What can indie artists learn from a classical conductor?
LA Philharmonic’s Gustavo Dudamel embodies principles and practices that will benefit music-makers of any style and genre. Read the post.
Lift ‘em up with the Lydian Mode
In music, a mode is a formula for creating a musical scale. The Ionian (major) formula is W–W–H–W–W–W–H. The Lydian formula (W–W–W–H–W–W–H) can give your melody or progression an uplifting and yearning feeling. Read the post.
The vinyl manufacturing process at work (watch the video!)
Whatever your relationship to music is, the manufacturing process for CDs and vinyl is just plain cool to see in action. Let’s take a look! Read the post.
Need a creative spark? Create an album in 29 days!
Nothing spurs creativity like a deadline. Get your songwriting started by signing up for the RPM Challenge or February Album Writing Month and create an entire album in the month of February. Read the post.
Musicians who died in 2019
From new wave pioneers to hip hop artists who were just making their mark, the list of music icons and notable musicians who died in 2019 is lengthy and significant. Read the post.
How to sequence an album for best results
Perfecting your song order when you sequence an album can mean the difference between a great artistic statement and a nice mixtape. Read the post.
Writing about your music
Writing about yourself and your music can be more difficult than you’d think. These pointers will get you on track to craft the words that match your music. Read the post.
Focus on making more money from music this year
Here are 10 posts from the Randy Chertkow and Jason Feehan (AKA The Music Money Guys) that will help you make more money with your music in 2020. Read the post.
Are we witnessing the rebirth of physical media?
With the explosion of music streaming, physical media appeared to be out for the count. However, the majors are now reporting physical music revenue growth compared to 2018. Heck, even cassettes are making a comeback. Read the post.
Are online vocal lessons right for you? A review of Ramsey Voice Studio’s “Master Your Voice” program
There are many reasons why finding a local, experienced vocal teacher might not work for you, so an online vocal program might be your best option. I took on the “Master Your Voice” online class from Ramsey Voice Studios to get a taste of what online vocal lessons can do. Read the post.
Set goals for 2020 and plan for a year filled with music (and money)
Kick 2020 off right by making achievable goals and plans now. Use this list to help you decide where to put your time and energy to set music goals for 2020 and make it your best music year ever. Read the post.
What can you learn from Taylor Swift’s master rights predicament?
Taylor Swift’s latest industry tussle raises lots of questions for music artists. Who’s right, who’s wrong, and most importantly, what can you learn so you can avoid having to fight for your master rights? Read the post.
Surprise ‘em with the major mediant chord
While the mediant (iii chord) isn’t as structurally integral as the tonic, dominant , or subdominant, employing it can provide an unexpected surprise that will make listeners’ ears perk up every time. Read the post.
10 ways to generate publicity as a musician
Publicity doesn’t “just happen” when you just release your music or do something newsworthy. Most stories in the media are promoted through publicity strategies done behind the scenes. Read the post.
Re-arranging big songs for solo performance
Whether you’re dancing on piano keys or dreaming on acoustic guitar, reimagining your favorite songs for solo performance with just you, your voice, and a single instrument can be as fun as it is challenging. Read the post.