Here’s a report that American Idol finalists typically have poor record sales and that labels are hesitant to offer contracts to former AI contestants. Of course, “poor record sales” can mean different things to different people: Second-season singer, third-place finisher…
Remaindered Links: March 10
Art statements, Pitchfork, and fancypants analysis: Keywords: business, music Idol’s former finalists have poor record sales, and "labels are reluctant to sign ‘Idol’ runners-up": Keywords: business, idol, music
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…
Remaindered Links: March 07
Reduce stress by doing what you love: Keywords: advice
Audacity: free recording software
Cash-strapped musicians who want to do computer-based home recording might want to look into Audacity, a totally free multitrack recording program that runs on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. I haven’t used it myself, but after looking at the…
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…
…or, make your own t-shirts
If you’re a hardcore DIY-er you can always use this handy screen printing tutorial to make your own shirts in your basement. Hit up the local thrift and resale shops for vintage-looking tees and have at it. Nothing says “limited-edition”…
Public Radio Not Dictated by the Public
Have you noticed lately that no matter what station you tune your radio to, you just keep hearing the same songs over and over again? There is a great and looming danger that America is losing any appreciation for quality…
T-shirts first, then everything else
If I could start my music career over, I’d do t-shirts first, before I even had a CD. I’m not kidding. If you’re anything like me, you probably started playing shows long before you had a CD to sell. You…