Going The Distance

Distance Medley Relay

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Distance Medley Relay is an athletic event in which four athletes compete as part of a relay. Unlike most track relays, each member of the team runs a different distance. A Distance Medley Relay is made up of a 1200 meter leg, a 400 meter leg, an 800 meter leg, and a 1600 meter leg - in that order. The total distance run is 4000 meters or nearly 2.5 miles.

The Sprint Medley Relay consists of two 100 meter legs, one 200 meter leg, and one 400m leg. The first three exchanges are blind exchanges. The last exchange is a 4x400 relay exchange.

I am an avid Track & Field fan. In fact, I aspire to become an Official! I enjoy the Javlin, the discus throw and most running events. I am a regular at the Texas UIL State Championships, University of Houston All Comers Meet, LSU Alumni Gold, TSU Relays and Texas Relays. (Sidebar: I'll get to the Penn Relays ONE DAY!)

Sprint: (Individual Event) A short distance, fast run, ranging from 40 Meters to 400 Meters.
Relay: (Group Event) A series of combined sprints or distance runners working together.
Exchange: Passing the baton from one leg, or runner, to the next.

Informed vs. Mis-Informed

In this example, I'd like to reference the Texas Relays.Thousands of people attend this event. The Texas Relays traditionally begins on the first Wednesday in April and ending on Saturday.I have found it surprising, over the years, to STILL find that many people think this event is on Saturday at 5pm. That is when the "Finals" begin!

Athletes compete all day Wednesday thru Saturday; this includes the preliminary sprinting events. The long (Less Popular) races, like marathons and the Distance Medley, are scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday. These events are certainly "low attendance" days. Oh, but wait until Saturday's finals! You can barely find a seat because the "common" track fan arrives to see the Sprints. They don't have a clue! All they see is the big roaring crowd, the flash of the cameras, the trophies and those in the spotlight.

I see music and musicians in much the same way. Artists often approach the music industry as if it's a quick Sprint to the spotlight. It is not. The industry is more akin to a combination of the "Sprint/Distance Medley Relays."

There are many people and/or roles that have to work together for an Artist to truly succeed.

The Start of the Race

On your Marks.
When I quote a recording project at $4000, people's mouths fall open, gasp for oxygen, the eyes roll back in their heads and they think I'm crazy. "That's too much!!" they exclaim. Conversely, I'm thinking "Man, I may lose money on this deal." Poor things. They just don't know that this is the LEAST of their investments on behalf of the project.

Get set.
The Artist sees the completion of the CD as the proverbial "Finish Line." They also discover hurdles along the way to that "finish," which is not the finish at all. Many Artist THINK they are running the open 60 Meter dash but, after the start, find that leg is more like running the 110 Meter Hurdles!

Go!
After the music stops, you must have the project mixed; tweaking the levels for each instrument, voice and nuance. Once this process is completed, the project must be sent out to the Mastering Engineer. Mastering levels the recording across the board and prepares the recording for radio airplay. Mastering should cost you at least $100 per song.

You need a good Entertainment Attorney to guide decisions on contracts and agreements. This CANNOT be a traditional attorney who dabbles in the entertainment. Good Entertainment Attorneys are hard to find.

As they are learning that the race isn't as short as previously predicted, they also discover they have a baton in their hand. when they reach what would have been the finish line, they find that someone is there waiting for them to hand off that baton. The race (Medley) continues. Prepare to hand-off the baton.

Exchange 1:
After the CD (Just One) is completed, it must be manufactured. This process is called "replication." (A form of duplication.) You must select the case, the number of pages on your insert and what type of graphic or artwork you want on all sides. 1000 "Full Color" CDs could set you back $1700. Keep in mind, to achieve success, you will need to sell more than 10,000 CDs. If you are trying to attract the attention of a major label, 35,000 CDs is your goal. That translates into $52,500.00 worth of investment from your band.

Exchange 2:
Next, the product must be marketed. Advertising is big business and it doesn't come cheap. What ads move you? What commercials really make you want to purchase a particular product? I would bet you "New Money" they ARE NOT the $100/week ads. The ads that truly move you cost in excess of $100/day! You are not moved by the cheaper ads because you don't see or hear them. These "affordable" ads are in community newspapers, newsletters & souvenir books. There are others are on TV or Radio when you are asleep. Will your customer be influenced by those?

Exchange 3:
After a successful marketing campaign, your phone may start ringing. Who will be there to answer it? Somebody has to schedule events and handle day-to-day tasks. Will this person be a volunteer? Who's on your team or "your staff?"

Exchange 4:
OK, so your volunteer is booking performances for you. Now you have the challenge of travel and lodging. Have you priced a hotel lately?

Exchange 5:
You need to start applying funds to the follow-up recording. Remember all those other songs that you could'nt put on this one? Plus, there are new songs that you have been creating since you've been touring, traveling and meeting new people.

Exchange 6:
Go Back to "The Hurdles!"

T. Greigh, Out

Artist Training

When was the last time you attended a seminar, workshop or webinar to improve YOUR skils.

That's right! I asked THE question. When have you invested in yourself; paying $500+ to expand your skill set?

Are you a singer? You should own a microphone.

Are you an engineer or sound technician? You should own a mixer.

Are you a drummer? You should own a drumset.

Are you a horn player? You should own a horn.

Got my point yet?

Invest in yourself. Continue to grow your craft. Read "Confessions Of A Record Producer" by Moses Avalon.

Choose some music industry periodicals to subscribe to. Billboard, Spin, Source, Electronic Musician, Vibe & Rolling Stone are just a few examples.

If you're a member of a PRO, attend their events, mingle, network and secure any low-hanging fruit. You can't just sit and wait.

Work! There's no time to waste.

Up your Knows! Out.

The Music Industry - Business Prospective

The biggest problem in the industry is that there aren't enough people "behind the scenes." Everybody wants the spotlight.

We need more Artist Managers, Publicists, Show Promoters, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, etc.

Frustration With "American Idol."

Several people have voiced frustration over Lil Rounds' elimination on "Idol" last night.

First, they often test artists to see if they are "coachable." Lil obviously failed that test.

Secondly, they often take the "lesser" artists and make them stars.

Look at William Hung of the "She Bangs" fame. He didn't get to the show; just the try-outs. They decided to produce a record for him! The first "Idol" (Kelly Clarkson) is barely functioning at this point. The second and third place people have fared better.

More recently, Jennifer Hudson lost near the end of the show. After that, She upstaged Beyonce; taking a lead singing role in "Dreamgirls." Her debut CD won a Grammy!

Before that, LaToya London (Season 3) was voted off the show. Her voice is nearly flawless!! Even Simon said that America made a mistake. Fantasia went on to win that year.

Eventually, LaToya was forgotten and though she had one of the BEST records on the market, her flame fizzled out. She's trying to make a comeback.

Right now, they have my friend (Michael Sarver) out "on tour." I don't know what that means but I will get in touch with Mike to find out.

Simon and Randy will produce records for anybody that shows real promise. They also pass artists off to other producers.

Don't be dismayed. I don't think we've seen and heard the last of Lil Rounds.

T. Greigh, Out.

Sales Forecast

In these tough economic times, sales are down across the board.

As an artist, what adjustments do YOU make when you can't sell CDs?

Most just sit at home and wait for a check from "CD Baby!"

Have you considered fund raisers? Remember how we used to do those in school? Well, **News Flash** <Insert Typewriter Noise Here>, fundraisers ARE NOT only for kids!

Here are some suggestions:

1. Sell CDs!
2. Car Wash
3. Entertainment Book
4. Pizza Kits
5. Banquet/Gala

Don't be afraid to be creative. You can sell MUCH more than your CDs. Think about it. You've done it before so why not now.

We often feel something magical will happen for us after the CD is done. The truth is, the work has just begun!

Think of your music as it relates to a movie. Its just the soundtrack that plays behind the "Main Event." People did NOT come to see the soundtrack credits. They came to see the movie.

Your music is the "soundtrack" to someone's life. Treat it as such.

T. Greigh, Out.

You Might Not Be A Pilot

Fact One:

I know this guy that has an AWESOME Bass Rig.

He has several High-End Basses ($1500+) and the best amplification and speakers.

Effects, strings and all the best of accessories line his practice room which looks like a miniature music store.

Problem: He can't play very well. He calls me to ask for help "figuring out" the most simple of Bass lines.

Fact Two:

I know this guy that loves music and musicians.

He owns numerous guitars, keyboards, bass guitars, recording equipment, amplifiers and the accessories to go with them. Like the gentleman above, his music room looks like a music store.
Problem: He can't play any instrument. He told me he "gets frustrated" when he tries to take music lessons.

Every time a new version of a guitar of keyboard comes out, he buys the upgrade.

What's the point?
You might be able to purchase an airplane but that doesn't make you a Pilot!

These days, everybody and their Grandmother is buying studio equipment.

Purchasing recording equipment Does NOT make you a Studio Engineer! Do I need to say that again?

The quality of any recording is in the capable hands of the engineer. Every engineer I know is constantly evolving; learning something new each day. You can't become an experienced engineer over night.

The days of quality sound recordings are becoming rare. People are releasing all kinds of crappy recordings and calling them "good."

Don't be part of this problem.

Leave engineering to those who know what they are doing. It will make the music world a better place.

T. Greigh, Out.

Social Networking

First, we had Yahoo!. Then came "Classmates.com." Remember "ICQ?"

I got an invitation to join "Black Planet" and then "Yahoo! 360."

"MySpace" was the big thing before "Ning" and "Facebook" took over and now, "Twitter" seems to be proof that "Less Is More."

How many of these sites do we need in order to promote our music?

Warrior