From the monthly archives:

April 2010

What To Do When Nothing Is Working

by Disc Makers April 28, 2010

Things have been slow moving since this recession hit, and at times it can feel like nothing is working. Maybe you’re doing the same things you used to to get gigs, but no ones calling and you’re not making as much money – what do you do?

The short answer is “try something else.” Read more…

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Direct to Fan – The Art of the House Concert

by Disc Makers April 26, 2010

You want a relationship with your fans? Why not go to their houses and play. No way to get to know people better than invading their homes and doing your thing right in the middle of their living rooms. Right?

The future is all about breaking new ground and combining that with solid business models that you can predict and work with. Here is a guest post from Fran Snyder on house concerts and what they should be a part of your future. Read more…

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Music Library Buyer’s Guide – Music to Your Ears

by James Williams April 22, 2010

Finding the right soundtrack for your video production can be a challenge and confusing. With the right direction and a better understanding of the process, giving your video production a happy and musically appropriate ending is easier than you may think. With all the work that goes into shooting and editing a video, constructing the perfect soundtrack may be the last thing on your mind. However, when the time comes to add that depth, flavoring and ambience to your scenes through music, you may find yourself without many options. Not to worry! Read more…

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The Chapman Stick – Versatile, Unique, and Portable

by Stephen Wise April 21, 2010

Chapman StickMoving a new, alternative instrument into the mainstream is a truly arduous task. Most attempts, in fact, will fail. It is not surprising that in over 35 years on the market that the Chapman Stick® is not yet a household name. It took the saxophone over 100 years to achieve that mark. Yet, The Stick® has made steady gains. No one who has seen it, it seems, ever forgets it! Read more…

6 comments

The Desktop Studio: The Internet as a Resource

by Emile Menasche April 19, 2010

The Internet offers a direct link between your desktop studio and the software and hardware vendors who power it.

Manufacturers’ websites offer a wealth of information about upcoming releases, bug fixes, tips, and more. I make it a habit to log on to key sites about once a week. On more than one occasion, I’ve found an update online that hadn’t yet been announced in the press. Read more…

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Want to Make a Living? Be Everywhere.

by Disc Makers April 19, 2010

Selling OutThe visually-oriented blog Information is Beautiful just posted some interesting stats and graphs displaying how much independent artists must sell through various channels online in order to earn the US minimum wage. It didn’t come as any surprise to us to see CD Baby’s name come up for ALL the channels through which you can sell music to your fans, but it is nice to see what we already knew confirmed by an outside study. Read more…

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NARM President Interviewed

by Leah R. Garnett April 14, 2010

Jim DonioJim Donio, President of National Association of Recording Merchandisers, talks about CDs, vinyl, digital downloads, and the modern-day music consumer.

If you’re an independent musician trying to get your music heard by more than family and friends, you’ve likely heard that you need to get on board with social media and the digital marketplace. But you may be completely confused about what many of the newer tools can do for you or how to access them. Read more…

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Analog Recording in Digital Times

by Keith Hatschek April 8, 2010

analog recordingWhile the revolution in recording technology centers on affordable digital audio workstations, the affection for the old analog traditions and sounds is more than just nostalgia.

To that end, Britain’s six-piece Band of Bees is working hard to reclaim and recapture some of the vintage sounds of legendary artists from the ‘60s and ‘70s like The Beatles, Buffalo Springfield, and the Young Rascals in their recordings. Read more…

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In Search of Vintage Gear

by Keith Hatschek April 7, 2010

There are some astounding values placed on vintage instruments and recording equipment these days.

A 1958 Stratocaster in excellent condition, for example, may fetch as much as $25,000. Vintage recording devices from bygone years may also be valued at $10,000 or more for the most coveted items, such as rare German tube mics or broadcast limiters. For the vast majority of people, these prices put items like this out of consideration. Read more…

49 comments

Make an Extra $500 a Show From Your Merch Table

by Disc Makers April 5, 2010

Daniel Kohn published an article on www.knowthemusicbiz.com about a technique for selling more merch at gigs. He claims that he’s seen artists make an extra $500 a show by trying this method. Read more…

3 comments
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