Ignore The Hype

I have a lot of topics I want to discuss on this site, as well as a few services to review. Next up is going to be a way to replicate the previously mentioned Airspun service in a way that is not only better in every way, but is also most likely cheaper.

But I'm also enjoying developing this blog, so I'm spending some time looking around for fun widgets and sidebar things. That's what I've been doing most of tonight. You probably won't see many changes over the next few days as I look at things behind the scenes, but when I finally have everything the way I want, I think you'll like that.

Anyway, spending time on the blog meant that I couldn't finish the "Homespun Airspun" entry, but look for that tomorrow!

Labels: general

Posted by Jack at 11:16 PM | Permalink | Comments

I estimate that 90% of the money most indie artists spend on promoting their career and music is wasted. Radio promoters, retail programs, CD compilations, and more--most of them are nothing more than a waste of your time and money. Why is that? Well, often it is due to a misunderstanding of the simple concept of getting your money's worth.

An independent radio promoter may be able to get you a spin or two at a decent-sized station or even full-time airplay in a light rotation at a smaller station. That's nice. But how much is it worth? I'll walk you through understanding exactly how to make that judgement. Similarly, the Internet provides indie musicians with a tremendous amount of opportunity, but what is worth spending your money on and what is a waste of time? I'll walk you through that answer, too.

So, if you came to this blog expecting a get famous quick scheme, you've come to the wrong place. If you came for some advice on how to get famous, well, I guess I can provide some anecdotal lessons on that. However, if you came to this blog to educate yourself on how best to promote yourself and your art, to avoid the scams and the ineffective tools that will simply lighten your wallet and not improve your booking, CD sales, or radio airplay. Ah, then you've absolutely come to the right place.

Labels: general

Posted by Jack at 12:55 AM | Permalink | Comments

You can say that I've been around the block. I'm one of the few people in the world to have management experience in the radio, record, and retail industries: I have worked as a music director in a major market rock station, a promotion executive at a major label, and I oversaw marketing at a major distribution company retail branch.

In other words, I've seen enough to know the benefits and pitfalls of practically every element of the music business. I'm not here to sell you anything. I just want to share my knowledge so that you can save yourself the money and pain of having your musical dream hijacked by someone out to make a buck, and--trust me--there are a lot of people out there wanting to do just that.

Consider me your guardian angel. You know, the one that smokes and hangs out a little too late at the local clubs. Oh, and I'm keeping this anonymous because I am sure that at some point I'll have to say something not very nice about businesses where people that I know and like work. I figure it's best to be honest and anonymous than reserved and open.

Labels: general

Posted by Jack at 10:37 PM | Permalink | Comments