easily get distribution, eh? what, cd baby or the like? a good label does substantially more for most newly signed unknown bands than they would likely ever be able to manage on their own.ThatGuitarGuy said:
Listen to my band!
- Thread starter 006
- Start date
This is what I figured. I mean, if we had the money, I'm sure we could do it ourselves....but then again, where have no idea where to start, no contacts, no experience. I think a label would help out a lot. We wouldn't use the money that they would give us. Honest to god. We would make sure to have that taken out of the deal. No signing bonus, or whatever it's called. We know thats why a lot of bands are no longer bands, if we got the shot to do a record contract, we wouldn't want money (initially), we just want studio time, a tour, and distribution. Hell, we don't even really *need* studio time. We can record it professionally here. And have it mastered like it should be and blammo, you have a distribution ready album. So honestly we would just need somebody to pay for the tour, promotion, distro, merch...thats pretty much it. This would cut our debt to the label a lot by not getting that signing bonus (or whatever it's called)...we have good equipment already, heh. But try telling that to them as well as the fact that your band packs the house every time....they really don't care, or at least it seems that way. I just don't understand, if you are doing as good as we are on the local scene...it should be pretty good reason enough to be like "hey, here's a very plain contract, you guys will have to pack, you're going on tour." Anyway...anymore listeners!?
~006
~006
Black neon bob
Member
- Jun 2, 2005
- 2,865
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Like it a lot man!
money shot is weird.. and i like it.. some songs are good, some are not my cup of tea.. but it's cool 006.
I like bands who are good, but put a fun factor on their songs.. like strapping young lad, S.O.D, etc.. people love that.. just good times, no difficulties..
That's what i find in your old band as well.. i am sure others do too.
"Satan iz god" is my favorite..
money shot is weird.. and i like it.. some songs are good, some are not my cup of tea.. but it's cool 006.
I like bands who are good, but put a fun factor on their songs.. like strapping young lad, S.O.D, etc.. people love that.. just good times, no difficulties..
That's what i find in your old band as well.. i am sure others do too.
"Satan iz god" is my favorite..
Unless a band is REALLY good, packing a local venue alone doesn't seem to mean much to labels these days. IME, it's bands that get out on tour that stand a better chance, especially is genres that aren't likely to be played on mainstream radio stations, MTV, etc.
If your band is packing the local shows you play, then it's time to get out and play more out of town shows and booking small tours.
Also, what constitutes a packed house? 100 people in a small local bar, or 500 people in a local music venue?
If you're bringing crowds to your local shows, then it'd be natural to assume you could do it on a wider scale. Once a band puts forth the effort to see if this is true, then a label may take enough interest in you to check you out.
What kind of label is MSI on? Send some stuff to that label...But, I'd wager that MSI isn't making the big bucks. Outside of pop music, who is these days?
I'd love to be in a signed band touring, but man, those cats don't make squat these days. Even the "big" bands in metal (what I listen to most) don't scratch the surface in terms of a decent living of the "big names" of 10 years ago.
If your band is packing the local shows you play, then it's time to get out and play more out of town shows and booking small tours.
Also, what constitutes a packed house? 100 people in a small local bar, or 500 people in a local music venue?
If you're bringing crowds to your local shows, then it'd be natural to assume you could do it on a wider scale. Once a band puts forth the effort to see if this is true, then a label may take enough interest in you to check you out.
What kind of label is MSI on? Send some stuff to that label...But, I'd wager that MSI isn't making the big bucks. Outside of pop music, who is these days?
I'd love to be in a signed band touring, but man, those cats don't make squat these days. Even the "big" bands in metal (what I listen to most) don't scratch the surface in terms of a decent living of the "big names" of 10 years ago.
Had a great time listening to this, dude 
Really funny songs, i think they're a bit same though, maybe some ballad would fit in for a change, or something different
Some internet promotion would help maybe, to get some music sites review your album, so to spread the word on a more global scale, post the link on forums... If you get that many people on your shows i'm sure you are already a great act
Really funny songs, i think they're a bit same though, maybe some ballad would fit in for a change, or something different
Some internet promotion would help maybe, to get some music sites review your album, so to spread the word on a more global scale, post the link on forums... If you get that many people on your shows i'm sure you are already a great act
prowlergrig
AnoThoR Fan
dude maybe you should record the stuff professionally, and have an album ready for release for any label that takes you - maybe that will sound better to them
btw, i liked the music, except for the vocals
btw, i liked the music, except for the vocals
Distribution you can do on CD Baby yes...it may not be as wide, but you can also talk to stores in the area and negotiate with them. If there is a pull for you there, you can get into the stores. They wont stock your product if it wont sell.
Another thing you can do is talk to labels for distrbution only. It's a lot easier than getting signed. You ask them to distribute, you get in the stores, they get their cut, you get yours, we're all happy. You can even go through indie labels if you so desire.
Contacts and experience is where you should of started at. The world works like this. It's not what you know, its WHO you know. Why are there bad bands out there? They know people, or just...luck. But in most cases, its who you know.
Marketing from a label really is pointless to be honest with you. They put ads on billboards, magazines, newspapers, blah blah. It feels cool because its all over the place and you think you're going to make it big...but do you really? How many CDs do you really buy based on an ad in a magazine? Maybe if you're The Beatles or Elvis or something...but I never buy based on an ad, I buy based on what I can hear.
You can start promoting by sending in demos to e-zines (which are preferred because they'll link to your music or have music in the article) for review or other music review sites that are targeted for your genre. Niche marketing is where it's at, not mass marketing. You end up wasting money by mass marketing.
There are various online community sites that you can advertise on like crazy. Myspace is PERFECT because there are tons of people on there that are there for their friends, bands, and because they're bored. Give them something to do, personalize things, be their friend, etc. The Grassroots method is a really good one.
There are tons of people on myspace that can help your band get gigs in other states. Talk to other bands, they're potential connections. Help them out, they'll help you. Ask them how they do it, ask them for information on various venues. Talk to your FANS. They're the ones that want to see you, if they want it enough and you're good enough, they'll ask around and research for you and give you the people to talk to so you can book the gigs.
You HAVE to play gigs out of your area. There is no way that you can succeed unless you play outside of your small conqured area. Keep in mind that tours do cost money, but most of the money is lost by spending money you shouldn't and terrible planning. I can give you advice for this if you want more info.
Also, remember that you have to spend money in order to make money. Do you have merch? If not, get some, lots...considering you have tons of fans...right? They'll buy it, you'll make a profit, and you'll fund further endeavors. Remember this though, most people don't want to pay more than 10 dollars for a CD...aim lower if you can. Don't try to make money off of the music, make money off of the other products. People don't want to pay for music nowadays. Music is a SERVICE, not a product. The shows bring in the money, the other items bring in the money. The CD doesnt.
YOU CAN DO IT YOURSELF! Empower yourself because the labels will only hold you back.
Another thing you can do is talk to labels for distrbution only. It's a lot easier than getting signed. You ask them to distribute, you get in the stores, they get their cut, you get yours, we're all happy. You can even go through indie labels if you so desire.
Contacts and experience is where you should of started at. The world works like this. It's not what you know, its WHO you know. Why are there bad bands out there? They know people, or just...luck. But in most cases, its who you know.
Marketing from a label really is pointless to be honest with you. They put ads on billboards, magazines, newspapers, blah blah. It feels cool because its all over the place and you think you're going to make it big...but do you really? How many CDs do you really buy based on an ad in a magazine? Maybe if you're The Beatles or Elvis or something...but I never buy based on an ad, I buy based on what I can hear.
You can start promoting by sending in demos to e-zines (which are preferred because they'll link to your music or have music in the article) for review or other music review sites that are targeted for your genre. Niche marketing is where it's at, not mass marketing. You end up wasting money by mass marketing.
There are various online community sites that you can advertise on like crazy. Myspace is PERFECT because there are tons of people on there that are there for their friends, bands, and because they're bored. Give them something to do, personalize things, be their friend, etc. The Grassroots method is a really good one.
There are tons of people on myspace that can help your band get gigs in other states. Talk to other bands, they're potential connections. Help them out, they'll help you. Ask them how they do it, ask them for information on various venues. Talk to your FANS. They're the ones that want to see you, if they want it enough and you're good enough, they'll ask around and research for you and give you the people to talk to so you can book the gigs.
You HAVE to play gigs out of your area. There is no way that you can succeed unless you play outside of your small conqured area. Keep in mind that tours do cost money, but most of the money is lost by spending money you shouldn't and terrible planning. I can give you advice for this if you want more info.
Also, remember that you have to spend money in order to make money. Do you have merch? If not, get some, lots...considering you have tons of fans...right? They'll buy it, you'll make a profit, and you'll fund further endeavors. Remember this though, most people don't want to pay more than 10 dollars for a CD...aim lower if you can. Don't try to make money off of the music, make money off of the other products. People don't want to pay for music nowadays. Music is a SERVICE, not a product. The shows bring in the money, the other items bring in the money. The CD doesnt.
YOU CAN DO IT YOURSELF! Empower yourself because the labels will only hold you back.
Also note that there are a LARGE number of sites out there that aid indie musicians. Not only that, but ask bands that are doing it on their own. Many people are realizing that labels are a thing of the past and will fall soon. Not only that, but their practices are fairly undesirable.
I personally like to get the money I deserve for my products, I like having control of my music and having the ability to write what I want. Keep in mind that major labels ask you to do certain things with your music, and if you don't...they dont push you. Theres no advertisement and you have a nice huge debt.
I personally like to get the money I deserve for my products, I like having control of my music and having the ability to write what I want. Keep in mind that major labels ask you to do certain things with your music, and if you don't...they dont push you. Theres no advertisement and you have a nice huge debt.
EtherForBreakfast
Hamster Style
- Jun 19, 2005
- 1,012
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Heh - very humorous material, 006. Vox wise, it is way too Dursty for my tympanic membranes to fully appreciate, but the songs are catchy and there is a pretty big base of younger kids who would like the stuff.
You need to follow the guidelines of the ThatMessiahGuitarGuy if you wish to have success with The Forgetful Reagans. Let him be your guiding light and saviour.
You need to follow the guidelines of the ThatMessiahGuitarGuy if you wish to have success with The Forgetful Reagans. Let him be your guiding light and saviour.
chadsxe said:
I suck at seeing sarcasm...I can't tell if you're serious or not haha.
I'm glad that someone is backing up my advice. If I were wrong, I would be rather upset...
I am majoring in music business though...I just haven't gotten to the music business classes yet...I think I'll do alright though.
Thanks for the compliments though, but I've got a lot of things to figure out still...
and calling me a saviour may be too much lol
uhhhh huh.:Smug:ThatGuitarGuy said:
ok.. i don't mean to seem dismissive or disrespectful of your ideas, but you speak them as if they are a universal truth for every band... and they most certainly are not. while the M.O. you lay out may work well for certain types of indie/punk acts or any kind of fringe genre that hasn't yet garnered a decent market share, it does NOT work for quite a few others. Rather, it may work somewhat but having a good label behind your band if you have a product that is viable in an established market is NOT a hindrance. the proof of this plays out before our eyes and ears every single day.... how many bands are in your collection that you heard of because of the label they were on, the tour they were on, the radio/video show you heard them on, and/or the nice end-cap display they had at the store where you buy CDs? How many bands do YOU listen to that aren't on a label?? a much smaller percentage than the other variety i'd wager.
point of fact, a label deal is still the most viable means to reach the public, spread your music around the world, and earn money.... yes, from CDs... it happens every single day. Music is NOT a service... it is an art form. furthermore, it is "Intellectual Property" for which the authors deserve remuneration (to be paid). i do agree that CDs cost too much though, but i will continue to buy CDs i enjoy.
you're not preaching down to some idealistic kid here... i've been around the block a few times and i'm still here. i'm not a romantic for the current system... but for now it's still the best one we have. your views are fine for bands that want to roll that way, but it's not for everyone.... and very, very few bands will ever succeed beyond regional acclaim without getting picked up by a company that has the power to break a band worldwide.
that's reality... it may well give you indigestion to eat it, but don't and you'll just starve.
Brett - K A L I S I A
Dreaded Moderator
To me, promoting a band is a real job, that has to be done by professionals, it's VERY time consuming and it should not interfere with the band's activity which is to play music. So all you said TGG is fine if you're doing this to get a contract, to raise interest from the labels, but in the long term and in a wider scale it's just not possible.
Back to convincing me that my band doesn't necessarily suck and that we should actually persue it more to a wider audience than San Antonio and Austin? The problem is, and the reason I put this up, is that we are starting to grow exhausted. We're not bored with the band by any means, we have a blast at every show, and we are constantly coming up with new music. It's just two years of the "word" being out...and still nothing. We promote like crazy, mostly the audience does it for us. On MSI's message board after our show, there was a TON of hits about us, and people from all over the US that frequent that board immediately flocked to our MySpace page, comments out the ass, and then 50 more pages on MSI's board about us. Some said "rip-off", some said "most amazing thing since MSI, can't wait to hear more", etc. Most were in appreciation, a few black sheep just *had* to talk the smack. Then we had e-mails from all over asking when we're going on tour...bla bla...
We're also great friends with TubRing, which the keyboardist for that band now plays guitar for MSI. They said they would help us out with a tour anytime. I dunno...I think I've lost my bearing in this conversation as I'm being really distracted this morning...My basic point has been made though.
~006
We're also great friends with TubRing, which the keyboardist for that band now plays guitar for MSI. They said they would help us out with a tour anytime. I dunno...I think I've lost my bearing in this conversation as I'm being really distracted this morning...My basic point has been made though.
~006
prowlergrig
AnoThoR Fan
^i think you should try to do the tour and try to make the best of it - if it's not too exhausting, that is (i wouldn't know).
