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…
Category
Inspiration
The power of audacity and other networking tips
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…
What is Square One?
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…
Global gigging via the Internet
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…
5 Questions with Ronan Chris Murphy, producer/engineer
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…
Kid Rock a Whole New Ball Game
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…
5 Questions with Howlin’ Hobbit, busker
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”…
Derek Sivers on music marketing
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…
14 Songs In 28 Days?
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…
Napsterize Your Knowledge!
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…
Billy Shakes, Personal Finance Rapper
I’ve told you before that it’s easy to get inspiration from your day job. I don’t know if I meant that in the literal way that mortgage advisor Billy Shakes raps about mutual funds, though. Track these topics:
Ben Gibbard Interview
Here’s a great interview with Ben Gibbard from Death Cab for Cutie that addresses the only way you should consider getting signed by a major label — once you’ve got enough audience to know that you’ll make good on the…