So I assume everyone’s read part 1 and part 2 right?????? If not, catch up. I’ll wait………
…time’s up. Now onto part 3.
“Although having your own website is an important part of your artistic identity, it should not be your only one.” (page 67)
“It’s sometimes best to learn [web design] yourself instead of depending on others.” (page 69)
You don’t have to be whiz like my roomie Arthur, but knowing a basic level of HTML and CSS saves you times and money.
“The basic idea is that the more networks you join, the more you’ll be all over Google” (page 70)
WARNING: don’t join more networks than you can maintain. Better to keep content fresh and updated on five networks for the X amount people you can reach on those sites. Also, only join relevant networks. Don’t join the Kiss Fan Site if you play Dixieland jazz music.
“People discover new bands through blogs and people stay current through blogs.” (page 72)
There’s a reason why you’re reading this! Radio and music magazines who were the initial tastemakers are now unable to sustain the same levels of income. People’s attentions are quickly being diverted to blogs who can offer instant, free content directly to people without commericials or annoying advertisements. Look how much leverage blogs like Brooklyn Vegan or Pitchfork in filtering what music gets buzz going.
“It gives the converted a reason to come back if they know your blog is regularly updated and interesting.” (page 72)
“Just keep [your blog posts] fresh, true to who you are, and interesting for the fans.” (page 73)
The purpose of YOUR BAND’s blog is to fill in the gaps of MySpace and Facebook. Anything funny happen to you on the way to the studio? Did you make anything particular tasty for dinner last night? Did your van breakdown on tour? What do your grandparents think of your music? Did a fan write your an interesting email? What is one of your songs about? Do you think CSI: Miami has ridiculous plot? Write about it!!! Be creative. Be brief. Be genuine. And try to connect with people as much as you can to invite them into your life and who you are. I would give a band listen strictly on the fact that they think Arrested Development is the greatest comedy show ever or that they like an random band I love like As Human (who you should most certainly check out).
“Twitter is a different beast then MySpace or Facebook…so don’t add people blindly” (page 75)
…but feel free to follow me or my good friend Jo.
Seriously though, Twitter is about creativity, brevity, and honest connections with people. What I would say on Twitter is not necessarily what I’d say as my Facebook status on Twitter. I learned that the hard way after I forwarded my Twitter and my friends would message me saying, “I don’t give a shit what you’re doing?” or “Stop updating your status every 10 seconds. It’s annoying.” Learn the content boundaries between these various networks by trial and error given what your fans wanna read. I follow John Mayer on Twitter strictly because a friend retweeted something he wrote about being drunk and trying out a BAC reader from home…that’s amazing!!! And it has nothing to do with music.
“Your bio tells a story and lets people in on who you are.” (page 80)
If you’ve drawn people in with your music, they’ll wanna know who you are to decide whether your band is worthing investing in with their time and/or money. How, where, and when did you meet? What is your music like? Do you have any notable press or blog quotes? Any notable accomplishments like opening for a famous band, selling out a venue, or your record was produced by someone important. Brevity is equally as important as content because, once again, most people won’t read even a two paragraph bio.
“Have your best song play first and make sure listeners can get a good idea of what you’re about.”
A friend of a friend contacted me a few weeks ago to discuss the music business. I told him, like I tell every musician that contacts me, that I give bands 30 seconds before I make a decision if this band is worth my listening time. If I don’t like what I hear, I say fuck it. There’s enough music out there for people to enjoy, so the first 30 seconds of first song on your MySpace page is like a movie trailer.
“[Facebook ads] can help you gain fans as long as you are specific with your goals and budget.” (page 81)
Stupid. Don’t waste your money. There’s much free advertisement or free marketing tools out there that you shouldn’t waste your limited resources on Facebook.
“Video is much more engaging than audio alone.” (page 83)
Make sure it’s authentic for who you are and your band’s image. I told my buddies in Carlon to put music to their surf videos since Mike and Jared are avid surfers to connect with that whole culture of surfers who want more music than Jack Johnson and Sublime.
“Live videos can be a way to check out the experience.” (page 84)
Live concerts are unique experience for a fan. However, it is obvious that every fan will not go to every show…even the Grateful Dead couldn’t do that. Therefore, you want to make fans a part of the shows they do go to as the ones they miss. Each live videos gives fans a glimpse into that night’s experience, so they know why they want to go to see your band when you stop off in their city or to relive that show because they were there. In addition, that same video can convert people into new fans because of your lead singer’s stage presence, the guitarist’s solo, the crazy sounds your keyboardist makes, the complete reworking of a song, or even the stage banter.
“[A video blog aka vlog] doesn’t have to be long or important, it’s just another way to stay current.” (page 84)
I see vlogs as like a video version of a fireside chat. Invite them in your home or studio. Let them meet your friends. Show them sound check and backstage footage before/after concerts. Be informal, get comfortable, and address your fans as if you’re talking to them directly.
“We live in a search culture, so being visible is important.” (page 85)
Most people won’t go to even the third page of their search. Therefore, tagging and titling videos and blog posts are arguably just as important as what to name your album. I stumbled on The Drift on Amie Street Music because they tagged Explosions in the Sky. I would travel up to three hours to see them live if they ever came out East. And my connection was made through strategic tagging. With every potential tag ask yourself, “Who can I reach with this tag and will they like my band???”
“Giving away your music for an e-mail address and/or cell phone number can be more important than selling the music without the contact info.” (page 88)
Email lists are power these days. It’s about how many people you can reach and connect with and reminds people why they should care about your band. However, please indicate on your mailing list form or add a sidenote to your online widget that tells people:
- Your band will not sell people’s contact info
- How often you send out email blasts
- The content of your email blasts (tour info, contests, free stuff, new merchandise, blog posts…)
Being clear and honest creates an initial level of trust.
“Don’t just sell to your list” (page 88)
All too much I see bands shoving their merch down people’s throats. I KNOW YOU’RE BAND HAS A CD..OK?!?!?!?! The key is to give them a reason to buy your shit. Email people about a free EP, free live recordings, remix contests, or ticket giveaways. Feature a couple new merch items like an album or graphic t-shirt and the rest can be covered by linking people to your band’s web stor
Final thoughts: social networking sites shouldn’t be treated as separate entities. Take out a piece of paper and draw your web presence in a web. I did this with Ropeadope. I really wish I had a copy of it, so I could show people what I’m talking about. It may sound stupid, but it clarifies or questions your current online marketing strategy. Replicate your written web online by making sure to link all the sites to each other and distribute your content throughout to account for any given site’s special features. However, make sure to have a bulk of the content on your main site (MySpace, blog, or website). An example would be to have use Imeem playlists for music, YouTube videos, and a Twitter feed all on your main site, but making sure to link people to all of your sites (and vice-versa) to get more content. Better connections to and from your various networks allows people to build stronger connections with your band.
The New Rockstar Philosophy Pt 3
22 05 2009So I assume everyone’s read part 1 and part 2 right?????? If not, catch up. I’ll wait………
…time’s up. Now onto part 3.
“Although having your own website is an important part of your artistic identity, it should not be your only one.” (page 67)
“It’s sometimes best to learn [web design] yourself instead of depending on others.” (page 69)
You don’t have to be whiz like my roomie Arthur, but knowing a basic level of HTML and CSS saves you times and money.
“The basic idea is that the more networks you join, the more you’ll be all over Google” (page 70)
WARNING: don’t join more networks than you can maintain. Better to keep content fresh and updated on five networks for the X amount people you can reach on those sites. Also, only join relevant networks. Don’t join the Kiss Fan Site if you play Dixieland jazz music.
“People discover new bands through blogs and people stay current through blogs.” (page 72)
There’s a reason why you’re reading this! Radio and music magazines who were the initial tastemakers are now unable to sustain the same levels of income. People’s attentions are quickly being diverted to blogs who can offer instant, free content directly to people without commericials or annoying advertisements. Look how much leverage blogs like Brooklyn Vegan or Pitchfork in filtering what music gets buzz going.
“It gives the converted a reason to come back if they know your blog is regularly updated and interesting.” (page 72)
“Just keep [your blog posts] fresh, true to who you are, and interesting for the fans.” (page 73)
The purpose of YOUR BAND’s blog is to fill in the gaps of MySpace and Facebook. Anything funny happen to you on the way to the studio? Did you make anything particular tasty for dinner last night? Did your van breakdown on tour? What do your grandparents think of your music? Did a fan write your an interesting email? What is one of your songs about? Do you think CSI: Miami has ridiculous plot? Write about it!!! Be creative. Be brief. Be genuine. And try to connect with people as much as you can to invite them into your life and who you are. I would give a band listen strictly on the fact that they think Arrested Development is the greatest comedy show ever or that they like an random band I love like As Human (who you should most certainly check out).
“Twitter is a different beast then MySpace or Facebook…so don’t add people blindly” (page 75)
…but feel free to follow me or my good friend Jo.
Seriously though, Twitter is about creativity, brevity, and honest connections with people. What I would say on Twitter is not necessarily what I’d say as my Facebook status on Twitter. I learned that the hard way after I forwarded my Twitter and my friends would message me saying, “I don’t give a shit what you’re doing?” or “Stop updating your status every 10 seconds. It’s annoying.” Learn the content boundaries between these various networks by trial and error given what your fans wanna read. I follow John Mayer on Twitter strictly because a friend retweeted something he wrote about being drunk and trying out a BAC reader from home…that’s amazing!!! And it has nothing to do with music.
“Your bio tells a story and lets people in on who you are.” (page 80)
If you’ve drawn people in with your music, they’ll wanna know who you are to decide whether your band is worthing investing in with their time and/or money. How, where, and when did you meet? What is your music like? Do you have any notable press or blog quotes? Any notable accomplishments like opening for a famous band, selling out a venue, or your record was produced by someone important. Brevity is equally as important as content because, once again, most people won’t read even a two paragraph bio.
“Have your best song play first and make sure listeners can get a good idea of what you’re about.”
A friend of a friend contacted me a few weeks ago to discuss the music business. I told him, like I tell every musician that contacts me, that I give bands 30 seconds before I make a decision if this band is worth my listening time. If I don’t like what I hear, I say fuck it. There’s enough music out there for people to enjoy, so the first 30 seconds of first song on your MySpace page is like a movie trailer.
“[Facebook ads] can help you gain fans as long as you are specific with your goals and budget.” (page 81)
Stupid. Don’t waste your money. There’s much free advertisement or free marketing tools out there that you shouldn’t waste your limited resources on Facebook.
“Video is much more engaging than audio alone.” (page 83)
Make sure it’s authentic for who you are and your band’s image. I told my buddies in Carlon to put music to their surf videos since Mike and Jared are avid surfers to connect with that whole culture of surfers who want more music than Jack Johnson and Sublime.
“Live videos can be a way to check out the experience.” (page 84)
Live concerts are unique experience for a fan. However, it is obvious that every fan will not go to every show…even the Grateful Dead couldn’t do that. Therefore, you want to make fans a part of the shows they do go to as the ones they miss. Each live videos gives fans a glimpse into that night’s experience, so they know why they want to go to see your band when you stop off in their city or to relive that show because they were there. In addition, that same video can convert people into new fans because of your lead singer’s stage presence, the guitarist’s solo, the crazy sounds your keyboardist makes, the complete reworking of a song, or even the stage banter.
“[A video blog aka vlog] doesn’t have to be long or important, it’s just another way to stay current.” (page 84)
I see vlogs as like a video version of a fireside chat. Invite them in your home or studio. Let them meet your friends. Show them sound check and backstage footage before/after concerts. Be informal, get comfortable, and address your fans as if you’re talking to them directly.
“We live in a search culture, so being visible is important.” (page 85)
Most people won’t go to even the third page of their search. Therefore, tagging and titling videos and blog posts are arguably just as important as what to name your album. I stumbled on The Drift on Amie Street Music because they tagged Explosions in the Sky. I would travel up to three hours to see them live if they ever came out East. And my connection was made through strategic tagging. With every potential tag ask yourself, “Who can I reach with this tag and will they like my band???”
“Giving away your music for an e-mail address and/or cell phone number can be more important than selling the music without the contact info.” (page 88)
Email lists are power these days. It’s about how many people you can reach and connect with and reminds people why they should care about your band. However, please indicate on your mailing list form or add a sidenote to your online widget that tells people:
Being clear and honest creates an initial level of trust.
“Don’t just sell to your list” (page 88)
All too much I see bands shoving their merch down people’s throats. I KNOW YOU’RE BAND HAS A CD..OK?!?!?!?! The key is to give them a reason to buy your shit. Email people about a free EP, free live recordings, remix contests, or ticket giveaways. Feature a couple new merch items like an album or graphic t-shirt and the rest can be covered by linking people to your band’s web stor
Final thoughts: social networking sites shouldn’t be treated as separate entities. Take out a piece of paper and draw your web presence in a web. I did this with Ropeadope. I really wish I had a copy of it, so I could show people what I’m talking about. It may sound stupid, but it clarifies or questions your current online marketing strategy. Replicate your written web online by making sure to link all the sites to each other and distribute your content throughout to account for any given site’s special features. However, make sure to have a bulk of the content on your main site (MySpace, blog, or website). An example would be to have use Imeem playlists for music, YouTube videos, and a Twitter feed all on your main site, but making sure to link people to all of your sites (and vice-versa) to get more content. Better connections to and from your various networks allows people to build stronger connections with your band.