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 Virt [...]

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 find [...]

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 practicing [...]

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 to [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 first.” Humility.
What [...]

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 worked on [...]

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 each [...]

There’s a popular phrase that’s popped up in marketing circles: “Napsterize knowledge.” What the heck does that mean? Simple: if you know something useful or interesting, share it and watch it spread, and build your reputation in the process. How does that apply to the aspiring musician? Here’s a prime example from my own backyard:
I [...]