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

Public Relations: We Need It Bad!

Why are musicians and bands so private; so selfish?

What is wrong with us helping one another?

Are we afraid that one will make it and the rest of us will be left behind? Why? We're struggling anyway. What difference would it make?

You would think that being in the "Information Age" we would understand the industry more. We STILL don't get it.

We spend a grip of money on equipment, travel, recording and CD duplication but won't spend "one speaker cabinet" worth of money on advertising!

I'm convinced that Public Relations makes for a successful band.

After going to school for music, spending hours perfecting my craft, I find that some hit songs are made by people playing with one finger. How do YOU crank that Soulja Boy??? Could you score that one for me? I'd love to learn the bass line.

Check for yourself. Many of the hit songs out there are NOTHING in comparison to some of your music. The difference is that THEY launched a successful marketing campaign.

I've heard some bad plans during my music career but this has got to be the worst.

• We're gonna use our talent to get the attention of a label. They will provide us with the marketing and PR. We can keep our money and use it for something else.

Now, ask me if any of those bands have landed a record deal!

A few years back, I was affiliated with a group that did get a great deal from EMI. I asked the manager what it took to get the attention of a major label; what was his secret. "It's no secret." he said. "When our sales reached 35,000 copies, they had to respect us!"

Two questions came to mind but I kept them to myself. ONE of those questions is why anybody that is selling 35,000 copies as an independent would even want a binding contract with a major label. You do the math. Sign a deal and let them pay me (hopefully) 12%????

I don't get it. But, then again, they didn't ask me!

So, Struggling Artist, what are your plans to sell $35,000 copies?

T. Greigh, Out.