“Food for Thought for
Artist”
by: Jim Thorpe - DVT Entertainment
Contributors: Ron Bauman (Connie's Ric Rac), Kurt Schmel (SSA Music)
Happy New Year to all Music Makers,
I thought a good way to start off the year would be with a
“Food for Thought for artists in 2016”. As we all know, the music industry is
constantly changing in all aspects, locally and internationally. The one
constant means of success in this business today is “NETWORKING”. It’s the key
to the majority of any artists’ success today. Artists should immediately set
their goals for 2016. The easiest way to do this is to plan out 3, 6, 9 &
12 months. Each month should have a checklist on what needs to be accomplished
in that time frame. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t meet you goals on time, it’s
as long as you don’t lose focus on the tasks at hand. As part of the tasks, a
majority of them should revolve around “NETWORKING”. There will be other aspects from Industry
professionals in the blog along with my pet peeve that bands drop the ball on.
Building you plan around “NETWORKING”
What usually happens is that bands do their due diligence to “NETWORK” but
usually falls away from the waist side. This is where artists really need to
sit down and devise a “NETWORKING” game plan. My advice would be to gather as
much information about events that are coming up in your area and also the
surrounding areas (Ex. Philly/DC/NJ/NY are all within 2hrs of each other). The
events could be club shows, music networking events, conferences, festivals,
etc. It’s tough for all members to make it, so divide responsibility between
band members and schedule of who is going to attend which events. Also, be sure
to determine in advance what you want to accomplish when you go, whether it’s
to meet a band, industry professional or possible future fans. Don’t limit your
“NETWORKING” to just music related events, it can be just going out to Art
Shows, Non-Music Festivals, Beer Tasting, etc. You have to remember everyone
loves music and these other events could result in opportunities. Every band I
have seen in the past 15+ yrs. that have succeeded have made “NETWORKING” their
main focus.
Here
are some of their keys:
Local Tactics
- Be seen in the scene. Meet artists that you don’t know.
- Attended area conferences, industry-related speaking events, Grammy Seminars
- Meet and constantly talk “music” with promoters and booking agents. Don’t just
talk about getting shows.
- Ask for help! As artists, bookers and managers, we at DVT Entertainment
strive to help as many bands as possible. You be surprised who can help you in
some form or another.
Regional/Touring Tactics:
- Before playing a show in another city or town, be sure up to research the
area around the venue. Find locations that could get you exposure from an
impromptu acoustic performance ( in stores, on the street etc.).
- Arrive as early as possible and go out and meet people. Have a story that
intrigues people. Go to college campuses, retail areas, tattoo shops, record
stores, etc.
- Hook up with other bands in the market, either on the bill or not on the
bill.
- Go to the venue a few times leading up to your show if possible. I’ve seen
numerous artists who have done this and it really paid off. The tactic here
would be to draw a circle based on miles or miles away. Determine if a two to
four hour drive is worth building a relationship. Before you go I would talk to
promoter/agent to see what would be the best shows to attend.
Social Media Tactics:
- Be consistent across all forms of social media. Be creative and engaging and
keep it fresh.
- Don’t rely on Facebook solely for all promotion. Use Twitter, Instagram,
Soundcloud, Youtube, Periscope, etc. As we see the trends, people like to get
their information on different platforms.
- Post frequently and not just about the band. If you’re a beer lover - post
about a great craft beer. Any topics from sports, movies, clothing, art,
tattoos, that you feel passionate about. I would avoid politics or controversial
topics and keep it minimal, unless you’re a band that is based in political and
social issues. All these things help build the brand for the band.
Jim’s Pet Peeve
Professional Photos/Logos.
This is real big one for me. When putting
together posters or promos, it sucks when artists don’t have great photos
and/or logos. Artists need to get on the ball and have quality photos and
logos. This represents you as an artist and creating your brand. Not having
these really risks you to further your career. I know it’s about the music, but
if the phots are garbage it looks like you don’t care about your project to a
newcomer. The photo should represent the band, so be creative! Standing against
the brick wall with shitty lighting or sitting at a table drinking beer doesn’t
cut it.
Kurt Schmel – SSA Music
www.ssamusic.com
It may be a bit late for resolutions, but 2016 should be your year to make
every penny count. Literally. If you are
not registered with a PRO, now is the time. Stop putting it off. It is a quick process to join; and fairly
easy to register each of your songs. If
you are registered, great; make sure all of your info is correct. They can’t
pay you if they can’t find you. While
you’re in a registering mindset, make sure you’re registered with SoundExchange
to get your digital pennies as well. Be
sure to check their database of unclaimed $$ while you’re on their site, they
may already have a little something something for you. Once you’re registered with a PRO, make sure
that you are reporting every performance.
It is a quick and easy process to do online, and those pennies can add
up to some nice dollars if you’re playing out regularly!
Be smart with your money this year too! Stop throwing money at people who talk a big
game about getting you in the express lane to the top. That lane doesn’t exist. Your money is taking
a quick trip to their bank account.
There are definitely good advisors out there who are well worth the
investment; they’re usually the folks who start out by telling you there are no
shortcuts to success. Do your homework
on the people you’re thinking of working with. Are they actually active in the
business, or are they still riding the success they had in 1987 or even
earlier? Today’s business is nowhere
like it used to be, people living in the past will take you there with them.
People living in today’s business will navigate the changes with you.
RonBomb Rhetoric
In 2016, dying seems to be the hot trend. In all seriousness, it should
give you some insight into the psychology of what makes certain topics go
viral. It comes down to emotion, deep feeling and what people are passionate
about. If you can connect with someone on an emotional level, than you have a
much better chance of acquiring that person as a loyal fan of your band. And on
our level, it goes back to networking, as Jim Thorpe stated earlier. Meeting
people face to face and engaging the audience is a very effective way of
getting people to pay attention to your music. I know I am much more likely to
listen to a CD from an artist who I happen to have a positive conversation with
while receiving it, as opposed to someone who just handed it to me in passing
as the loaded out from the show.
The other suggestion, or observation I will make is that the
most successful events are just that, they are events. Albeit, events that are
orchestrated and promoted properly. It’s one thing to play on a bill that is
3-5 bands, and that’s all that’s going on. However, a new album release, art show, or
even birthday celebration are all great ways to incorporate a “theme” to the
event, which makes it easier to promote and more attention getting to the
public. And if you want to do some civic good, helping out by playing for free
at a charity event is a great way to show what type of things you care about as
a band.
Area Networking Events:
Last Wednesday of
Every Month:
Ron Bomb’s Philly Music Scene Happy Hour
7pm-9pm followed by Open Mic
Networking, music scene discussions, guest speakers and live performances
Connie's Ric Rac
1132 S 9th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147
www.conniesricrac.com
DVT Entertainments Industry Thursday’s
Get Booked, Talk Music, Network, Artists Consultations
The Grape Room / 2
nd Floor
105 Grape St., Philadelphia, PA. 19127
www.facebook.com/TheGrapeRoom
Festivals:
4th Annual South Street
Spring Festival 2016
Date: May 7th – 11am to 9pm
2 Main Stages, 8 Street Performer Stages, 40+ Artists
Styles: Jam, Funk, Alternative, Indie, Rock, Progressive, Singer Songwriter,
Bluegrass ( no hard rock/metal)
To submit for this year go to :
www.dvtevents.com
S. 9th
Street Italian Market festival
Dates: May 21
st and 22
nd
Rain or shine
Two days of food, music and family fun.
Connie’s Ric Rac presents two stages of local original music from Philly’s top
artists.
South 9
th Street from Wharton to Fitzwater Streets
5th Annual Liberty Musicfest
2016
Dates: Aug. 18
th, 19
th, 20
th, 30
th.
4 Stages, 50+ artists, Industry Panels
Styles: All
To Submit for this year go to: www.dvtevents.com
Dewey Beach Music Conference 2016
15yr. Anniversary
Dates: Sept. 22
nd, 23
rd and 24
th
8 Stages, 8 Venues 60+ artists – Industry Panels
Style: All except (no band Hip Hop/R&B or Metal)
to Submit for this go to:
www.deweybeachfest.com/dbmc
2nd Street Festival
Date: Sunday Aug 2
nd 2016
3 Stages, 24+ artists
Styles: Varies
http://www.2ndstfestival.org/music
