I promised 2010 would include efforts to arm indie artists with information to take and maintain control of their careers. Here’s my next step in that effort. The articles below are among the readings I share through the @MeLikeGoodMusic Twitter account. The Twittersphere is filled with well- and newly-seasoned experts and artists willing to share their knowledge, tips, experiences and struggles. Learning what to do, and especially what NOT to do, will benefit you in achieving your musical dreams. So, put down the People magazine and start reading these. I mean, do you really care what color Lady Gaga’s hair will be next week? Just click on each title and you’ll be wisked down the information superhighway to the article’s destination. And remember, this is only a sampling. To stay on top of your music business game, follow MeLikeGoodMusic on Twitter.
Radio-Locator: Formerly the MIT List of Radio Stations on the Internet
This website should be one of your first stops if you’re looking to market your music on the internet. You can easily find hundreds of radio stations interested in your style of music. By the way, if you’re not following @Music_Nomad on Twitter, you’re missing out on some of the best online and offline music resources available. As their bio says, “We are Musician Advocates!” You can believe that.
Do’s and Don’ts of Getting Your Music on Music Blogs
This article contains a handful of tips that will keep you from making some of the common mistakes artists make in trying to get bloggers to listen to their music. The number one “don’t” on the list is the top complaint I hear from other bloggers.
4 Tips to Become a Successful Indie Music Professional
Though this article is geared towards the music “professional”, the information it contains will also benefit musicians. (I know what you’re thinking. That’s why I put it in quotation marks. Musicians are professionals too.) Success in the music industry is a collaborative effort. Accepting that and learning how to do it will work in your favor.
Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook: 201 Self-Promotion Ideas….
This is the only item that costs money. As of this writing, it’s about $21 for a copy but it’s definitely worth it. Bob Baker should be your top reference point when it comes to marketing on a budget. Get a copy of his book and join his mailing list.
9 Places to Find Affordable Graphic Design
This is an article I found on Bob Baker’s site. Whether its cover art for an upcoming release or shirts to sell at a concert, if you’re not lucky enough to have the skill/talent to design them yourself, here are several low-budget options for getting the job done. Now repeat after me…”Bob Baker is my friend.” 
An Expanded List of Music Licensing Companies
I know many of you hear “music licensing” and think “sellout”. Well, if you’re one of those people, get over yourself. If having people see you perform and hear your music aren’t your goals, what are you trying to achieve in this industry? If you’re doing it just for “art sake”, hide your songs in a drawer and become the next Emily Dickinson. For the rest of you, this is an excellent list of options for getting your music out there.
5 Cool Tools to Create Your Social Media Business Card
Whether you’re indie or mainstream, the music industry is a business. If you’re the type of artist who only focuses on the “art” and leaves the business to someone else, I’ll be sure someday to watch your episode of Ellen. “I only signed a few blank checks. I thought I could trust him.” Make a baby step forward today by creating an online business card. While you’re at it, there are several online sources for low-cost offline business cards too. Try Vistaprint or PrintRunner
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Ian Rogers On Artist Marketing: Do Something Small Weekly, Something Big Monthly
Your music is the “music” of “music business.” The “business”, for the most part, will be “marketing”; efforts made to persuade the world to get to know you and your music. Learning innovative marketing techniques isn’t as academic and boring as it may sound. The process of getting to know your audience, figuring out what they want from you and then giving it to them, is one of the finest examples of marketing. Think of it as an old-fashioned romance. Your job is getting them to make a commitment and fall in love…with you, of course.
4 Simple Principles of Getting to Completion
It’s not all music and business. Paying attention to other aspects of your well-being will definitely improve your effectiveness and productivity. Zen Habits is a great place to go when you’re in need of one of those stress-relieving, mind-clearing moments.
Topspin Shares Impressive Music Marketing Study
If you’re going to be in the game, you’ve got to know the rules. Knowing the rules makes it so much easier to navigate the landscapes of the industry. And, of course, knowing the rules is fodder for innovative rule breaking. Leaving knowledge of the trends in the industry to someone else puts you a step behind. Maintaining awareness of what’s going on in the industry and figuring out how to use it to your advantage makes you cutting edge.
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Tags: Musings, Recommended Readings
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