[I got a MacBook Pro (Mid 2012). Essential Apps?]

I just thought I would throw out there that I have a friend who just got a MacBook, and he is using the Audiobox interface.  The cool part is, it comes with recording software that has TONS of bells and whistles, and even tons of samples to use, so perhaps in the future it will cost  more.  Right now though he got it for $100 or so.  Just something to check out

[Why I deleted your Band's Promo Email]

This is a nice reminder to just be straightforward and let the person who is reading the email decide whether you sound like another band or not.  It's also a good reminder to be professional when writing promo emails, and remember that it's different from an advertisement; it's akin to applying for a job.

[Fan Engagement Videos]

I just read a Songstuff article on creating videos rather than simple email or text social media posts for fan engagement purposes.   http://www.songstuff.com/music-business/article/fan_engagement/  There is a lot of interesting stuff in the article.  Has anyone here done fan any number of fan engagement videos beyond simple music videos?  What has been your experience with it?  I'd be curious to know if you ended up hiring someone to regularly record your gigs and studio sessions, etc. 

[Trend of New Songs?]

On ‎5‎/‎15‎/‎2016 at 6:57 AM, john said:

Absolutely Teresa. In the 60s and 70s, record labels were prepared to speculate on the long term. it was higher investment and higher risk, but the payout was potentially huge. It was a successful strategy for long tail sales. It's why we have so many large acts from that period, that created hits taht are still selling. During the 80s they changed their emphasis to shorter and shorter term speculation. From 5 album deals, contracts reduced and reduced until they reached single song deals. It went from an act having potential and some fans with the expertise for even fundamentals being provided by the labels or through the labels, to signing artists with large active fan lists and fully functional business models, processes and mechanisms.#

 

In fact, both labels and publishers have changed from backers and financiers with expertise to service providers. Publishing contracts have generally changed to reflect this, with lower percentages, no copyright ownership transfer with zero tie in. However record companies still want maximum returns for minimum risk. They don't want to speculate any cash if they can avoid it, but they still want ownershipand final say. They are designing themselves an obsolete role. After all, a savvy artist can commission all the services without ceding any ownership or control. All you need is a bit of know how.... something we will be providing more and more of on Songstuff.

 

Ooh that's exciting, I will be looking forward to learning more about these things  It's cool to know that there are so many ways for the artist to be in charge.  Thanks for being willing to put that on your site.

[Recording A Full Drum Set Vs. Mixing In Digital Drums]

Digital drums can work well, but if the song requires more than something simple, it might be worth it to go with a live drum.  One song I did with digital drums took FOREVER to do because I had a certain sound in mind, and there were spots in the song where all the sounds had to be cut and pasted, and hand put in with a keyboard to follow the ebb and flow of the music, and I ended up paying somebody else to do it anyway because I didn't have the expertise to make it work well.  In the end it probably would have cost less but sounded just as good to just pay a drummer to put a great track to it.  Something to think about- especially since you have a band, it may be worth the investment when the time comes to get the mics for the drum set  

[Getting To Know You]

9 hours ago, ladi lollypop said:

1. Do you sing, play an instrument or instruments?

 

What instruments- Clarinet and a little bit of the keyboard 

 

When did you start playing - the clarinet when I was 10 the keyboard just this year 

 

Did you teach yourself - no to the clarinet yes to the keyboard 

 

2. Are you in a band or bands?

 

No

 

3. Do you write songs?

 

I write lyrics, it's been my passion ever since I was little 

 

 

4. Do you record your music?

 

Yes I record my own music in my home studio. It's not very professional but it get's the job done 

 

5. What other roles do you perform in the music business?

 

I am currently working on starting my own label 

 

6. Are you a tech head

No

 

7. What country do you live in?

Us

 

8. What are your ambitions?

To write music for a living 

 

9. Do you draw/paint/write stories/computer art/dance or other creative pursuit?

 

I write poetry 

 

10. What would you like to get out of Songstuff?

Constructive criticism and to meet people with the same passion

 

I think that covers the main musical things!

 

Ambitious of you to start your own label!  I'm excited to see some of your lyrics.  Best of luck with your endeavors

[The Golden Rules On How To Rehearse Or Lead A Band]

On ‎8‎/‎18‎/‎2010 at 4:57 AM, john said:

Hey

 

A great new article from Cheryl Hodge providing some rules and guidelines on how to best rehearse or lead a band from the perspective of a vocalist and songwriter.

 

 

The Golden Rules on How To Rehearse or Lead A Band

 

If you have any comments or feedback, or would like to discuss any of the issues raised in this article please feel free to do so in this topic!

 

Cheers

 

John

 

I have to say I liked how she said "The singer is the painter and the band are the paints."  I haven't lead a band, but my goal is to be a performing artist and hire a backup band.  I would imagine in that case I would want the band to follow my lead with louds, softs, and cutoffs, so the performance can come out how I envision it.  A rock band that is a collective project is probably different though.

[Trend of New Songs?]

5 hours ago, john said:

Nah. I should point out that I have produced pop music at various times, so I am far from anti-pop :). The fact that there is a declining market is not exactly news. Pop culture targets youth, and I don't know many teenagers that buy music. At the time I wrote that answer rock music was almost non-existant on main stream media... now I am increasingly seeing rock all over the place... though little in the way of a new pop rock... but it will come. Rock fans still buy... that's one reason.

 

As ever pop will reinvent itself... hardly rocket science I know. It is an interesting time. Musically creativity is becoming increasingly important, however creativity in the business side of music is also becoming increasingly inmpotant. No more reguritation of old ideas if you want to stand out from the masses.

 

Definitely true that you have to create your own way on the business side.  The old business models are fading fast and lots more artists are creating their own business and building the own fan bases using all kinds of new strategies.  Now this is what companies look for- someone who can do it on their own first. 

[Trend of New Songs?]

Something I've noticed this year and last year has been horn sections and saxophone finding their way into a prominent position in popular music.  Examples: Taylor Swift's "Shake it Off"- the saxophone in the verses and horn section in the chorus, Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars: "Uptown Funk."

 

On "The Voice" I'm noticing a lot more performances with an actual horn section on stage.  I also noticed some trumpets in an underground musician's songs, which can be found by searching "zannamusic" on soundcloud.  

 

I being a person who started getting serious about music through playing in the high school band, seeing other real instruments beyond the guitar make their way back to popular music has been refreshing.

[Are Strange Vocals More Likely To Be Successful Voices?]

Just 1L makes a really good point.  The voice AND the songs would come into play.  They do also look for a strong work ethic, and a following.  I would say continue to develop your own following-; labels love that  

[Are Strange Vocals More Likely To Be Successful Voices?]

I think the level of success you reach has more to do with how positive your thoughts are, which lead to positive beliefs, which lead to positive actions, which lead to positive results. 

 

That being said, I have been watching "The Voice" and they seem to favor those who have an original sound to their voice.  I would say having a unique voice is definitely a good thing for you and to always consider it a strength, nurture your unique sound.  I would also say not to get hung up on it, though, since there are a lot of additional factors involved in aspiring to work with a label

[Getting To Know You]

 

Do you sing, play an instrument or instruments?  

Singing is my main thing, but I play guitar and piano as well.  I started singing formally and playing guitar in 2000, and playing piano in 1992.  My mom taught me to play piano, but I took voice lessons from a teacher starting in 2002.

 

Are you in a band or bands?  

I’m not currently in a band, but I would like to start one in the future.

 

Do you write songs? 

 I write both music and lyrics.  I am writing a song with someone right now, but I don’t typically write with a partner, though co-writing with people is something I would like to do more.

 

Do you record your music?   I’m recording in a studio right now.  I’d like to get some recording equipment though.  What I have recorded right now can be found at www.sonicbids.com/teresamae.

 

What other roles do you perform in the music business?

For the moment I’m a performing artist.  I would like to eventually teach and record as well.

 

Are you a tech head? 

I wouldn’t consider myself one, but I’m learning more and more every day!

 

 What country do you live in?

 The US of A J

 

What are your ambitions?

 My goal is to inspire people with music, and tour nationally as a performer.

 

Do you draw/paint/write stories/computer art/dance or other creative pursuit?

I like to make fun meals, and have dance parties in my apartment J

 

What would you like to get out of Songstuff?

I want to learn about song exercises and things to spark creativity.  I’m excited to meet other artists and learn from each other J