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.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
