radio program serving over sixty cities in North
America and Canada. This is the first Songwriting Competition
that gives airplay to the winning songs, giving deserving bands,
songwriters the recognition and exposure they deserve. Entrants
stand to win a grand prize of over US$50,000 in cash, merchandise
and exposure. Songs may be entered in fifteen different
categories including Pop, Rock and Country. Entries are accepted
from now through May 31, 2002.


B.E.A.M. GRANT PROGRAM HELPS UNSIGNED MUSICIANS
http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=33162
Making a living in the music world can be a tough goal to
achieve. Many talented musicians go unnoticed because they don't
have the resources needed to display their talents. To help make
some of these life-long dreams come true, Jim Beam® Bourbon will
award another $100,000 in grant money in 2002 to unsigned artists
through the B.E.A.M. (Benefiting Emerging Artists in Music)
program. Final grant deadline is August 30th.


101 ONLINE MUSIC PR SOURCES - FREE TO TWO WINNERS EVERY MONTH
http://www.bob-baker.com/buzz/onlinepr.html
Bob Baker is giving away copies of his new music publicity
resource. "Some professionals hide their secrets, but not Bob,"
says Jeffrey P. Fisher, author of Ruthless Self-Promotion in the
Music Industry. Fisher is referring to Bob Baker's "Online Music
PR Hot List," a new downloadable book that reveals 101 places to
submit press releases, get reviewed, uncover PR connections and
promote your music on the Internet. Every month, Baker will give
away two copies of this new online music PR directory.


U.K. BROADCASTER SEEKING MUSIC VIDEOS FOR SKY TV
http://www.waterfall-studios.com/
Waterfall Studios is seeking seeking interesting or unusual music
videos from around the world to feature in a SKY TV series. The
series, 'Showcase TV' is broadcast throughout Europe. Artists
seeking exposure for their videos are welcome to submit their
material to Waterfall Studios, 2 Silver Road, Wood Lane, London
W12 7SG. They require Digibeta or BetaSP formats, (NTSC, PAL or
SECAM) although they can also accept U-MATICS. Further questions?
email James Weston at james@...



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Articles From Around The Net....
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THE BEST DIGITAL MUSIC TOOLS YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF
http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/stories/story/0,10738,2864601,00.html
Digital music may not be making the headlines as much as it did
in the heat of the Napster trial, but MP3 files are still alive
and kicking--and the best form of digital music out there.
To help out MP3 lovers everywhere, I've rounded up three digital
music tools from ZDNet Downloads. They're not the usual ones,
either. Here are three of the best MP3 utilities you've probably
never heard of.


MUSIC INDUSTRY ONLINE, BUT LISTENERS STAY AWAY IN DROVES
http://www.msnbc.com/news/748564.asp
Early last December, three of the world’s biggest music companies
launched a counterattack against the rampant digital piracy that
has gnawed at their sales in recent years. It was called
MusicNet, a joint venture that would provide consumers with a
legal alternative to Napster Inc. and other freewheeling Internet
song-swapping services. Within a couple of weeks, the results
were clear. As MusicNet Chief Executive Alan McGlade told the
venture’s board: “The current version of the service is not
viable.”


MUSIC FANS RIP MORE, SPEND MORE
http://cyberatlas.internet.com/big_picture/applications/article/0,,1301_1025351,\
00.html
Fierce opponents of music downloading may not appreciate the
findings of research conducted by Jupiter Media Metrix indicating
that experienced file sharers are 41 percent more likely than the
average online music fan to have increased their music spending
levels. The music industry has been outspoken about its disdain
for Internet file swapping, with former Recording Academy
president and CEO Michael Greene calling the sharing process,
"the most insidious virus in our midst." Yet, according to this
report, fans who rip music actually spend more.


SAVE INTERNET RADIO! HERE'S WHY--AND HERE'S HOW
http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/stories/story/0,10738,2863618,00.html
Starting May 21, Internet-only radio stations will pay twice the
royalties for the music they Webcast as over-the-air stations
pay--even if the latter have Internet feeds of their own. As if
that wasn't bad enough, Internet-only stations will have just
weeks to pay retroactive royalties going back to 1998. This is a
complex issue, so let me simplify: Over-the-air broadcasters are
trying to shut down the nascent Internet radio industry in order
to kill future competition while it's still young. The poor are
being told to pay twice as much as the rich for something both
must have to survive.


MUSIC RETAILERS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER LABELS DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION
http://grammy.aol.com/news/industry/0312retail.html
The record labels blame online song swapping from services like
Napster for taking away valuable customers and coins from their
coffers. So they created their own online services — Musicnet and
Pressplay — and made a beeline straight to consumers, bypassing
music retailers and distributors who are now left wondering how
they'll benefit. Those same music retailers gathered at the
annual convention of the National Association of Recording
Merchandisers on March 11 to share their concerns about digital
music distribution and how they can become more involved in the
process.


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Featured Music Industry News
http://www.musicbizacademy.com
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JUPITER ANALYST, RIAA TRADE BARBS OVER P2P FINDINGS
http://www.bizreport.com/article.php?art_id=3421
The industry group representing the five major music labels this
week blasted a Jupiter Media Metrix report on peer-to-peer file
sharing, issuing its own data to "refute" Jupiter's conclusion
that Internet song-swapping, on balance, is good for the music
industry. Jupiter reported in late April that experienced online
song-swappers are more likely to buy new music than average music
fans, not less. The data was culled from a June 2001 survey of
more than 3,000 adult online music listeners.


STUDY: FILE SHARING BOOSTS MUSIC SALES
http://news.com.com/2100-1023-898813.html
Hundreds of millions of songs may illegally trade hands online
every month, but file swapping may actually be causing people to
spend more money on music, according to a new research report.
A study released this week by Jupiter Research reports that about
34 percent of veteran file swappers say they are spending more on
music than they did before they started downloading files.


SONY, REALNETWORKS JOIN IN RESEARCH
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/technology/AP-Sony-RealNetworks.html
Sony Corp. is buying a 1 percent stake in RealNetworks Inc. as a
symbol of the companies' growing collaboration, RealNetworks
Chairman and Chief Executive Rob Glaser said Tuesday.
The plan calls for the companies to share information about their
research and development projects, Glaser said. Working together
more regularly should help the companies more quickly develop
technology and products for digital music and video.


WINAMP BUG OPENS DOOR TO MP3 VIRUSES
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1105-895174.html
A glitch with the popular WinAmp software for playing digital
music files could allow an attacker to embed malicious code into
an MP3 file, potentially damaging the user's PC and infecting
other MP3s. Nullsoft, which makes WinAmp, has confirmed the
vulnerability, which does not affect the newest version of the
software. Version 2.80 of WinAmp is available on NullSoft's Web
site. The problem can also be fixed by disabling WinAmp's
minibrowser.



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Recommended Resources
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HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC SUCCESSFULLY ON THE INTERNET
2002 Edition!
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/htpromotemusic.htm
Learn the marketing and promotion methods that one musician uses
to bring in over $4000 a month in income from the Internet! There
are no 'pipe dreams' sold here. The author details step-by-step
how he finally said good-bye to his day job and starting spending
more time on his music. Download Version Available for only
$14.95!


THE GUERRILLA MUSIC MARKETING HANDBOOK
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/guerrillamusic.htm
This guide to independent music success features over 175 ways to
thrive and prosper with your own band or record label. Download
Version Available! The PDF version of this great book is now only
$29.95!


THE MUSICIAN'S ATLAS - 2002 Edition
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/musiciansatlas.htm
Created by The Music Resource Group, this 368-page volume
provides access to over 15,000 music businesses and key industry
contacts in more than 25 categories. Current names, phone and fax
numbers, e-mail and website addresses, detailed submission
policies and the styles of music preferred is just some of the
information you'll find on every page of The Atlas. Available in
hard copy for only $24.95!


THE INDIE BIBLE
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/indiecontactbible.htm
Need to create some BUZZ about your music? Looking for reviewers?
Radio station contacts? Promotion services? Then grab The Indie
Bible. This fantastic new musicians 'black book' contains pages
filled with contacts with publications and radio programmers all
over the world. These are people who actively look for music to
review! Download or Hard Copy Version Available for $24.95!


MUSIC IS YOUR BUSINESS
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/musiciyb.htm
This great offering from music biz consultant Christopher Knab is
now available in PDF format! Find out why so many musicians fail
and how you can get the 'edge'. Learn how to attract
distributors, radio play, and how to create a demand for your
music. Music Is Your Business includes excellent flowcharts and
graphs, demonstrating in simple terms how the industry operates.
Sample artist bio, fact sheet, and checklists for jump-starting
your career and/or running your own record label! PDF Edition
only $19.95!


THE INDIE MUSICIAN'S PDF POWER PACK!
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/index.htm
Get three of our best-selling books for one low price! Set
includes 'How to Promote Your Music Successfully on the
Internet', 'The Indie Bible' and 'Music is Your Business' - All
for only $49.95 emailed to your inbox!


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Services
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GET YOUR MUSIC ONLINE!
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/cdstreet.htm
We've partnered with CDStreet to offer one of the best deals on
the net for musicians looking to sell their music via the web.
There are NO set up fees or hidden charges. CDStreet simply takes
20% of your CD price. If you sell a CD for $12.99, you keep
$10.39. If you need to ecommerce enable your existing web site
(as in, you need a shopping cart), you can use CDStreet to do
that as well. Visitors can rate your music, post reviews, get
news and information and listen to and purchase your music. Very
highly recommended, with lots of buzz on the ‘street’.


MUSIC CAREER CONSULTING
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/consulting.htm
If you'd like some help getting your music career off the ground
or preparing for that next step, contact our expert music
consultant, Christopher Knab. Chris has been called "One of the
Most Influential People in the Northwest Music Industry." by
Seattle's Rocket Magazine. He is owner of FourFront Media and
Music, a consultation service based in Seattle that helps
musicians develop marketing and career plans.


RADIO & RETAIL PROMOTION
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/radiopromo.htm
If you're looking to promote your music either via radio or
through retail, we've teamed up with a radio promoter who has
quarterbacked campaigns for RadioHead (before they were stars),
Lit (Malicious Vinyl), and others. Our contact will help arrange
on-air interviews, CD reviews, and create a custom campaign
custom designed for your music.


ART DESIGN - CDs, Posters, One-Sheets, and Web Sites
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/artdesign/
In this business of music, image means everything! You know it,
we know it, the music industry knows it. Our hand-picked graphic
designers will help you make a powerful statement about your
music! Whether you need art design for your CD package, or just a
quick logo, it's all here. Check out the very cool one-sheet
designs, the perfect item to make your press kit stand out!


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Drop by our network of sites to see what we're doing.

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THE FREE SHEET MUSIC GUIDE
http://www.freesheetmusicguide.com

THE SHEET MUSIC ADDICT
http://www.sheetmusicaddict.com

WHISPERINGS: SOLO PIANO RADIO
http://www.mp3.com/stations/whisperings

Thanks for your continued support of The Music Biz Academy!

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The Music Biz Academy Digest is brought to you by The Music
Biz Academy (http://www.musicbizacademy.com) . It is a resource
designed for musicians promoting or selling music on the
internet. Each week we feature news, articles, and reviews
related to the art of online music promotion and music related
product sales.

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