From the monthly archives:

March 2011

Exclusive Steve Vai Interview – Vai talks technical chops, emotional investment, and naked tracks

by Lee Purcell March 31, 2011

The definition of virtuoso on electric guitar, Steve Vai has earned the respect of critics, audiences, and fellow musicians worldwide. With a string of Grammy Award nominations and wins tucked under his guitar strap and a knack for assembling top-notch musicians and driving them to exceptional performances, Steve hasn’t rested on his laurels. He continues to explore new musical avenues – including orchestral compositions ("Oil of Smoke" and others), music training (an upcoming course through Berklee music), and the honoring the legacy of landmark artists (Vai is performing in this year’s Jimi Hendrix Tribute Tour). Read more…

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Are You an Artist or Just Someone Who Plays Music?

by Scott James March 31, 2011

Many of us use the term ‘independent artist’ or ‘recording artist’ to describe ourselves, but are we really artists, or are we just people who play music?

To answer that question we need to decide what it means to be an artist. Many of us grew up in an environment where we were only taught what art means at a superficial level. Maybe our first definition of an artist was someone who was really good at making realistic paintings or drawings or maybe someone who made weird abstract creations that were supposedly only understood by special people. Read more…

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Top 10 CD Baby Albums: March 2011

by Disc Makers March 31, 2011

Hap PalmerRyan KellyBanana Slug String BandCheck out the latest and greatest indie music from CD Baby!
Here are the 10 best-selling albums in March: See all 10…

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Desktop Wallpaper – April Edition

by Disc Makers March 29, 2011

April Desktop WallpaperThe talented designers in our Design Studio created twelve original works of art (one for each month) that feature the cities where Disc Makers offices are located. Each month we will post a new design, in six common desktop sizes, so you can use them as your desktop wallpaper.

April’s wallpaper features Seattle, Washington! Click here to get yours!

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Copyright Basics: Exclusive rights, licensing lingo, and more

by Keith Hatschek March 24, 2011

So you’ve written a new song. It may have the potential to be a hit, but one thing is certain: it makes sense to properly protect your song if you hope to profit from its recording and public performance. How do music copyrights work? What is required to have ownership of your song’s copyright? Why should you register it with the Library of Congress? What are some of the common music licenses that generate income for songwriters? Read more…

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DVDs and CDs by Direct Mail: Smart, Cost-Effective, and Surprisingly Sticky

by Lee Purcell March 18, 2011

With a multitude of available media channels, you might find yourself casting about for the best way to reach customers with your latest product announcements, sales info, promotions, educational pieces, and marketing collateral. On the surface, it might seem as though online media advertising always offers the best bet for driving customers to your products and services. But, according to some very compelling surveys recently, there are significant benefits to direct mail delivery of DVDs or CDs – in terms of both cost and impact. Read more…

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Combining Forces = WINNING!

by Scott James March 17, 2011

Combining ForcesBeing an independent artist doesn’t mean you need to take the word ‘Independent’ too literally. Chances are, you’re missing big opportunities to take your career to new levels if you’re not actively looking for chances to join forces with other artists and industry pros. A piece of something big is worth a lot more than all of little or nothing. If you feel like you’re bashing your head against the wall trying to get people to your shows or to buy your music on your own then changing your approach can make all the difference in the world. Read more…

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Surviving South By Southwest – A Music Conference Primer

by Rick Goetz March 10, 2011

The music portion of SXSW starts tomorrow, which makes me want to share some of my experiences at music conferences. Conferences were never exactly my forte, but I’ve come to view them very differently over the past several years. Read more…

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