#397: When to go Against the Grain
Music Business Hacks
It seems almost everyone is in Austin right now for SXSW...and that's a good reminder that sometimes it can be beneficial to go against the grain. When trends, movement, or industries all appear to go one in one direction, when is it right for you to do something else that can help you stand out from the masses?
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#396: How to Create a Tour Budget
Music Business Hacks
If you're thinking about going on tour, you'll want to listen to this episode first. Resources: On Merchandise: Episode 26: Episode 31: On Touring: Episode 33: Episode 36: Episode 107: Episode 108: Episode 155:
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#395: How to Create Demand for Your Music Through Momentum
Music Business Hacks
Do ever notice how sometimes the press can't stop talking about certain artists? Have you experienced times when you felt unstoppable creatively? Or have you ever struggled to get something started? These are instances of momentum. If you want to create demand, you have to understand how to create momentum. That's when and where you should invest in your career.
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#394: How to Build a Better Team
Music Business Hacks
Whether you are looking for band members, a team to help the business aspects of your career, or a producer, it is important to have the right process in place so that you can get the most out of the relationship. In addition, you want to save time - yours and theirs - by avoiding relationships and that simply won't work in the long run. Keep these four steps in mind: Have clear expectations and goals Answer: What does success look like? Answer: What is the return on investment for everyone involved? Sign an agreement RESOURCES: Episode #8: Episode #24:
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#393: Continuous Improvement Methodology and Music
Music Business Hacks
How can a business efficiency practice designed for factories be used and adapted for musicians looking to advance their career? Today, we talk about continuous improvement methodology and how those ideas can improve nearly every area of your music, from more effective rehearsals and stage performances to getting better responses to booking emails and better paying gigs. Resources:
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#392: Spotify, The Long Tail, and Is Music in Trouble?
Music Business Hacks
There's a lot of talk about Spotify these days: whether it is creating a disservice to musicians, how it is impacting the music industry at large, and whether it is worth it to dance with them. But distribution is beside the point. Real music-preneurs know that there's a much more important conversation to be had about strategy, audiences, and building a sustainable career.
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#391: Write a Better Story
Music Business Hacks
Most artists understand that storytelling is an essential skill for developing better lyrics. Some also know that it can help with writing a stronger biography as well. However, we can apply the best practices of storytelling to more than just traditional narrative - it can also impact your live show, your pitches, and how you can connect with audiences in other ways, too. Resources: Other storytelling episodes: – Storytelling part 1: Creating an emotional arc – Storytelling part 2: Lyrics – Storytelling part 3: Writing a better bio/press release – Storytelling...
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#390: Artist Infrastructure Checklist
Music Business Hacks
Infrastructure is important for organizations and communities to thrive. What about artist infrastructure? Today, I talk about the supports that you need so that you'll be able to leverage big moments and be prepared to execute your plans.
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#389 - How to Negotiate Better Pay for Your Shows
Music Business Hacks
Negotiation is a critical skill for artists to develop a sustainable career yet so few make the time or effort to grow in this area. Today, we'll talk about how you can negotiate for a guarantee or better pay for your shows but the same tactics can be used to get better deals with sponsors, record labels, merchandise/vendors, and more. Here are some of my favorite resources for negotiation: BOOK: by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz YOUTUBE CHANNEL: negotiation training channel ARTICLES: (Last Stop Booking)
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#388: Predictions for an Uncertain Music Industry
Music Business Hacks
Today, we're discussing what you can expect from the music industry in 2022. There's no doubt that there are many changes on the horizon, but here's what you can do to prepare and make the most out of the moment.
info_outlineI'm making a few predictions for how/when live, in-person music shows will return. If you want to be set for performances, then you better be prepared!
Resources & Related Episodes:
To optimize merchandise:
Episode #26: How to Calculate Return on Investment from Merchandise
Episode #31: How to Get Better Pricing from Merch Suppliers
Episode #39: 8 Tips to Help You Sell More Merchandise
Episode #50: Supplies Every Merch Bin Should Have
Episode #59: The Best Ideas of March:Merchandise, Digital Marketing, and the Interviews
Episode #205: Hacks for Merch Booths at Conventions, Street Fairs, and Events
Episode #287: Dropshipping Your Merchandise with Print on Demand
Episode #342: Making Your Own Merchandise
How to Get Sponsorships:
Episode #178 – Hacking Sponsorships pt. 1 – How to Pitch Sponsors
Episode #179 – Hacking Sponsorships pt. 2- Creating a Compelling Story
Episode #180 – Hacking Sponsorships pt. 3 – Finding Your “It Factor”
Episode #181 – Hacking Sponsorships pt. 4 – Connecting with Sponsors
Episode #182 – Hacking Sponsorships pt. 5 – Making Your List of Sponsors
Episode #183 – Hacking Sponsorships pt. 6 – Places to Find Even More Sponsors
Episode #184 – Hacking Sponsorships pt. 7 – How to Ask for What You Want
Episode #185 – Interview: How Whitherward God Subaru to Sponsor Their European Tour
Perfecting Your Stage Show:
Episode #4: Don’t practice. Rehearse instead.
Episode #43: Why Every Musician Should Have a Post-Show Game Plan
Episode #198: How to Captivate an Audience from Start to Finish