BUSINESS OF MUSIC

THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC

The path to music glory is an alley way or irhontshi (as affectionately known in my hood), paved with the mucus of those many artists and musicians who have come before and licked the floor when they hit rock bottom whilst the taste of defeat sunk deep into their throats dissecting their pallets with an unmistakable kiss of doom. It’s also littered with slithery snakes that look good enough to eat, whispering sweet nothings in your ear. Only to find them spiking your drink with the venom of “kicking your ass into submission”

Ok maybe the situation is not so dramatic or gory, but be well aware that the music business is brutal, oh and please be very ware that it is a business. I do not care what kind of music you think you’re making, ultimately it is about money. The passion and talent drives you yes, but the money, the money she feeds you, no?

All I’m looking to do here is share the resources and research I’ve gathered over a number of years from various highly intelligent people and organisations. Some of it will be written by me, but most will be e-books I’ve collected over the years.

Enjoy these, savour and devour them, because ladies and gentlemen, knowledge is power and what better way to make decisions than when you’re fully informed. No powder puff bullshit here like “submit your CDs to radio stations you’ll get airplay” (we all should know by now, that, that’s not how it works and if you don’t, then you’d better knuckle down and read up)

Use these ideas, or the advice shared here if you want, create your own, mix them up to cater to your specific needs but please be innovative in your approach and at least you’ll be closer to your destination (no one can give you a percentage of your distance to musical glory. It’s relative) Oh and another thing, this will shock you but here goes, TALENT tends to get you further still! Enjoy all these for free, just pay with a Tweet or Facebook post.

Buckle up and enjoy the ride... 

Just click on the pay with Tweet or Facebook post button to get your FREE e-book choice

10 TRUTHS ABOUT MAKING IT IN MUSIC FROM MUSICIANS WHO ALREADY MADE IT– Written by Ben Brown, Distributed by Dotted Music

A Great read indeed. Who better to learn from then musicians who have indeed made it before you and they are serving new age ideology and not blowing smoke up your ass. I like two lines in particular...

“What do you do when you seek for useful advice or inspiration in something you are passionate about and want to succeed in? One of the most obvious answers (if you are not a member of a suicide club) is probably this - you listen to people who have already "made it" in your craft.”

“Don’t believe the hype - the music industry isn’t dead! The digital age is quite simply the best time for music and musicians. Ever. We can’t get enough of new music, there’s never been more of it available and artists are retaking control of themselves.”

THE INDIE BAND SURVIVAL GUIDE: THE COMPLETE MANUAL FOR THE DO-IT-YOURSELF MUSICIAN Exclusive Reverbnation E-Book Edition

I’ll be honest here; I have not read the full e-book of this extract. However what I’ve read is ok, but take most with a pinch of salt. It’s got a lot of fluffy powder puff sketchy statements, but the great musicians will fit it into the greater scheme of things. As they say, even in crap there is goodness (I’ll guess fertiliser)

Oy by the way, this is an exclusive Reverbnation read and I’m a Reverbnation member. I believe it’s much better than Myspace. If you haven’t already joined I’d suggest you do. Hopefully they won’t penalise me for sharing this with you guys.

20 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT MUSIC ONLINE - By Andrew Dubber

I am in love with this particular e-book. It truly speaks to what I’m trying to achieve. It’s not for everyone though, because it needs a dramatic mind shift, but it’s definitely with reading. It will open your mind to new thinking and ideas. I’ve embraced them.

Andrew Dubber is the Degree Leader for Music Industries at UCE Birmingham, UK. He is a senior lecturer and researcher with a particular interest in online music, radio and new media technology.

OUTSIDE THE BOX A BEYOND-MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT TRENDS Review By Juliana Koranteng, Founder / Editor, Mediatainment Finance 

A round-up of developments and disruptions in entertainment and media

Four Ways to AttractMore Music Fans Faster

Free marketing tips from Bob Baker and TheBuzzFactor.com

CRC COPYRIGHT REVIEW COMMISSION REPORT 2011

Want to understand what’s exactly going with regards to EVERYTHING in South African music? I suggest you read this. It’s lengthy, but after this you’ll be well aware. This report will tell you about all the failure’s and successes if any (I don’t remember seeing any successes) of our collection agencies such as SAMRO, SAMPRA and NORM. It’s a fundamental read for anyone looking to stay informed. Please get this...