HowToBand.com Blog

Available at Amazon.com for you to build your successful band:

How To Make BIG MONEY with Your BAND - Any Style: Rock, Rap, Alternative, Punk, Jazz, Classical, or Country

The HowToBand.com website is changing a little... As the technology changes online and the needs to interact with that technology changes. We are now adapting the HowToBand.com Blog and Site to make sure that you are provided with easy access to the information and tips you need.

Keep developing your professionalism and focus on your goals.

~ HowToBand.com Team

AirPlay Direct currently has a film / TV placement opportunity for all AirPlay Direct members.

They are looking for Christmas music of all styles, but they must be famous Public Domain songs. We have several projects and they all need some Christmas cheer. The deadline is November 1st.

If interested, please submit your AirPlay Direct artist DPK to office@airplaydirect.com no later than November 1st. Please make sure to indicate that you are submitting music for the Christmas opportunity.

AirPlay Direct... go straight to the source!

For more information on AirPlay Direct, please visit www.AirPlayDirect.com

HowToBand.com will be listed in the upcoming 9th Edition of
The Indie Bible. Check it out:

http://www.indiebible.com/htb

Throughout the month of June AirPlay Direct, Airplay Specialists and Webster & Associates PR will be co-sponsoring AirPlay Direct’s first FREE "All Things Digital Country" artist promotion contest for our artist / label members.

We will be awarding one Grand Prize package, winner takes all. The winning song / artist will receive the Grand Prize package which will include a 14 week digital radio promotion campaign from Airplay Specialists, a national press release announcement of the winner by Webster & Associates PR and a premier "Featured Artist" advertising package from AirPlay Direct. The Grand Prize package is valued at over $7,500...!

We will combine the radio expertise of Airplay Specialists, the media relations experience of Webster & Associates PR with the power and speed of AirPlay Direct's digital "smart-tools" to promote the winning single to Country / Americana radio stations and media outlets throughout the U.S. and abroad.

This contest is FREE and very simple... the best song wins. The only three requirements to enter are that you must be an AirPlay Direct artist / label member (it is free to join), your music must fall into the Country / Americana genre, and you must submit your AirPlay Direct DPK prior to the official deadline of June 25th.

Whether you are an indie artist or a well established record label with a roster, pick your best songs, you can submit from 1 to 3 tracks. Submit your AirPlay Direct Digital Promo Kit / DPK to office@airplaydirect.com . Deadline for submissions is June 25th. The winner will be announced and "Featured" in the AirPlay Direct Radio Programmers Newsletter for July, as well as in a company press release to all media outlets courtesy Webster & Associates PR.

A little about AirPlay Direct:

AirPlay Direct is an easy to use digital file transfer system that was developed to
streamline radio / artist promotion activities for today's music industry. AirPlay Direct’s FREE digital services replace the unnecessary time and expense of putting together and sending out costly traditional artist packages and press kits via snail mail.

For more information on AirPlay Direct please visit www.AirPlayDirect.com

A little about Airplay Specialists:

Our offices are located in the heart of Nashville's Music Row. We've been successfully promoting singles to Country radio since 2002. Our clients include both indie and major label artists. If your track sounds good, if your song is strong, if it's professionally recorded, and if it's 'Country radio friendly' then we welcome the chance to work with you...no matter what size your label is.

For more information on Airplay Specialists please visit www.airplayspecialists.com

A little about Webster & Associates PR:

Webster & Associates PR offers collective expertise in marketing, communications, artist/career development, and public relations. The staff works closely with clients “hands on” to assure a broad range of exposure in a cost effective manner. From stand-alone media plan to long range marketing plan, Webster & Associates PR will create the strategies and carry-out the day-to-day activities associated with the campaign.

Successful national publicity and marketing campaigns have been staged for our roster of music, sports, and entertainment clients, as well as corporate entities and major events. Creativity, innovation, and effective execution have been the hallmark of the image and roll-out campaigns we have created for a number of clients.

For more information on Webster & Associates PR please visit www.websterpr.com

A whole new music culture is brewing. As the bilingual U.S. population grows, bands are singing in both English and Spanish.

This article by VH1 and MTV shares a trend that is powerfully influencing the music Bands are playing and shows the large new audiences they are playing for. It is worth reading to keep up on what is happening in the music scene. Maybe your Band is one that leads with this trend.

Is there a language that your audience would love to hear in your music?

http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1555215/20070321/mars_volta.jhtml

Just a little fun look at some music and how it is simply created... Enjoy.

[youtube]JdxkVQy7QLM[/youtube]

My family and I are currently at a Club Med in Mexico. This means two things to you right now. First, I am gathering some great direct contact information for all of you to benefit from so you can get gigs and any Club Med in the world if you would like. Club Med offers incredible all-inclusive resort style pleasure and you could stay at them (all food and lodging for free). A band I just met has been enjoying the sun sand and surf for the last Four Months and doesn’t plan on stopping this gig for a little while longer. Second, my new Article Blog posts will be delayed a little bit in between each one for a little bit. However, I will be continuing to share good useful information at every new Article.

During this time, it gives you a chance to read through some of the archived articles that are on HowToBand.com. All of them have something to help you get further ahead with your Band’s success. You can search through them with the search field inside the HowToBand.com Article Blog pages simply using a term or phrase you are looking for articles about.

Also… if you have some useful information that you would like to post on the HowToBand.com Article Blog that you think others can benefit from, please do. I believe everyone has some insights that we can learn and grow with. You can quickly and easily sign up as a BLOG Member and than post articles for others. Also, if you have a press release to share about your Band, you can post that in the Linkblog section.

I’ll be posting new info for you again soon.
Thanks for reading.

MusicWorld 3D is a combination of cutting-edge multimedia technologies designed to help musicians, fans, and industry connect and appreciate each other in ways never seen before.

It’s about a whole new world for indie music creation and appreciation.

What can I say??? I think you need to check this out. It is incredible!

http://www.musicworld3d.net

Know your music capitals in the USA…

If you are into being a professional musician with a Band, than knowing the hot spots in the U.S.A. will help you get to powerful places to find connections, opportunities, and great music to inspire you.

Here are the Top 7:

1. Austin:

BRIEF: Austin, Texas. Austin's official slogan is The Live Music Capital of the World. Austin has a vibrant live music scene boasting more music venues per capita than any other U.S. city. Austin's music revolves around the many nightclubs on 6th Street and an annual film/music/multimedia festival known as South by Southwest. The longest-running concert music program on American television, Austin City Limits, is videotaped on the University of Texas at Austin campus. Austin City Limits and Capital Sports & Entertainment run the Austin City Limits Music Festival, an annual music and art festival held at Zilker Park in Austin. Other annual events include Eeyore's Birthday Party and the Austin Reggae Festival in April and Carnaval in February. Halloween, St Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras, July 4th, and Juneteenth (Emancipation Day) are all celebrated with enthusiasm, as many Austinites seem to be eager for any excuse for a public party.

2. Branson:

BRIEF: Branson, Missouri. Branson, MO is considered "The Live Music Show Capital of the World". With over 40 theaters playing host to over 100 shows, you'll have no problem finding a show in Branson that suits your taste!

3. Chicago:

BRIEF: Chicago, Illinois. After New Orleans and before New York and the West Coast, Chicago was the capital city of Jazz in the thirties after black people's Great Migration to the North. In the forties and fifties it turned Blue Mecca, while it has remained the shrine of Gospel music until this day.

4. Memphis:

BRIEF: Memphis, Tennessee. The mythical city that straddles the Mississippi River with one (small) foot in Arkansas and another in Tennessee Memphis has an aura that most American cities can only dream of.

The 'queen of the cotton kingdom' is best known as the birthplace of recorded Blues from the 50s onwards. Memphis had already been a blues nucleus for Mississippi Delta musicians for two decades by the time Sam Phillips invested in a recording studio and recording company, Sun.

In the second half of the fifties Elvis Presley was in the center of the Rock 'n' Roll storm. He had the 'Negro sound and feel' the producer had been scouting for. He clearly was not the first, nor the best of the budding revolution, but he had the looks, drive and flexible personality.

In the sixties and early seventies Memphis acted as a springboard for southern Soul musicians. The new music was instrumental in articulating the Civil Rights Movement claims for an integrated society. Almost for the first time in the history of the African-Americans pride in their race and identity was expressed in lyrics.

Later on, the local scene further developed into vibrant tradition-infused styles from Funk, to R&B to hip hop. While modern Memphis music is looking to its exceptional heritage for inspiration, it is also looking forward.

Remarkably enough, Gospel is the one musical idiom that has traveled down the ages with unflagging popularity in the black community. It may have evolved formally over the decades, sometimes absorbing pop, funk and even rap ingredients, the overall inspiration, musical and thematic, has lived on virtually unchanged.

Memphis boosts some iconic musicians in a lot of genres. Though not necessarily natives, they broke through in Memphis, mostly via Sam Phillips's Sun studios and recording company and later, Stax and Hi. Among those soon-to-be legends were, for instance, Bessie Smith, Howlin' Wolf, Koko Taylor, Albert and BB King (Blues), Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Booker T, Al Green and Rufus Thomas (Soul and R&B), or Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash (Rock 'n' Roll and Rockabilly).

5. Nashville:

BRIEF: Nashville, Tennessee. Music City USA owns its flattering nickname to Country Music even if Nashville's mythical recording studios have produced gospel music, rock 'n' roll and Elvis Presley in particular, and even black rhythm 'n' / blues musicians.

It all started with the Grand Ole Opry radio show in 1925. It has been broadcasting recorded music and live shows held in its theater ever since, and the longest-running radio program has firmly put country music on the world's map.

Critics claim that music now plays second fiddle to business. This massive record-making industries indeed rakes billions every year. As the Nashville Sound bordered on mellow commercial music, other traditional or cutting edge styles grew in popularity like Bluegrass, or Alternative Country movements.

Austin, Texas looked as if it could have some claim to the crown in the 70s with the Outlaws movement, but although it has a pulsating country-blues rock scene today, it cannot compete as a recording capital city.

Branson, Missouri has been a family-oriented country music resort since the 1960s. Country stars own their own theaters, live and perform there from May through October. That popular town provides a welcome alternative to Nashville's grander schemes.

Yet, at the end of the day, and for all the criticism, Nashville, Tennessee still remains the hub for recording, performing and broadcasting Country Music. Today's musical spectrum ranges wide from Honky-tonk music to jazz-influenced instrumental Newgrass and from earnest acoustic songwriters to arena acts with an attitude.

6. New Orleans:

BRIEF: New Orleans, Louisiana. There is so much history it would be futile and ridiculous to attempt to put this musical gumbo in a nutshell.

That the city that delivered jazz and nurtured it through the first two decades of the 20th century is still pulsating to its bouncing rhythms is refreshing news.

That New Orleans has always opened up to various styles and made them its own is hardly news to those who have been listening.

Experience speaks louder than words. Music is everywhere: on the street and on steamboats; at school and at church; in concert halls, and out-of-the-way clubs, at jazz funerals and in festivals.

7. New York:

BRIEF: New York, New York. New York city, now considered by many to be the capital of the world, hosts phenomenal culture, culture, culture – and with that comes music from all around the world with incredible diversity.

The subways that roar below the sidewalk, converge at Times Square, where music, theater (many of it musicals), and nightlife meld into a new kind of pop culture that is broadcast across the country. In midtown, the publishing, radio, and advertising businesses present products, ideas, celebrities, and ways of life to audiences of immense size across America.

New York City is home to the Broadway Musical. Jazz became famous in New York, found a world-size home there, and made ”The Jazz Age” possible because of its life there.

New York city is still a great place to connect and get connected to global opportunities.

Link: http://funkyp.lu

Funky P will open for American Pop Star (PINK) and German Pop Idol 2007(Mark Medlock) 2 September 2007 at Terres Rouges Festival...www.cynart.lu

Funky P is the first Luxembourg band showcased at Popkomm in its 18 years of existence.

“Funky P understand the importance of good old-fashioned song writing”

Brainchild of Marc Reichling, the original incarnation of Funky P formed in 2004 while Marc was touring and recording with several German, French and Luxembourg bands. Inspired by many bands and producers that he met he began nurturing a desire to get into the studio himself.
A chance meeting with American Roosevelt Isaac gave him the opportunity to start the pursuit of his dream. Isaac and Marc hit it off immediately and he set about forming musicians for the band. There was simply no looking back..
From their inception there has always been an emphasis on the live aspect of Funky P, with the Funky P band going through various incarnations, but since the completion of the first single from the album “Move the World” the band has really taken shape and their appearance at "Popkomm 2006" demonstrated this.
The Funky P band has become a dynamic nine piece, a mixture of those involved in the album alongside some serious new talent.
You may know the single, you may think you know the band, but honestly, if you ain’t seen them live you don’t know shit. They completely out play any expectations you may have of them. Funky P is well on the path to becoming a rare feature, a popular contemporary “International Soul Band”..

“Real music made by Funky P is the dawn of a new era of music.”

FUNK MUSIC WITH A POP SENSIBILITY – When you listen to Funky P you feel and hear something a little bit different. “They are very special. Funky P play music that fit their vibe.”
Funky P is fast developing their own identity after searching for it in other people’s music. “You can only imitate other bands so long before you look in the mirror and say, O.K. it’s all right to play your own songs.”

Funky P are a bunch of Jazz and Funk guys who decided to write pop music. Funky P is completely happy to go out and blaze a path for others to follow. If people follow them down it that’s cool – otherwise, it will be fun for them to go out and hang by themselves.

Funky P are "self managed artists" and have released an EP containing 3 songs in May 2006. The first track "Smile Baby" went straight to the top of the RTL Luxembourg (largest radio sender in Luxembourg) hit charts and stayed in the top 10 the entire summer and received place 8 summer hit 2006. “Smile Baby” was voted 2nd best “Song of the Year 2006” on RTL Luxembourg on Dec 30, 2006. It still places in the top 20 of DNR Radio (second largest radio sender Luxembourg) hearer charts today.

In Dec 2006, Funky P released the second single “Real Love” and this places 2nd on the RTL Luxembourg Hit parade the first week of February 2007.

All three songs have placed in the Top 10 of iTunes Luxembourg and mobile phone users can download the ringtones from VOX mobile in Luxembourg making them one of the most popular original bands in Luxembourg. The EP "Smile Baby" and the single "Real Love" are currently for sale on CD Baby and it is digitally distributed by 34 distributors on the internet (iTunes, Rhapsody and Emusic to name a few)

Major accomplishment for Funky P would be playing Planet Hollywood Paris(2005), the Grand Dome Paris(2006), being chosen to be the opening act for Maceo Parker(Luxembourg-2006), one of the opening acts for Uriah Heep (Belgium-2006 Rock Roots) and showcased at Popkomm 2006(European Soundclash).

http://www.funkyp.lu

http://cdbaby.com/cd/funkyp

http://www.sonicbids.com/FunkyP

http://www.myspace.com/funkyp2

http://www.koba-s.co.jp/GBJArtists/F.html#FunkyP

http://www.garageband.com/artist/funkyp

http://www.indie-music.com/bands/bands/1861/

For Videos:

http://www.myvideo.de/watch/1022613

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCrv74FykmI

Link to: Funky P

Who says that you have to know exactly what you want to do with your Band right now?

Sometimes, all you know is that you want to perform or record with your Band. You might want to experiment with a certain style or sound of music or maybe with a show presentation style. Go for it!

If you don’t know exactly what you want from your Band right now, however you know that you want to have one and you want it to be the profit center for your life, than just start doing whatever comes to mind.

Try out different Band member combinations. Try out different costumes, music approaches or anything else you think of… Interact with your audience in different ways.

The key to this effort is to see what works when you do it. What works for you and what works for your audience? When you find out these things, then you found your Band success combination. Then use it to have fun and make more money.

Many times, I share information in these Article Blog entries, about the importance of knowing the ‘purpose’ of your Band. Well, I thought I would share that sometimes that purpose is more temporary than long-term.

Sometimes a Band is organized and united for a very temporary goal. This kind of Band is focused on a Project. Instead of planning and developing things for the Band to last through a career length of time, the Band work and effort is targeted on accomplishing an event or show.

I have worked with Bands that were simply pulled together to help raise funds or to play for a run of shows that are designed with a particular format and character.

You can create a Band to operate like this. You might have a show in mind that you want to do, however don’t want the Band to last more than just that run of shows or maybe just for that one show.

A structure to your music career might be to set up more of an entertainment company that creates a series of themed shows. Therefore, a Band is created for each performance run and dissolved afterward. Like creating a series of different show episodes for Television… you can create a Music Entertainment Company that can create a series of different performances that people get to watch; each performance has a new Band to excite the audience and to give you variety.

They key is to have a purpose for creating these different shows for your audience. What are you saying or sharing with them that would make them think, “Wow! I want to come see that company’s performances again and again.”

iFanz members now have the exclusive opportunity to submit their materials for the 17th annual L.A. Music Awards.

If you are not an iFanz member, it is free to sign up. Just click here to sign up, then come back here and to apply to the 17th Annual L.A. Music Awards.

Click here to go to the special iFanz member registration page.

17th Annual Los Angeles Music Awards

Here's some more information about the L.A. Music Awards.

Los Angeles Music Awards is now accepting online submissions for the new 2007 Showcase Season. Artists are encouraged to submit early in the year so as to increase their chances of a nomination and/or Award. No matter where you are in the world, the Los Angeles Music Awards wants to know about you and discover your great music! With their new formats, you can connect with Hollywood without even having to walk away from your computer! Of course, if you are in the area or can arrange to be in L.A., there are more amazing live opportunities this year than ever before!

The Los Angeles Music Awards is the largest and longest running Hollywood red carpet event for Independent Artists.

This year features more categories than ever to recognize almost any style of music today including the newly added categories for various styles of electronic music and remix/production categories. This year's main event will be held in November at the world famous Kodak Theatre in the heart of Hollywood, home of the Grammy's. The show will be televised as well with tons of Hollywood publicity. There is simply no better opportunity for independent artists to garner an award based solely on the merit of their work. There are also more than 15 showcases during the year in which artists can strut their stuff live and be presented live with a nomination on stage!

Some of the Awards Alumni include Gwen Stefani, Black Eyed Peas, System of a Down and Alien Ant Farm. It's only a matter of time for new award recipients to become huge commercial success stories. Early entries have higher success by less competition. As they progress into the second, third & fourth rounds of submissions, there are considerably more entries.

Click here to go to the Official entry form for the 17th Annual Los Angeles Music Awards! All submissions are online only.

If you do not have your music posted anywhere online yet, it is suggested that you post your music online now. If you don't have any of that set up yet, you can create a free MySpace Music account (http://www.myspace.com) and use your MySpace Music website address as the URL link, it's fast, and free.

The fee for the L.A. Music Awards is $30 per entry, indy Artists and Labels can submit up to 10 songs at once with the form (Click here to go to the form), All entries are subject to the Official Rules – see them through the entry form page.

bandVillage.com is very excited to launch their new website! They hope you like it. There are some new features, like saving your favorite bands, and they will be adding many other new features in the coming weeks.

Devised by its founder, Peter Fleming, bandVillage was conceived as a better way to promote independent musicians, encourage live music, and most importantly encourage fans to support those musicians.

In these times of corporate dominance, an effort has to be made to support what we believe in and not let blandness become the rule.

bandVillage is growing into the global music portal that it was envisioned it could be, providing, Musicians, Fans and Venues with services to help keep independent music alive.

In February 2005, bandVillage was honored to receive the Keeping The Blues Alive Award as Blues Sponsor 2005, from the Blues Foundation in Memphis. While bandVillage is not all about the Blues, they were deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Blues world.

To see the new site, go to:
http://www.bandvillage.com

What personal proven skills do you have that you can use to enhance your Band’s success? Do you work in any particular style of job where you get to use those skills over and over, and that you find you are good at doing?

These natural talents or abilities can be used to increase your rate of success.

• If you are good at customer service, then you could go to parties or social gatherings and talk with people easier to network and find out where new gigs might be.
• If you are good at sales, you could go out and sell the Band to Clubs and other venues for new gigs or you could sell your CDs more rapidly in person.
• If you are good at detail management, you could organize the details of a tour and the load in and out of gigs or recording sessions.
• If you are a good numbers person, you could help manage the Band dollar expenses and profits better to increase your bottom line.

You could be talented in your own way, and since you have a passion to be part of a Band, you can find out how your talent can best increase the success of your Band. Offer your talent to the Band and present it to your Band members, let them know how you can help the Band more, and together see if you can find out how that can help the Band best.

IMWS Contest

The 2007 IMWS is awarding $250,000 worth of cash and prizes to hundreds of independent musicians. You could be one of them. Enter Now! They are accepting entries until the Deadline of May 9, 2007.

ALL STYLES ARE WELCOME.

Enter the Independent Music World Series today for a chance to play in front of music industry VIPs and win prizes that include enough gear to build your own home recording studio, a killer CD manufacturing package, custom printed T-shirts, showcases at major music conferences, cash money, and more!

Prizes include:

• $1,000 Cash to ALL performing finalists
• 24-track digital recording workstation
• Stereo monitors
• Electric guitar and bass
• Guitar and bass amps
• Drum set with hardware
• Complete set of cymbals
• Recording microphone package
• CD manufacturing and mastering package
• Custom printed T shirts
• Recording software
• Strings and endorsements
• Drum heads
• Memberships to TAXI and Sonicbids

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Register Online at:

http://discmakersemail.com/discmakers/DM17137.asp?e=brianw@btwcg.com

Or – Call: 1-888-800-5796

Heat Advisory Records

Next Rap Superstar: Perelli "Private Stock"

Kansas City, MO--If Bryan Brooks aka Perelli, can do the same thing in the music business as he did in the car business he would rank among 2-pac, Notorious Big, Jay-z, and 50 cent.

Selling over 600 used vehicles since 2005, Bryan Brooks aka Perelli is one of the top car salesman in the country. So why not stick to his day job. His music and lyrics are better than his sales pitch. Quietly, Perelli has moved over 30,000 downloads and cds underground. His last release "Spiritual Warfare" has been downloaded more oversees than in the US. So for his first major commercial release Perelli has teamed up with the best production Kansas City has to offer. Mizery Entertainment’s own Don Juan, whose catalog has over 50 artist and over 2,000,000 cd sells. (Check Soundscan) Don Juan's biggest artist to date is Tech N9ne. "Private Stock", released on MySpace on 1-24-2007 (myspace.com/perelli2) features a one of a kind concept. An all original 10-1 countdown, hosted by Kansas City's Hottest DJ, DJ FRESH. This CD is unlike any HIP HOP cd on the market. There is no profanity. One could mistake "Private Stock" as a radio show. Perelli is new to the HIP HOP scene but with a sound unlike anyone else in the game, Perelli will be here for a long time.

The debut album "Private Stock" is currently being shopped to record labels, management companies, and publishers. Perelli's music can be heard at:

http://www.myspace.com/perelli2

Tour dates will be announced on their myspace profile soon so be sure to check back. The album is a unique blend of Rap, Funk, Club, and Hip-Hop music. The super laid back flow move's effortlessly, with complete fluidity between Don Juan production and DJ Fresh's ability to rock the crowd, creates a highly distinctive sound that is unmistakably their own. Tired of hearing about sex, money, and drugs? Want a Hip Hop cd you can listen to with your kids in the car? This cd was made for you.

Perelli was a huge impact during Sha Money XL's Producers Conference, signing 3 new artists to his Heat Advisory Records camp.

http://www.heatadvisoryrecords.com

SNAPSHOT OF C.E.D. Entertainment Distribution, Inc.
C.E.D Entertainment Distribution, Inc. is an Independent Music Distributor for the North America and Canada.

OVERVIEW
The national distribution of independent music is encumbered by major record labels that control conventional retail. C.E.D. Entertainment Distribution, Inc. eliminates the burden for record stores who seek to qualify independent music for shelf placement while providing every level of Independent music with an opportunity for national and regional distribution. With C.E.D Entertainment Distribution, the Independent labels can pass through a channel of major label influence and gain access to the music consumers.

PURPOSE
C.E.D. Entertainment Distribution, Inc. serves independent artists while fulfilling the needs of music retailers who want to increase foot traffic into their stores. Artists seeking distribution have long been frustrated by restrictive label contracts, lack of attention and limited access to the marketplace. C.E.D. Entertainment Distribution, Inc. creates a fully integrated environment where they can develop and progress their careers and distribution potential. Many independents lack reach, accessibility and the tools necessary to provide effective distribution to the general market place - C.E.D. Entertainment Distribution, Inc. is the number one source to overcome these obstacles.

C.E.D. Entertainment Distribution, Inc. can be the solution for any independent label seeking national or regional distribution. All part of our dedication to provide the absolute best service to our Independent labels.

**************************************************
C.E.D. Entertainment Distribution’s FAQ’s from their website:
**************************************************
Who is C.E.D Entertainment Distribution?

C.E.D. Entertainment Distribution is a distribution company that exclusively distributes independent labels.

Is C.E.D Entertainment a record label?

No, we're an independent distributor for independent labels.

Can you distribute an individual artist not on a label?

Yes, we can distribute an artist, band, group, or label, as long as they have can activity generate response for their release.

How can I get my label distributed through C.E.D. Entertainment Distribution?

By completing our easy one step process, your label can be distributed by C.E.D. Entertainment Distribution. After you (1) Downloaded and mailed or emailed us the general submission form with your music to C.E.D. Entertainment Distribution. Once you have completed your registration, someone from the Review Department will contact you.

I'm a distributor / one-stop / wholesaler, how can I carry C.E.D. Entertainment Distribution products?

We can set you up to sell C.E.D. Entertainment Distribution products in your stores, please email, fax or call us via our contact page with your request.

Can I get “in-store-play” promos and posters for my store?

Yes, C.E.D. Entertainment Distribution can supply you with posters and promos for your store. Simply let us know who, what and where it needs to be shipped.

For further information, please email us at
infodesk@cedentertainment.com.

Once I receive distribution, how long will it be before I see my products in the stores?

The sales process for digital distribution will take four weeks to code your ISRC to the digital sites and 60-90 days to sell your release to the key accounts for general distribution.

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To Learn More About C.E.D. Entertainment Distribution, Inc. and how they can help you, go to:

http://www.cedentertainment.com

- Award Bestowed for Service to Musicians -

New York, NY – March 1, 2007 – James Citkovic, president of Countdown Entertainment, Inc., and Hire a Consultant, was a finalist for an Award of Excellence from the music industry’s Goodnight Kiss Music, based in Hollywood, California. The Award of Excellence, begun in 2006 by Goodnight Kiss founder Janet Fisher, is for outstanding professional service to musicians and was created as a tribute to those who help musicians navigate the twists and turns of the music industry.

“I’m honored to be nominated for this Award of Excellence in recognition of my 30 years’ service to musicians worldwide,” Citkovic says from his offices in New York City. “Sharing knowledge and information among musicians, producers and others in the music industry is one of the best ways to foster new talent and help musicians of all genres turn their dreams into reality.”

The awards process started in early 2006, when Fisher put out a call for nominations. She received a plethora of letters and recommendations from her subscriber base, with Citkovic’s name mentioned in many of them. She then narrowed down the list to 10 industry professionals, and continued to request nominations. After Thanksgiving she winnowed the list of nominees to three people who were consistently being lauded by grateful artists.

In addition to Citkovic, the other two finalists were Marc-Alan Barnette and Jamey Whiting. The winner, Marc-Alan Barnette, was announced just before Christmas in Fisher’s newsletter for songwriters and music industry professionals. Goodnight Kiss is sent out several times per month to 6,000 subscribers.

Fisher said, “I would have been delighted to give all three the award. Industry professionals, who take the time to help musicians and songwriters further their careers, are, at the same time, helping to elevate industry standards. They deserve to be recognized.”

James Citkovic, who founded Countdown Entertainment in 1983, has been an entertainment manager and intellectual property licensing manager for over 30 years, representing clients as diverse as platinum recording artist Irene Cara, Grammy-nominated producer/mixer/writer Chris Conway (Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes), producer, songwriter and film composer Ken Tamplin, hip hop artists Wood Ready and scores of other successful singers, songwriters, musicians and producers.

In addition to being active in music publishing and soundtrack placements, he also has been very successful brokering international intellectual property licensing deals with major music publishing catalogues (The Ramones, Elvis Presley), and masters of major artists. Several of his deals have run to the millions of dollars in revenue for his artists and musicians.

Addressing the changing needs of the music industry, in 2002 James founded Hire A Consultant, a division of Countdown Entertainment, where he provides clients with his expertise in all areas of the entertainment industry as a Consultant, and, in particular, the music industry, from placing music in films and TV to providing experienced professional advice for musicians, singers, songwriters, composers, producers and unsigned bands and groups. He is also a talent scout for major and independent record labels.

To Learn More visit:

http://www.countdownentertainment.com

http://www.goodnightkiss.com

To see how simple it can be to make some basic Guitar TABs of songs, check out these at Guitar-Music-TABs.com:

http://www.guitar-music-tabs.com/keane-tabs/

Writing down guitar TABS of your own music and songs, can be these simple and you can then offer them to your Fans. Keep your Fans learning about your music and about what you are working on.

If you have an idea for a new Riff, or if you are working on some new music, maybe even offer what you have as TABS on your site or send them out to your Fan-base via email to see if anyone can add to them and refine them into something better than you could do on your own.

Interaction with your Fans can build a stronger relationship with them a more responsive one.

Imagine writing a new song that your Fans were part of the process on… Do you think they would want to see, hear and feel you play it live or get a copy of the song when you offer it for sale?

Templedom from the UK

Recently, I got an email from Tim of the Band Templedom. The Band hails from Leicester UK. So all that are in Britain look them up if you like the cool smooth music and songs Templedom creates. If you live anywhere else in the world, you can connect with them easily through their MySpace page online.

Templedom is still developing their Fan Base and their regular performance schedule. They have a good ability at recording and have proven to be effective at producing good results. After listening to their songs, I could see that they are fully capable at getting some positive results shopping their music around for licensing deals to produce more income for their Band.

Even without a strong show circuit already in place or a large Fan Base, you can make good money off of circulating your music for licensing work. Just stay within strong time parameters when you finally submit to opportunities. Learn more by reading the article: Record Company CEO Shares BIG Moneymaking Secrets for TV Music, dated: Wednesday, December 13, 2006

If you have a song recorded, you can sell the short-term use rights to others for income.

There are many good companies out there to help you make money with licensing. Two companies are:

• http://www.taxi.com
• http://www.rumblefish.com

Learn more about Templedom and listen to some of their sample tracks at:

http://www.indiestore.com/templedom

http://www.myspace.com/templedom

The following was found in The Columbus Dispatch

Monday, February 26, 2007
Tracy Turner
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Meijer Idol?

Budding local singers and musicians hoping to sell more CDs now may do so, with the help of a grocery chain.

Meijer, a Michigan-based chain of 176 superstores, is conducting its own version of American Idol.

The company is promoting a new program to sell homegrown music in its stores. Called Outside the Mainstream, the program allows an unsigned singer, group or musician to have their previously recorded CD sold in Meijer stores chainwide.

A new performer will be chosen each month, said Stacie Behler, a Meijer spokeswoman. The CDs will cost $7.49 each and will be featured in the grocer’s ad circulars, which are sent weekly to 7 million households in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky, Behler said.

Meijer has 14 central Ohio stores.

By supporting local talent, Meijer hopes in turn to create regional loyalty to its stores.

"The goal is to bring some of the talent we find in our own backyards to a wider audience than they can normally reach by themselves," Behler said. "We’re fresh thinkers, and we like to be first to the market with new products."

Meijer, which is a private company, has the ability to "take a chance and do something different," Behler said.

"There’s a huge market of fledgling singers and musicians that we’d like to tap into."

While competitions or promotions like this are a bit unusual for a grocery, they’re in line with a trend that has grocers increasing their ties with local communities, said Tom Jackson, president of the Ohio Grocers Association.

Most grocers already donate money to schools or civic organizations. In many cases, they also put more emphasis on locally produced products.

"Any time you can be considered ‘local,’ you will be perceived better and considered to be paying attention to the community" in your marketplace, Jackson said.

The first artist chosen was Joshua Davis, a singer from Lansing, Mich. His CD, Fool Rooster, went on sale at Meijer this month. Meijer will purchase 1,000 of the selected artists’ CDs and sell them in its stores.

To see the original article or to see more stories from The Columbus Dispatch go to:

http://www.columbusdispatch.com/emailme/emailme.php?story=dispatch/2007/02/26/20070226-B6-01.html

How to Apply

Dear Bands,

Of all of the things that are in the world, there are certain things that each one of us find critical. I believe, one of the most important things are our dreams.

When you set out to create a Band, what did you visualize, feel, and hear inside? What was it that drove you to follow the path that helped you create your Band and get in front of people to perform? Well, whatever it was… I hope you still know it and keep it at the top of your mind. This is what is important to you.

As a Band, you are bound to your Bandmates.

If you are signed, make it big, or however it works out for you to be a success as a Band; you will be working with your Bandmates. Keep this in mind.

Your Band is your Team for the duration of the existence of your Band… if you want to succeed. You will have to get through arguments. You will have to learn business skills and help each other out by filling in for each other’s weaknesses. You will have to work together for longer hours than you ever thought you would have to. Enjoy this. It is all part of that reason you chose to start and become a Band.

Imagine yourself as the successful Band you want to be. See that ten years from now you are still working with the same people. Some Bandmates are working together still thirty years later, or more. Are you thinking about that now as you commit your energy to the Band? Are you making choices and taking action now that will make that journey fun?

You are in control of your future and your dream. You make the choices that make your future – right now. Put your time in now the way you want to in the future.

Happy Banding.
Sincerely,

Eric Christian Smith

Beat Wire is an easy and effective way to get press. Announcing your CD release, upcoming tour or any other music- related event has never been so easy. Just send Beat Wire your press release and they will deliver it to thousands of top music journalists, radio programmers, freelance reviewers and Web site editors.

In the world of independent music, performers, many times, must be their own publicists. And as you very well know, the most efficient promotional tool is a press release. A highly targeted press release campaign can get you more publicity than thousands of advertising dollars ever will.

Whether it's a new CD, upcoming tour, charity concert, Web site update or any other music-associated event you want to announce, there is hardly anything more potentially rewarding than a positive response to a well-written press release.

As a result of a half page press release, Beat Wire’s clients--independent musicians like you--have had their music featured in major media outlets like Yahoo.com, LA Times, Washington Post, CNN, Chicago Tribune, Entertainment Weekly, ABCNews.com, USA Today and New York Times to name just a few.

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Learn more by going to:

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