Music Business Hacks

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#139 - Rules for Songwriting Sessions Jun 25, 2018

Show notes

In the past, we've talked about the benefits of structure and purpose. In episode 4, we covered why bands shouldn't practice - they should rehearse instead. When it comes to songwriting or any other kind of creative brainstorming session, we could apply the same kind of approach to facilitate the best, most productive ideas possible. Resources: Episode 4: Don't Practice. Rehearse Instead Episode 93: How to Use Focus Groups to Choose Songs for Your Next Album

#138 - Weekly Recap: Why recap at all? And How to Get Results Jun 24, 2018

Show notes

In today's episode, we provide a recap over the best ideas of the week and focus on the laser vs. shotgun approach, relationships, and SMARTER GOALS. It's about having a healthy balance and lifestyle as a touring musician. Resources: Episode 133: Lasers, Shotguns, and Messages Episode 134: How to Get Your Music Into Video Games Episode 135: How to Get the Best Possible Rate on a Hotel Episode 136: Relationship Advice for the Touring Musician Episode 137: An Honest Talk About Being Married & Touring, Visual Artistry, and Inspiration with Faina Lorah

#137 - An Honest Talk About Being Married & Touring, Visual Artistry, and Inspiration with Faina Lorah Jun 23, 2018

Show notes

Today, we speak with artist Faina Lorah. In addition to being an incredible oil painter, illustrator, and author, she's my life partner. Today, we sit down and talk about how we overcame the struggles of constant travel when being in a committed relationship. We also talk about her own approach to art and how that parallels the music industry.

To see more of Faina's work, check out her website at www.artbyfaina.com

Resources:

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield (book)

#136 - Relationship Advice for the Touring Musician Jun 22, 2018

Show notes

It's tough touring and maintaining a strong relationship. Time away from each other in different time zones, stress, and mistrust can deteriorate even the best of relationships. Today, I share some advice on how to have healthy, happy relationships while traveling in a way that doesn't annoy your fellow band members.

#135 - How to Get the Best Possible Rate on a Hotel Jun 21, 2018

Show notes

There are so many discount websites out there that claim to give the best prices for hotels and motels, but which should you use? And is there a better option? Today, we talk about the good, better, and best options available. Resources: "Good" Discount sites: Hotels.com Hotwire Kayak Hotels "Better" Option of blind booking: Priceline BackBid Roomer "Best" Option/resource: How to Get Sponsorships and Endorsements book

#134 - How to Get Your Music Into Video Games Jun 20, 2018

Show notes

The explosion of music licensed for video games has helped many artists make new fans as well as a dependable source of income. But how do you get your songs in? Typically, one would work with a licensing agency - however, where there's a will, there's a way... Resources: Episode #92 - 5 Tips to Get Your Music Licensed for TV, Film, and Video Games Video game conferences: E3, Pax, and Gen Con Indy (there are many, many out there) Featured song: "Chinatown Hustler" by Notorious MSG: [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSYLMxj63mI[/embed]

#133 - Lasers, Shotguns, and Messages Jun 19, 2018

Show notes

What's more effective at hitting its target, a shotgun or a laser? It depends. When it comes to your messaging, be it social media posts or emails, the same thing applies when you consider how precise the targets of your posts should be. Resources: Book: How to Get Sponsorships and Endorsements

#132 - Weekly Recap: Building a Sustainable Music Career with Finance Hacks (and Habits) Jun 18, 2018

Show notes

This week, we discussed building better habits for our music business - especially habits that can save money, create new opportunities, and build wealth. Check them out below! Resources: Episode #126 - How to Save Money on a Rehearsal Space Episode #127 - Musicians and Affiliate/Influencer Marketing Episode #128 - Pay to Play for International Touring Episode #129 - Instagram Hacks for Bands Episode #130 - How to Start a Nonprofit Organization Episode #131 - Interview: Garrison Snell

#131 - Garrison Snell of Gyrosity Projects on Affordably Launching an Artist's Career Jun 17, 2018

Show notes

Garrison is 24 years old. He graduated from Belmont University in 2015 and immediately started a business. Month after month he's paid all his post-grad bills by building and running Gyrosity Projects, one of the hottest new digital project development agencies in Nashville. Gyrosity employs 16 people under 30. One of their projects, Crosshair Music, recently gained some national attention through coverage in USA and Forbes. Garrison and I discuss utility and music (and more!): "The best thing to sell is something with value" - the best music is marketed as a piece of utility; i.e, playlists. Resources: Best Book: The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber

#130 - How to Start a Nonprofit Organization Jun 16, 2018

Show notes

Today we answer the question could you, should you, and why would you file for nonprofit status? There are a lot of pros and cons for doing this, so let's cover how it could apply to your music. Resources: The Balance Small Business: Pros and Cons of Nonprofit Incorporation (article) Christian Band Help: Should a Christian Band be a Nonprofit? (article) Recommended Book: Nonprofit Kit for Dummies (this was very helpful for me) Recommended Book: Starting & Building a Nonprofit: A Practical Guide (another great book, more textbook like but very complete) Recommended Book: Grant-writing for Dummies (so you can get foundation support) Form 1023-EZ (express nonprofit application from the IRS)

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