HowToBand.com Blog

The New Publisher-Release Version of the Paperback book is formatted and ready for press. The ISBN is set: ISBN 1-4303-0109-0, for the 10-Digit ISBN and ISBN 978-1-4303-0109-7, for the 13-Digit ISBN number. The paperback book will be circulating into the wholesaler Ingram’s catalog within the next few weeks, allowing the book to be accessed by online and brick and mortar bookstores like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

The new design is useful and helpful. Check out the sample pages starting at:
http://www.howtoband.com/book_cover.html

For a powerful firsthand insight, get hold of the video “New York Doll – The Movie”.

On the video, in the bonus features, Morrissey (of The Smiths) has a twenty-minute interview that shares the story of the real group “The New York Dolls”. It shares an amazing insight into the incredible pop songs (as they are believed to be by many people) that this band created. It also shares the tragedy to the fact that they didn’t get to enjoy the benefits of making a living off of their wonderful contribution to the pop music world.

The New York Dolls and New York Doll - The Movie - Interview with Morrissey (of The Smiths) is worth investigating.

Making good music isn’t enough. It is a sad truth that there are more people who can create incredible music then there are people you will ever hear of or see make a living at it. Why? Because of the simple skills of business… So many people, in some way or another, never get around to learning some simple business skills to help them make money with their music or band. Nor do they add people to their band team to do the business side of their work for them.

I agree that not everyone should be business savvy. However, if you want to make a living at playing or creating music… It is important to add people to your band (build a team) that are business savvy.

Through my life so far, I have seen some pretty amazing musicians all over the world. Even when I was in Russia some years back, I met and hung out with an incredible pianist singer that not only could play cover tunes, but also create music on the fly. With this known, he also was a very powerful performer and could work small and large crowds comfortably. The only difficulty he had was that it was a difficult time in Russia, free enterprise wasn’t that safe an adventure and business type personalities were not around to help him build his team.

Just as you look for and choose a Bass Player, Guitarist, Singer, Drummer, or whoever else you need for your onstage band… Choose various business band members that work off-stage to help you. Your Band isn’t just the group onstage in the spotlight.

Take advantage of the all of the simple choices you can make… Build a good Entertainment Business Team around your band, and learn some business basics for yourself so others don’t take you advantage of you. Make a living at playing and creating music.

The following article was originally posted Nov 17, 2003, 14:51 PST on GetSigned.com, seen at: http://www.getsigned.com/minihan1.html

Can’t find a gig? Get out on the street!
by Kevin Minihan
Nov 17, 2003, 14:51 PST
©2003 Kevin Minihan. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Advice: Playing Live
Can’t find a gig? Get out on the street! by Kevin Minihan
[Nov 17, 2003, 14:51 PST]

Rule number one for aspiring musicians is what? Anyone? Practice makes perfect? Well… yes, but what kind of practice? I’ll spell it out for you. You need to… no; you MUST practice playing live, in front of an audience! I know this sounds obvious and many people before me have preached this truth so… why aren’t you doing it? I can hear the frustrated moans of many of you saying, “I can’t get a gig to use as practice!” Well my friends, this is simply not true. If this is your excuse, then I want to take this opportunity to crush it once and for all. There is a way you can get a gig any day of the week. It is the underutilized practice of performing on the ‘streets’.

No more excuses!
Any person, or band, can play on the street. True, it is easier if you are a solo acoustic performer, but with the advancement of battery powered amplifiers (and even PA’s) the old excuses of, “But I play electric guitar” or “What about our bass player?” just don’t hold any weight anymore. I would suggest that your band play an acoustic set (just for the ease of set up) but, if you must play electric, get yourself battery powered immediately (also, small gas powered electric generators are very quiet and inexpensive these days).

Where should I play?
The options here are endless. Really, anywhere there are a large number of people! The best spots, however, seemed to be areas where people are seeking entertainment and have money in their pockets. If your town has a cool entertainment district or just an area where the popular clubs and restaurants are located, by all means pick a corner there. If there is a part of town that has outdoor cafes, set up within ear shot of them. In my town, for example, there is a commercial development that has a movie theater right next to row of bars, restaurants and shops. People in these types of areas will be more open to listening to your music, plus they will have money in their pockets which, hopefully, they will use to tip you or to purchase your CD (which you WILL have prominently displayed next to you). You can even set up on a corner next to an arena where a national band (that fits your genre of music) is playing and swipe some of their fans. There are hundreds of possibilities; use your head and come up with some new ideas. Where do you hang out? Where do your potential fans hang out?

What to watch out for
Two things you need to be wary of; cops and criminals. Call your local police department or city hall to check on the city’s laws for street performances. For example, some cities do not allow performers on certain types of city owned property, etc. Although they would probably just ask you to leave, you don’t want to risk getting a ticket. You also need to be careful and avoid the ‘shadier’ parts of town. Don’t tempt some crook into taking your hard earned tip money. Stay in well lit areas. Play only in high traffic locations. Use your common sense here. You don’t want to be standing by yourself, late at night, on a dark street with $100 in small bills lying at your feet. Don’t make yourself an easy target for a robbery.

Get out there and enjoy the secret benefit
Beside the obvious benefits of earning tip money, making CD sales and getting valuable ‘live’ practice, there is another benefit that will surprise you. That is the incredible boost in self confidence you get after your first street performance. Let’s face it; playing out in an ‘unknown’ environment may seem a little frightening at first. But once you sing that first note and get that first tip you will be on cloud nine! Once you’ve mastered playing on the street, you will be able to play anywhere with complete confidence. Now, get out there and play!

About the Author:
Kevin Minihan is a musician, writer, jack of all trades (master of none!) residing in the questionable outskirts of Dallas, TX. He plays in 3 bands and never gets enough sleep. When he is not playing music, he is writing about it. He enjoys sharing his experience and knowledge with other musicians. Along with writing articles for this and other websites, Kevin plans to write a series of books in order to help others achieve their dreams of success in the music business.

Resource site to get your band signed.
http://www.getsigned.com/

For those looking to make money with Big Music Industry Executives in addition to earning extra fast money as Band small business, check out the continually updated list on TAXI.com seen at: http://www.taxi.com/industry.php?Listings-column-ad

TAXI keeps an updated list of postings from record companies, publishers, and film & TV music supervisors at the above listed link. And if you are a TAXI member, you can submit responses directly to the listings.

What do you bring to the stage? Do you share your passion as you play? How do others see you, hear you, and feel you?

It is critical to be true to yourself and to share your passion with your audience. If you try to do a false act, or try to share untrue emotions through your performance, your audience will detect it and turn away. What do you bring to your audience?

In this article, you can see some raw video footage I caught of Larissa Rudeen at her house with her family. Larissa, an 18-year-old Blues Musician, plays her song, "Boss Man". She plays with passion whenever she shares her songs. And I wanted to catch her unique and focused performance on video. For Larissa, it doesn’t seem to matter where or when she plays her songs for you, she plays it with 100% focus.

Musicians... Ask yourself do you share this kind of passion when you play for others?

See Larissa in action singing her song, “Boss Man” (below). This is a no frills performance with no special lighting, sound, atmosphere, or location… Just her and her guitar.

[youtube]oRbx7QLSv_0[/youtube]

A strong and unique true-to-you performance will make you worth talking about. Do you have anything that makes you stand out? Please share it with me… you can easily email me on the site: www.HowToBand.com. There is an easy-access-direct-email portal on the site on the ‘Contact’ page. Or just email me at: Eric@HowToBand.com

INFO: You can learn more about Larissa Rudeen by visiting her at: www.MySpace.com/LarissaRudeen

You can get powerful tips from watching this video on the focus, decisions, goals, and vision that it can take to succeed with your band – Indie, Signed, or just gigging around.

The video is VH1’s docudrama (or Rockumentary) movie, “Hysteria: The Def Leppard Story.” Made in 2001. Get it from Netflix, Amazon.com, catch it viewing on VH1 sometime, or wherever else you can find it… it is well worth it.

Get Professional Insider Tips from VH1 Video - Hysteria: The Def Leppard Story

A key point I enjoyed in the film was when the lead singer, Joe Elliott, first joined forces with his fellow bandmates, he had sketches already of his dream band name with various future artifacts to represent achieved goal points. Examples of this are a mock ticket of a ‘SOLD OUT’ show, a poster, an advertisement, and more.

Learn from the professionals. Read articles and books about them, watch videos and movies about them, and learn from what they did right to help launch them forward. Role Models are critical to making your path to the top quick and easy.

When building a fan base you will need a method to communicate with them on a regular basis. Make sure you build a solid email mailing list and have a great newsletter. Set up a newsletter and allow people to sign up via your website, and at every show you play. You might even include some incentives to sign up for your newsletter.

Invest in some buttons or stickers which you will give away for free at your show when people join the mailing list. Your newsletter is a critical and direct form of communication with your fan base.

Make sure to use your newsletter to inform fans of your tour dates, new songs and studio updates. Keep the newsletters to a bi monthly schedule. You don't want to over do it and have your fans unsubscribe and you don't want them to forget about your upcoming shows either.

If you really want to be innovative try setting up a text message mailing list. When people join your email mailing list ask for this information
Name
Email
Phone Number
City & State

Add all your emails to your newsletter and organize phone numbers by city and state. With these phone numbers you can create text message newsletters by city. So 24 hours before you play a show in Seattle. You can send out a text message to every fan in the Seattle area to remind them of your show. I haven't seen anyone really do this effectively yet. But it will become the norm in the next few years.

Posted By Alex @ 12:00 AM, Sunday, September 10th, 2006, on the Artist Tips Blog on iSOUND.COM

One of the first goals a band should shoot for is to make it big in your state. Bands that do well in a state tend to get national recognition. Here are a few tips on creating some buzz around your band.

Play as many local shows as you can. Get to know all the good local bands and team up with them to put on shows in different cities in your state. Go on weekend tours. If your in Washington State for example. Play in Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle, Everett, and then head over to Eastern Washington and play the Tri Cities & Spokane.

Look for opportunities to team up with local business's or non profits. Non Profits love the help and they have many more resources at their disposal and are more likely to promote the event via media outlets.

Perform at as many high schools or colleges as you can. These are actually rather easy to set up. It is more about finding the right person to talk to. Once you know who is in charge of booking shows for various school activities you'll be all set. Ask to play any festivals, school assemblies, parties, freshman orientation, back to school & end of school year events.

Every state and community has local websites dedicated to the state local scene. Find all of these local state communities where you can promote your upcoming local shows and band news. You can find local state communities on livejournal, myspace, yahoo groups, etc.

Get to know the influential people in your community. There are people in every scene that are naturally popular, they are trendsetters and people gravitate to them. When they speak people listen and they can sometimes make or break a band. When they say "this band rocks, or they put on an awesome live show" people will buy the album and will show up the show. So look for those kids, get to know them, and be sure to give them a free CD or invite them to a show.

Finally get as much press as you can. Make contacts with the local high school newspaper editors, college newspaper editors, zines, regional newspapers, radio stations, and local tv programs. Send you press release out atleast twice a month to these media contacts, you don't want to annoy them with emails everyday. The press release should look and sound as professional as possible. If writing is not your thing then you will need to find a friend preferably an aspiring publicist or english major to help you out. Here are some examples of press release's we have received in the recent weeks.
http://www.isound.com/music_news/392
http://www.isound.com/music_news/394
http://www.isound.com/music_news/390
http://www.isound.com/music_news/381

When you send out your press release include tour dates, CD release parties, CD reviews, when the band enters the studio, accomplishments like sales figures or when you hit #1 on the iSOUND chart etc. Don't be afraid to Invite the local media to review your CD, and come see you live. Be sure to always include them on the guest list.

Create a local state buzz and national buzz will happen.

Posted By Alex @ 12:00 AM, Monday, September 25th, 2006, on the Artist Tips Blog on iSOUND.COM

Powerful promotion and money, money, money. As an unsigned band or musician, you have the freedom and mobility to earn extra fast money. Signed bands have too much legal paperwork and big corporation choices to go through before they can make some quick cash.

Check out Rumblefish. See: www.rumblefish.com

Screen shot of Rumblefish.com web site.

In a past startup company I was working with, we shared the same investor between the two companies. Rumblefish grew very well since it began and is giving great money making opportunities for indie bands and musicians of all kinds if you have what they are looking for.

You might have a song or even just a cool musical riff or hook that is just what they want for a client. Your music might get licensed on a commercial, video game, software, movie, internet web site, or somewhere else. That can give you money in your pocket.

Imagine the potential for International music marketing exposure.

Add them to your list of connections to check out for music money making opportunities and your music strategy marketing plan.

www.Rumblefish.com

Top 10 Highest Paid Musicians, Year 2005-2006:

1. U2 – Pay: $110 Million
2. Rolling Stones – Pay: $90 Million
3. The Eagles – Pay: $70 Million
4. Andrew Lloyd Webber – Pay: $56 Million
5. Bruce Springsteen – Pay: $55 Million
6. 50 Cent – Pay: $41 Million
7. Paul McCartney – Pay: $40 Million
8. Celine Dion – Pay: $40 Million
9. Neil Diamond – Pay: $35 Million
10. Elton John – Pay: $34 Million

(Source: Forbes, 2006, http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/53/Compen_Salary.html )

Have you ever thought of offering your song’s Guitar Tabs for Sale?

Giving your Song Lyric away for free by showing it on your web site is common and even offering the lyric for free on your CD or elsewhere is common. This helps your fans learn more about your music and what you are saying. However, The Guitar Tabs to your song music is more rare and some of your fans that play guitar would be interested in buying these from you.

You can offer them for sale at your shows, simply as black and white photocopies of the Tabs. Wrap them in a cover so people can’t see the tabs and put the song title on the cover along with the price for the tabs. Sell each one separate. Consider selling each one for about $3. You can also offer these for sale on your web site as a PDF download for the same price. It’s the information that they want so the price isn’t different - $3 each. You can have a PayPal account to process the orders.

This is another way for you to make money.

For many other good ways to make money, get your copy of “How To Make BIG MONEY with Your BAND - Any Style: Rock, Rap, Alternative, Punk, Jazz, Classical, or Country”. It is packed full of good information that will get you started right now. You can choose either the Print Version or the eVersion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Eric Smith is a recognized authority on business and the entertainment industry. His web site, www.HowToBand.com, provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on everything you'll ever need to know about making money as an unsigned band or musician. His book, “How To Make BIG MONEY with Your BAND” is a great resource for increasing your cash flow.

Think of what you naturally have to offer… What, instantly, would you say is a quality or skill that you excel at? Make sure you bring it to the stage and to your persona as a performer. This is what will make you memorable and easily described to others. This is what will sell you with out any extra effort.

Look at the video shown below this and notice what this young girl brings to her performance. I know it is offbeat and a little out there, however it is memorable and easily captivating.
[youtube]kMTx2vd527w[/youtube]

I was talking to a drummer yesterday. He asked me if I could think of an easy way for his band, Greenlander (MySpace URL: http://www.myspace.com/greenlandermusic ) - to get gigs. He asked if I knew of any Agents. I gave him the following response:

Greenlander

If Greenlander wants to get more gigs, they can get that quicker and easier by Expanding their Band. What do I mean by that? Well, think of the word band. In this context, it means, “A group of people united together.” As Greenlander the band is a group of people bound to each other for a unified purpose, a goal. So, by expanding their Band, they can add to the people that are always together helping each other.

To expand the band members, Greenlander can find a new member that will be passionate about getting gigs for the band. The drummer needs to be passionate about being onstage being a drummer, the guitarist – a guitarist on stage, the singer – a singer onstage, etc… The New member would be passionately focused on being the Greenlander Gig Booking Agent.

This new member of the “Band” wouldn’t be onstage performing. They would be offstage promoting, selling, and booking gigs for the “Band”.

There is someone around you that loves Greenlander, is passionate about music, is terrified of being onstage playing music, however would love to be part of the “Band”. And this person is passionate enough to learn how to excel at booking the band for shows. They most likely already have networking talents, or sales skills. They would love to be the Band Star, in a different way. In a hidden behind the scenes way, however knowing confidently they are part of the Band and a very important part of the Band.

Greenlander can simplify and increase gig bookings quickest by adding a New Band member. Think of how many people are part of the creation of a movie… How many are happy to be On Camera? And how many are happy to be the ones who did the makeup, the sets, the costumes, the directing, the producing, the camera work, the cinematography plan, the food during scene shots, the truck driving for the movie making equipment, etc… All of these people are happy and proud to have worked on the movie to make it a success. These people are happy to have done the role they did especially knowing that their special talents or skills were used to make it happen. A Band Succeeding is no different. The movie production team is everyone who worked on the film. The Band is everyone who is part of the Band working to get it to the unified goal.

The question now is… How many more members do you think your Band can benefit from having? Could you imagine seeing a band perform who had a costumer, a lighting person, a personal sound man, a gig/show booking person, a business manager, an event planner, a publicist, a recording expert, an Artistic Director, etc… What kind of show would that “Band” be able to produce?

Go get them Greenlander.
And – Have fun and make money.

- Eric

Iron Maiden, the band that Steve Harris began and built with a Business Man's skill.

Iron Maiden, the band that Steve Harris began and built with a Business Man's skill.If you have the time, watch the music video, “Iron Maiden: The Early Days (2-Disc Series) (2004)“. – Even if you aren’t into Iron Maiden as a Band.

If you look just at the business details shown, you will see the focus the band founder, bassist Steve Harris, gave to good music business skill.

From the very beginning he kept a business diary on Profits, Costs, Branding, Marketing, and Team Building. He put the band name in lights behind them when they played even at small clubs. He looked for band members that where focused on a business career of music and the passion to dedicate themselves. He didn’t hesitate to cut out anything or anyone from the band’s work that didn’t follow the band’s identity, style, and belief in the Brand.

Watch the Special Features on the video. That is where you will see all of this good information. I rented the video through my Netflix Subscription. It is historical shows for the band and

Have fun and make money.

- Eric

If you compare a professional act to a new local band, and look only at how the two start and end their show… You will see a big difference.

I won’t go into details now, however Dare You to see a local band and then watch a professional show (on video or live), and just pay attention to the band member’s entrance and exit.

What do you notice different? What can you do with your live shows to match the skill of the Professional Show? Be the Professional. You don’t need to spend big money to just simply enter and exit the stage like a pro.

Have fun and make money.

- Eric

If your not using MySpace as a Musician you are missing out on the benefits…

See:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=music

I know bands and independent musicians that promote themselves and build massive communities using MySpace (fans). Even if you aren’t a band yet and you are a songwriter, solo musician, or DJ. There is Power in the Networking ability on MySpace. It is worth using. And if you are already using it, are you using it the way you really can?

Go to MySpace Music and see what you can get.

Have fun and make money.

- Eric

Cingular offers you an easy way to make money with their - Ringtone Opportunity.

On MySpace.com Cingular has a Mobile Music Studio with an “Unsigned Artist Alert”…

See:
http://www.myspace.com/cingularstudio

You can go there, Create a ringtone from your original music, Sell the ringtone to your fans, and Earn money for the ringtone you sell!

They help promote you on their site and you can increase your in-pocket money and your fame.

Have fun and make money.

- Eric

Link: http://www.genesimmons.com/

Link: http://www.enigmaint.com/

Link: http://www.bouncinglight.com

Link: http://www.wakekite.com

An incredible and precise article called, “Five Mistakes Band & Label Sites Make”, was written in 2004 and still has power now. You can find the original article at:

http://www.43folders.com/2004/12/06/five-mistakes-band-label-sites-make/

It is worth reading.

The key mistakes pointed to are:

1. Too Much Flash Programming used - (It becomes to much to watch and finding information and products on your Band’s Web Site is hard).

2. Lack of mp3 metadata – (All the information about the song people download needs to be there in the saved file, including your website and email address so they can get more Music from you easily).

3. Too Artsy – (Keep your web site design clean and easy to navigate. Make it easy for your fans to get your lyrics, mp3’s, band information and products).

4. No Way to Search Your Web Site – (Have a search capability for your website so your fans can find what they want - Now. Google offers a good free one to search your site. It’s offered through Google’s AdSense Program. See: https://www.google.com/adsense/?hl=en_US&sourceid=aso&subid=ww-en_US-et-ads&medium=link ).

5. No Way to Communicate with You – (Make it easy for people to contact you and communicate with you on your Band Web Site. Include your phone number and email address, and respond when they email).

--
Follow these simple steps to make you easier to find, learn about, and buy from.

Keep Building Your Greatness.

- Eric

The Keyword of:

MUSIC

Was searched for 2,592,610 times in this last July, 2006.

Having a band puts you in a very popular business with a large demand. Do you have a website for your band? Do you have the word MUSIC for one of your Keywords? Are you selling things on your site? There will be people who love what you have to offer...

Check out the amount of searches people are making per month on your keyword topics at:

http://inventory.overture.com/d/searchinventory/suggestion/

Enjoy!

- Eric

On the Internet you can sell to more people than just those in your local area. You can sell to people around the world. The British Pound is worth about two times the American Dollar right now. Imagine if you found an interest in your band in Britain or even just in some of the products your band sells on its website… You could sell your items and make more money for each sale.

When people think of the phrase “Transfer Money Overseas”, they forget how they can transfer more valuable money overseas in the direction of their own home bank account. Sell your products online so that you can benefit from selling overseas (even while you sleep).

- Eric