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Beat Maker Contracts

When it comes down to the time when you want to sell your beats you must have the proper contracts. Yes, this should be a part of your studio in a folder put away, even if it collects dust. Hey, anything may happen, P. Diddy may come knocking at your door, although Bad Boy Records contracts with their...

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Music Video Production For Musicians

Posted by Streaming Music | Posted in Music business | Posted on 08-10-2009

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Before we begin, I would advice you to use a professional music video production company. There are many services that would give you the quality you need at low price. Some could actually save you time and money.

Shooting yourself, however, can actually be quite fun and an interesting experience. Let’s get to the nice stuff then!

1) Preparation is King!

In all film and video production getting prepared is what saves you time and resources. How much you prepare might make the difference between success and failure.

One of the first things all of us were taught in film school has been Murphy’s law – “Everything that can go wrong, will go wrong!”

Just make sure you go down this list and make sure you plan ahead of time.

2) Your concept and script

You need to 1st know what you’re going to shoot. Brainstorm tips and see what you want to go with.

This is going to form the basics of your planning. You may pick to ignore this step, at your peril.

3) Choose your director and crew

Somebody must take the responsibility for the production. As much as everybody would like to have a go, it’s not really a wonderful approach. Let one individual take charge.

A full crew listing is beyond the scope of this article but for a basic production have at least one individual on the camera. I wouldn’t recommenndation you to rent professional lights if you are inexperienced get one individual to be in charge of that.

If you have a person who’s good with design and make up, that is wonderful a s well

A runner is a person who standard ally does everything else as needed at a given time.

If employing a professional music video production company isn’t an option, you undeniable ly want to do it on your own.

In the second part of this series all of us take a look at what all of us need to do on the actual shoot.

4) Location! Location! Location!

Where you choose to shoot the video amounts to more than 50 % of how your video is going to look. Some of the factors to think about are:

*are you getting it for free?

• how long the will location be available to you?

• whether or not you will need lights

• the overall appearance of the location – it does not have to be “nice” in the traditional sense of the word but it has to be interesting.

Location is so vital that on professional shoots a location scout is paid just to find the right places for filming.

5) Getting the shots

It’s always optimum to plan your shots ahead of time or even make a storyboard. A storyboard is simple a group of drawings that represent what shots and camera angles you’ll be using.

They can be easy stick drawings, just to  persuade the director and the lights/camera crew.

One of the best ways you may shoot is;

• get a “ wide  shot” of the whole scene, first ;

• and then move in closer and closer with your camera for the other shots.

Afterwards you may also get little details such as the drummer’s hands with the sticks or the guitar choose against the strings.

6) Working together

Shooting a music video can be really intensive. frequently conflicts can arise.

It is vital that everybody knows what their job is on the performance. It is always optimum not to interfere with others’ work. Even if you think they’re not doing things the way you believe they ought to.

When everybody is having fun and enjoying themselves it will show in the  last product. And your listeners will enjoy it even more.

7) Editing your video

a lot of individuals help using free software like Windows Movie Maker. individual ly, I think you would find it a extraordinarily painful process.

How To Market Your Band: Band Promotion Made Easy

Posted by Streaming Music | Posted in Streaming Music | Posted on 17-06-2009

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You may be a Money-Making Musician in No Time!

Musicians who want to make resources with their music need to consider a few more things than just excellent riffs and solos – they need to take care of the business side of the music business, too. Here is a quick list of the the majority necessary things you may do to take your music career to the next level. (Solo artists may replace the word “band” with “yourself”) How To Market Your Band:

1. Think prefer a Marketer. Too generally artists get all consumed with the music side of the business and pay little or no attention to the business side. Remember, it’s called the music business, so if you want to be able to make money doing it, you need to learn to market your band. also, if you are the one watching what’s going on, there’s less opening  of sharks ripping you off.

2. Produce a Press Kit For Yourself. performer promotion starts with a good press kit. This may be a physical folder with the band’s photo, member bios, business cards and demo CD, or an Online version that you can send via email. Get both if you can afford it. Create with the “e” version 1st.

3. Get a Internet Presence. These days to  promote  your band, you simply have to be Online. You ought to have your own Web site, as well as be on other performer marketing websites, such as MySpace, Facebook and YouTube. Your own web site will be where you may keep in touch with listeners ad go into greater detail, like music style, type of etc.. The marketing web sites are simply to get your performer in front of more individuals and ought to always have some of your song samples and a links back to your own web site.

4 Build a Contact List of Your listeners. At least get their email, full address is better. Once you’ve the list, keep in touch with them never ending ly, telling them what you are doing , where you are playing and how much you appreciate them. A nice way to collect and manage a fan base is by using Constant Contact. It’s an email management tool that also has pre-made templates you could use to send newsletters and email promotions to your listeners.

5 Have Product to Sell to Your audiences. At a minimum have some of your recorded music to sell either on compact discs or flash drives. You should likewise get T-shirts, hats and swea tee shirts made that you can sell at your performances and on your Web site. You can session up an Web retail seller selling stuff with your band’s logo on it at cafépress.com. The perfect part is, no session up fee!

Some Words on Soul Music

Posted by Streaming Music | Posted in Live Music | Posted on 05-06-2009

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Soul is still a truly popular music genre which grew out of fifties rhythm and blues. There were two truly diffined record labels which dominated this era, Stax and Tamala Motown.
The record label Stax started life in Memphis in 1959, founded by Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton. Around the same time Berry Gordy has been creating the two record labels, Tamla and Motown in Detroit. Stax and Tamla Motown became the biggest of rivals for record sales throughout the 1960’s and 70’s. Their music idiom has been the same, with a focus on the Black music form soul, but marketing and style differed meaningfully.
Motown took the music market by storm at a time when white audiencess were ignoring a lot of black music forms. Their success has been attributed to their light soul style with their image being aimed at the middle class market. Producing hits such as ‘Stop! In the name of love’ by the Supremes, released in 1965, and ‘Heard it through the grapevine’ by Marvin Gaye, released in 1968. musicians such as the Supremes, the Four Tops and Marvin Gaye developed a clean-cut image, appearing on record sleeves and in shows wearing formal clothes such as tuxedos and evening dresses.
Stax records concentrated more on the original form of Black American Southern soul. For Stax records the original music form has been more important than image and marketing. musicians and songs included ‘In the midnight hour’ by Wilson Pickett, released in 1965, and ‘Sittin’ on the dock of the bay’ by Otis Redding, released in 1968.
Soul music has stayed one of the most popular music styles right through into the 21st century mainly due to the truly reason in the title, the music gets into your ‘soul’. A nice choice for both young and old!

Let the Music Play

Posted by Streaming Music | Posted in Streaming Music | Posted on 31-05-2009

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Good music makes it nearly impossible to believe or comprehend that our country is in such turmoil.
Listening to numerous musicians while browsing the Net and reading about the financial disaster  we  face, the music soothes my soul and tells me that there’s no way a country that fostered these excellent musicians could be in such dire straits.
The melodies and refrains tell me  we  are amazing people.  we  have compassion, skill, integrity, spontaneity, and innocence.  we  like to have fun.  we  can get down and boogie all night, then get up in the morning all meaningful and go to work. Where did all this complicated, deceitful, financial mess come in? Should  we  take Congress out for a night on the town, make them dance till they sweat so they could remember how it feels to be human?
Do they contemplate anything but resources? could be they need to loosen up, remember that life is for living, not for being owned by someone, that the large picture is this:  we  are here.  we  can choose to enjoy it, or  we  can choose to try to control every facet of it and anyone involved.
They have forgotten how to live. They exist to feed, to control, to breed their kind, to be superior, to feel supreme.
Yet, the music still plays for me. If our nation is as desperate as it seems, if all hope is gone, then why hasn’t the music died?
I believe it lives because there still exists a large number of humans who have not forgotten what hopes and dreams mean. Through all of this turmoil,  we  continue to turn on the music, let our feet move, and sway to the beat of love, of life, of self-expression, and to the beat of our hearts saying  we  are still Americans,  we  are not to be defeated.
Rock and Roll on, Americans. Turn up the volume! They will have to hear us eventually! Let’s make them dance to our tune!

Live Music Is Not Dead

Posted by Streaming Music | Posted in Live Music | Posted on 22-05-2009

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Around the pubs and clubs in the United Kingdom there are still a lot of bands playing for only several pounds to demanding audiencess who at the same time request Chuck Berry and the Arctic Monkeys. Keeping all these divergent people in the audiences happy is never easy, but not impossible either. With nice stage craft and clever of songs at a specific Club, a nice performer could make anyone happy.
The organization of these bands is extraordinary. They must find like minded musicians that are committed. Then they must find somewhere to practice. This isn’t easy as most can’t do this at home. If you’re fortunate to have a house large enough, it’s un like ly you could get round the neighbours, as it’s so loud! It can’t be turned down as everything must be as loud as the drums. A performer generally hires a room to practice, at excellent fee to themselves.
A performer must furthermore spend literally thousands on equipment. PA, lighting, guitars, drums etc.
The next hurdle is transport. For some reason most drummers can’t drive! Cars are generally inadequate as you would need a fleet of about 5 for your gig, truly expensive on the fuel, and impractical. Most bands have to hire or buy a van, again at excellent fee to themselves.
When they have finally rehearsed all there material over weeks or months, they are ready to play live. It is an exciting day, one of wonder, excitement and slight fear. You turn up to the Club to find one man and his dog. And that man is truly drunk, wants to be your manager, and giving you all the benefit of his ‘wisdom’ in the music game! The landlord is furthermore drunk, and you can’t work out if he likes you or not.
You get poorly paid, if you get paid at all, and return home generally out of pocket.
Nonetheless the real rock heroes come back for more. They find the perfect Club s, gain a reputation, and play at some excellent places. Sure they still have bad shows, but the nice ones make up for it. They make it look so easy, but it isn’t. One such performer can be seen at http://www.thehalfmonty.tk
The Half Monty have had there share of ups and downs. They have been ripped of at shows, played in the most dodgy Club s, and heckled to death. But they are still here, bigger and better than ever having learnt from their early days.
So remember, when you see a local/regional performer advertised at a pub or club, go see them and help them. It isn’t easy for the lads and lasses. Perhaps buy them a beer after the gig if you really enjoyed it. , for these are the true heroes of rock.

Indie Music Out Of The Closet

Posted by Streaming Music | Posted in Streaming Music | Posted on 18-05-2009

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Indie music is well known for its low profile and refusal to conform to current trends. The musicians take pride in their individuality and their ability to survive in a cutthroat industry in the absence of compromising on their beliefs. But even the most dogged and persistent musicians need a bit of help and luck in breaking into the scene and establishing independent credibility.
Showcase get togethers are an ideal way for musicians to perform to a expansive  audiences, gain experience, and start building reputations on the independent scene. The Independent Music World Series is one of the largest showcase get togethers for independent music in the US. Tony van Veen, the vice president of sales and marketing for one of the major sponsors, states that independent musicians play a important role in keeping the music industry energised and thriving.
IMWS insists that the showcase isn’t a popularity contest, but a search to discover and reward genuine skill. Despite its reputation as an independent showcase, musicians from all genres are welcome to enter. The panel of judges consist of 12 music industry professionals. musicians are judged on their song writing abilities, originality, musical performance, vocal and lead instrument performance, as well as their “overall vibe.”
Other showcase get togethers include the Palais de Festivals held at Cannes, France. The gathering consists of skill showcases, a conference track and networking get togethers. The showcases are meant to serve as a platform for emerging musicians and to inform musicians and their managers innovative promotion techniques. All those involved in bringing music to the public’s attention, such as media programmers and record company representatives, attend to find new trends and sounds.
The Mid-Atlantic Music Conference in Charlotte, NC is a music conference that has been increasing in popularity and credibility since its inception. musicians from all genres have to qualify to win one of thirty coveted slots for the  final performance, which takes place in the Halton Theatre. Talent scouts and music executives who attend the conference give it excellent reviews and use the occasion to sign up and coming musicians to their labels.
music industry enthusiasts John Phillips and Bryan Banks launched the Steamtown Music Showcase in September 2006. Eastern Pennsylvanian bands use the showcase to demonstrate their original music and song writing capabilities. The gathering is held in a divergent town every year. This year that honour goes to downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Showcase get togethers are important in giving emerging musicians a leg-up in the music industry. It gives them the occasion to gain stage gig experience. They could furthermore catch the eye of a music executive or label producer looking for the next large thing in Indie sound. As an artist, what do you’ve to lose, weighed against what you stand to gain?

Live Music Dominates New Orleans Nightlife

Posted by Streaming Music | Posted in Live Music | Posted on 14-05-2009

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New Orleans is known as the birthplace of jazz, an honor the city prides itself in. From dim lit jazz clubs lining the city streets to its annual Jazz and Heritage Festival, New Orleans is a excellent American music city. Jazz isn’t the only music being created in the Big easy though. a lot of music clubs and Clubs offer an eclectic mix of blues, gospel, hip hop, rock and more.
One Club offer ing up a diverse musical roster is the House of Blues in the French Quarter. Any given week this club could host inspiring musicians and full blown rock stars. A expansive  variety of musical genres are present at the New Orleans location of this national chain. The heart and soul of the Club besides the music itself is the exciting surroundings and attentive staff. The features give this location its heart and make this company club seem more mom and pop. The Sunday Gospel Brunch is furthermore a truly attractive weekly gathering that draws a crowd.
TwiRoPa is the Warehouse District’s premiere music and art complex. This complex houses 100,000 square feet of club s, music Club s, galleries, bars and convention space. The nearly 100-year-old building has been once the website of a mill that produced Twine, Rope and Paper. The products are furthermore how this complex received its exciting name TwiRoPa. Live music and disc jockeys are all the rage at this hip location that has expeditiously made a name for itself.
One New Orleans club that has earned its reputation over time is Tipitina’s Uptown. For over 25 years Tipitina’s has been considered the finest music club in New Orleans. The club is named in honor of its patron saint Professor Longhair for his song Tipitina. The club pays tribute to the New Orleans piano man through shows of local/regional and national musician s. local/regional musicians such as the Funky Meters and Galactic generally play to the crowds and headliners Pearl Jam and Lenny Kravitz have furthermore graced Tip’s Big Stage. The club is a truly hot spot during the Jazz and Heritage Festival with its own Fess Jazztival performance series.
Another New Orleans music club steeped in history and tradition is Uptown’s Maple Leaf. Cajun meets Caribbean as this club features a variety of music including reggae and zydeco. The Maple Leaf is a happening spot with a packed dance floor bumping till the wee hours of the morning. Poetry readings and special get togethers round out this club as one of New Orleans finest.
Looking for some rock in Crescent City? The Howlin’ Wolf is regarded as New Orleans quintessential rock club. Here local/regional and national recording musicians hone there chops for legions of adoring audiences. The Howlin’ Wolf is an unassuming space with a stage, three bars and original artwork from New Orleans musicians Lionel Milton and Frenchy. Definitely the spot you want to go for modern rock, the club furthermore features Jazz Thursdays and a lot of celebrated local/regional musicians like George Porter Jr.
local/regional musicians and music Clubs draw their inspiration from Congo Square, the birthplace of jazz. One of these clubs is the famed Funky Butt. This bordello turned club is now the home of modern jazz In New Orleans. a lot of celebrated and soon to be celebrated musicians have graced the butt’s stage. The club is located in a somewhat rough part of town so a taxi is a better choice than walking to the club.
Traditional jazz audiences will want to find Preservation Hall in the French Quarter. This hall does not serve or allow food, drinking or smoking. New Orleans style jazz is on the only item on the menu at this rustic hall inspiring to keep traditional jazz alive. The 35 minute sessions start at 8:15 pm nightly and includes an intermission. Preservation Hall is a historic jazz experience music audiences will want to check out.
Truly a musical city, New Orleans has clubs that cater to anyone’s musical cravings. Creative spaces and incredible skill make the city’s clubs attractive to local/regionals and visitors a like. No trip to New Orleans is complete in the absence of a visit to one the city’s fine music Club s.