Music Biz Academy Digest - Issue #63 - August 2005
An update from http://www.musicbizacademy.com.
This is a subscriber only newsletter. If for any reason you wish
to unsubscribe from this mailing list, simply email
MusicBizAcademy-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
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THE MUSIC BIZ ACADEMY
http://www.musicbizacademy.com
The Academy (Articles and Tips):
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles
The Bookstore:
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore
The Directory:
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/directory
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Hello everyone,
I hope you have been enjoying your summer. It started out very
slow here in Oregon (lots of rain which is very unusual for this
time of year), but really kicked into gear in July and it's been
hot, hot, hot!
I have a lot to share with you, including some great new articles
and reviews at the Music Biz Academy web site. But first,
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
Apple iTunes has been such a wonderful place to sell music. I've
enjoyed some nice checks as a result of selling of my own music
in the iTunes store. And now it's going to get even better!
iTunes just opened their Japan store and sold 1 million downloads
right off the bat - in nearly HALF the time it took Apple to sell
a million downloads in the U.S.
ITUNES BREAKS 1 MILLION IN JAPAN IN JUST FOUR DAYS
http://tinyurl.com/c9lv9
This bodes well for indies, as it bring us a whole new iTunes
audience to promote to. More iTunes users means more potential
sales, the opportunity to reach more people with our music!
Speaking of the EXPANDING Internet audience, Yahoo just
released a new audio search tool. Check out
http://audio.search.yahoo.com/ and search for your artist/band
name to see where your music is available on the Internet.
The interface is clunky, in my opinion, but as this is the beta
release I imagine it will improve. I can hardly believe Yahoo
beat Google to the punch with this tool, but you can bet Google
is at work on something similar.
Wow.
Just when I think the Internet is done "evolving" for awhile,
everything changes again. The year 2005 looks a whole lot
different than 2004, doesn't it? Imagine where we'll be in five
years? Some experts predict that in five years downloads will
make up 40% of all music sales. I don't know about that, but
digital music sales certainly are increasing. There were more
download purchases made in the first half of 2005 than for the
entire year of 2004.
PAID DOWNLOADS GROW UP
http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/yesterday/july2005#071405parting
DIGITAL MUSIC: 40% OF U.S. MUSIC SALES IN 5 YEARS?
http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/?sid=b7a0e030c1002c19
Some independent artists are already forgoing CD releases and
going straight to digital only album releases.
WHY RELEASE A DIGITAL ONLY ALBUM?
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/edf_digitalonly.htm
So many things happening...
AOL is offering subscribers FREE music downloads of major label
artists - http://tinyurl.com/d24jc
XM RADIO has a deal with Napster to make a co-branded store so
that XM Radio listeners can buy tracks they like after hearing
them on XM: http://tinyurl.com/cf2ky
And another first - a major label is experimenting with WEED as a
means of digital distribution. http://tinyurl.com/clf7r
A lot is happening.
I'm doing my best to stay on top of it - I'm working right now on
the 2006 edition of my book, "How to Promote Your Music
Successfully on the Internet." I've got some major changes to
write about in the next edition - podcasting, ringtones,
expanded info on iTunes. Technology isn't slowing down at all.
For more on the latest news that matters to you and me, see
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/newsfeed.htm
BTW....
CD BABY JUST PASSED $17 MILLION IN INDIE CD SALES
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/cdbaby.htm
If anyone tries to tell you independent music is unimportant, has
no significance, and no market of any value - just them that CD
Baby has now sold over $17 MILLION in independent CDs. That's $17
million in CD sales from 1998 to present. In addition to retail
sales, CD Baby distributes the music of its artist members to
services such as iTunes, Rhapsody, BuyMusic, MSN Music and Sony
Connect at no additional charge.
So sign up for CD Baby and get your music on iTunes and about
thirty other digital music stores at no additional cost.
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
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HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC SUCCESSFULLY ON THE INTERNET
http://www.promoteyourmusic.com
Learn the promotion methods one musician uses to bring in over
$5000 a month from the Internet! You can get radio play, grow a
fan base, create a distribution channel and manufacture and sell
CDs all online. Imagine how many CDs you’d sell if thousands of
people heard your music every single day? You could use the
Internet to sell 100, 200 or even more CDs every single month!
Yes, this is possible! The author has accomplished this and more,
and in this book, he details step-by-step how he finally said
good-bye to his day job and starting spending more time on his
music.
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Latest Additions To The Academy
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/
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A GLANCE AT NEW MEDIA DEALS
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/dl_newmedia.htm
It seems as though music is now available everywhere - through
digital download services such as iTunes and Napster; streaming
interactive subscription services like Rhapsody and MusicNet, as
well as non-interactive subscription services via MusicChoice,
Sirius, and XM Satellite as well as video games and cell phones.
In this article, attorney Dina LaPolt examines some of these new
formats as well as the income paid to the artists and
songwriters.
DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/mg_distribution.htm
The digital music revolution has changed the distribution game
significantly in the last few years. Getting your CD into
brick-and-mortar retail outlets is not as vital to your success
as it once was. In today's new music landscape, artists look to
digital distributors such as iTunes, MusicMatch, Napster, America
Online and others for revenue opportunities. Article by Mike
Grebb.
HOW TO REDUCE YOUR CD MANUFACTURING COSTS
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/kh_manufacturingcosts.htm
Keeping down the costs of printing and manufacturing makes lots
of sense at any time, but particularly now that most labels are
selling fewer CDs per title. To use Nicholas Negroponte's
metaphor from his "Being Digital," sales of atoms (manufactured
goods) are declining, partly because of illegal downloads, while
sales of bits (legal downloads) are increasing due to the success
of such online retailers as Apple's iTunes Music Store. Article
by Keith Holzman.
NON-COMMERCIAL RADIO: WORTH PROMOTING TO?
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/radio/noncommercial.htm
Non-commercial stations are comprised of three groups: College,
community, and "NPR" stations. College radio is by far the
biggest non-commercial group, with about 1,000 stations in the
U.S. and Canada. The biggest advantage of college radio is that
it is the easiest and fastest way to get airplay, and with it,
the comments, favorite tracks, interviews, and reports in CMJ and
other magazines, all of which become great tools to market your
band with. Article by Bryan Farrish.
RE-THINKING YOUR IMAGE: CREATING A SIGNATURE STYLE
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/jb_image.htm
Many talented emerging artists are confused by the issue of an
image and don't have a sense of their own style. So, they either
copy things from other people, or are just bland. Few artists
actually have a true, distinct style. In today's entertainment
environment, however, the first impression is as important as
ever. Article by John Battaglia.
SELLING YOUR MUSIC ONLINE: DESIGNING YOUR WEB SITE
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/internet/websitedesign.htm
Okay, you want to create a web site from which to sell and
promote your music. Now what? Here are some tips from by David
Nevue, author of How to Promote Your Music Successfully on the
Internet.
SHOULD YOU TRADEMARK YOUR BAND'S NAME?
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/klovetrademark.htm
The question: "My lawyer says that if I fail to trademark my band
name, another band with the same name could trademark it and
stop me from using it. What's more, the other band could even sue
me for punitive damages. But the costs for a trademark are quite
high. Should I do it?" Consultant Kenny Love provides an answer.
THE ROLE OF THE MUSIC PUBLISHER
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/kh_musicpublisher.htm
A key adjunct, and potentially considerable asset, of a record
label is it's own music publishing company. Not every label
establishes one, either through lack of expertise and experience,
or insufficient time to deal with it. But failure to establish a
publishing division could be a lost opportunity and a very costly
mistake. Article by Keith Holzman.
WHY RELEASE A DIGITAL-ONLY ALBUM?
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/edf_digitalonly.htm
There has been increasing discussion over the Net regarding the
role of digital-only album releases as part of an independent
artist's goal of maximizing the opportunities offered by the
online music world. Does this trend suggest that the CD is an
increasingly antiquated option for independent artists? Article
by Mi2N editor Eric de Fonteney.
YOUR MUSIC: A BUSINESS OR HOBBY?
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/businesshobby.htm
We all want to make a living doing something we enjoy. For most
artists, making money isn't the central goal, and running a
business isn't even a concern. However, success in creating and
disseminating your work requires certain business-like
considerations. The first question for yourself (and the first
thing the IRS will be interested in knowing) is whether or not
your art is a business or a hobby. Article by Mark Fox.
YOUR SPEAKING SKILLS CAN MAKE YOU A BETTER PERFORMER
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/mg_speaking.htm
Speech writers know that you have to grab the audience's
attention in 30 seconds. That's where you make your biggest
impact. If you ever see a musician get up on stage and fumble a
"Hi. Um. We're the Barnyard Owls," you know what I mean. As
musicians, we can grab the audience's attention with a song. But
it helps to think about other ways to captivate your audience
too. Article by Marc Gunn.
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THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO STARTING A RECORD COMPANY
http://musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/recordlabel.htm
This wonderful book guides you step by step through the process
of starting up your own independent record label. It includes
vital advice on how to retain lawyers and accountants, construct
budgets, sign artists, navigate artist contracts, find a
distributor and how to develop and execute an effective marketing
plan. A great book! 243 Pages.
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Popular Archives From The Academy
http://musicbizacademy.com/articles/
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10 REASONS WHY DEMOS ARE REJECTED
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/knab/articles/10demosrejected.htm
PLANNING YOUR MUSIC CAREER
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/knab/articles/careerplanning.htm
MUSIC BIZ INTERNSHIPS: DO'S AND DON'TS
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/knab/articles/careerplanning.htm
PROMO KIT PHOTOS
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/knab/articles/promokitphotos.htm
HOW LABELS AND RADIO STATIONS WORK TOGETHER
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/knab/articles/radiolabels.htm
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Recent Additions/Updates to the Musician's Directory....
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/directory
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ARE YOU an unsigned act, songwriter or producer?? Looking for a
Record, Publishing, Management and Licensing deal worldwide,
especially in the UK and USA? Each month the BANDIT A&R
NEWSLETTER publishes features on Labels, Publishers, Managements
etc looking to sign acts, songs or masters. Get yourself a FREE
SAMPLE COPY from: bandit.196@...
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THE BANDIT A&R NEWSLETTER
http://www.banditnewsletter.com/
Bandit is a monthly publication (in business for over 17 years)
designed to help musicians target their demos and press kits to
music businesses (labels, publishers, managers and producers)
actively searching for new talent. Every month, the newsletters
feature 24 companies, both in the UK and in the US and the
information in the newsletter comes directly from the people
named, immediately prior to publication, to ensure the highest
possible accuracy. The newsletter is $30 (US) per year, and based
on the testimonials, a good investment. A free sample copy of the
newsletter is available be sending an email to
bandit.196@....
THE BARDS CRIER
http://www.bardscrier.com/
This highly recommended, free guerrilla music marketing ezine for
the working musician comes from Marc Gunn, a working musician
himself. The newsletter contains some fantastic articles about
promoting your music, both online and at performances. The Crier
also includes reviews of music biz books, as well as worthwhile
freebies on the net.
BRANDERS
http://www.branders.com/index.jsp
Put your band logo on tons of cool products; mouse pads, lava
lamps, calculators, hats, shirts, clocks, games, toys, magnets,
notepads, chocolate bars, and more. You'll find more
merchandising options at Branders than just about anyone else.
You can even preview merchandise with your logo on it to see how
it looks before you buy.
CAFE PRESS: ONE-OFF CDS
http://www.cafepress.com/cp/info/sell/products/audio/
Cafe Press is known for their one-off merchandise printing,
specifically, you upload your artwork and fans can buy t-shirts,
mugs, hats and more with your band logo or picture on it. Now
Cafe Press also offers one-off CD printing services. How does it
work? Choose and design your CD package on their web site (with
full-color inserts), specify your track listing and provide them
with your music content, and they will create a CD for you that
customers can purchase one at a time and have mailed to them. You
keep whatever money you charge above their "base price." See the
web site for further details.
COLORS
http://www.colors.co.uk/
This UK based design company has been creating original content
for the music and entertainment industry for 14 years. Services
include CD design as well as logos, flyers, press kits, displays
and much more. Their impressive client list includes Sony Music
and Universal as well as smaller labels, bands, recording
studios, management, and individual artists. The design portfolio
ranges from classical to blues, contemporary to jazz, rock to
country, tv albums, compilations and collections.
DIGITAL MUSIC NEWS
http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/
This has been my favorite ezine of late, with news sent out every
day as it related to the digital music industry. Sign up for the
free newsletter and stay right on top of new technologies as they
are happening.
DIY BOOKINGS
http://www.diybookings.com/
DIYBookings holds one of the largest music venue databases in the
world (7287 venues as of this writing). Musicians, promoters,
managers and talent buyers utilize DIYBookings.com to automate
the way they do business. Find venues, track contacts, promote
and publicize your music. Search venues by State, Genre, Zip
Code, City and Venue Name. Once you find a venue that suits your
project DIYBookings.com tracks your contacts with the venue and
once you book a show it helps with publicity. A fabulous service
for the touring musician. Highly recommended.
FOX TAX SERVICE
http://www.foxtaxservice.com/index.html
Here's a tax preparation service devoted to artists and
musicians. So when that time of year comes around and you need
help figuring out your taxes, determining what to deduct, how to
file, whether you files as a "business" or anything else, check
in with Fox for assistance. They can provide anything from simple
advice to doing the entire preparation and tax filing for you.
FLYADISC
http://www.cdflyerstore.com/
How about flinging your demo CDs and/or other CD media safely
into crowds at concerts, festivals and sporting events - just
about anywhere people are gathered. Here's a cool idea that will
have curious strangers checking out your CD.
HOME STUDIO RECORDING SOLUTIONS
http://www.home-studio-recording.com/index.html
There's no shortage of home recording websites out there, but
many of them lack a lot of info in certain areas. For people who
are new to recording, it can be like piecing a complex puzzle
together. This site bridges the gap between home recording
novices and experienced home recordists. New articles are added
frequently, and cover topics from initial studio design to
creating the final master. A very nice "how to" resource for
those wanting to record at home.
JUST PLAIN FOLKS SONGWRITING/MUSICIAN COMMUNITY
http://www.jpfolks.com/
JPF is a community of over 26,000 Songwriters, Recording Artists,
Music Publishers, Record Labels, Performing Arts Societies,
Engineers, Producers, Journalists, Retailers and about every
other type of member of the Music Industry. The idea,
essentially, is that thousands of 'just plain folks' share ideas
on touring, manufacturing, promotion favorite web sites, and
organizations friendly to musicians. The entire community is
centered around the idea of working together for the benefit of
all. The forums, which are very active, are fantastic. Members
include Grammy and Emmy winners, staff from BMI and ASCAP, TAXI,
AFM, right along side plain old street musicians trying to find a
break.
THE MUSE'S MUSE - SONGWRITERS COMMUNITY
http://www.musesmuse.com
The Muse's Muse has, over its many years, become one of the most
enduring and useful independent songwriter communities on the
Internet. Songwriters will find a lot to peruse here, but we
especially recommend checking out the 'Interactivities', where
you'll find chat rooms, as well as an active message board. We
also highly recommend the writings of their columnists. Be sure
to subscribe to the free monthly newsletter.
MUSICPRO INSURANCE
http://www.musicproinsurance.com/
Founded by Phil Crosland, ASCAP's senior vice president of
marketing, MusicPro provides insurance coverage for the music
professional. Coverage includes instrument and equipment, studio
liability, tour liability, travel accident, health, life and long
term care. Other insurance options are available depending on
your state of residence. For more information, read this
interview with Phil Crosland about MusicPro.
MUSIC THOUGHTS DISCUSSION GROUP
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/musicthoughts/
This very active discussion group was created by CD Baby founder
Derek Sivers as “A popular, open place for musicians to talk to
other musicians.” Derek posts often. It’s a great place to hang
out and get a vibe for what other musicians are thinking and
talking about. And, if you need a place to get advice, receive
feedback your music, or find out whether or not a company is
reputable, this is a great place to ask.
ONE WAY MAGAZINE
http://www.onewaymagazine.com/
One Way is a free bi-monthly magazine targeted to music fans in
Los Angeles County. Circulation is 30,000, and the magazine is
available in record stores, music stores, bookstores,
restaurants, clubs and bars, spas and health clubs, and college
campuses. Each issue includes a free CD sampler, of which you can
be part. One Way offers competitive advertising packages to
musicians looking for quick exposure. A 'Mini-Showcase', their
entry-level advertising option, includes a song on their CD, a
quarter-page ad in the magazine, a web site feature and Song
streamed on ONE WAY Magazine Online.
ROCK BAND SITES
http://www.rockbandsites.com/
If you want a GREAT looking web site that's super easy to update
but you don't know a thing about creating one, check out
RockBandSites.com . They'll design a terrific looking site for
you that you can update easily through an admin tool without
having to touch code at all. They'll also host the site for you.
The price for a web site is $499.00, plus $29.99 a month for
hosting. These sites look great - better than your standard
"template" driving web sites.
ROCK STAR IMAGE CONSULTANT
http://www.rockstarimage.com/
John Battaglia is an image and performance coach who's worked
with some of the biggest names in the business; Usher, Beyonce,
Jessica Simpson and others. He coaches emerging artists on how to
build a Rockstar image to better attract industry attention. If
you're uncertain about your "image" or the "style," feel the need
to reinvent yourself, or just need advice on how to better
connect with your audience, John's your man.
SAME DAY MUSIC
http://www.samedaymusic.com/
Same Day Music offers a huge catalog of gear, instruments and
accessories with several guarantees. First, "Same Day Shipping,"
secondly low-cost shipping (usually free) and finally, 60-Day
low-price guarantee and return policy. Visit their web site to
request a free catalog.
TWIG ONE STOP
http://www.twigonestop.com/
Twig One Stop is a full service 4 color printer and direct mail
house providing a broad spectrum of full color printed products
(postcards, brochures, tickets, catalogs), direct mail services
(mailing lists and fulfillment), a full line of promotional items
(your logo on promo items) as well as complete graphic design
services. They are a virtual one-stop shopping center for all of
your printing and promotional needs.
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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.*
THE JOHN LENNON SONGWRITING CONTEST
http://www.jlsc.com/
The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is open to amateur and
professional songwriters who submit entries in any one of 12
categories: Rock, Country, Jazz, Pop, World, Rhythm & Blues, Hip
Hop, Gospel/Inspirational, Latin, Electronic, Folk, and
Children's. Instrumental compositions are encouraged. 24 Grand
Prize winners receive $5,000 in Project Studio Equipment from
iGuitar, Roland, Edirol and Audio-Technica and more. The JLSC is
open year-round and features two sessions - with 72 Finalists, 24
Grand Prize Winners, 12 Lennon Award Winners, and 1 Maxell Song
of the Year. Submission deadline: August 15. $30 entry fee per
song.
THE POSITIVE POP SONG CONTEST
http://www.positivepopsongcontest.com/
This contest promotes songs with a positive impact. The grand
prize winning songwriter gets a full master quality production
package of one song [over $4,000 value], membership to TAXI,
digital distribution of winning song, a Fender acoustic guitar
and more. The singer/songwriter award winner gets live
performance opportunity plus professional services to help their
career. Not sure if your song fits? Take the "is my song positive
pop" quiz. All entrants will receive written evaluations from
industry pro judges. Contest deadline August 19th, 2005. $25
entry fee.
THE NEXT HIT SONG
http://www.nexthitsong.com/
Unsigned artists in six categories will compete for the chance to
showcase LIVE in front of music industry insiders and executives
to win a dream package worth over $50,000 in studio time, online
distribution, ring tone production/distribution, online
promotion, CD manufacturing, web site design, photo duplication,
and other services and memberships! Auditions through August. $30
entry fee.
THE 2005 INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION
http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/
One of the largest songwriting competitions in the world, ISC
offers entrants a chance to compete for over $100,000 in cash and
prizes, including an Overall Grand Prize package of $10,000 (US)
in cash and $20,000 in merchandise. Winners benefit from
extensive press and publicity, giving exposure and recognition to
an international music market of industry professionals and fans.
ISC's panel of judges for 2005 include Monte Lipman (President,
Universal Records); Michael McDonald (President, ATO Records);
Tara Griggs-Magee (Executive VP, Gospel/Urban Music Sony
Records); Chris Parr (VP Music Programming & Talent Relations,
CMT); Loretta Lynn; BeBe Winans; Darrale Jones (VP A&R - Urban,
Atlantic Records); Danny Epstein (Music Supervisor, Sesame
Street); Barbara Sedun (VP Creative, EMI Music Publishing Canada)
and many others. Early bird deadline for submission is July 15,
2005. Final deadline for submission is October 14, 2005. $30
Entry Fee. Submit via link above.
MTV WANTS YOUR MUSIC
http://tinyurl.com/8mfxj
"Here at MTV we are constantly craving new music for our shows
and we don't always have giant budgets to license what we want.
So we are offering something that is priceless in the end, and
that is promotion for the artists! We have begun doing this in
shows like Laguna Beach and PowerGirls already, it is a great way
to get your music heard, not to mention a credit in the show and
the MTV website." See link above for details.
TELEVISION EXPOSURE ON ROSARITO WEEKEND
The television show Rosarito Weekend is accepting submissions for
free television exposure and will provide a free ad-card with
artist CD cover. The show will air later this year in niche
markets in New York, Los Angeles, San Diego and possibly others.
The show has already test-aired in Los Angeles on KTLA (The WB)
and KDOC. Artists can receive an info sheet with further details
on the show by sending an email to rosaritoweekend@.... Or
mail CD submissions directly to: Attn: Carolyn Homan, Rosarito
Weekend, PO Box 1184, Youngsville, NC, 27596.
GET ONLINE FOR AMERICAN IDOL SUPERSTARDOM
http://www.idolunderground.com/index.html
Fluid Audio Networks and FremantleMedia, co-producer and licensor
of American Idol, announced today the launch of the first ever
online incarnation of American Idol – American Idol Underground.
The American Idol Underground website, which will launch later
this year, will be powered by Fluid Audio’s proprietary
self-publishing software. Musicians will directly upload their
music to one of thirteen genre specific music channels for review
by internet listeners and celebrity judges. Programming is based
on listener ratings and every song is guaranteed airplay - the
better songs get played more, and the best songs win record
contracts and other awards.
2005 INTERNATIONAL ACOUSTI MUSIC AWARDS
http://www.inacoustic.com/
Acoustic artists in various genres can gain radio airplay and web
exposure through this competition on Acoustic Cafe radio program
and XM Satellite Radio! Win prizes in 8 different categories:
Folk/Americana/Roots, AAA/Alternative, Instrumental, Open,
Bluegrass, Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Group/Duo.
IAMA is open to all independent artists and labels. IAMA focuses
on developing new markets for Acoustic artists. Submission
deadline is November 9th. $35 submission fee.
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Recommended Resources
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HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC SUCCESSFULLY ON THE INTERNET
2005 Edition!
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/htpromotemusic.htm
Learn the promotion methods one musician uses to bring in over
$5000 a month from the Internet! You can get radio play, grow a
fan base, create a distribution channel and manufacture and sell
CDs all online. Imagine how many CDs you’d sell if thousands of
people heard your music every single day? You could use the
Internet to sell 100, 200 or even more CDs every single month!
Yes, this is possible! The author has accomplished this and more,
and in this book, he details step-by-step how he finally said
good-bye to his day job and starting spending more time on his
music. Available in PDF format for just $18.95, print edition
$28.95.
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO STARTING A RECORD COMPANY
http://musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/recordlabel.htm
This wonderful book guides you step by step through the process
of starting up your own independent record label. It includes
vital advice on how to retain lawyers and accountants, construct
budgets, sign artists, navigate artist contracts, find a
distributor and how to develop and execute an effective marketing
plan. A great book! 243 Pages. Available in print or PDF version,
starting at $29.95
THE MUSICIAN'S ATLAS - 2005 Edition!
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 to Music Biz
Academy visitors for only $36.95! (retails for $39.95)
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 MUSIC PHONE BOOK
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/phonebook.htm
After receiving a copy of the Music Phone Book for review, I just
had to add it to our at the Music Biz Academy. If you're looking
for places to gig across the country (or even just regionally),
the Music Phone Book is definitely for you. It contains detailed
contact information for over 6,000 Live Music Venues across the
United States (covering all 50 states). It contains the largest
directory of places to gig at that I've seen in print. Offered in
three regional editions, each for $25 or $60 for all three!
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 print edition for $27.95!
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!
LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/musiccontracts.htm
This book covers virtually any question you might have about
contracts and agreements you are likely to encounter in the music
business. Over 500 sample contract provisions are listed,
examined, and explained in plain english. In other words, you can
take any kind of music contract or agreement you might receive
and compare the details of your contract to what this book says
to find out what it is you're really signing before you sign it!
$34.95 for this massive volume of information.
WHAT EVERY MUSICIAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SELF PROMOTION (CD)
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/selfpromotioncd.htm
Owning this CD is like having your own music marketing expert by
your side. Anytime you need a refresher course or renewed
motivation on how to get the word out about your music, just take
the CD in your car with you and listen. What could be easier?
You'll learn a lot about marketing your music, and with repeated
listening you'll absorb the information until it becomes second
nature. Just $11.95
THE CREATIVE TAX PLANNER FOR MUSICIANS
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/creativetaxplanner.htm
Subtle differences make this day planner perfect for the
traveling musician. It includes a built-in tax planner, expense
categories for production, equipment, props, advertising, space
rental (and more), and a really nice, zippered compartment for
receipts. This is a very durable, compact day planner, designed
with the artist in mind. Just $34.95.
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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.
CD MANUFACTURING and DUPLICATION
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/cdmanufacturing.htm
MusicBizAcademy.com has teamed up with NW 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/artintro.htm
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
NOMA Music is a multicredited music licensing company and song
publisher. They represent worldwide bands, songwriters, and
composers who are interested in licensing, and of course, earning
money and royalties from having their original music used in
feature and indie motion pictures, television, and other multi
media projects. Some of their represented acts have songs
currently heard in television shows airing on HBO, Warner
Brothers, FOX, UPN, Touchstone, Paramount, Showtime, Sci Fi
Channel, and FX Networks, as well as in motion pictures and
commercial DVD releases. NOMA offers tremendous opportunities for
the indie and established artist from the hundreds of production
companies, directors and producers they have working
relationships with, and as a client of theirs, your music will be
made accessible to them. 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.
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Classifieds...
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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 2005 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 $50 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
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