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It doesn't matter what kind of music you play, if you want to make it big in the music world, you can't just dream about it. You have to get off your bottom, and get out there and do whatever it takes to make it happen. You can visualize whatever you want, but until you do something to make it happen, all it is a wish, not a reality.
Believe it not, this is a great time to get starting in the music industry. The old system, where the major labels owned you for better or worse, is on its way out. And according to a quick survey of the staff at MusicMarketingCenter.com, there is no new big thing in music out there. There's plenty of room for something different. And, if your music fits a genre, there's an already established audience for it.
First thing, find what niche your music belongs in. That gives you a starting point of where to look to promote yourself. We'll talk about that and promoting yourself online in future articles. But, for now, let's concentrate on playing live.
If your music already fits into a set category, don't try to reinvent the wheel. Look for places that already cater to the kind of music you play. Take the jobs no matter what they pay. Maybe you'll get a percentage of the door, a set fee, or just wait for quarters to be thrown on the stage. The point is you need to play and start gathering a following.
Every time you play, it is an opportunity to gain new fans and to build your mailing list. You do have a mailing list, don't you? It's the most important thing you can do to help create that important buzz about your music. List building is one of the most popular subjects in posts at the MusicMarketingCenter.com. You'll find plenty of info about it there, but for now, just know that you need to bring at a minimum a pad of paper and some pens so people can give you their email and contact info at every show. Tell them to sign up before, during and after your set. This will become your main fan base, and they will tell others about how great you are.
Along with promoting yourself, your gigs, your cds, etc. with your mailing list, why not make some cash? Get tshirts, posters, or other merchandise created, and offer it to your list at a profit. Music fans love to talk about the new band they've discovered, and tshirts are a great way to help them to talk about you. Think it's going to cost you a lot of money to print tshirts? Wrong.. Check out cafepress.com. They print tshirts and other merchandise on demand and there is no start up cost at all.
Make an announcement at the end of your set to join your mailing list so the audience knows to sign up. Also, put it next to you, because when the set is over you can talk to people and make a connection. Some love to have the recognition of the talented person on the stage talking to them, others do not. These people will just put their information on the page and leave. Remember to thank them. This is not the Punk era and that attitude will only get in your way.
What if your music doesn't fit into any established category? Look for colleges. They love going against the norms of society and are always looking for something new. There are also still some clubs around that like to give different kinds of music a chance. Just like you want to be a rock and roll star, plenty of club owners want their club to become the next CBGBs.
Even audition nights and open mike nights give you a great chance to play. There are plenty of famous people and bands that started there. Bring in some friends who can be your cheering squad. People are often like monkeys. When they see others enjoying the show, they are more likely to enjoy it themselves. The more excited your friends get, the more excited all the people in the audience that never heard of you will become also.
The point is, if you want to succeed in the music business, you need to be heard. And the best way to be heard is live, in front of an audience. There are plenty of other ways to get your music in the hands of consumers, but nothing else has the impact of a live performance.
Believe it not, this is a great time to get starting in the music industry. The old system, where the major labels owned you for better or worse, is on its way out. And according to a quick survey of the staff at MusicMarketingCenter.com, there is no new big thing in music out there. There's plenty of room for something different. And, if your music fits a genre, there's an already established audience for it.
First thing, find what niche your music belongs in. That gives you a starting point of where to look to promote yourself. We'll talk about that and promoting yourself online in future articles. But, for now, let's concentrate on playing live.
If your music already fits into a set category, don't try to reinvent the wheel. Look for places that already cater to the kind of music you play. Take the jobs no matter what they pay. Maybe you'll get a percentage of the door, a set fee, or just wait for quarters to be thrown on the stage. The point is you need to play and start gathering a following.
Every time you play, it is an opportunity to gain new fans and to build your mailing list. You do have a mailing list, don't you? It's the most important thing you can do to help create that important buzz about your music. List building is one of the most popular subjects in posts at the MusicMarketingCenter.com. You'll find plenty of info about it there, but for now, just know that you need to bring at a minimum a pad of paper and some pens so people can give you their email and contact info at every show. Tell them to sign up before, during and after your set. This will become your main fan base, and they will tell others about how great you are.
Along with promoting yourself, your gigs, your cds, etc. with your mailing list, why not make some cash? Get tshirts, posters, or other merchandise created, and offer it to your list at a profit. Music fans love to talk about the new band they've discovered, and tshirts are a great way to help them to talk about you. Think it's going to cost you a lot of money to print tshirts? Wrong.. Check out cafepress.com. They print tshirts and other merchandise on demand and there is no start up cost at all.
Make an announcement at the end of your set to join your mailing list so the audience knows to sign up. Also, put it next to you, because when the set is over you can talk to people and make a connection. Some love to have the recognition of the talented person on the stage talking to them, others do not. These people will just put their information on the page and leave. Remember to thank them. This is not the Punk era and that attitude will only get in your way.
What if your music doesn't fit into any established category? Look for colleges. They love going against the norms of society and are always looking for something new. There are also still some clubs around that like to give different kinds of music a chance. Just like you want to be a rock and roll star, plenty of club owners want their club to become the next CBGBs.
Even audition nights and open mike nights give you a great chance to play. There are plenty of famous people and bands that started there. Bring in some friends who can be your cheering squad. People are often like monkeys. When they see others enjoying the show, they are more likely to enjoy it themselves. The more excited your friends get, the more excited all the people in the audience that never heard of you will become also.
The point is, if you want to succeed in the music business, you need to be heard. And the best way to be heard is live, in front of an audience. There are plenty of other ways to get your music in the hands of consumers, but nothing else has the impact of a live performance.
About the Author:
Do you want to make your living with your music? Music Marketing Center is the top site for anyone who wants to make their living with music. Promote Your Music with tons of tips, resources and articles you won't find anywhere else at Music Marketing Center dot com.
