From the category archives:

Inspiration

On being “real”

Inspiration

Seth Godin’s blog is another non-music website I think all working musicians should read. Godin has a rep as a marketing “guru” but I suspect his true talent is a keen grasp on what people really value in their lives. Godin has a great thought-provoking post today on the value of authenticity which really speaks [...]

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5 Questions with Michael Tarlowe of Virt Records

Inspiration

Michael Tarlowe started his independent label Virt Records in 2001 with a tight focus on the Triple-A and performing songwriter markets. Virt’s modest roster includes critically acclaimed artists Vienna Teng, Shane Nicholson and Brenda Weiler. New releases from husband-wife duo Ellery and San Francisco folk-popsters The Bittersweets are planned for 2006. When I discovered that [...]

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The power of audacity and other networking tips

Inspiration

This week I finished reading Never Eat Alone, Keith Ferazzi’s book on professional networking. There are some people who seem to be naturally adept at making connections with others; I’m not one of them. However, I personally feel that networking is totally a learned skill just like singing or playing an instrument. If you can [...]

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What is Square One?

Inspiration

I’ve been reading Kathy Sierra’s blog forever now and recommend her to almost every musician I know. Funny, because she writes about software development and learning, not music. But her ideas and observations are completely applicable to just about any profession, including working musicians. My latest favorite: Don’t forget square one, a reminder to keep [...]

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Global gigging via the Internet

Growing Your Audience

If you’re weary of hauling equipment from gig to gig and pouring your money into repairs for your tour van, you can always try what Scottish singer Sandi Thom did: set up a webcam in her basement. In a packed field of wannabe pop stars looking for exposure on the Web, [Thom] is attracting up [...]

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5 Questions with Ronan Chris Murphy, producer/engineer

Inspiration

To say Ronan Chris Murphy has had a varied and interesting career would be classic understatement. As a musician, he’s shared stages with The Flaming Lips and the Henry Rollins Band; as a producer and engineer he’s worked with King Crimson, Tony Levin, The California Guitar Trio and members of Tool, Ministry and Weezer. Ronan [...]

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Kid Rock a Whole New Ball Game

Inspiration

A recent article on CNN.com reports that although music sales in general might be on the decline, there is one genre of music that is boasting a rise in sales and popularity: kiddie rock. As an increasing number of parents started to express interest in music that would be appealing to both children and adults [...]

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5 Questions with Howlin’ Hobbit, busker

Inspiration

Last week I wrote about Howlin’ Hobbit and how he uses his unique talents to connect with his audience. This week, HH joins us for a quick interview about his experiences as a veteran busker. What do you think “typical” performing musicians can learn from buskers? How to take the pressure. How to think “audience [...]

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Derek Sivers on music marketing

Growing Your Audience

Years ago, Derek Sivers of CD Baby created a website called Marketing Your Music, and it remains one of my favorite bookmarks. I consider it a must-read for anyone try to “do something” with music. Why more people don’t know about this website, I’ll never know. Just a handful of my favorite posts: What has [...]

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14 Songs In 28 Days?

Fun

Tomorrow is the first day of February, and the first day of the 3rd annual February Album Writing Month (FAWM). What is it? Sometimes we need a kick in the pants to “show up and get busy.” [FAWM] is an annual kick in the pants. This website forges a collaborative online community where musicians hold [...]

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