Apparently, folks are now using Skype to telecommute to band practice. Track these topics:
iTMS Outsells Borders and Tower
NPD figured out that, when you equate 12 singles to one physical CD, iTunes now sells more music than Borders or Tower. See, we told you that record stores were becoming lousy places to try to sell records! iTMS Outsells…
Music Miracles and the Power of Intention
Kathy writes about the “miracle” she experienced when a documentary producer contacted her to use one of her tunes in an upcoming television special about Hurricane Katrina. I believe wholeheartedly that we create our own luck and our own opportunities.…
It feels nice to report on something a major label is doing RIGHT.
Have I been drinking the same Kool Aid as the founder of Elektra Records, Jac Holzman? Cordless, his new skunk works project deep in the bowels of Warner Music Group, marks a return to artist development and smart audience growth.…
All your Mac are belong to SonyBMG
I finally have a computer that works, with no creaking hard drive, and has not self-immolated (knock wood) and SonyBMG wants to install backdoors on it? Uh, no. I will not be putting any SonyBMG discs into my pristine optical…
Get a $50,000 music video for $1,000.
I frequently tell clients that they don’t have to spend too much money on music videos, since there are plenty of talented filmmakers that are happy to work with the right band for free or for cheap as a portfolio…
Understanding “Local Max”
Seth Godin just published a blog entry that clarifies exactly what every musician experiences at some point in their career. As you move through your strategy to grow your audience and increase your revenue from music, you hit a point…
We promise you that Scott’s not on the payroll.
But perhaps he should be? 😉 For the second time in as many days, Scott Andrew flatters me and the research team with positive reviews of our music business books. I’m proud that musicians like Scott can use the action…
Kate Bush Takes Math Rock Seriously
Loving the Washington Post’s review of the new Kate Bush album, especially its description of the song Pi: For those about to math-rock, Kate Bush salutes you. I mean, who else could actually sing pi to 100 decimal places? Track…
Productivity for the Practicing Musician
Scott Andrew spills the beans on his music productivity process, including getting clear on why you’re playing certain gigs, and how to combine useful tools (like Yahoo! Calendar and thick notebooks) to keep on top of your booking pipeline. Track…
Barsuk Records Prez: “Almost Nobody Is Getting Rich Off Indie Rock”
And he’s right. The founder of Death Cab for Cutie’s original record label tells The Stranger about the disconnects that you’re already aware of. Because so many bands submit music to editors and music supervisors at television shows like The…
Nobody cares about your band’s ringtone.
At the risk of coming off a little peevish today… I have been BOM. BAR. DED. with companies wanting me to plug their “we make ringtones for unsigned artists” services. And I have turned down every single one. Why? Nobody…