From the monthly archives:

December 2009

An Interview with David Ellefson

by Scott James December 28, 2009

David EllefsonDavid Ellefson is a man who needs no introduction in the world of heavy metal. For those unfamiliar with his work, David has earned 7 Grammy nominations, multiple gold and platinum records and has been on numerous world tours as a founding member of the band Megadeth as well as with recent bands F5, HAIL! and Angels of Babylon. He also holds a Bachelors degree in business and marketing, has authored a book titled “Making Music Your Business…A Guide For Young Musicians” and continues to educate musicians through his online video series “David Ellefson’s ROCK SHOP”. Read more…

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A Musician’s Roadmap To Setting Goals for 2010

by Disc Makers December 22, 2009

What They Don’t Teach You At Harvard Business School (a bestselling book) talks about a research study that was conducted at Harvard between 1979 and 1989:

“In 1979, the MBA graduates were asked, “Have you set clear, written goals for your future and made plans to accomplish them?”

Only 3 percent had clear written goals and action plans to achieve them.

Thirteen percent of the graduates had goals, but they were not in writing. Read more…

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Pro Studio: Laptop Recording 101

by Keith Hatschek December 21, 2009

studiotogo2Compiling a “studio on the go” has never been so easy or affordable Being able to easily and quickly record your material at a moment’s notice is one of the key advances technology has provided musicians today. But just how easy is it to take that recording capability with you when you travel? Following is an exploration into the basics of setting up a “studio to go,” centered around an affordable laptop computer. With the advice of recording engineer Bob Furlong, we’ll find out just what you need to record anywhere and anytime the spirit moves you. Read more…

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David Pastorius: It’s not what you think

by Disc Makers December 15, 2009

David PastoriusWhen your last name is Pastorius and you play the bass, it only stands to reason that people will draw some immediate conclusions.

In the case of David Pastorius, they’d probably be wrong.

David, the nephew of the late, great bassist Jaco Pastorius, may share the same last name and instrument of choice as his uncle, but that’s where the similarities end. Read more…

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7 Effective Strategies To Get Your Music Noticed

by Randy Chertkow and Jason Feehan December 14, 2009

7 strategiesAlthough most bands would like to have the kind of budget to promote their latest album on TV, radio, and billboards, they are more likely to have just enough to print up posters for the next gig. And yet indies can get the kind of attention that major label acts get. You just need to plan appropriately and implement a few tried-and-true strategies.

Here are seven effective strategies to get you and your music noticed. Read more…

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Networking and the Songwriting Business

by Disc Makers December 11, 2009

You are at songwriting round, open mic, showcase, music conference, music publishing workshop, record release, or other networking event. You attend the event to meet songwriters and other industry professionals, and want to be prepared and leave a great impression on the people you meet. Read more…

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What’s Your Holiday Plan?

by Scott James December 9, 2009

It’s that time of year again. If you went shopping at all this past weekend you probably noticed that the shelves are full, deals are advertised everywhere, and many stores are staying open late. Nothing unusual for this time of year, right? Can you imagine if Best Buy or Target decided they weren’t going to advertise, put together any deals, or extend their hours for the holidays? How do you think that would work out for them? It doesn’t take a genius to realize that such a strategy (or lack thereof) would be a monumental waste of an opportunity. So why then, do 99% of all bands out there do nothing extra to promote themselves this time of year?! Read more…

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Holiday Gear Guide

by Keith Hatschek December 7, 2009

NightTrainEach year our Pro Studio expert seeks out a range of products which might make for a welcome addition to your music-making or home studio recording in the new year. This year is no exception, as he spoke with a pro audio expert to learn about some great additions to your home recording rig, and also visited a local music store to try out some new music-making toys that deliver outstanding results. Read more…

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Pre-Production and Your Recording

by Andre Calilhanna December 7, 2009

Whether you’re entering the studio for the first or fiftieth time, embarking on a full-length album or a soundtrack one-off, successful recordings start with some form of pre-production. It could be as simple as a one-time conversation with the studio manager to go over the studio’s etiquette, layout, fees, and the specifics of how your time in the facility will play out. But for most projects, pre-production is a much more involved process that allows the artists and production team to define things like which songs will be recorded, the key of each song, and their tempos. Read more…

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The Worst Album Covers of 2009

by Disc Makers December 3, 2009

sum41 While we usually publish articles about good design and techniques, Pitchfork’s list of “The Worst Album Covers of 2009″ was just too fun to skip.

Our annual tradition highlighting the worst cover art of the year– goofy, offensive, amateurish, and puzzling, it’s all here– continues with the dregs of 2009. Not safe for people at work or those prone to nausea.

Check out the full list here.

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How To Break Into the (Lucrative) College Market

by Jeri Goldstein December 2, 2009

crowd-smallSchool’s in session, and here are some insights into playing the college market as you begin the fall touring season. Many acts successfully use colleges as a point from which to launch their careers, while others have found it leading to a dead end. As we explore both ends of the spectrum, keep an open mind about how this market might fit into your booking plans. Read more…

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From Your Project Studio to The Sound Machine

by Disc Makers December 1, 2009

Eric Schilling

Eight-time Grammy winner Eric Schilling talks about technique, craft, and saving an emotional reserve.

When you think about major hubs for music, three cities spring to mind: LA, New York, and Nashville. But the immense success of Latin artists like Gloria Estefan, Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, and Mark Anthony has also put Miami distinctly on the map, and eight-time Grammy winner Eric Schilling is one of the shining stars in the South Beach scene. Read more…

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