Archive for 2010

Music Business Resources

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

Music Licensing 101
Free resources about the music licensing business from Berklee Alumnus Aaron Davison. Articles, videos and more.

Power Gig
PowerGig is an online booking agency that will get you the paying gigs. Paid service that will save you time and phone calls.

ABC Pictures
Quality/Quantity publicity picture reproduction, posters, 8×10 photos, headshots & composites for the entertainment industry, actors, models, celebrities and manufacturers. Low prices.

Abon Records & Studio
ABÒN RECORDS is a newly founded record label with access to our own studio ABÒN STUDIO. In the whole Scandinavia region, we represent as one of the few companies that mainly focuses on electronic-based music & hip-hop music productions. We cooperate with world-renowed artists, producers & professionals in their respective fields covering the full spectrum of electronic-based music worldwide.

Artistopia – The Ultimate Artist Resource
Artistopia is the first company that delivers a clear, potent, and qualified strategy for artists and music industry professionals to come together under one roof and speak one language – potential success! We are seeking music artists of all genres- join today!

Audio Recording Center
Your resource for analog, digital, home demo, sound software, studios and other recording information.

Austin Music Download – the best little download site in Texas
Austin Music Download is an mp3 music download site featuring the music and artists from Austin and Texas. Artists manage their own accounts – uploading tracks and text descriptions. Each track can have a separate genre description so fans can find their favorite kinds of music. 60% of retail price goes to the artist or band. Fans can choose to share their email and comments directly with the artists. Great privacy policy. This is music for the music’s sake.

Austin Music Foundation
AMF is a non-profit organization that supports local musicians by providing programs and services that assist artists to better manage their careers.

Bags Unlimited – CD Display Cases
Low-cost CD displays to promote your CDs in stores.

Bandname.com
The World Wide Band Name Registry is the definitive Music Industry Directory for band name verification. Use the classifieds section to find band members, buy/sell equipment, adverts are free and reach over 56,000 users.

Beatified Music Marketing & Promotion
Beatified agency is dedicated to music marketing and promotional services for entertainment industries, labels, DJs, and artists. Beatified represents music promotional marketing and provides services for djs, artists and entertainment industry.

Boost Independent Music Store
MP3 music downloads store for independent & unsigned artists & bands to sell, promote, host & download all music. A MP3 music store to buy & sell independent & unsigned music online

Boycott-RIAA.com
The RIAA and the major labels have attempted to lock up our culture through extensive lobbying, outrageous campaign donations, misleading our political leaders, and lying to the public, misrepresenting the facts. It is our intention to make the public, and our leaders aware of the implications and long term consequences to our culture of bowing to every demand the recording industry presents to our congress and to represent the consumer and independent artists positions on copyright issues.

Cafepress
Turn your: Artwork into T-shirts and Merchandise, Music into Audio CDs, Data and Software into Data CDs, Writings and Content into Books and Publications. Simply upload, design and start selling. CafePress.com manufactures and ships your products as they are ordered. No setup fees or inventory!

Click4musicians.com
Independent MP3 Artist Showcase of all Music Styles

Copper Island Records
We are a record label with a difference, we are a membership Label, check out our website and start putting your career first!

Creativity in Music
Radio promotion and publicity for musical artists. Focus heavily on the internet and media. All genres and all locations.

Degy Management Services
New band information, music industry happenings, exciting trivia contests, and helpful hints for musicians across the world.

DONT GIVE A F*** RECORDS
DGAF stands for Don’t Give A Fuck, and we’ll show you what it means if you really want. DGAF is a lifestyle, if your down with the crown come to the underground.

East Coast Bands and Concerts
A free space for musicians to promote their concerts and introduce their bands. Get noticed! Publish in our website for free.

Fins Music
Fins Music markets and promotes independent musicians, primarily through the internet. 

FirstLight Artist Services
FirstLight is an independent media company that assists unsigned musicians and bands with necessities to get your music heard, published and purchased. We provide real access to real people in the music business who have the power to sign deals.

Fundraiser Help
Fundraiser Help provides fundraising event ideas and tips on organizing your product fundraiser.  Browse our articles for techniques guaranteed to improve your results.  Why not stay informed via our free weekly newsletter?

Future of Music Coalition
Non-profit collaboration between members of the music, technology, public policy and intellectual property law communities. The FMC seeks to educate the media, policymakers, and the public about music / technology issues, while also bringing together diverse voices in an effort to come up with creative solutions to some of the challenges in this space. The FMC also aims to identify and promote innovative business models that will help musicians and citizens to benefit from new technologies.

Gestalt Digital
You don’t need to press thousands of CDs to get your music on iTunes, eMusic, and other popular digital music sites. Gestalt Digital is the only guaranteed digital distribution site available, and is specifically geared towards small indie artists who just want to get their music out.

GetPlayed.com
A new online music community dedicated to providing amateur musicians with the thing they need most (aside from gear), a listening audience. Visitors submit their songs into the category of their choice where they receive ratings and comments from visitors, as well as an individual Play Counter. Winners receive long-term spots on the site, and the grand prize winners win a GetPlayed.com homepage for their band.

gigzter.com – Indie Music Promotion
Your source for quality independent music, undiscovered bands, and independent artist profiles. Fans may listen to streaming audio, browse artist profiles, create playlists, vote for artists, write reviews, browse the charts and more.

Global Music Project
Global Music Project (GMP) is a new non-profit organization. Here, you can upload your original songs. Help make a better world by contributing your music and be heard by GMP’s global audience. Benefits of contributing your music include worldwide exposure. Be heard, increase traffic to your website, and build a worldwide following. In addition, your music will help raise money for world causes.

Guerrilla Marketing Online
Creator of the guerrilla marketing phenomena

I Love Imprint.com
11×17 posters printed at a reasonable price.

Indie Artist 411
Original Music offered by Independent Artist! Promotion & Resources offered to Independent Artist!

IndieBandSites.com
Affordable, easy to update websites for Indie Bands. Get started with your own dynamic website for as little as $50 setup.

IntellectualMusician.com
Full length music lessons and articles updated daily! Active forum, diverse community, cool features, Berklee College of Music authors.

INTIMATE AUDIO
Web site devoted to intimate musical recordings and self-produced artists. Includes Real Audio streaming broadcast of indie artists, exclusive interviews, free online guitar lessons (w/TAB & MP3) & loads of DIY info! Hosted by Dale Turner (West Coast Editor of Guitar One magazine).

Jason Greenberg
Toronto film score music composer / producer

JP TRANSLATOR
Now JP Translator – online translation service for artists & promoters – can assist you to translate your promotion materials or website from English, Norwegian, Swedish & Danish to Japanese language. Fast, easy & extremely low cost. 

Just Plain Folks
We are an ever growing group of Songwriters, Recording Artists, Music Publishers, Record Labels, Performing Arts Societies, Educational Institutions, Recording Studios and Engineers, Producers, Legal Professionals, Publicists and Journalists, Publications, Music Manufacturers and Retailers and about every other type of member of the Music Industry.

JustStrings.com
JustStrings.com has the world’s largest selection of instrument strings. They carry the full line of strings from dozens of different string manufacturers.

KING J MUSIC,RECORDS
CHICAGO MUSIC PRODUCER SITE

Koala Bear Studios
The artist frienly label. You can listen to mp3’s and buy the CD’s if you like them. Our’s are select ‘hand-picked’ artists, so if you’re tired of the usual fare, come give us a try!

Law Girl
Interactive legal resource of entertainment business

Liger Music
Liger Music works with musicians and bands to distribute music digitally in the indie music business through online music retailers such as iTunes, Musicmatch and CD retailers such as Amazon and traditional retail outlets.

Local Band Network
Free listing of info, shows, pictures and more for bands from around the US and around the world. #1 site for local bands on google.

MARK WILKINSON SONGWRITER /PRODUCER
FOR HIRE SPECIALIZING IN POP/ROCK/CROSS-OVER ARTISTS. A HUGE LIBRARY OF MATERIAL AVAILABLE.

Massive Music America
Massive Music offers customized, affordable promtion services to independent bands and labels. We specialize in College, Public and Non Comm Radio, as well as Print/Media, Internet and Tour support. OUr rates are clearly posted on our site- or you can call us for a custom quote.

Mayhem Productions Music Studio
Looking for a Music Production Studio in the Southern California area? Well look no further. We have the tightest beats in all of Orange County. All genres welcome. Including, but not limited to Rap, Hip-Hop, R & B, Country, Alternative, Rock & Roll, and many more!!

Music Contracts 101.com
GET IT IN WRITING! Protect yourself and future royalties in the music industry. Use our set of template music business contracts and make sure your getting your fair share! Visit www.MusicContracts101.com for music business contracts, eBooks, music industry contact directories and more. The Music Business is 1/3 Music and 2/3 Business!

Music Forte
Are you an independent band or unsigned artist looking to gather more exposure through internet music promotion companies? Music Forte will help you with Press-Kits, Radio Promotion, CD Replication, Band|Artist Promotion in Japan, and much more! We’re proud of our personal approach, and always happy to contact our customers by phone to ensure services are fulfilled to 100% satisfaction. Showcase your music on Music Forte today!

Music Promotion with musicSUBMIT.com
Promote your music! A website and press release submission service for musicians. 

MusicGorilla.com – Play It For The Labels
MusicGorilla.com places your music directly onto pages we’ve built for Major Labels, Indie Labels and Film Studios. We get your music heard. Our artists get access to FREE submissions for film, tv , video games, and songwriter submissions, they are eligible for FREE live label showcases, and more. We don’t take a piece of any deals made on our site, and have had many successes including placement in film, as well as, songwriting, publishing and distribution deals. Membership is 100% guaranteed!

MusiciansMerch.com
Wholesale T-Shirts, Caps, Koozies and Stickers. Affordable Merchandise for the professional Musician.

Musicollaboration
Songwriters and musicians exchange projects and arrange free music collaboration contracts.

Muzikvoice Limited
We cater for full management and Promotions of all genres. Have a look at the website for our free promotions service. Mass of Industry links with News and Reviews galore! Want to be seen by the management, come here!

North American Music Festival Directory! Book Music Festivals!
Providing Entertainers with the most comprehensive searchable database of music festivals. Extensive show details on all listings! Search by music genre, zip radius, and more.

Padded Balcony
Padded Balcony exists to release the revolutionary music of the group Conway Hall

Phantom Power Promotions
Affordable, honest, knowledgeable DIY promotions for independent musicians – we know what works, what you need, and what’s just a waste of your money. The big labels don’t have a monopoly on good music promotions!

Phat Phuck Records
Phoenix based label with heavy Cleveland ties. Promotional work as well as unsigned band assistance

PittRadio
Showcasing indie/underground music artists from alternative and hip hop/rap to pop/rock and classical, with music playlists, on-demand streaming audio, press releases, reviews, song lyrics, CD/albums, and gig/live music performance info.

Pod Music 411
We are a weekly podcast that promotes indie artists as well as covers music information.

Project for Life Promotion/Artist Management
We record pool radio station promotion music magazine. Call for a quote 217-443-3579

Quanta Webdesign & Promotion for Musicians
Hip, affordable webdesign & internet promotion for musicians & bands. We’ll design a new site for you & get it noticed, or redesign or promote the one you’ve got. We specialize in sites for the arts & know how to do it right. Advice & quotes are always free.

Radio-Electronica
Radio-Electronica is a commercial free radio station filled with selected unsigned and indie label electronica artists from around the world.

Rap Cointel Pro
Indie Rap Label “Bible” and Toolkit for People Serious about Starting and Promoting a Successful Urban Music Label.

Raven Entertainment Promotions
REP is a entertainment promotions company that offers many great services to our entertainers and fans alike.

Record and Publishing Deals
Music licensing and television/film music placement service.

REEL SOUND of MUSIC
Award Winning Music, CD Boutique, Custom Design Web Pages & Music CD Artwork, Movie & Music Memorabilia, Free MP3s

Ride Studio
Ride Studio based in Buckinghamshire provide professional audio recording & production services to bands & artists across the UK.

RuthiesMusic.com
Sheet music, music instruments & accessories, music equipment, videos. Articles. Product Reviews. Digital Downloads.

Songwriter Umbrella
Venue for music industry and entertainers

Songwriting Message Board
Features a popular songwriting message board for those looking for lyrics, collaborators or reviews.

SonicAwareness
Promotion for Indpendent musicians. Free downloads for Listeners. We help musicians increase their exposure, sell their CDs, and create and sell their own merchandise.

Talent agents & Music Promotion
Talent Agents at T & K production can promote your band, act or venue with their music, concert and talent promotion services. (Added: 19-Mar-2004 Hits: 461 Rating: 0 Votes: 0) Rate It

Temporary tattoos for bands and muscians for promotions
We create temporary tattoos for bands and musicians for promoting and marketing themselves. They are great for handing out to fans, selling at concerts and much more

Texas Music Office
The Texas Music Office serves as the information clearinghouse and promotion  office for the Texas music industry.

The Audio Mill
The Audio Mill is a unique scene site of musicians and artists that come together to form an amazing global community that bridges the world into one big rehearsal studio. A place where everyone is welcome to come in and enjoy the jams and the vibes of the cultures and beliefs throughout the planet. Come be apart of the Parade!

The Button Owl
Custom One Inch Buttons for Musicians and Organizations. Lowest Prices on the Internet.

The Country Startpage
Country Music Resource

The Eternal Wall
Promote your music on the first web wonder. Check out the online streaming jukebox and join other original musicians in getting your music out.

The MP3 Music Awards
Is open to artists and bands who want to gain exposure but most importantly have what it takes to become the next big sensation. The MP3 Awards will provide a potential “gateway” to a career in the entertainment industry while setting new standards by providing every participant with a real experience of a live awards event whilst retaining the fun and excitement in today’s new music.

The Muse’s Muse
Songwriters tips & tricks. Announcements, lyric critiques, creativity, business & promotion, looking for collaborators, artists looking for songs, home recording tips, recording studios, performance tips, and favorite venues

The-Muzic
With The-Muzic.com unsigned bands can upload their music, promote gigs, post blogs, sell merchandise and keep 100% of the sales, compete in our weekly chart and get promotion to record labels and other promotions companies through us. Music fans can also sign up for free and review music, post blogs, upload photos and listen to the best in new music.

Undiscovered Sounds
if your a fan of unsigned bands you have to checkout this blog. it s list of unsigned bands from around the world.

Unsigned Band Network
unsigned band network local Bands local Music Indie Music downloads selling unsigned music world wide on the internet

Upper Room with Joe Kelley radio show
24/7 internet radio show is co-hosted by Joe Kelley and Gi Dussault. Been on the air since 1982. Also, show airs live Mondays 4-8pm EST on WVOF 88.5 FM in Fairfield, Connecticut. Interviews, In-Studio Concerts and creative music.

Urban Independent Radio
Urban Independent Radio is a commercial free radio station filled with selected unsigned and indie music in the urban genres from around the world. We’re always looking for new artists to promote.

Vision Music USA
We provide cost effective booking, management and promotions consulting services for independent musicians.

West Coast Rockers
WCR is a band promotions site and much more. We have also added a radio station and a store http://cafepress.com/wcrockers. Check us out and while you are there sign up for our newsletter!

With-The-Band.Com
Free support for all musicians including MP3 uploads and individual storefront (no middleman). We never charge to support the music.

CD Duplication Services

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

DiskFaktory
DiskFaktory provides cd duplication, dvd duplication, cd replication, dvd replication, cd packaging, dvd packaging, cd manufacturing, dvd manufacturing, mini cd replication, cd-rom, audio mastering, upc codes, custom designed t shirts. USED AND RECOMMENDED BY THE BARDS CRIER.

Kunaki
Publish your CD / DVD at no cost to you. Digital CD / DVD manufacturing for smart people. No minimums or setup fees. 24/7. One-offs for as little as $1, plus S&H. Recommended by The Bards Crier for any musician starting out.

AudioCdMasters
Pro audio mastering services. Priced per song, or entire album. We also do short run ‘fully packaged’ duplication with barcodes. 

CD and DVD duplication & manufacturing
EMA provides a complete set of services for anyone releasing a CD or DVD in short run or large run quantities. Allow us to give you the advantage of over 19 years in business doing what you need done.

CD Broker – CD & DVD duplication for the independent artist
CD Broker offers affordable, high-quality CD & DVD duplication with the best customer service in the industry. We pride ourselves in being the “fine dining” experience of the CD duplication industry. 

DiscDupers
CD duplication / replication maker of audio and software CDs. Short run duplication service. High quality with low price. Let discdupers.com do your CD copies. TOLL FREE: 1-866-271-DISC

Megalodon Multimedia Manufacturing
Multimedia manufacturing, CD duplication, CD replication, CD manufacturing, DVD duplication, DVD replication, DVD manufacturing.

MMS Direct
MMSdirect offers the most complete range of CD duplication, CD-ROM, DVD duplication, Business Card CD, VHS, cassette duplication and vinyl pressing to clients across the globe. Great prices! 

Quality CD Duplication for Musicians
CD Poster Shop offers quality CD Duplication at very affordable prices. 50 Retail style CDs, shrinkwrapped for only $100.00 

Triple Disc CD & DVD Manufacturing
Triple Disc is a full service CD Duplcation house and DVD manufacturer that provides CD Replication and DVD replication and CD duplication and DVD Duplication is committed to superior customer service and support. We are dedicated to making your CD or DVD project a headache free on time success.

Magazines and Ezines

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Unsigned Bands Promotion
A collection of music promotion articles and tips geared specifically for unsigned bands and all free!

The Renegade Report Music Business Newsletter
Includes articles, resources, videos and blog posts tailored to your independent music studio, production, distribution, marketing and business interests.

Alternative Addiction
Internet source for the best new Alternative/Modern rock.  Everything you need to feed your Alternative Addiction is here!

Celtophilia
Celtophilia is a Celtic music blog featuring CD reviews, interviews, and opinions.

Galaris Independent Musicians
The Ultimate Resource For Independent Musicians. Free classifieds, gig calendar, boards, chat rooms, sell your music, articles, and feature the The Galaris Musicians Directory.

Goodnight Kiss Music
Songwriter and Music Publisher sponsored newsletter with Projects, Pitch tips, Contests, Q&A, Articles by working Industry Professionals, “musicians seeking musicians” section, etc.

Indie Ezine
Indie Ezine is a online news magazine featuring independent music artists

Infernal Scream Magazine – Home Of Metal
Home Of Metal, Infernal Scream Magazine, contains interviews, reviews, band listings, user forums and much more

Jake Sibley’s Musicians Exchange
Jake Sibley’s incredible guide to the music industry. A great guide for musicians.

Jeffrey P. Fisher’s Money Making Tips
Get valuable information, tips, advice, and more about exactly how to start, build, and sustain your music industry career at the level of success you want, need, and deserve. This Moneymaking Music Web site can help you discover how to make real money from your music.

Music Biz Insight
Subscribe for FREE to Peter Spellman’s MUSIC BIZ INSIGHT: Power Reading for Busy Music Professionals.  Insights to juice your music business and career. Get the details and 23 back issues at http://www.mbsolutions.com/biz

MusicDish
Roadmap to the digital Revolution. Huge directory of articles on how to promote your music. Plus music reviews and more.

Musician’s Cyber Cooler
An online community of Musicians swapping ideas about Music, Marketing, and Mentoring. The site has links for musician classifieds, web site tools, marketing promotions, t-shits- stage clothes, sell your CD,. We publish a biweekly newsletter, host a battle bands competition.

Musician’s News
Latest music headlines

No Cover Magazine
The new music authority; CD reviews, music articles

Texas Musicians’ Texas Music Biz Tips
Enormous directory of Texas music websites and artists

Music Marketing with Reciprococity

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

Recently, I was talking to a communications professor at the University of Texas at Austin. He had a fascinating story that raises startling thoughts about music marketing and reciprocity. The story you are about to read is 100% True. Only the names have been changed to protect the suspects. *smirk*

Two students were at a bar. One was an engineer named John. The other was a communications major named Sam. John was bragging about how cool it was to be an engineer. Sam looked mildly impressed before he walked over to the bar, ordered a beer and started talking with four other guys at the bar. Then he called over the bartender and said, “drinks for all my new friends here!” He coughed up $15 and walked back to the table. Over the next two hours, four pitchers were delivered to his table.

John asked, “how on earth did you do that?” To which Sam replied, “To answer that, you would have to become a communications major.”

Well, I already told you why. In the communications world, it’s called “reciprocity”. It means when you give something, you will be given something back in return. What Sam realized was that not only would people give him something back, but they would give him MORE than he actually gave them.

It’s sorta like presents. If you give a present to someone who doesn’t expect it, they feel obligated to return the favor. And more frequently than not, they will give an even bigger, more expensive present than the one you originally gave.

So how does this affect you, my fine musician?

Earlier in the week, I was chatting with Austin Chronicle writer Margaret Moser. She told me about a Cornell Hurd who plays every week at Jovita’s. The band draws a huge crowd, but they are also unpaid. So to keep folks coming back for me, they give free knick knacks to their audience to everyone who donates. Ye know, the junk you can buy in bulk for pennies. The greater the donation, the bigger the knick knack. As a result of this wee bit o’marketing, their tips for the seven-man band, are amazingly good and allow him to keep that talented band in tact.

You’ll hear the same from most internet marketers. They key to their success is giving away stuff freely. If you generous and give frequently, you will recoup your givings ten fold. So give something away. It may be your time. It may be a CD. It may be an article, a t-shirt, or even a useless knick knack. Whatever it is give it away. Then prepare yourself for the gift you are about to receive.


Marc Gunn is an acoustic Celtic folk musician, called “The Godfather of Celtic music online” for his overwhelming support of indie Celtic music, free Celtic music downloads, and his award-winning Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. He has helped 1000s of musicians save and make money with their musical groups through The Bards Crier Music Marketing Ezine. Now you can get FREE “how-to” music marketing and promotion advice, plus tips on how to sell more CDs when you subscribe today. Subscribe at www.bardscrier.com!

Free Music Promotion eBooks

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

I’ve been downloading music business ebooks for a while and have found some great books on music marketing, promotion, and how to run a business on- and offline. Below are some of my favorite. And best of all, they are ALL in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format. This means that you are not likely to end up with a bloody virus due to poor formatting. You can download an Adobe Acrobat Reader for free by clicking here.

  1. Guerilla Music Marketing Handbook (96k)
    Another eBook by Bob Baker PACKED full of great music marketing and promotion tips. This is actually just a few free exerpted chapters from his full-length handbook. There are ordering instructions inside. This book is ESSENTIAL for any musician trying to make a living as a musician.
  2. Unleashing the Ideavirus (896k)
    Incredible FREE eBook by Seth Godin that will teach you how to turn your unsigned band into a music promotion virus.
  3. The Easy Way To Book Your Gigs (85.5k)
    All the steps you will need to successfully book your gig or tour and make all the necessary arrangements.
  4. Poor Richard’s Top 100 Tips for Doing Business Online (478k)
    Poor Richard’s is a fantastic publisher of tips on how to do just about anything online successfully. This eBook is no different. Packed with some great ideas!
  5. Branding Yourself Online (286k)
    Another book by Bob Baker featuring tips on how to use the internet to become a celebrity in your own field.
  6. Killer Internet Marketing Strategies (751k)
    Great tip sheet. Zebra music has put together a useful newsletter filled with useful industry contacts and hot tips about the music business.
  7. Unforgettable Business Cards (1100k)
    Very nice ebook with tips on how to make business cards that will be kept and remembered. Also, goes into building a purpose for your cards. Highly recommended.
  8. Daily Cash Report (6k)
    Keep track of all your band’s expenses and income on the road for easier tax filing.

3 Quick Podcast Promotion Tips For Bands

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

by Marc Gunn

It’s cool being the host of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast and editor of the Celtic MP3s Music  Magazine. I really get a different perspective on what I’m doing wrong when it comes to promoting my own music.

Here are a few podcast promotion “secrets”:

1. Submit music to the Podsafe Music Network
Start by submitting two songs. Submit another one or two every week. Remember they must be podsafe, meaning no copyrighted material. The songs must be original or public domain.

2. Record a Station ID
Once your song is played on a podcast, record a station ID for the podcast. I did this with a bunch and got a thrilled response from every podcaster I submitted one to. So do it. It doesn’t need to be fancy. Just talk into a cheap micor your iPhone. That’s all you need. You can record it with Audacity, if you don’t have another program.

3. Appeal to their Vanity
The podcasting world is filled with independent folks like you and me who just want to create something and be heard. It’s a vanity game. So appeal to the podcasters vanity. Thank them for playing your music. Listen to some of their show. Talk to them about their show. Add links to their podcasts. Send them new music… exclusive music. These little bits will go a long way towards winning over the podcasters.


Marc Gunn is an acoustic Celtic folk musician, called “The Godfather of Celtic music online” for his steadfast support of indie Celtic music, free Celtic music downloads, and his award-winning Irish and Celtic Music Podcast, one of the most-popular music podcasts on iTunes. He has helped 1000s of musicians save and make money with their musical groups through The Bards Crier Music Marketing Ezine. Now you can get FREE “how-to” music marketing and promotion advice, plus tips on how to sell more CDs when you subscribe today. Subscribe at www.bardscrier.com!

Why Giving Away Free Music Downloads Is a Great Music Marketing Technique

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

I got an email today from another band who was uncertain about giving away free music downloads in my Celtic MP3s Music Magazine and in my Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. I decided to explain why giving away free music downloads is a great music marketing technique in this article.

by Marc Gunn

Musicians inexperienced in business economics often don’t understand the idea of giving away free music downloads in order to earn sales. Well, I can’t tell you what to do. Sure, I could show you some “evidence”, but my market research is poorly-defined. So really, I can only testify what I’ve done and point you to other bands who swear by it too.

I started out giving away free music on MP3.com. Back then, MP3.com was paying artists every time someone downloads their music. When the site closed down, I had a tough dilemma. Should we keep giving away music or should we stop? I decided to test it.

I took a risk. I realized the reason that we were one of the Top 30 bands on MP3.com was, in part, because of our strategy of how we gave away free music downloads. Thanks to that site, we now have well over a two hundred thousand fans around the world. It is all thanks to free downloads.

WHY does it work? Because my whole music marketing philosophy is not about selling music, it’s about making fans.

You see, my goal is not to sell one CD. My goal is to make a FAN who will buy CD after CD through my entire music career, maybe even provide me with a retirement.

My old band, the Brobdingnagian Bards, has tens of thousands of fans who NEVER bought a CD. BUT they HAVE told tens of thousands of others about our music. Many of those people bought CDs.

I remember playing a house concert in Kentucky with the Bards. ONE person bought our entire CD catalogue from that one show. Why? Because they didn’t like buying CDs online. So they downloaded our music. They the listened to it, loved it, shared, and then one day bought our entire 10 CD catalog.

You see, I STILL have a new fan even if they don’t buy my music. True fans tell friends. And friends tell friends. Somewhere magically along the way, people buy my CDs. That’s why I make a living as an independent musician.

Honestly, I won’t claim this is for everyone. If you’re fiddler isn’t comfortable giving away music. Don’t do it. There are other ways to promote yourself. So do what makes you more comfortable.

As for me, I publish a The Bards Crier Music Marketing and Promotion Ezine, and I get musicians telling me all the time how much it’s helped them. But there are just as many others who’ve done as well without.

I guess, I just see my method easier. It doesn’t require me trying to sell someone on something I think is great. They only have to listen again and again. I just provide them the music. They listen and listen and listen. And they are convinced.

Think of it like radio. People freely listen to music over and over ad nauseum. Then they buy the CD. That’s what free music downloads does.

It’s a little counter intuitive but the results are just tremendous. If you’re a musician, give it a try. And if you’re a Celtic musician, make sure you submit your music to the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine.

Marc Gunn is an acoustic Celtic folk musician, called “The Godfather of Celtic music online” for his steadfast support of indie Celtic music, free Celtic music downloads, and his award-winning Irish and Celtic Music Podcast, one of the most-popular music podcasts on iTunes. He has helped 1000s of musicians save and make money with their musical groups through The Bards Crier Music Marketing Ezine. Now you can get FREE “how-to” music marketing and promotion advice, plus tips on how to sell more CDs when you subscribe today. Subscribe at www.bardscrier.com!

CD Duplication

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

DiskFaktory
DiskFaktory provides cd duplication, dvd duplication, cd replication, dvd replication, cd packaging, dvd packaging, cd manufacturing, dvd manufacturing, mini cd replication, cd-rom, audio mastering, upccodes, custom designed tshirts. USED AND RECOMMENDED BY THE BARDS CRIER.

Kunaki
Publish your CD / DVD at no cost to you. Digital CD / DVD manufacturing for smart people. No minimums or setup fees. 24/7.

AudioCdMasters
Pro audio mastering services. Priced per song, or entire album. We also do short run ‘fully packaged’ duplication with barcodes.

CD and DVD duplication & manufacturing
EMA provides a complete set of services for anyone releasing a CD or DVD in short run or large run quantities. Allow us to give you the advantage of over 19 years in business doing what you need done.

CD Broker – CD & DVD duplication for the independent artist
CD Broker offers affordable, high-quality CD & DVD duplication with the best customer service in the industry. We pride ourselves in being the “fine dining” experience of the CD duplication industry.

DiscDupers
CD duplication / replication maker of audio and software CDs. Short run duplication service. High quality with low price. Let discdupers.com do your CD copies. TOLL FREE: 1-866-271-DISC

Megalodon Multimedia Manufacturing
Multimedia manufacturing, CD duplication, CD replication, CD manufacturing, DVD duplication, DVD replication, DVD manufacturing.

MMS Direct
MMSdirect offers the most complete range of CD duplication, CD-ROM, DVD duplication, Business Card CD, VHS, cassette duplication and vinyl pressing to clients across the globe. Great prices!

Quality CD Duplication for Musicians
CD Poster Shop offers quality CD Duplication at very affordable prices. 50 Retail style CDs, shrinkwrapped for only $100.00

Triple Disc CD & DVD Manufacturing
Triple Disc is a full service CD Duplcation house and DVD manufacturer that provides CD Replication and DVD replication and CD duplication and DVD Duplication is committed to superior customer service and support. We are dedicated to making your CD or DVD project a headache free on time success.