Network offline - not just online

This article made me think about how true it is that networking in the music business is absolutely crucial to your chances of success.

As a DIY musician you need every break you can get and you never know who might help you climb the slippery pole.

To effectively manage affairs for your artist, you’re going to have to master both the ability to rock Twitter and Facebook, while being the “boots on the ground” support to connect with booking agents, press, and street team leaders during the early stages of an artist’s project.

In my own experience, I find that you need to be where your scene is - at the gigs and clubs obviously. But there are other bars and coffee shops where music business people hang out. It's not all late night!

And don't just think what someone can do for you. Think about how you can help them. It's a network, not a private gang of helpers!

Read the post and the one it links to here.

Guerilla gigging is alive and well....and sometimes a bit corporate!

I saw two cases of guerilla gigging this week that caught my eye and so I thought I should just remind everyone that it's still a great idea to attract attention.

That's exactly what this band, Brother, did in the UK. Note the quality of the video (not essential, but engaging) and the persistence! This band are very hot right now and about to sign a deal. How much of a part did this play? At least some. As ever though - they're a great band too.

Watch the video on their site here.

Then, I saw that Urban Outfitters were sponsoring a series of guerilla gigs in the US.

Read about that here.

It seems that the new game in town is getting the generator and the flip mino camera out and get double impact for that guerilla gig.

Check out our main site for more music marketing tips.

Fit your music marketing in to your everyday life

As an aspiring artist you are looking for every spare minute to up your music marketing game. And you should.

But, it doesn't mean that you have to give up your life - work the promotion and marketing into what you do everyday.

Chances are good that you will be wearing several ‘hats’ as you attempt to establish your new band on the scene. Sure, you make great music and that’s the most important thing. But you are also the only one who is promoting your music—so you act as a marketer, PR rep, advertiser, web guru, and business manager—sometimes all in the same day!  And of course, you probably have a whole existence outside the band, too.  Family, friends, a day job—you know— a life.

You don’t have to bring your whole life to a standstill just to be in a band. Your music is a part of who you are—so take it with you everywhere you go. Here are some ways that you can promote your band while going about your daily business.

Read the whole list here.

Split gigs with bands you don't even know

We looked at the issue of bands needing to find somewhere to stay in order to be able to tour in this post - Fans connect to make touring easier.

But, what about getting the gigs themselves? After all, playing live is the most direct way to promote your music.

Well this new site aims to hook bands up with others who are looking to split gigs. Simple.

 

 

20 reasons why musicians get stuck at a local level

There is no reason why any artist shouldn't reach a worldwide audience these days with all the possibilities afforded by online music promotion, but many still stall in their local scene.

I came across this great article that lists 20 of the reasons why.

Ever wonder why some talented local musicians never get that elusive record deal? Or why the careers of some signed artists or American Idols stall out just past the starting gate? It’s not just “bad luck.” Here are 20 common reasons why some artists never make it to the next level:

Read the list of 20 reasons here.

Why every band needs to be on Twitter

I love twitter and often talk about twitter for musicians.

But many musicians think tweeting all day is a waste of time.

It's not - it's really important and can give you amazing breaks. Read this article to see how:

Everyone at Ditto Music has played in bands and we know how hard you guys work. The long hours, the sacrifices, all for the love of music and perhaps that one big break. With the rise of social media (Myspace/Facebook/Twitter) over the last few years there are PLENTY of free tools available for artists to get your music heard by the right people and also grow your fanbase. Just because they are free doesn't mean they can't be your most powerful tool. Your music deserves to be heard and you've spent all your time and money perfecting it. So let's talk about how Twitter, used well, can be the most powerful tool you can have.

Read the whole thing here.

You can't push your music at fans

The internet allows artists to spread their music in a myriad of ways in an attempt to build a fanbase.

But, often, this comes across as salesy and hyped. So, although the playing field has been levelled, it seems that there is still a need for a filter that people can trust that will validate your art.

Yes, you can persuade fans one by one online or in the real world by pushing music at them, but isn't it better to be everywhere with a following wind of recommendation?

Have you ever been in a subway in any major city and have seen a musician with a box of tapes or CDs saying 'hey check out my music!'? Maybe that musician was on a street corner or outside of a club, but it’s all the same idea. These musicians are pushing music at you, expecting you to listen because they say it's good.

Now take a step back and look at what musicians, yourself included, are doing through social media: 

Pushing, Pushing and PUSHING!

Whether you realize it or not, 'promoting', or spamming your music in this sense is exactly the same as sitting in a subway stop and telling people to listen to your music. It is a complete waste of time and is not by any means a recommended way to build a strong fan base and increase sales.

What is the biggest problem with this situation?

Read a great piece on this from Mic Control.