Music Biz Academy Digest - Issue #60 - March 2004
An update from http://www.musicbizacademy.com.

This is a subscriber only newsletter. If for any reason you wish
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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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Hello everyone! Welcome to the March, 2004 edition of the
Music Biz Academy Digest!


During this last week I added a dozen or so new articles to the
Academy archives. One common theme between many of them is that
you, as the artist, should not be duped. Not by a record label,
not by American Idol, and not even by your own ego. Here are some
of the most tasty morsels from the last batch...


MUSICIAN, SIGN THYSELF!
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/signthyself.htm
This wonderful exposé by L.A. music lawyer Dina LaPolt uses real
life examples to demostrate why independent musicians might wish
to avoid pursuing a major label deal.


WHAT'S WRONG WITH AMERICAN IDOL?
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/bb_americanidol.htm
This article is already widely circulated on the Internet, but I
include it here in case you've missed it. If you're waiting for
someone to come along and "discover" you, this article might be
for you.


"GUM AT THE WALL" MUSIC MARKETING: WHY IT DOESN'T WORK!
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/gummarketing.htm
Simple and to the point. Don't put the cart before the horse.
Long-term growth and success as an independent artist almost
demands you be as passionate and knowledgeable about the music
business as you are about the music itself.


14 WAYS MUSICIANS CAN INCREASE THEIR TIPS
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/mg_increasetips.htm
Because tips on getting more tips is something we can all use.



IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...

Here are some hand-picked stories from the last few weeks:


ITUNES MUSIC STORE DOWNLOADS TOP 50 MILLION SONGS
http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=64067
iTunes users are now downloading 2.5 million songs per week,
which is an annual rate of 130 million songs per year.


COUNTRY STARS FIND SECOND HOME ON INDIE LABELS
http://tinyurl.com/3hgwa
Dolly Parton and Dwight Yoakam go indie? Sort of. The major
labels don't want'em anymore. "I couldn't get a decent deal with
a good big label," Parton said.


MP3 GETTING ANTIPIRACY MAKEOVER
http://news.com.com/2100-1027_3-5167841.html
The MP3 music format, the technology most widely associated with
unrestricted file swapping, is getting a makeover aimed at
blocking unauthorized copying.


CD BABY PASSES $10 MILLION IN CDs SOLD
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/cdbaby.htm
In case anyone tries to tell you that independent music has no
value, is small potatoes, is just "garage bands", or anything
else like that - you can tell them that CD Baby has now sold over
$10 MILLION in independent CDs. Have you signed up yet?


For more on the latest news that matters to you and me, see
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/newsfeed.htm

More great articles, web site reviews and resources below!


David Nevue
Editor, The Music Biz Academy
http://www.musicbizacademy.com
Author, How to Promote Your Music Successfully on the Internet
http://www.promoteyourmusic.com
Musician, Recording Artist & Composer
http://www.davidnevue.com



PAID ADVERTISMENT -----------------------------------------------


RAINMAKER PUBLICITY
http://www.rainmakerpublicity.com/
Rainmaker is the premier public relations firm for independent
musicians & labels. Specializing in print, broadcast, and
electronic media since 1996 , way before indie was cool!
Call us @ 1-617-889-4122 or visit www.rainmakerpublicity.com .


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Latest Additions To The Academy
http://musicbizacademy.com/articles/
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MUSICIAN, SIGN THYSELF!
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/signthyself.htm
This wonderful exposé by L.A. music lawyer Dina LaPolt, Esq.
demonstrates several reasons why independent musicians no longer
need a major label deal to find success. In effect, you can start
your own label and "sign" yourself.



HOW AND WHY MAJOR LABELS AND INDEPENDENT LABELS WORK TOGETHER
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/knab/articles/majorindie.htm
Major and Independent Labels have a legacy of exposing and
discovering the great music of the last century, but the role
these two types of record labels have played over the decades has
changed as much as the music itself has changed. Defining the
roles these labels have in today’s marketplace is important for
anyone who wishes to start or develop their own label. Article by
Christopher Knab and Bart Day.



THE OVERALL PICTURE OF MUSIC MARKETING
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/radio/overall.htm
There are two options for your independent music in the music
business: You can either try to be your own record label (and/or
PR firm, music company, entertainment agent, etc.), or you can
partner with others who will do the work for you if you pay them.
Either way, you need to know who does what. Article by Bryan
Farrish



WHAT'S WRONG WITH AMERICAN IDOL?
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/bb_americanidol.htm
Four music business experts say the popular talent show is
misleading tens of thousands of aspiring musicians... and the
public at large. Are YOU one of them? Article by Bob Baker.



"GUM AT THE WALL" MUSIC MARKETING: WHY IT DOESN'T WORK!
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/gummarketing.htm
Many artist's egos are well-served by hiring radio promoters so
that their CDs gain airplay and even show up on radio charts.
This is all fine and good. But what happens if the artists is
actually successful in such a campaign? Article and advice by
Robin Spielberg.



ENTERTAINMENT LAWYERS: AN INTRODUCTION
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/knab/articles/elawyers.htm
The Golden Rule regarding lawyers: ‘Never use anyone but an
Entertainment Law attorney.’ Don’t use Uncle Bill, the real
estate lawyer. Don’t hire your next door neighbor who is a public
defender. Don’t hire an attorney who works in the medical
profession. Entertainment Law is a specialty field... Article by
Christopher Knab.



HOW TO OFFER MECHANICAL LICENSES FOR YOUR MUSIC
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/internet/licensing.htm
Are you confused about how to make your music available for
licensing to other people? You're not alone. I recently received
the below email from a visitor confused about this issue. Here's
the advice I gave him... Article by David Nevue.



RIAA EMAIL HOAX FOR GUILTY DOWNLOADERS
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/internet/riaahoax.htm
Feeling guilty about downloading all that music illegally? Well,
if you are, you SHOULD. However, don't fall prey to this e-mail
hoax circling the Internet right now. AGAIN, THIS IS A HOAX. The
e-mail you receive will look something like this



14 WAYS MUSICIANS CAN INCREASE THEIR TIPS
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/mg_increasetips.htm
Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards has compiled this list
suggesting ways you can increase the amount and number of tips
you receive when playing live. 14 tips on getting more tips.


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HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC SUCCESSFULLY ON THE INTERNET
September 2003 Edition!
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/htpromotemusic.htm
Learn the marketing and promotion methods that one musician uses
to bring in over $5000 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
$16.95! Includes one free PDF update!



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Popular Archives From The Academy
http://musicbizacademy.com/articles/
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THE MUSICIAN'S ACTION PLAN
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/kb_actionplan.htm

CAN YOU AFFORD MUSIC DISTRIBUTION?
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/cs_distribution.htm

10 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR MAKING A LIVING WITH YOUR MUSIC
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/knab/articles/10makealiving.htm



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Recent Additions/Updates to the Musician's Directory....
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/directory
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ENTERTAINMENTCAREERS.NET
http://www.entertainmentcareers.net/
EntertainmentCareers.net is a one-stop shop for industry job
listings. You'll find a very well stocked (and regularly updated)
directory of jobs and internships for companies like the E!
Entertainment Network, EMI Music Marketing, DreamWorks, Clear
Channel and many others. Listings are free to view, but if you
buy a membership ($9.95/month), you get first shot at new
listings, as well as have them emailed to you.



DISKFACTORY: SHORT RUN CDS
http://www.diskfaktory.com/mf/enter/home/default.asp
DiskFactory came highly recommended to us for musicians who need
a short run of CDs at really great prices and FAST. 100 CDs with
full-color 2-page inserts just $199, or choose 100 CDs with
4-page, full-color inserts for just $299. 7-10 day turnaround
time.



MCLANE & WONG - ENTERTAINMENT LAW
http://www.benmclane.com/
Mclane & Won is a full service global entertainment law firm
specializing in music law, the music business and the music
industry. At their web site you'll find a wonderful selection of
articles on some of the legal topics that concern musicians most:
royalties, agents, distribution, endorsements, film/tv licensing,
group partnerships, publishing, and so much more. Their client
list is quite impressive, and their consultation rates very
reasonable too. Great content.



NIMBIT WEB SERVICES
http://www.nimbit.com/index.php
Nimbit provides "self-managed web sites for musicians," which are
essentially plug n' play web sites for the non-technical. Nimbit
offers some very cool template sites, from which you can update
your text content, images, sound files, calendar, mailing list
manager, and news without knowing any HTML. It's all very slick,
and you can get it for just $19.95 per month, including hosting
(or $12.95/month without hosting). If all you want is web design,
Nimbit can provide you with that too. See our list of hosting
services also.



STRINGS AND BEYOND...
http://www.stringsandbeyond.com/
Looking for a good, quickie place to buy your guitar strings?
Have them delivered to your door at prices that are very
competitive with your local retail store. Free shipping on orders
over $35. I loved the simplicity of this site. Just buy and go,
no worries.


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MUSICIAN'S FRIEND - ALL THE GEAR YOU COULD EVER WANT (AND MORE)
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/musiciansfriend.htm
Musician's Friend is the worlds largest direct mail music gear
company - and one of the most respected and trusted companies of
it's kind. With a huge catalog featuring over 900 manufacturers
you can find pretty much anything you want. Check out their
'scratch and dent' specials which include their 100% satisfaction
guarantee. Order their free catalog online or enter their free
weekly $2500 gear giveaway



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Contests, Competitions, and Opportunities
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/opportunities.htm
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The Music Biz Academy has no connection with the below contests
or opportunities. They simply looked interesting to us, so we
thought they'd be interesting to you. *Participate at your own
risk.*


INDIE BIBLE LOOKING FOR BAND FOR COVER PHOTO
"My distributor has kindly asked me to ditch the cover "theme"
from the last three Indie Bible's, which was psychedelic artwork
from the famous poster artist, Bob Masse. They want to really
start pushing the book to libraries and music departments, so a
more toned down look that says "music" when you look at it is
required. My graphics person and I are looking for a live band
photo (no solo artist shots) for the next cover (Fall of 2004).
If you are interested, please send "sample" photos to Jane Denny
at themadhand@.... Please make sure that your sample
photos are 500K or less. If you are sending more than one, please
send them in separate e-mails. If your photo is chosen, we can
work out the compensation. You will, of course, be credited with
the intro section of the book."


TV SHOW SEEKING INDIE ARTISTS WITH VIDEOS
"Feedback," a television show designed to instruct independent
musicians on varying aspects of the music business, is seeking
independent artists with performance videos they wish to have
broadcast on the show. All genres are welcome. Feedback will be
aired on Cable access channel 10 in Corpus Christi, Texas and
other cable systems throughout the US, Europe and Australia.
Contact Freddie Veltz III at (361) 857-2488 or via email at
Hurricaneone@....


12TH ANNUAL BILLBOARD SONG CONTEST
http://www.billboard.com/bb/songcontest/index.jsp
Billboard, the world's leading authority on music, is looking for
songs. Whether your style of music is Pop, Rock/Alternative,
Rap/Hip Hop, Country/Folk, Jazz, World, Gospel/Contemporary
Christian, Latin, R&B/Blues, or Dance, the 12th Annual Billboard
Song Contest could offer you unparalleled professional exposure
among some of the music industry's most influential names. There
are over $30,000 in prizes, including musical equipment, song
placement on the 12th Contest Winners CD, a subscription to
Billboard Magazine, and more. Final deadline: Midnight, March 20,
2004. $30 Entry fee.


2004 USA INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION
http://www.songwriting.net/
Enter to win a grand prize of over US$50,000 in cash, merchandise
and more! This the largest prize package in any annual
songwriting competition. Also, winners' songs will be featured on
a nationally syndicated radio program serving over 60 cities in
the US and Canada. Judges include A&R Managers from Major Record
labels and publishers. Entries must be postmarked by May 28th,
2004. $30 entry fee.


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Recommended Resources
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HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC SUCCESSFULLY ON THE INTERNET
September 2003 Edition!
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/htpromotemusic.htm
Learn the marketing and promotion methods that one musician uses
to bring in over $5000 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
$16.95! Includes one free PDF update!


THE MUSICIAN'S ATLAS - 2004 Edition! - DISCOUNTED!
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/musiciansatlas.htm
Created by The Music Resource Group, this 368-page volume
provides access to over 30,000 music businesses and key industry
contacts in 25 categories. Current names, phone and fax numbers,
e-mail and web site 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 to Music Biz Academy visitors for only $36.95! (retails
for $39.95)


THE INDIE BIBLE - The Fifth Edition!
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 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 $27.95!


MUSIC IS YOUR BUSINESS - The Second Edition
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 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
$24.95!


INTERNET MUSIC MARKETING PDF POWER PACK!
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/index.htm
Get the PDF editions of 'How to Promote Your Music Successfully
on the Internet' and 'How to Build a Music Web Site That Sells' -
Both for only $31.95 - Instant Download!


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Some of our Service Partners...
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These are partnerships we've created though channels and
connections we've established over the years. In other words, we
recommend them because we trust them. If you're looking for help
in any of the following areas, these should be strongly
considered.


FREE DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION FOR ARTISTS!
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/cdbaby.htm
CD Baby is now be offering its members FREE digital distribution
to services like iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, MusicNet and more.
There are NO setup fees for this additional service, period. Once
you sign up to sell your music at CD Baby, digital distribution
is included at no extra charge.


SELL DIGITAL DOWNLOADS FROM YOUR OWN WEB SITE
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/mediapal.htm
Most independent musicians realize the time is soon coming (and
perhaps has already arrived) when you simply MUST offer your
customers a digital download version of your CDs and singles from
your web site. But how do you go about setting this up? The
solution is simpler than you might think. That solution lies in
MediaPal.


CD MANUFACTURING and DUPLICATION
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/cdmanufacturing.htm
MusicBizAcademy.com has teamed up with Northwestern Media to
bring you quality CD manufacturing and duplication at a very
reasonable price. Why NW Media? Because this is the company we
ourselves use. We have partnered with them because we know how
very hard it is to find a good, reasonably priced manufacturer
that offers both great service and a high quality product. We
have been VERY satisfied with the work NW Media has done for us.
You simply cannot do much better, on quality, service, or price.


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. Let our hand-picked
graphic designer help you make a powerful statement about your
music! Whether you need art design for your CD package, posters,
logos, or your web site, our design partners can make you look
like a pro!


GET REPRESENTATION
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/representation.htm
The Music Biz Academy has partnered with NOMA music, a very
well-established song placement and promotion agency, to help you
get your music heard. NOMA represents worldwide bands,
songwriters, instrumentalists, and composers seeking song
licensing for motion pictures, television, commercials, and video
releases. NOMA's recent song placements include licensing with
"The Shield..Season 3 (Fox Television); "Roswell" (Home Video);
"Party of Five" (Home Video); "Hatchetman"; "Street Fury Onyx"
(DVD release); "Indian Fish - The Movie"; "Dorm Daze" (National
Lampoon) starring Tatiana Ali; "Going Greek"; "Latin Dragon"
starring Gary Busey; "Freshman Diaries" (Showtime); and "Road To
Ironman" (Bravo). NOMA offers tremendous opportunities from
the hundreds of production companies, directors and producers
they have working relationships with, and your music is
aggressively pushed on a day to day basis. There are NO up-front
fees, period. NOMA Music earns its money through licensing on a
commission only basis. Thus, the only way NOMA benefits
financially is when YOU benefit financially.


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.


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Classifieds...
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RAINMAKER PUBLICITY
http://www.rainmakerpublicity.com/
Rainmaker is the premier public relations firm for independent
musicians & labels. Specializing in print, broadcast, and
electronic media since 1996 , way before indie was cool!
Call us @ 1-617-889-4122 or visit www.rainmakerpublicity.com .


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WANT TO GET MORE GIGS AND SELL MORE CDS?

It doesn't get any easier than this...

Discover Thousands of Places to Promote your Music
and get the contacts you need in the music industry with
The Galaris Musicians Directory 2004 Edition!

Amazing! Just point and click to email or visit the site of the
contact you need - right from your computer desktop!

"The most complete, intuitive and updated directory I've ever
seen. Highly recommended" - Derek Sivers - founder, CD Baby.

You owe it to yourself! Click below and get started now.
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/gmd.htm

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ADVERTISE HERE!
Yes, you can advertise your web site or service in this
newsletter at rates starting at just $40 per issue. Email us at
musicbiz@... for details.

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The Music Biz Academy Digest is brought to you by David Nevue and
The Music Biz Academy (http://www.musicbizacademy.com) .

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