Comments for Marketing Musician

Comment on Holding Efficient Auditions by Anne Roos

Anne Roos — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:19:01 +0000

If they have played in other bands or have recorded with others, ask musicians and engineers about the musicians before you ever meet to audition. Get recommendations and references first. You’ll find out if you even want to invite them to an audition.

Other musicians and engineers will tell you about a person’s musical ability, as well as whether they take instruction or argue a lot, whether they are on time to gigs or not, and whether they get drunk or high before or during a gig. I’ve learned to find out as much as I can about a potential ensemble member BEFORE inviting them to audition.

Comment on Holding Efficient Auditions by Barb Dye

Barb Dye — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:07:42 +0000

I also made up a list of pertinent questions that were very important. For instance, if your band practices on Tu & Th and the potential member works on those days, that could be a very real problem for your band. You might also want to ask about being married and number of children — those can really get into the “work” of the band. Ask if the person wants to play covers or originals or is willing to work on both. Ask each of the current band members to come up with a couple of questions regarding things that are important to them! And make sure the potential member has transportation of his/her own — nothing like having a band member that someone has to pick up for practices and shows (and who’s taking the drum kit???)

Comment on Taking Credit Cards At Gigs by David Hooper

David Hooper — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:29:38 +0000

I’ve been blown away with Square. A good discount rate, no monthly fees, easy-to-use, etc.

CD Baby also has an option for taking credit cards at gigs. Not quite as fancy though…

Comment on Additional Income Stream For Musicians by David Hooper

David Hooper — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:26:21 +0000

oDesk is a great site, but something to consider is that the majority of people are non-US workers and, unless you have a specialty, such as podcasting or musician skills, you’re going to be competing on price and that won’t be a living wage for US workers. Maybe $3/hour for data entry, SEO (like link building), or research. In addition, many non-specialized projects get HUNDREDS of bids.

Regarding cover songs only 30 seconds long, it probably has something to do with the RIAA rule that allows you to stream them without paying royalties. This is why all iTunes and Amazon samples are only 30 seconds.

If you’ve got a good voice, or just a unique one, Voice123.com is a similar site that specializes in voiceover work. A good match for musicians, I think, as many already have the needed recording equipment.

Comment on Proper Communication Techniques to Connect With Fans by Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:42:36 +0000

Thanks Dave!
Still plugging away at the music machine, but have branched out to other art forms and am happy to be able to stay in the Art world!
Good to hear your good words of wisdom!
Staying warm in the snowy north!
Rachel

Comment on Stageit Another Way To Tour in Your Pajamas by Rich Palmer

Rich Palmer — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:12:52 +0000

Just another thought… most of the musicians at StageIt have the opportunity to promote their current products — if you scroll to the bottom of the show schedule page you will see their albums there. Also, many of them provide video of performances that you can preview — if you don’t know who they are. Such as: http://www.stageit.com/stevie_coyle/some_holiday_stuffs/5862 The performer video button is just under the show details info at the top of the page. Performer web sites are linked, as well. And, if you’re willing to risk losing (OMG, it’s so much!) $2 — which is the price of most of the shows, you’ll probably find someone new you’ve never seen or heard. My show as “pay as you can”. One person paid .50, another paid 1.00. Didn’t bother me in the least.

Comment on Stageit Another Way To Tour in Your Pajamas by Rich Palmer

Rich Palmer — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:07:30 +0000

Can’t really do this one in your PJs unless you don’t mind everyone watching. The problem with UStream is that it is bloated with far too many adverts these days. And Mixlr, obviously, won’t be a video performance. I had a blast with my show. See your email for some more info about a show I watched by Glen Phillips.

Comment on Proper Communication Techniques to Connect With Fans by Anne Roos

Anne Roos — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:59:25 +0000

Fantastic info, Dave! Thank you for sharing it. By the way, if anyone would like to have their info written for them and they don’t want to fuss with remembering 1st, 2nd, or 3rd person, check out my newest website services at http://www.yourwebwriter.com.

Thank you again, Dave!

Comment on Additional Income Stream For Musicians by Anne Roos

Anne Roos — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 21:33:44 +0000

I personally like GigSalad.com. You can list yourself as a musician, entertainer, speaker, you name it. I’ve landed some really great corporate gigs from people who found me there.

Anne
http://www.celticharpmusic.com
Author of “The Musician’s Guide to Brides: How to Make Money Playing Weddings”, published by Hal Leonard Books
AND I’m branching out, too. Visit my new site at http://www.YourWebWriter.com

Comment on Build Your Band’s Website by Dave King

Dave King — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:14:19 +0000

Hey Dave,

It would be great if you could post some links to sites that were created using your service.