A collection of articles from the Disc Makers blog that relate to the music industry, including trends and news that relates to the independent musician.
Updated January 2019. From The Queen of Soul to surf rock, hip hop to rock, standards to metal… notable musicians and icons have gone on to that great gig in the sky. Here’s a round-up of musicians who have died in 2018. Read the post.
While his name may be missing from “top” lists around the web, Jaki Liebezeit forged a legacy with Can and numerous other artists on his way to being one of the greatest drummers you’ve never heard of. Read the post.
When someone mentions that they are pursuing a career in music, the first thing that pops into most people’s minds is performing. It’s only natural, and while there is a lot written about performance careers, there’s less about non-performance, offstage music careers. Read the post.
In a follow up to our Work For Hire post that looked at these agreements from the producer’s perspective, this post gives advice to musicians being asked to perform/record and sign a WFH contract. Read the post.
Among the great writers, performers, and trailblazers in rock music, women who have advanced the cause hold a special place. We look at three women in rock whose music still resonates as they continue to influence modern music artists. Read the post.
If you’re hiring musicians (or other contributors) to work on a music project, these tips from a music industry lawyer can help you navigate a Work For Hire agreement. Read the post.
The “Mentoring for the Modern Musician” podcast interviewed Keith Hatschek, author of How to Get a Job in the Music Industry. Hatcheck connects his own career path to how he teaches students, encouraging them to hone a variety of skills as they find their place in the music industry. Read More.
Brent Baxter and Johnny Dwinell discuss strategies on how to behave as a member of Facebook songwriting groups. Excerpted from The CLIMB podcast, “STOP Ruining Facebook and Your Career.” Read More.
Your song has to be great for you to have a chance at landing a cut with a major artist, and your song demo has to hit the right notes, too. Read More.
Not only does “Good Vibrations” provide a structural template for Smile, it also gives the album its tonal language. Nearly every song or song section is written in one of “Good Vibrations” chords. Read More.
As the music industry continues to evolve, I’ve identified three music trends to keep an eye on in 2018 that are helping to reshape popular music. Read More.
There’s nothing wrong with big, noisy rock, but here’s a perspective from three guitarists who use their instruments to create a vibe rather than flex their muscular musical chops every chance they get. Read More.
I’ve seen so many musicians go from working day jobs to making a comfortable living off their music full time. But if you’re making this big transition, you owe it to yourself to acknowledge the reality of it all. Read More.
Excerpted from Spinal Tap: The Big Black Book, which dives into the times of ceaseless lyrical innuendo and grubby long hair shampooed by the gods of metal and conditioned by the angels of mercy. Read More.
Love him or hate him, there’s a lot about Dylan’s career arc that is important and inspirational for songwriters, from his transforming song form to the fact that he’s kept writing almost non-stop for six decades. Read More.