Do you have any news? Tell us about upcoming shows, CD releases, new websites or anything else you have going on.
Do you have any news? Tell us about upcoming shows, CD releases, new websites or anything else you have going on.
Posted by Broadjam on Aug 30, 2007 in Broadjam Blog
Posted by codypendant on 8/20/2007
Giving the state of the music business-major labels firing 25% and upwards of their staff, extreme declines in CD sales, internet downloads are down 15%, major record chain stores folding, ringtones bringing in more revenue then actual album sales, the ridiculous popularity of American Idol and gathering locusts, is it suicide to sign with a major label, if an artist actually a) wants to make some money and b) have a career that’ll span more than 3 years after signing?
thnx, Cody Pendant
Dave’s Answer:
Cody,
Well, like any other business decision, inking a deal with a major label is based on what they are offering. If the terms are favorable, it’s a good idea, and if they aren’t …
This is probably the most pivotal time in the history of the music industry. Yes, CD revenues are down, but any time new technology’s come into play, there are bound to be growing pains as the industry adjusts to the new model. This is a complicated question, so I will try to cover all the major aspects as briefly as I can.
Labels have had their luster gradually stripped away over the last few decades. It used to be so expensive (even as recent as the ‘90s) to go into a quality studio—few independent artists or bands could afford it. But as digital recording evolved, the cost went down.
Replicating CDs was also more expensive than most independent bands could afford—same thing for distribution, marketing, etc.
But then came along this whole World Wide Web thing. Most artists fail to realize the “working” internet has only been around for 12 years. Before that it was primarily only used by MIT grad students and “computer geeks”. Remember dial-up?
Essentially the Internet, in the case of major record labels, has grown to become a dragon killer. All the things that used to be too expensive for anyone but a record label to do are now affordable/ accessible which makes the decision to sign with a major label more interesting. Here are the general payout numbers—most major label artists receive between 12 and 24 percent of the revenue from CD sales. Digital sales are usually in the 8—22 percent range.
So, if you can record, replicate, market and distribute your CD yourself, you’re going to make a much higher percentage than if you sign with a major label as you would get all 100%. So it all comes down to where you are and how much time and effort you can put into pushing your CD. Labels have years of experience and the clout to make it easier for you, but you get paid less.
So: A) Yes, you can potentially make more money releasing your CD yourself, but you can get a much stronger push by the label than you can afford IF they put their weight behind your release. That’s a big “if” though. Most artists are unaware that many labels sign a number of artists, test how well radio program directors respond to CDs sent out to selected “key” markets, then only really push those artists that “tested well.” If you get signed and the radio PDs
like your record, you’re in for a fun ride. If they don’t, you may very well find yourself stuck in limbo. You’re signed to a label that isn’t pushing your record and in all likelihood they will drop you from the label 6-24 months down the road. If this happens, your band
will have a stigma attached in the industry as “damaged goods” and other labels will probably shy away from you.
Something else that has changed in the last ten years is major labels no longer develop artists like they used to. Some of the biggest acts like R.E.M. and U2′s first few records sold miserably, yet the label stuck with them, groomed them and were patient. The
results speak for themselves. But today, major labels have backed off of development. That has shifted artist development to smaller indie labels like my friends at Saddle Creek (Bright eyes, The Faint).
Here are a few interesting numbers for you:
Average number of CDs sold by major label artists when you add up ALL their artists (from superstars like Beyonce to newly signed artists that haven’t “popped” yet) is less than 2,000 CDs sold a year.
Most major label artists are together for an average of six years before they get signed to their contract.
Weigh all your options, pros and cons and think with your head—not your heart.
Best of luck,
Dave
Posted by Broadjam on Aug 27, 2007 in Broadjam Blog
The indi A&R firm, TAXI at:
I’m about to renew my membership because they promote “hope” and tutorial content in print-email and at a wonderful annual convention-the TAXI Road Rally every November, in LA. Check it out! If you want to join along with a member who is renewing it can become a good partnership. Anyway Broadjam and TAXI are partners. In fact I heard about Braodjam through TAXI.
Keep your music composition, arranging, promotion gigging,etc. going. You can’t win if you’re not in the game.
Its funny, I played throughout the west coast and canada, and toured a few times in my yuonger years, as it is now, Im probably writing better and sounding better than I have in my entire life, however I am finding, even though I just keep getting better with time, that older musicians, stand much less of a chance to “make it:” in the music industry. A friend of mine the other day told me “youll never get back on stage, your music might, but you wont yourself.” I didnt quite know how to take that, and could only respond, “well Ive already been there”.
Its not like I wouldnt like to be there again, I am a performer, a writer, a composer, a guitar player and a singer, I couldn’t imaging live without music and creating new music. However, just as the new Television shows that promote new talent seem to do, they kill the field at the age of 27. So where does that leave an old relic? I invite you to listen to some of my stuff, I have online here, unfortunately it was not the best production, but, I came here to seek improvement, perhaps promote my musical skills and who knows what may follow, Im not ready to lay down and die by any means. I appreciate your time spent here and the words and advice you share. Thankyou, Michelle Tidmore
Thank you for the information.
I gave up trying to get signed to a Record Label years ago.
I thought that my music career was in jeopardy, because studio prices were so high and I had no record label contacts, until my friend introduced me to computers and different audio softwares.
After one year i can record my own music, develope my own sound, sell my own CD’s with my own label and publishing company. My only serious concern now is how will I Promote and Distribute my music on a much larger scale. (internationally)
My answer to that is I need more MONEY !!! or I need a Big label to back me
Do you have any news? Tell us about upcoming shows, CD releases, new websites or anything else you have going on.
Posted by Broadjam on Aug 23, 2007 in Broadjam Blog
With the tenth anniversary of Princess Diana’s death upon us,I would like to invite everyone to listen to my song “Remembering.” I wrote it just a few months after her death but only recently recorded it. Also, it was a semi-finalist in the UK song contest. “Remembering” can be listened to at http://www.broadjam.com/etherealeden
After 6 weeks on the South Carolina Top 10 and climbing, “All Were Welcome At The County Still” has entered the Modern Rock Top 10 too.
Thanks to all who listened and reviewed it. And all the rest of you are Welcome To Drink Your Fill At The County Still too.
jcameronsmith.com
ALL IN A DAY’S DANCE.com features the first ever sonic diary “The Transparent Woman’s Suite”(c)2006 Lane, a 20-song collection of music by composer/musician Lee R. Lane hosted by Broadjam. Can you categorize this music? go to http://www.allinadaysdance.com
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David Codr, the creator of the Independent Artist Registry and publisher of the Music Phone Book, has produced and promoted over 1,000 concerts, working with acts as diverse as Dave Matthews to Notorious BIG. |
He has also managed a number of regional and nationally touring bands, logged countless hours as a producer and was the talent buyer for several premier live music venues on the West Coast.
Dave was one of the pioneers of “Guerilla Promotion” for independent artists and bands and most of his techniques are still widely used by industry insiders.
Now, Dave is ready to answer Broadjam members’ questions about the music business.
Leave a question on the Broadjam Blog for a chance to have it answered by Dave. Check back next week to see if he answers your question. We will post his replies to select questions on the Broadjam Blog next Monday, August 27th.
Posted by Broadjam on Aug 20, 2007 in Broadjam Blog
I empathize with Fona. We have won, placed high in big competitions and topped Indie charts for years now. We sell well in concerts and have tried our best to get other people to do our music. We don’t want fame for ourselves anymore….too old for all that again. How can I get our stuff (think leonard Cohen) to the right artists??? We have had artists in Europe, the UK and Austraila record some but how do we get an artist HERE to listen seriously, when all the majors want is garbage and formula??? We need to connect with an excellent Indie artist with a following. Ideas???
FLY
Dave….when you walk into a bar, restaurant, any small venue and you’re an unknown with a trunk load of original material, what’s the best way to present yourself to get a gig? Roadkillstu
Hi, Dave. I’ve received the results from UK Songwriting Contest where I’ve entered 4 songs and i again only went to semi-finals. I thought may be my music was dated because it was based on simple melody and it always came from my heart. My music never had modern instruments or modern beat. Yet when I listened to the winners’ songs I found that very similar kind of music was choosen. I feel really upset that my songs again didn’t get anywherer. None of the publishers has bothered to reply. I know in my heart that my music is good. I’m not selling my songs, I’d like them to be published, performed, known, recognized. Please, could you kindly let me know whether there are people looking for my kind of music. Thank you.
Do you have any news? Tell us about upcoming shows, CD releases, new websites or anything else you have going on.
Posted by Broadjam on Aug 16, 2007 in Broadjam Blog
Hi, Jono. Congratulations on your winning song. I’ve listened to it and it’s lovely. i like the melody and a lovely warm feel in your song. I wish you all the best in your songwriting.
Groove Factory Conobus RE:Music. I am writing you this letter with a view off my music for movie and game makers,tv ad, rappers,vocalist or dj’s collective etc. I mainly write instrumental dance/fusion tracks for dance club etc. And Overplay: CD Reviews .~(Oct2005). I will like to get help from someone out their etc. Groove Factory (Conobus) original dance tracks for sale. Visit http://www.yahoo.com /groove factory conobus (USA) http://www.cdbaby.com/gfconobus , http://www.tunetribe.com/Artist?artist_id=226 or http://www.tagworld.com/boogie7/mymusic.aspx under the above artist name. Cool grooves fusing street beats & sounds across the times. Cheers. stv151261@aol.com skippo151261@hotmail.co.uk for live cam or audio chat. Stephen Bastien. Musician/writer. Groove factory conobus
ALSO:
Groove factory conobus’s Music Forte Page – Independent Music Promotion
http://www.myspace.com/16998121
CD Baby Digital Distribution
‘s podcast
Napster.co.uk – Search For Music
stepb at Independent Artists Company (IAC)
Hey all . . . I just finished up mixing/mastering my new 10 song cd SEX, JUNKFOOD, & LOW FIDELITY. In an effort to scrape up the money for retail packaging, cover art etc. I’m offering the cd (minus the fancy packaging) to friends, other artists & fellow Bjammers for $7 (which includes shipping if in the US). If interested click on the contact icon on my Bjam page & I’ll forward the mailing address. A track listing is also on my Bjam “album” page. Thanks to all – Bill Gaunce
In today’s blog, we’d like to help you manage your email effectively. Read our comprehensive tutorial on setting up your Broadjam hosted email account and leave comments about any questions you may have.
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Posted by Broadjam on Aug 13, 2007 in Broadjam Blog
Ay C It All I like that track, it’s a wrap!
BROADJAMMERS!!!!
Today I received a notice that one of my songs Hey Baby
has been selected by Rutland Vermont
to be the theme song for their
Friday Night Live area entertainment attraction.
FYI —-
this song was not very favorably received
when I had it up for review.
I felt it was pretty cool, sooooo I kept submitting it to contests…
VOILA’
NEVER GIVE UP ON YOURSELF!!!!!
Robert Wuagneux
Female solo recording artist Katie Workman seeking to join other indie artists on tour or on dates in Ontario and surrounding states and provinces. Singer songwriter and musician. Check out http://www.katieworkman.ca .
Do you have any news? Tell us about upcoming shows, CD releases, new websites or anything else you have going on.
Posted by Broadjam on Aug 2, 2007 in Broadjam Blog
Hi everybody, Hank Thomas here,
Got some great news yesterday about my song “Long-Legged Redhead” : It was a FINALIST in the Folk/Country category of the UK Songwriting Contest .
Also, my songs “For Your Ears Only”
“(When I get back from) HOUSTON”
and “Personal Legend”.
All three made the semi-finals in the UK Songwriting Contest 2007!!
What Ho ! (as they say). I don’t know about anybody else, but I’m thrilled.
Hank
Hi Everyone, Jamie Holden here,
Five new tracks recorded last month are now on for review.
All five tracks have just placed as semi-finalists in the UK Songwriting Contest 2007!!
Recorded at Stuart Stuart’s Studio ‘Chartsong’ in Brisbane (The Veronicas, Small Mercies).
They are
Attend Ted Rosedale’s Videotaping for NYC Cable TV
Broadjam viewers are receiving a special invite to attend Ted Rosedale’s Videotaping for TimeWarner Cable In NYC
Mention BROADJAM at door for free special guest passes.
See Ted’s Band “ROSEDALE”- LIVE VIDEO TAPING FOR MANHATTAN CABLE SHOW “ROCKIN CLUBS”
Date:next Saturday August 18th 2007
Time to be there promptly: 7:30 PM
Where: Mean Fiddler’s Bar- 266 West 47th Street NYC NY (located between 8th and Broadway)
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Hi everyone,
Just wanted to say that I’m really excited to be a part of this great community and that I’d love for you to visit my profile or check out my brand new site at http://www.johndawsonmusic.com. I still have a lot of building to do but you’re welcome to check out what I’ve got so please drop by and introduce yourself to me. Thanks again!
John Dawson
Richy Kicklighter releases Early Morning Rain solo acoustic blues cd. Just blues no overdubs , retakes ,no artificial ingredients.
Hey all just finished a Video, I Am Powerless. The song was written in2004 when the Dems lost the election and I new we had to live with another 4 years of you know who. Anyway was feeling real down but somehow when I wrote the song I felt much better. ain