The Guitar Player's Resource
My friend and fellow new-band advocate for getting bands educated about the music business wrote these tips some time back.
Pete Salazar is his name, and he books bands and tries to help them with biz stuff in Fresno, CA. He also invited me back to Fresno this past November 7th for a one-day workshop there. Check this out:
"Times have changed, the music industry is changing, you have to do for yourself, but you don't have to do it alone, that's why I believe so strongly in what I am a part of. D4D MUSIC was created to become an organization that helps build or add to a musician's plan, whether your opinion is positive or negative about what I wrote, I'd like to hear it."
1. What is your band/group's business plan?
(You need goals and an outline of what you are doing)
2. What are you doing now to be heard?
(Over booking is not being effective, book effectively, smart)
3. What's your marketing plan or campaign?
(Your promotions and are you recording anything yet)
4. Do you take advantage of local radio shows and local media?
(Have you tried to get on local radio shows and the news paper or various websites)
5. Is your band on the same page? Do you have meetings?
(Is there a complete understanding and communication and chemistry)
6. Does your band work equally?
(Are you all working together as one force or is someone lagging)
7. Are you working on new music, tightening current music and stage performance?
(Is your stage performance worth seeing, and does your music sound good to others and are you allowing growth)
8. Do you have a band agreement or contract?
(Most bands do not have anything in writing, major problems ahead if you don't have a agreement in writing)
9. Is your band name/music trademarked yet?
(Make sure your name/music is protected and covered)
10. Are you utilizing myspace, facebook, twitter, or emails?
(What a waste of free advertisement if your not using these free services, your network is unlimited and many opportunities are there)
11. Is your band/group legit? Bank account and business license?
(Money creates problems so have it documented and organized, be a business that's what this industry is)
12. Are you prepared, organized, professional and on time?
(Being unorganized and late is very unprofessional and a big turn off. Eventually no one wants to work with you)
13. Fund raising and merchandising.
(Creative ideas and demos and merch will help you afford to be a musician, you have spend money to make money, invest in you)
14. Are you supportive of the local scene and working/networking with everyone possible?
(Do you attend other shows and support, are you networking with everyone you can)
15. Is your music on iTunes, Napster, Amazon, etc.?
(Put your demo or full length CD to work on the web)
16. Are you constantly building your fan base period?
(Bottom line you need to earn and grab every fan, period)
Throughout his fprty year career in the music business, FourFront Media & Music's Christopher Knab has shared his experience at many industry conventions and conferences, including the New Music Seminar and the Northwest Area Music Business Conference.
Knab was owner of a San Francisco music store, co-owner of the 415 Records label, and station manager at KCMU Radio in Seattle.
He currently provides a unique consultation and education service for independent musicians and record labels. His new book is entitled "Music Is Your Business".
