MARCH 2004 Newsletter
Welcome to the LMIA newsletter. We hope you enjoy all of the great information to be
found here and will submit information of your own. To get something in the newsletter, just send your
information to newsletter@lmiacentral.com before the 25th of the month. The past editions of the
newsletter will be archived at the bottom of this page for reference. Enjoy!
>>LMIA
EDUCATIONAL SERIES'<<
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The MU$ICIAN$ ACTION PLAN (MAP) series, the monthly music business survival series hosted by LMIA, Blue Sky Kentucky and attorney Scott Keniley, continues this month. Don't worry if you didn't make the previous sessions - you can still attendany of the single sessions or still save $$ by signing up for the whole series and you can still purchase the handouts from previous |
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sessions. Handouts are provided at each session so attendees can assemble their own "music industry survival" handbook. |
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Click the MAP Logo above to go to the registration page or to get more info on the series. |
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LMIA
Brings the Music Biz to the Schools - "All About the Biz"
MOLD YOUNG MINDS
The new LMIA education series "All About the Biz" strikes again! Beginning in January 2004, the Louisville Music
Industry Alliance began a yearlong commitment to bring the music business to Kentuckiana
public schools. Each month, several LMIA members will conduct a panel discussion with students. They will
begin by talking about their ambition that fuels their profession, their current music career and their
future goals and aspirations. They will share on misconceptions about the music business and on the realities
of maintaining a music career. The LMIA members will then open the dialogue to the children for questions.
Each panel discussion will last approximately 35- 45 minutes. The panel relates to curriculum under "practical
living, career education".
Upcoming panels are as listed. More to come!
Tuesday, May 18 at Bullitt East High School
If you are interested in participating in future panels, please contac
Heidi Howe at heidi@heidihowe.com or at 939-2371.
>>MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS<<
Birthdays Jeremy King of the Dead City Rejects - April 2
| LMIA/Budweiser True Music MARCH ARTIST OF THE MONTH |  |
After The Fall
Valley will have their CD release party April 24th at Headliners. Their new CD is Blueprints and will be available at the show. Other artists at the show will be Breckinridge and In The Clear. Doors open at 8 and the show starts at 9:30. Other Member Information The Shooting Gallery will have their CD release party at Phoenix Hill on Friday night April 23rd instead of April 24th as originally planned. Joining the band to celebrate will be Hell's 1/2 Acre.
El Roostars, The Shooting Gallery and Warren Ray will be playing Derby week, Thursday April 29th at Uncle Pleasant's.
Sol 17 will be at the Highland's Tap Room on Friday April 23rd. Squarewell just got back from New York where they recorded a new full-length album with producer John Naclerio. To take a peek at the album, which should be released this summer, head to http://www.squarewell.com/squarewell/html (you'll need a flash player to listen.)
Arch is currently in the studio at Head First Media recording their debut full-length album. See them live April 17th @ Woody's Tavern with Odessa and TBA, and at Za's on Derby Eve with Brothers of Conquest, Scaramongo, and TBA
Eclectic, along with their management, WiseSmith Management, has signed an endorsement deal with the worldwide company Eminence Speakers, located in Eminence, Kentucky.
Planetary Productions is putting on hot night Tuesday April 6th at Longshot's, with Hairy Apes BMX. LMIA members get $1 off admission with their membership card. For more info visit http://www.HABMX.com.
The Vixen Red and JK McKinght have a double-release set for April 15th. One is "The Vixen Red: Sunrise and Nightfall in the Equestrian Sea. The other is JK's solo debut "JK McKnight." There's also a 30+ date tour starting April 8th in Louisville and ending June 17 in New York City. For more information visit http://www.thevixenred.com.
All Access performed at Phoenix Hill Tavern on Saturday, March-06, showcasing at the "Head-First Live Competition" in effort to compete for 10 hours of premium recording time at Head-First Media in Louisville, Kentucky. The band won hands down, and not only will receive the recording time, but as a result of their great performance, they were also invited to open for Breckinridge at the Kentucky Derby Festival on April-29 at Phoenix Hill Tavern.
All Access also received a visit from The News-Enterprise (a local Hardin County Newspaper), who put them in "The Spotlight". To read the article, visit http://thenewsenterprise.com/articles/2004/03/11/entertainment/ent1.txt.
Pilot Fish has begun recording their newest full-length album at Master Your Sound Recording Studio.Squarewell
The Roger Dane Jazz Orchestra, taken at their regular (3rd Monday) monthly gig at the Comedy Caravan. This is an all-ages, no-smoking event ... cover is $6 and a portion of the door goes to the Crusade for Children.
>>LMIA MEMBER'S FUNNIEST STORIES<<
Here is a membership perk I did not expect to receive when I signed my band Marion Dries & the Dissidents up for LMIA two years ago. Two members of our current band (John Dries & Randy Tate) were in a punk rock power trio known as The Angry Dissidents back in the mid-to-late 1980's here in Louisville. If you remember the old Uncle Pleasant's you might have seen them throw serious distortion down there. The drummer in that band (Chris Kelly) moved to Atlanta in the early 1990's; by then Randy had moved to Chicago and John & I to North Carolina. Over the years Chris, John and Randy lost track of one another. Randy found John and I listed in the phone book about a year after we moved back to Louisville, and hence Marion Dries & the Dissidents were born. But still, no one knew what had become of Chris. Then last month we received an e-mail from Chris who found us via our LMIA web page. Chris still lives in Atlanta, but the original Angry Dissidents are planning a reunion gig whenever he can get time to visit us in Louisville. So thanks to LMIA for reuniting old band mates. Rock on! Marion Dries Marion Dries & The Dissidents
About 1990 I was playing in a Mod band called the GO! (no relation to the one that was just at Headliner's), and we had this gig at C.D. Graffiti's, out in the Sears building (the Laser Tag place). We're banging away onstage on a cover of David Bowie's "I Can't Help Thinking About Me," and while I'm doing the lead vocal, in a particularly loud/animated point in the song, I suddenly hear that there's no drumming going on behind me. My first instinct is to keep going, that something's gone wrong back there, and the drummer will jump back in as soon as possible. About one lyric line later, curiosity gets the better of me, and I just HAVE to look & see what's going on back there. So I sneak a peek between lines, and what I see is our drummer standing on the riser (about a 4 ft. one), holding onto his kit by the bass drum rim. The whole kit had nearly fallen off the riser, and he grabbed it in the nick of time, and was in the process of hauling it back up onto the riser. A couple of seconds later, and, having re-situated everything, he did indeed jump back in, and it only threw us off our game a little. I have the whole thing on videotape, and it all happened very quickly, but it seemed like an eternity at the time! I've been tempted many times to send a copy of that little snippet to "America's Funniest Home Videos."
Doug Norman
Thee Flying Carpets
>>LMIA HIGHLIGHTS<<
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GREAT NEWS!! LMIA has a new sponsor. The local paper, LEO (Louisville Eccentric Observer) is now a LMIA partner/sponsor. LEO will be printing the LMIA show listings weekly in the music section of the paper. Our first listing was Wednesday, March 5. Watch the LEO each week for LMIA showcase information. This will be a great boost to our marketing plan and local awareness of the organization and the original music scene. Thanks LEO!! |
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LMIA Sponsored by Anheuser-Busch/Budweiser True Music for 2004. LMIA received a sizeable sponsorship from Budweiser True Music for 2004 to help further the Louisville Original Music scene. The sponsorship includes over 20 showcases per month at various local venues, 4 billboards that are up around town (see home page of web site for locations), and special event partnerships. Be at the meetings to find out more. |
PROMOTE YOURSELF AND LMIA We are also now listing the top 5 played LMIA member songs on the home page. This will be updated weekly. The placement is based on the number of times a member's song has been played that week. We are also listing member's CD release information on the home page. If you our your group are releasing a CD in the next 3 months and you are not listed, send Lesa an e-mail with the details and we will list it for you.
Need a Web Site? Have a friend who said they would do one free 6 months ago? Xstreme Media offers FREE start-up web sites and discounted domain name registration for LMIA members. They are offering a basic 3 page web site Free to any LMIA artist along with discounted domain name registration. CLICK HERE for more information.
>>LMIA Band & Artist Live Show Reviews<<
LMIA Showcase Wick's March 9th By Janet Wolfe
Due to unforeseen events, there was only one band's energy this night at Wick's, Anheuser-Busch True Music Showcase, which is now the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, but the energy was High Output, and they definitely put it out! The band is Kyle Bixler, 25, on vocals, Jason Webster, 33, on guitar, Josh Yopp, 23, on bass, and Mike Englert, 23, on drums.
The band has been together about a year and a half now and hooked up with Kyle through the gig bag in the LEO. They are intense, tight and have extremely high energy. The vocals are very good with great intonation! The drummer is right on it and has that school music background that I like to see. He graduated from St. X. As individuals, they are all good musicians, as a whole they are tight, together, and rockin and rollin.
The band has a strong 2-song demo that would sell them to any venue. It has a good song that shows off Kyle's voice called "Gone Again" and the second song accentuates their ability to go off into intense rocking, called "Far Away". Their business cards have raised lettering (mine don't) and all the band member names and instruments are on there. Good logo too. Pilotfish is another band with a great logo. Do you have one that stands out? Their EPK was done at sonicbids.
Their self-titled 8 song CD was done at Master Your Sound Studios in Lyndon in spring 2003 and is available at Ear X Tacy. The engineering was done by Billy Masterson. "Take Me There" is a slower tune that really does bring out Kyle's sweet vocals. He does have a natural gift in that voice of his. "Gotta GO" is a enjoyable rocker. "Today's Tomorrow" is a deep offering. "Random songs floating in my head. I can't remember just what you said. Take it now and run away. There's never tomorrow, there's only today. Time is short, take it as it comes…" Jason does very nice guitar work. Josh stays right in the pocket in the bass. They have a nice chemistry. They have 26 original tunes with about 6 or 7 more in the works.
High Output plays frequently at Phoenix Hill Tavern and R Place Pub (without a cover charge), as well as Wick's on Baxter. Their website is housed at www.highoutput1.com. Their upcoming dates include April 17th and Sat. May 1st at R Place Pub. On May 21st, they will be in the Roof Garden at Phoenix Hill with LMIA.
LMIA Showcase Flanagan's March 16
By Janet Wolfe
It was the night before St. Paddy's and all through the house the musicians were stirring…and checking out the freshly colored green beer and the acoustic sounds of Nick Peay, one of the newest LMIA members. Nick is 23 and just graduated in December 2003 from MTSU in Murfreesboro, TN with a degree in Music Business. For Christmas, his parents got him a membership in LMIA. Great gift.
Nick grew up near Bowman Field and went to school at Manual and YPAS, concentrating in musical theater and graduating in 1999. He started playing guitar in 8th grade and his first band was called A Few Good Men, an acoustictrio that played while he was in high school. He was in a rock band in Nashville called Passersby that influenced him to start writing more songs.
He did a good job this night and has a great vocal range. I like his songwriting talents. His songs include "Girl Named Sunday", Center of the Universe", and a new tune called "I Know". "Brand New Moon" tends to bring out some powerful playing on the acoustic. The song "Rachel Says" has some nice lyrics "Life is like a napkin. It's always there when you make a mess." And yes, this kid can scream like Adam Sandler, and has a sense of humor.
Last summer he started going to the open mic night at Molly Malone's and met up with Warren Ray and started a project called Aloha Fonda. They performed at Mom's Music Fest, Jim Porter's, and again at Six Flags. Look for them to team up again soon. They're influenced by the 70's vibe folk of Crosby, Stills, and Nash, and America.
Nick Peay has a solo CD My Favorite Cliche with 9 and 1/2 tracks, the hidden track being called "PB and
J". He is currently recording at home on PC digital software called Magic Studio. His influences include
Butch Walker and Ben Folds, the Beatles, and Zeppelin. Welcome back home and welcome to LMIA.
So glad to have you.
Herbie Hinkle Ensemble @ Molly Malone's
By Janet Wolfe
It was the night after St. Paddy's and at Molly Malone's, not many were stirring, but the band was shakin, not stirred. Have you checked out The Herbie Hinkle Ensemble yet? Herbie Hinkle did not appear on this evening, but they promised that this was not like "Which one is Pink?" Herbie himself made an appearance on Fox in the Morning in January on this year. His photograph is on the website, www.herbiehinkle.com, which was done by LMIA Member's Xstreme Media, where you can find out more about the man who makes this band shake, rattle and roll.
Jonathan Beazlie, 30, is on guitar and vocals, Bobby Hayes, 27, is on keys and vocals, Joe Wheeler, 29 is on bass and vocals and last but not least, Jeremy Smith, 31, is right in the pocket on percussion. When Herbie Hinkle is in the house, "he does anything he wants". The band has been together about a year and a half or a bit longer and plays at Phoenix Hill, Jim Porter's, Tailgater's, Headliner's, The Barrel House Brewing Company in Cincinnati and the Vortex in Indy. You can hear a serious funk influence, along with jazz, Frank Zappa, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and the Beatles.
There was an empty house, but a tight groove at Molly Malone's. I guess most of the town was nursing that green beer hangover. The Herbie Hinkle Ensemble has some great harmonies going on. The bass player, Joe Wheeler, definitely possesses a funk groove that is happening and cool. The live songs I enjoyed included "Siren" and "Something". They were definitely melodically and groovically hot. My pals Tom and Jackie popped in and gave their overwhelming approval as well.
Jon Beazlie writes and records all the songs on their self-titled CD with 10 cuts released in March 2003. Jon
studied engineering, computer graphics and video at Full Sail in Orlando, Florida. It's hard to go into detail
about the CD. IT'S ALL GOOD! These guys are great! I've found another band worthy of being in my top
10 list! Who else is out there checking out all the talent in town? Since I've been writing, I'm really amazed
at the level of musicianship here in town, but the turnout is really lame. We're all busy, we all have the
common goal, and all feel the same when we play to an empty house. We play because we have to. Check
out the unknown.
>>LMIA Member CD/Demo Reviews<<
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Angela Bartley - Goodnite Kisses (lullabies from around the world) |
Goodnite Kisses This album features excellent instrumentation, lulling vocals and pleasant harmonies. All doing what they were meant to do -- lull and relax.
It holds an interesting twist using different languages allowing the listener to envision how children in other parts of the world have heard the songs throughout time. A lovely arrangement. This album includes some familiar favorites such as Kumbaya and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral brought back warm memories of my father singing to me as a child.
Sounds of Kentucky
Perfect for folks who are starting a family or have young ones at home. Guaranteed to take your child
Around the World in 80 Days (OK 45 minutes!)
This album takes me to my favorite time of year here in Kentucky --- Derby! Lovely renditions of some old Kentucky favorites. Great for your next Derby gathering!
<<ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES>>
New LEO Music web site www.LEOBeat.com
Greetings
to those of you who make Louisville a better place by filling it with
such sweet, sweet music…
LEO is venturing into the brave new world of the online with a brand
new, state of the art web site, andwe'd
like you to be a part of it. From within its revolving virtual planet
of content, LEOBeat.com will offer "Previews and Reviews",
an online version of the print edition's uber-popular "Plugged
In", a Concert Commuter, downloadable music from all kinds of
Louisville bands, a forum/messageboard, a content informer (wherein
one can sign up and receive free updates as soon as we have them),
specialized band pages for every Louisville band that submits content,
and even LEOBeat sponsorships for certain Louisville events in the
future. And it's all FREE! All of it! All the time! FREE!
LEOBeat.com is up and running. If you or your band is interested, send an email over the leobeat@leoweekly.com and we'll send you all the info you'll need to be a part of LEOBeat.
Sony Urban Is Coming To Louisville
On May
23, 2004 Sony Urban will fly in A&R Reps from New York to
see if you've got what it takes to land a major record deal.
To submit your music and information, log on to http://www.gigamerica.com/sony/index.asp
This event is brought to you by Princess K Productions.
WDRB's "Fox in the Morning" Looking for Local Musicians
"Fox in the Morning" is going to start hosting weekly segments for local musicians. If you are interested in appearing on the show, send a promotional package with recording to Fox in the Morning, BAND SEARCH, WDRB/Fox 41, 624 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, KY 40203.
REHEARSAL SPACE
We want to thank Dead City Rejects for bringing this information to our attention…
For any musicians still searching for a rehearsal space, the Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center is currently under development in the Clifton Neighborhood, located in the old Fischer Packing plant on Mellwood Ave. They are currently leasing out 77 square-foot studios to artists for $100 a month. At the moment, they are only leasing the space to visual artists because of noise concerns. However, they do have plenty of available space throughout the complex that could be converted into designated musician rehearsal space if enough interest is shown throughout the community.
So, if you are in a band (or just need a place to make noise) and would be seriously interested in such a
space, then send an email to Kelli Torpey at kelli@mellwoodartcenter.com. All units would be for individual
monthly lease, would be available 24 hours a day, and will feature a per-unit security system so that no
one could get in and run off with your gear.
International Pop Overthrow Festival co-organizer and nationally-recognized music critic David Bash has been very impressed with the Louisville bands he's heard thus far, and several of them (including The Rumors and Digby) have been invited to perform at the Nashville festival in March. Another IPO Festival will take place in Chicago in April. David prefers his pop without a hard edge, thanks, and has a special weakness for that jangly Byrds-type stuff. If you think you'd appeal to him, by all means, send him a package at 14641 Magnolia Blvd. #2, Sherman Oaks, CA, 91403.
4th Annual Midwest Entertainment Industry Conference
Please
be sure to note our new web address and update your bookmarks
and links:
http://www.midwestentertainmentconference.com
The conference
is now set for November 13-15, 2003 at the Hyatt
Regency in Lexington, KY. It is Sponsored by: (as of this date) Sennheiser
USA, DiscMakers, Budweiser, Insight Communications, FilmThreat.com,
FilmMakers.com, WKQQ , Music Business Registry,
SonicBids.com, Maker's Mark, WebAir Inc.
It is now a Non-Profit event, and is part of an upcoming, year-round
regional initiative to support and develop independent artists and
those going into independent industry areas (concentration on Music,
Film/Video, Game Development, and Publishing). We will be
unveiling a new Zine, TheProgressor.com and much more in the next
few months.
We are
now accepting entries for the Film Festival and for the Music
Showcases. Film and Videomakers are encouraged to get submissions
in early and we are accepting music submissions from all genres. Those
submitting in Music have an electronic option through SonicBids.com
All information for submitting material to either the Film Festival
or the Music
Showcases can be found on our site, at http://www.midwestentertainmentconference.com/submissions.html
We are
close to unveiling the first listing of panels and panelists
for the MEIC. Those interested in this type of participation should
contact us at panels@midwestenterainmentconference.com
This
year, the conference is open to the Game Development Industry.
We are developing technical and artistic panels and workshops for
this area and will be open to companies and individuals working in
this industry. We are also adding element for the Publishing area,
focusing
on graphic novels/comic books.
This
addition makes the MEIC a very comprehensive entertainment
industry conference, where we offer a unique opportunity for cross-networking
between industries. Musicians, for example, can find opportunities
in film through soundtracks and music videos,
and in video games through placement of music in independent games
being developed. Game Developers can find creative script writers
for plot developments, Film/Video makers could potentially link with
musicians or game developers for extended development of their film
projects and promotions, and much more. We want to facilitate an environment
with a multitude of possible opportunities for the independent artist
or business person.
The conference
will feature 2 days of panels, workshops, and seminars
in each industry area, as well as an expanded trade show. In the evening,
we will have a host of activities involving the music showcases and
film festival.
The film festival will feature a full series of awards this year.
Early
registration is also available for just $50. Information is on
the site at
http://www.midwestentertainmentconference.com/registration.html
We are
working to bring you a great event, with great content and
opportunities. We have added many new staff members who are working
hard to make this happen, and we are very excited about our upcoming
panelists and keynote speakers. Please feel free to contact us
anytime with questions, at 859.223.1560 or meic@mi
dwestentertainmentconference.com
<<LMIA Show Listings for April>>
Check the EVENTS PAGE on the web site and check it often to see who will be playing this month.
Phoenix Hill Tavern - LMIA LIVE/Budweiser True Music Series - Friday, April 16 Doors open at 9 - Music Starts at 10 - WTFX Happy Hour till 9 - Phree Admission until 9PM Wick's Pizza, Baxter Ave. - LMIA LIVE/Budweiser True Music Series - 2nd & 4th Tuesday Show starts at 10PM - Free Admission
Uncle Pleasant's, Friday March 12 - LMIA LIVE/Budweiser True Music Series
Doors open at 8 and show starts at 9:30.
O'Shea's, Baxter Ave. - LMIA Jazz Open Mic with Ray Rizzo - Every Sunday - 7-10pm
All Ages - Free Admission
Molly Malone's, Baxter Ave. - LMIA Open Mic with Warren Ray - Every Monday - 9-12pm
All Ages - Free Admission
O'Shea's, Baxter Ave. - LMIA LIVE/Budweiser True Music Series - 1st Tuesday
Show starts at 10 PM
Flanagan's, Baxter Ave. - LMIA LIVE/Budweiser True Music Series - 3rd Tuesday
Show starts at 10 PM
Tailgaiter's on Floyd - LMIA LIVE Music Series - 1st Saturday of every month
Starting May 1 - Show starts at 10:00 - $5.00 Admission
<<A&R Tips by Stephen McCord>>
1. How do I go about getting my demo to the labels or to an A&R for the labels?
I know you've heard it before, but try not to send any demo package unsolicited. I've seen many mailings go straight from the mailroom to the trash can. Research the targeted label, find the A&R contact information and try to make some contact with someone from the label. Ask the label receptionist for contact names and/or search online for targeted label information. You can get valuable information from a receptionist with a little grace and show of respect! As far as printed info, there are too many "record label directory" sources to list! Start with the VP/A&R and work your way down the A&R staff (if more than 1 contact) If you must, write "Requested Material" on the (lower-left) cover of the package. That's a trick that some A&R insiders use to distinguish unsolicited from solicited material. Mostly, make it look as professional as possible.
If
you have a few extra bucks, I would recommend sending your package
via Fed Ex "3rd-day Economy" or UPS "3-Day Select"
for a more professional approach. Also, type the label/airbill if
possible. The packaging evokes a sense of professionalism and urgency
for a fraction of the perceived "priority overnight" expense.
In your (professional)
cover letter, don't give them the opportunity to contact you. It may
never happen. Be aggressive and state that you will contact them in
say, two weeks time to follow up.
Close you letter with a sentence like...On the chance that you can find time to listen to my project, I will contact your office on X date to follow up with your comments." Respectfully...
Be sure to leave your contact info as well, preferably in stationery/letter-head form.
2. In today's industry, what does an A&R do and how vital are they to your getting a deal?
The A&R department is generally responsible for the following services:
*
Scouting for talent/songs
* Working with artist/band to develop/select song repertoire
* Publishing support/copyright clearances/album label copy/liner notes
* Coordinating key industry artist showcases
* Artist development (label) support for artist/band
As
far as vitality, A&R can be your greatest asset, not only for
an artist/band getting a deal, but perhaps most importantly, for providing
the incredible support within the label! Sure, lawyers, other label
VP's can help you get a deal, but A&R reps generally champion
the artist(s) they sign/want to sign at every opportunity within and
(eventually) outside the label they represent! Visibility is vital
for success within and outside a label. While a publicist can manage
the external visibility, an A&R person can fight for internal
visibility when "jockeying for position/priority" with other
artists on a label roster.
Finally, in some cases with larger labels anyway, I think it's a good idea to approach your targeted label(s) with a sampling of your music (3-songs) and a cover letter as opposed to firing off a full-blown CD, with 3-D packaging, a 30-page marketing plan, and an EPK! In some cases, A&R reps like to feel as though they are involved with a project...at inception or early into the process. In today's era, perhaps more labels/A&R reps prefer a more complete package approach (e.g. solid sales story, finished goods, etc.) Still there are others that might prefer the "baby-step" approach, where they can interject their ideas and experience at the infant stage and become more involved in the creative process. The key is to research each label's A&R department and make the best informed decision about which A&R approach to take to give you the best chance for success.
Until then...keep rockin'! Stephen
<<LEGAL TIPS by Scott Keniley, Esq.>>
ARE
YOU READY TO BE JUDGED?
The
most common request I receive as an Entertainment attorney from a
prospective artist client is "will you listen to my demo?"
The second most common request is in essence "will you shop a
deal for me?" I hear it at the office, at conferences where I
lecture and even at my dinner table in restaurants during private
meals with family and friends. The question is how should I, or any
"Entertainment" attorney for that matter respond.
On a personal note, I would like nothing more than to see the creative and talented receive the recognition and financial reward they deserve. I would also like nothing more than to see music enthusiast and general consumers exercise their right to choose and listen to music THEY enjoy. The two just must be introduced to each other.
I will briefly address the first most common request, "will you listen to my demo?" I try to listen to all music artists submit to me. I do not base my decision to represent an artist on whether I like their music, or for that matter, tell them my personal opinion one way or the other. Musical tastes and desires vary from person to person as much as choices in food, clothing or art, therefore, musical tastes are subjective. That applies to lawyers as well. So never base furtherance of your career on one person's criticism or distaste. Some genres of music have a larger array of listeners than do others. According to a Recording Artists Industry Association of America ("RIAA") survey, Alternative/Modern Rock ranks as the favorite at 57%, Rap/Hip Hop at 29% and Dance music at 33%. Those are statistics. Statistics in essence are objective. I cannot tell you what my favorite music is, but I know it when I hear it. It does not matter to your career whether your "Entertainment" attorney is your fan. However, you will need to associate with an "Entertainment" attorney, accountant and other music industry professionals for their experience, skills and contacts, not their musical tastes.
The second most common request is a little "touchy feely." "Shopping" in the music industry is a term of art referring to someone or some entity taking active steps to try and secure a recording deal for an artist. Most preconceived notions relate this to shopping the artist to one of the five major labels, EMI, BMG, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment or Warner Music Group. Artists, through education by experienced industry veterans, should learn that this is not always the best approach and often an independent label will be better suited to provide them with an income and career in music, but less likely to offer superstardom. Steady Income versus Ego.
A person or entity that will shop any artist that pays them probably has very low credibility due the fact that some of their clients are not good or possibly not the taste of the record companies artist and repertoire ("A & R") scout and will therefore, cause a level of disdain between the shopper and the scout for the record company. I believe, as do most experienced Entertainment attorneys, that the artists, in addition to their talent, must have or create a story to tell that will set them apart from the masses of artists in order to approach the majors. "Make yourself the prey, not the predator."
The question I often pose to potential clients when asked to shop them is "Are you ready to be judged?" "Are you taking your career seriously?" "Are you ready on and off the stage?" Arrogance and talent aside, have you, the artist, done everything to properly market your self and has there been a positive consumer response, i.e. create a "buzz." .................... (CONTINUED)
See the rest of the story on the LMIA Legal Page.
<<PUBLICITY TIPS by Leslie Stewart>>
Follow-up: How to be persistent without being a pest
Now that you've sent CDs and press kits to the media, you'll have to realize that probably 10 other local bands sent the very same kind of thing at the same time, and that you're all competing for a limited amount of free publicity.
Following up on your packages serves several purposes. For one thing, it allows you to confirm that the intended recipient actually received the package. Also, it's frequently a helpful reminder to the editor or programmer in question, and it opens up what will hopefully be an ongoing dialogue between your band and the media.
As you performed research for your mailing list (names, addresses, etc.), you should have something of a little database built up. If you haven't done so already, now's the time to flesh that out with phone numbers and e-mail addresses. You can do this through readily available software programs like Microsoft Outlook, ACT!, or any number of available contact management programs. Some are even designed specifically for the music business. You can also do a simple spreadsheet on a program like Excel. Basically you just want to have a way to track your follow-up so that you know whom you contacted and when, and what (if anything) happened in the exchange. Here's a sample:
Contact phone/e-mail Reached Received Results comments
Julie M./Atrocity 555-1234 yes 3/10 will listen possible staff pick 3/17
Clyde Snark/Itch snark@itch.com EM yes,3/9 calendar add might review next month
Bruiser/WAAA 585-WAAA no ? ? no contact in 3 weeks
Kat/WLOC 555-MEOW yes yes, 3/9 local airplay send xtras for giveaway
You'll want to know the preferences of the people you're contacting.
E-mail is usually the least intrusive way to follow up, but isn't
always as effective as a one-on-one phone conversation, especially
if you don't know the person already. Not everyone wants to be bothered
via phone, however, especially if they're scrambling to meet a deadline.
You might try sending an e-mail first, and asking if there might be
a good time to call. Radio people frequently set aside specific weekly
times to take music calls, so find out from the station receptionist
when those times are, and adhere to them. Even during those times,
you might end up without personal contact, but don't pass up an opportunity
to leave a voice-mail message. Be sure you're clear and concise in
e-mails OR on the phone - a simple "Hi, this is so-and-so from
the Such-and-suches, and I'm just calling to make sure you received
the press kit and CD I sent last week. Please call me at your earliest
opportunity at ###-####" is preferable to a rambling message
that basically says everything that's already included in the press
kit. And of course, always include your name and contact information.
Don't assume that everyone has a cell phone or caller ID - always
leave your number.
How much follow up is necessary depends on the individual contact and their respective media. If the editor of a monthly publication tells you in March that he'll do a feature on your band in July, it would be rude to call him/her every week until then. A subtle note or phone call in late May, however, giving said editor an update on your performances, and perhaps news of an upcoming photo opportunity, would be ideal. At the other end of the spectrum, if you have a TV appearance scheduled for a morning show that's just a week away and you still have no idea of their technical setup, you should call them daily until someone gets back to you. Radio programmers are accustomed to having national label reps call them every week to check on a disc's progress, but that might feel like too much contact for a local act. Use your own best judgement here - if you hear exasperation on the other end of the phone, you're probably calling too much! When in doubt, just ask! "When would be a good time for me to check back with you?" is a perfectly valid question and one that most people are happy to answer honestly.
What happens when someone tells you flat out that your band or music is of absolutely no interest to them? You might ask if there's another programmer or reviewer on staff who might be interested, and ask that it be passed along to that person (try and get their name so you can follow up with them!). And you might start looking for other approaches - just because the music critic at the daily newspaper might think your guitar playing needs improvement, doesn't mean another feature writer might not be fascinated by the idea that you and your dad built the guitar together out of scrap lumber from your grandfather's clock-making factory!
What happens when someone promises you coverage that doesn't materialize? This can be the ultimate bummer, but try not to take it personally. Sometimes planned items are scrapped for lack of space at the last minute, or an editor makes an executive decision over which the writer has no control. A little follow-up in this situation is good if you can stay calm and rational, and don't berate the person in question. An e-mail saying "Gee, we were disappointed that we didn't get the article in this week, but we'll be sure to keep you up to date on our upcoming appearances" is apt to get you both an apology and a possible make-good (like a review of the album, perhaps). Resist at all costs the temptation to leave a hot-headed, accusatory voice-mail. That's the kind of follow-up nobody wants to hear, and although it may make you feel better temporarily, that kind of outburst may turn them off from giving you any blurb in the future.
Once you do achieve a review, or an on-air appearance, or whatever, don't forget to say thanks! Free publicity is not to be taken for granted, so be sure to express your appreciation.
Next
month: Sorting through the maze of DIY resources
Leslie
A. Stewart Media Relations
1914 Bonnycastle Ave.
Louisville, KY 40205
(502) 451-7569
www.lesliestewart.com
Keep all of your submissions coming! We need birthdays, photos, and more. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this month's newsletter!
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