The Music Biz Academy Digest - Issue #66 - January 2007
An update from http://www.musicbizacademy.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,

Welcome to 2007! It boggles my mind to look at the calendar and
see "2007." Wasn't it just a couple years ago that we were
celebrating the year 2000? Whoa.

One big improvement to mention at the Music Biz Academy web site:
I've created a new topical list of ALL the articles on our site.
This should make it easier to find what you need as everything we
have is listed on this page and grouped together. You can find
that at http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/artist101.htm

We are also offering a new book in our store, "HOW TO BE YOUR OWN
BOOKING AGENT" by Jeri Goldstein. It's really fantastic. I found
myself impressed by the book's depth on so many topics. While the
book certainly covers "How to Be Your Own Booking Agent," it's
really about managing the entire scope of your career as an
independent artist. We're offering it for $29.95 plus shipping.
More on HOW TO BE YOUR OWN BOOKING AGENT at
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/bookingagent.htm

ALSO JUST IN...
The 2007 edition of THE MUSICIAN'S ATLAS. That's now available at
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/musiciansatlas.htm

and

The 8th, 2007 Edition of the Indie Bible. That's available at
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/indiecontactbible.htm

There are lots of articles to share with you this issue. You'll
find those, along with more 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
Program Director, Whisperings: Solo Piano Radio
http://www.solopianoradio.com
An Overall Really Busy Guy
http://tinyurl.com/o4gdy


---Don't Miss This...--------------------------------------------

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


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Latest Additions To The Academy
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/
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EVERY SONG TELLS A STORY... BUT DOES IT HAVE TO BE AN
ABSTRACT NOVEL?
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/sm_songstory.htm
For a musician, your songs are your art. They are the physical
embodiment of your creative gifts. Every bit of anger, happiness,
angst, joy, pain, elation, knowledge or humor goes into the story
known as your song. But when you play it for others, you're not
getting the reaction you expected. Your friends, fans and family
seem less than enthusiastic as they dully respond, "Yeah. That
was…um…good." How could this be? Article by Sheena Metal.


HOW TO HELP THE MUSIC INDUSTRY TAKE YOU SERIOUSLY
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/cs_seriously.htm
Every month I have to listen to tons of artist submissions.
Sometimes it's painful, other times it's a pleasure. Usually the
pleasure or pain threshold is not to do with how the music
sounds, although God only knows that is the ice cream! No, the
enjoyment factor begins when I know that a package has been
carefully put together. An artist who is serious will do it right
from the start. Article by Chris Standring


HOW TO SUCCEED IN 2007
http://money.cnn.com/popups/2006/biz2/howtosucceed/index.html
While it's not the "music" business, many of these thoughts on
success from 50 of the "brightest minds in business" are
certainly applicable to our industry. A good read from Business
2.0 magazine.


OPENING ACTS: DOES PLAYING BEFORE A ROCK STAR MAKE YOU ONE?
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/sm_openingacts.htm
It's the dream of many a musician to open up for either: their
favorite band or the favorite band of their childhood. For many,
the ultimate in true rock star status is to share a stage with
the musicians who made you want to play music in the first
place…to see you name in lights with the guys (or gals) whose
music you listen to almost as much as (if not more than) your
own. But is it really a good idea, as an unsigned artist, to open
up for an act already known to the general public? Article by
Sheena Metal.


POWER WORDS: HOW TO MAKE YOUR SONG LYRICS STRONGER
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/ss_powerwords.htm
All songwriters struggle with their lyrics to their songs from
time to time. It's one of the "hazards" of the trade. And many
times we settle for words that aren't what we mean or don't carry
enough punch. Even songwriters whose strength is their lyrics
don't always take the proper amount of time to choose their words
carefully. Article by Stan Swanson.


PROMOTING MUSIC EFFECTIVELY ON MYSPACE
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/cs_myspace.htm
MySpace has become a fantastic way to promote music online. Every
artist or group needs a MySpace account now and if you haven't
already got one I urge you to sign up and start promoting. But
before you do, I want to explain what is effective and what is
not so you can use your time wisely, because trust me, you can
spend a lot of (addictive) time there. Article by Chris Standring


TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR CAREER NOW
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/cs_takecontrol.htm
The music industry is changing, has changed. We are in serious
transition now. The days of effectively shopping an artist to
record companies are coming to an end. Retail stores are about to
go out of business. So what hope is there for artists now? Quite
a lot, and Chris Standring tells shares the hope in this
commentary.


THE STATE OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY: 2006
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/comment/ma_2006industry.htm
Okay, show of hands: who in the past year or so has had a friend,
relative or significant other come to them with an article
claiming the death of the music business? Hands high. I'm
counting. Yes. I see there are many of you. Well, this Moses
Supposes is just for you: inside information and proof that the
industry is just fine and growing more healthy by the day.
Commentary by Moses Avalon.


WHAT A RECORD LABEL SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MUSIC RETAILERS
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/knab/articles/musicretailers.htm
Record sales are the "report card" for record labels. There are
only two grades on a music retail report card. It's the pass/fail
system; either you sold records or you didn't. Article by Chris
Knab.


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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 $24.95!


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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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Recent Additions/Updates to the Musician's Directory....
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/directory
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CDFX
http://www.cdfx.com/
Here's a company to check out for not only CD manufacturing, but
for all those odd-shaped jobs. In addition to standard CD
replication, CDFX offers manufacturing for business card CDs, DVD
cards, shaped CDs, custom-shaped CDs, ticket CDs and more. Good
prices, a great looking web site and a very impressive client
list (including Coca-Cola, the Dallas Cowboys, FedEx, Honda, NBC,
United Way and yes, even President George W. Bush.) Finally, CDFX
offers fulfillment, inventory management, distribution and direct
mail services for their clients.


O'GARA DESIGN
http://www.ogaradesign.com/
Jon O'Gara offers affordable design options for your CDs, posters
and logos. A nice portfolio of work.


HOLLAND AMERICA ENTERTAINMENT
http://www.hollandamericaentertainment.com/
Get a job on a cruise ship! Holland America Entertainment books
showbands, string ensembles, lounge bands and pianists to
entertain their guests. Once you get the job, the provide some
great benefits including medical covers, deck meals and
accommodations and free cruises. Contracts are generally 3-6
months in length.


MUSICIANSCAST.COM
http://www.musicianscast.com/
MusiciansCast is a free and informative podcast dedicated to
helping musicians navigate the difficult road to success.
Professional musician Jonn Savannah, Internet Entrepreneur Peter
Bowman and legendary recording engineer Shelly Yakus team up to
discuss issues and opportunities facing the upstreaming artist
and/or band. The shows may be downloaded, streamed or
subscribed to through RSS. A great podcast to keep up on what's
happening.


MUSICDISPLAYS.COM
http://www.musicdisplays.com/
If you're looking for creative ways to display your CDs at gigs
and in stores, you'll find about every conceivable option at
MusicDisplays.com . From audio listening stations to point of
purchase counter displays, this is one of the best collections of
"CD display" options we've found. see DisplaysInStock.com.


PUMP AUDIO
http://www.pumpaudio.com/
If you're in the market to license your music to TV, film, video
games or other advertisers, check out Pump Audio. With your
permission, Pump Audio will include your music in their database
for promotion and possible licensing to their clients. You keep
all copyright, ownership and publishing rights, and receive 50%
of the licensing fees billed to their production clients if your
music is used. There's NO submission fee, it's non-exclusive, and
you retain 100% ownership of your songs. Based on feedback we've
heard from artists, this is one of the best song licensing
agencies around. Well worth investigating.


SESSIONPLAYERS.COM
http://www.sessionplayers.com/index.htm
Need to hire a session player for your recording, but have no
clue who to get or how to bring them into the studio? That's what
SessionPlayers.com is all about. You can hire studio musicians
from anywhere to work on your project remotely. To quote the
site, "Session Players is a network of full time music
professionals that own or have access to their own recording
studios. By utilizing the Internet, you can work on your
recording project with the absolute finest musicians and
engineers in the world. The same players that are recording on
the Grammy winning records are available for your session through
this virtual studio. No where else can you directly access such a
high level of talent from your own control room." Membership is
$25, with studio session rates for musicians starting at $250.00.


STAMPS.COM: PUT YOUR CD ON A POSTAGE STAMP?
http://photo.stamps.com/
It's very expensive promotion (almost a buck per stamp), but a
nice gimmick. Perhaps a good attention getter for that press kit?
Worth a look, if for no other reason than to know it's there.


WEBSITE MUSIC PLAYER
http://www.websitemusicplayer.com/
Here's an easy-to-install product that let's you offer your web
site visitors not only a streaming preview of your music, but
they can buy and download the music right from the player as
well. The player integrates with PayPal, so you listener can pay
at PayPal with either their PayPal account or a credit card.
After successful payment, the customer is forwarded to a download
page that contains the songs they have paid for. The player is
$67 to purchase (as of this writing). That gets you the software
plus free upgrades for a year. Lots more info at the site.


THE WORLD WIDE SONGWRITERS ASSOCIATION
http://www.wwswa.com/
These folks have created a wonderful community just for
songwriters. You can upload your songs to get feedback from other
writers, get professional songwriting evaluations, collaborate
and share ideas with other songwriters and so many other things.
To quote the site, their "mission" is to "assist and encourage
songwriters, both amateur and professional, in all genres of
music around the globe." It's an "ever evolving community of
songwriters around the world striving to further educate,
evaluate and encourage the profession of songwriting." Membership
is the site is free, so songwriters, sign up today.



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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.*

PBS ROADTRIP NATION
http://info.sonicbids.com/t/2418/772769/634/0/
Entering its fifth season on PBS, Roadtrip Nation is a
documentary series featuring the summer journeys of
twenty-somethings as they roadtrip across America, seeking words
of wisdom from people who have defined their own paths in life.
Music has always played a key role in the films, and this year
will be no exception. RTP is committed to supporting independent
artists by exposing their music to wider audiences and showcasing
it on the RTP website. They DO NOT use major label music! The
documentary will air on PBS in the fall of 2007, and the DVD
release will follow. All genres of music are welcome, but they're
looking for independent music that follows the same principles of
our subjects, music that follows its own road. Cost to submit,
$5.00 via SonicBids.com. Deadline March 1st, 2007.


2007 USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION
http://www.songwriting.net/
Celebrating our 12th consecutive year, the 2007 USA Songwriting
Competition is now accepting entries! Winning songs will receive
radio airplay in United States and Canada along with a Top Prize
of over $50,000. Sponsors of the 2007 Competition include
Keyboard magazine, Sony, Audio-Technica, Ibanez Guitars,
D'Addario Strings, Sam Ash Music Stores, Indie Bible, Acoustic
Café Radio Program, Livewire Contacts, AirplayOnly.com, XM Radio
and others. Deadline May 13st, 2007.


PODCASTERS LOOKING FOR NEW ARTISTS TO PLAY
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/podcasters.htm
As a co-host (along with my wife, Sara) of The Alternative Music
Show, I'm constantly looking for great alternative music to
feature on our weekly podcast. We enjoy helping great
under-appreciated and indie bands get the exposure they deserve,
and to be honest, we just love finding new music....Article by
Eric Skiff.


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Recommended Resources
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HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC SUCCESSFULLY ON THE INTERNET
2006 Edition - 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 sell your CDs and
downloads all online. Imagine how much music 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 (not to
mention downloads) 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.


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


HOW TO BE YOUR OWN BOOKING AGENT
http://musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/bookingagent.htm
Updated 2nd Edition! Jeri Goldstein's award-winning
resource for artists and musicians is artfully organized into 492
pages of savvy advice, realistic methods and action plans for the
performing artist. The book is a step-by-step guide through
virtually all aspects of the music business. It's a fantastic
resource, a MUST-READ and a favorite here at the Music Biz
Academy. One of the best, most in-depth books written about how
to run your own music business. Available in print for $29.95
plus S&H.


MYSPACE MUSIC MARKETING
http://musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/myspace.htm
With tens of millions of registered users, MySpace.com has become
a godsend for countless independent artists. MySpace is now one
of the most popular web sites on the planet -- right up there
with Google, Yahoo and Ebay in total visitors. If you're not
promoting your music on MySpace yet, you need to start - right
away. Everything you need to know, including tips and tricks,
interviews with successful MySpace bands, and how to fine-tune
your MySpace profile for maximum punch. Just $24 for the report
in PDF format.


THE INDIE BIBLE - The Eighth 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 $31.95!


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 $24.95!


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!


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 10,000 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 $35 (retail price is $39)


THE MUSICIAN'S ATLAS - 2007 Edition!
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/musiciansatlas.htm
Created by The Music Resource Group, this 368-page volume
provides access to over 24,000 music businesses and key industry
contacts in 28 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 $43.95! (retails for $49.95)


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.


I DON'T NEED A RECORD DEAL!
http://musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/recorddeal.htm
Your Survival Guide to the Indie Music Revolution! Musicians are
waking up to the realization that record deals don't
automatically create careers. Independent artists are proving
that in today's music market they no longer need a record label
to enjoy a successful music career. Find out how other indie's
are booking their own tours, licensing their music, marketing
their own products, and making a living from their music. A
FANTASTIC value at only $19.95 for the print edition.


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


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Recommended Services...
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These are friends and partnerships we've created though the
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.


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!


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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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