"The spirit of rejection finds its support in the consciousness of separateness; the spirit of acceptance finds its base in the consciousness of unity."
~ Rabindranath Tagore, Asia's first Nobel laureate won the 1913 Nobel Prize for Literature. (1861-1941)
News, quotes and random thoughts on my musical journey.
Feb 28, 2007
TheDivaCast
Thanks to all the lovely ladies at TheDivaCast for featuring my music in show #37. Thanks Amy, Carrie, Julie, Sharon and Suzanne!
Check out their site.
Check out their site.
Feb 26, 2007
A child's curiosity
"I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift would be curiosity."
~ Eleanor Roosevelt (1884 - 1962)
I love this quote as it applies so well to my baby girl. I hoped she would be curious, and she is quite that. When she's awake and in my (or moms) arms, she's either staring at me intently or at every object around her. She always squirms, not out of fussiness but in an effort to look and learn. This makes me very curious as to what she will make of her life. I envision her to be very active when she starts crawling and walking. She's going to keep me on my toes. :)
~ Eleanor Roosevelt (1884 - 1962)
I love this quote as it applies so well to my baby girl. I hoped she would be curious, and she is quite that. When she's awake and in my (or moms) arms, she's either staring at me intently or at every object around her. She always squirms, not out of fussiness but in an effort to look and learn. This makes me very curious as to what she will make of her life. I envision her to be very active when she starts crawling and walking. She's going to keep me on my toes. :)
Feb 24, 2007
Sticks & Strings
Thanks to David at the Sticks & Strings Podcast (from Australia) for featuring my music in show #13.
Check out his site.
Check out his site.
Feb 22, 2007
Be too cautious, be to blame
"You are not only responsible for what you say, but for what you don't say."
~ Martin Luther, German Priest and Scholar whose questioning led to the Protestant Reformation. (1483- 1546)
~ Martin Luther, German Priest and Scholar whose questioning led to the Protestant Reformation. (1483- 1546)
Feb 13, 2007
Esteem Thyself
"Whoever despises himself still esteems the despiser within himself.”
~ Friedrich Nietzsche, German classical scholar, philosopher and social critic. (1844-1900)
~ Friedrich Nietzsche, German classical scholar, philosopher and social critic. (1844-1900)
Making a Better Dave
Thanks to Dave at the Making a Better Dave Podcast for featuring my music in his Valentine's Day episode.
Check out his site.
Check out his site.
Feb 12, 2007
The Police simply rock
The Police are one of my all-time favorite bands. I recently had Disc 3 of their box set ("Message in a Box") on rotation in my car for months. I just love it. Last night I (and likely anyone reading this) was finally able to see them perform live during the opening of the 49th Grammy awards. I got goosebumps. How about Sting's Hair!? Dyed to his late 70's / early 80's look. Nice. They all rocked. Stewart Copeland is such an amazing drummer. Hasn't lost a thing. Andy Summers sounded like he has some new tricks. A new album in the future? Wouldn't that be amazing!? They all still have what it takes.
BTW - I'm hoping they schedule more tour dates.
BTW - I'm hoping they schedule more tour dates.
Feb 10, 2007
Following Your Passion(s)
"If you want to win anything - a race, your self, your life - you have to go a little berserk."
~ George Sheehan, American athlete best known for his books and writings about the sport of running, especially "Running & Being: The Total Experience," (1918-1993)
George Sheehan raised 12 children with his wife Mary Jane Fleming (aside from being a cardiologist, author of several books, and serving in the Navy). A passionate man indeed. Wow.
Anyone who knows me will tell you I preach following your passion(s) all the time. Just a few years ago is when I started to wake up and realize the only successes in my life will come from passion. So, I do come off a little berserk at times. However, it's passion that drives me and that always radiates to the recipient. I consider it planting a little seed of inspiration.
~ George Sheehan, American athlete best known for his books and writings about the sport of running, especially "Running & Being: The Total Experience," (1918-1993)
George Sheehan raised 12 children with his wife Mary Jane Fleming (aside from being a cardiologist, author of several books, and serving in the Navy). A passionate man indeed. Wow.
Anyone who knows me will tell you I preach following your passion(s) all the time. Just a few years ago is when I started to wake up and realize the only successes in my life will come from passion. So, I do come off a little berserk at times. However, it's passion that drives me and that always radiates to the recipient. I consider it planting a little seed of inspiration.
Musical Advice
Thanks to David at the Musicians Cooler Podcast (where musicians share advice) for taking the time on Friday to interview me. It was a pleasure. I feel I came off a bit rusty. I'm wired on caffeine and not much sleep these days. Madeline (my new baby girl) keeps mom and dad on their toes.
You can check out the interview in a few weeks. Keep your eye on www.musicianscooler.com.
Below is something I typically send out to musicians contacting me for advice.
Work:
If you're not willing to work, then music is not your passion. Build a Web site as well as market yourself (online and offline). Don't be afraid to ask questions. Do research. Network. Make the initiative. Make a great product. If you haven't already, save your money and really make a good recording. Something you can sell. Not a demo. You don't need a major label these days. The resources are out there for you to be successful on your own. Go to work and discover them.
(TIP: Before I got my digital record deals, I used CDBaby.com to get distributed to all the digital networks).
Grass Roots Marketing:
Being an innovator, not a follower, pays off. So many of the typical marketing methods are so saturated, a musician doesn't have a chance at being heard. How am I going to stand out? How can I separate myself from other musicians and not be thrown into one lump category? That's what I had to discover.
Make and Take the Time:
You have to put the time in these days, or there is no chance of success. You can't just rely on hope and perform in a café. I went online instead of playing around town. Why only reach a few people, when I can reach the world online!? Nobody is going to come to you until you get your music out there…outside of where you live.
Internet:
Technology has led to every success I’ve had thus far. Don’t forget it takes time. The Internet has opened the door for me to network and really get in front of the masses. There are so many resources online to expose your music. A lot of musicians are still afraid to utilize all the tools, as you have to give music away for free in many cases. However, it is a great test to see if you have the passion and talent to grow an audience. If a listener likes your music, they'll buy your album or a few of your tracks. You just have to have the guts to place up a few songs for free. Also, offer to play places for free. Even untypical places. It will truly help with exposure (and sales).
Use the Internet in every way you can. A Web site, blogs and Podcasting is one of the best ways to expose your music. It’s becoming more and more known and very popular around the world. Not enough musicians or businessmen truly use the Internet’s power. Start with a really well put together Web site. This will cost some money, but worth it. It is where people will learn about your music; purchase your music, etc. That is the first thing everyone will see online when they check you out. You need to appear professional and not "cookie cutter" as we call it in the Internet world. If you don’t have the funds for a site yet, start a page (even if and when you get a Web site) on MySpace.com and a blog through Blogger.com or another Blog community. Great marketing tools.
Put together a tactful email and contact every Podcast looking for Podsafe music. If they like it, they'll play it. They're looking for music. Get it to them now. Check out http://music.podshow.com/ for more information. It will take some time to learn, but it's worth it. (TIP: You can find and listen to podcasts for free on iTunes – you don’t need an iPod to listen, just a computer). I suggest only putting a couple pieces of your work on PodShow or directly contact Podcasts to provide them a link to grab a couple of your tracks.
Network:
Write people. Call People. Don't be shy. Be sure to thank and write people back as well...especially your fans. Take the time. Utilize all your resources. Find new resources (e.g. MySpace.com, Musicians Atlas, Creative Common sites like Jamendo.com).
Be You:
Don't try to be like everyone else, or even your favorite musician. Be yourself. That is what makes you unique. Music lovers like new sounds and unique artists. Why would they want a repeat of what they've heard the past 20 years?
Don’t Criticize:
Don't tear down other artists. Even if you know someone is not very good, don't tear them down. We're always evolving. Don't compete. Compete against yourself. You are the only you.
Copyrights, BMI and ASCAP:
Be sure to get your work copyrighted. It’s only $30 - http://www.copyright.gov/register/sound.html. And, be sure to register your copyrighted work with BMI or ASCAP.
Keep the Rights to Your Music:
Hopefully you still own all the rights to your music. If not, marketing yourself will likely not work without the express written permission (in paper) from the owner to everyone you contact. The music must be Creative Commons - http://creativecommons.org/. You will not (currently) receive royalty for airplay on most Podcasts, but you will on mainstream and Internet radio (as long as the music is registered with BMI or ASCAP). Only do non-exclusive deals and licenses. You will keep full control of your work and give yourself many more options, flexibility, and ultimately revenue.
Be Tough and Patient:
You're going to strike out a few times. It's a given in any industry. But, your homerun is just around the corner. Keep playing live, but you can reach the world online and move faster towards your goals and learn a lot in the process. To get in front of big players, you need to have a lot of sales and a fan base. And, if you do get in front of major labels, distribution deals, etc., be weary, and don't sell yourself away. Keep control of everything you can.
If music is truly your passion, you will soon be tested. This is the toughest and cruelest industry. Keep it real and sincere. Don't listen to negativity. You'll get 99 no's before a yes. You need to spend as much time as you can on it. There are thousands upon thousands of artists out there, but you know you're good enough, and it's what you do, how you go about it, and what you're truly all about that will make the difference. Don’t make it a self serving adventure.
You can check out the interview in a few weeks. Keep your eye on www.musicianscooler.com.
Below is something I typically send out to musicians contacting me for advice.
Work:
If you're not willing to work, then music is not your passion. Build a Web site as well as market yourself (online and offline). Don't be afraid to ask questions. Do research. Network. Make the initiative. Make a great product. If you haven't already, save your money and really make a good recording. Something you can sell. Not a demo. You don't need a major label these days. The resources are out there for you to be successful on your own. Go to work and discover them.
(TIP: Before I got my digital record deals, I used CDBaby.com to get distributed to all the digital networks).
Grass Roots Marketing:
Being an innovator, not a follower, pays off. So many of the typical marketing methods are so saturated, a musician doesn't have a chance at being heard. How am I going to stand out? How can I separate myself from other musicians and not be thrown into one lump category? That's what I had to discover.
Make and Take the Time:
You have to put the time in these days, or there is no chance of success. You can't just rely on hope and perform in a café. I went online instead of playing around town. Why only reach a few people, when I can reach the world online!? Nobody is going to come to you until you get your music out there…outside of where you live.
Internet:
Technology has led to every success I’ve had thus far. Don’t forget it takes time. The Internet has opened the door for me to network and really get in front of the masses. There are so many resources online to expose your music. A lot of musicians are still afraid to utilize all the tools, as you have to give music away for free in many cases. However, it is a great test to see if you have the passion and talent to grow an audience. If a listener likes your music, they'll buy your album or a few of your tracks. You just have to have the guts to place up a few songs for free. Also, offer to play places for free. Even untypical places. It will truly help with exposure (and sales).
Use the Internet in every way you can. A Web site, blogs and Podcasting is one of the best ways to expose your music. It’s becoming more and more known and very popular around the world. Not enough musicians or businessmen truly use the Internet’s power. Start with a really well put together Web site. This will cost some money, but worth it. It is where people will learn about your music; purchase your music, etc. That is the first thing everyone will see online when they check you out. You need to appear professional and not "cookie cutter" as we call it in the Internet world. If you don’t have the funds for a site yet, start a page (even if and when you get a Web site) on MySpace.com and a blog through Blogger.com or another Blog community. Great marketing tools.
Put together a tactful email and contact every Podcast looking for Podsafe music. If they like it, they'll play it. They're looking for music. Get it to them now. Check out http://music.podshow.com/ for more information. It will take some time to learn, but it's worth it. (TIP: You can find and listen to podcasts for free on iTunes – you don’t need an iPod to listen, just a computer). I suggest only putting a couple pieces of your work on PodShow or directly contact Podcasts to provide them a link to grab a couple of your tracks.
Network:
Write people. Call People. Don't be shy. Be sure to thank and write people back as well...especially your fans. Take the time. Utilize all your resources. Find new resources (e.g. MySpace.com, Musicians Atlas, Creative Common sites like Jamendo.com).
Be You:
Don't try to be like everyone else, or even your favorite musician. Be yourself. That is what makes you unique. Music lovers like new sounds and unique artists. Why would they want a repeat of what they've heard the past 20 years?
Don’t Criticize:
Don't tear down other artists. Even if you know someone is not very good, don't tear them down. We're always evolving. Don't compete. Compete against yourself. You are the only you.
Copyrights, BMI and ASCAP:
Be sure to get your work copyrighted. It’s only $30 - http://www.copyright.gov/register/sound.html. And, be sure to register your copyrighted work with BMI or ASCAP.
Keep the Rights to Your Music:
Hopefully you still own all the rights to your music. If not, marketing yourself will likely not work without the express written permission (in paper) from the owner to everyone you contact. The music must be Creative Commons - http://creativecommons.org/. You will not (currently) receive royalty for airplay on most Podcasts, but you will on mainstream and Internet radio (as long as the music is registered with BMI or ASCAP). Only do non-exclusive deals and licenses. You will keep full control of your work and give yourself many more options, flexibility, and ultimately revenue.
Be Tough and Patient:
You're going to strike out a few times. It's a given in any industry. But, your homerun is just around the corner. Keep playing live, but you can reach the world online and move faster towards your goals and learn a lot in the process. To get in front of big players, you need to have a lot of sales and a fan base. And, if you do get in front of major labels, distribution deals, etc., be weary, and don't sell yourself away. Keep control of everything you can.
If music is truly your passion, you will soon be tested. This is the toughest and cruelest industry. Keep it real and sincere. Don't listen to negativity. You'll get 99 no's before a yes. You need to spend as much time as you can on it. There are thousands upon thousands of artists out there, but you know you're good enough, and it's what you do, how you go about it, and what you're truly all about that will make the difference. Don’t make it a self serving adventure.
Feb 6, 2007
Quiet Study Area
Thanks to the Quiet Study Area Podcast for featuring my music in February 6th's Turn Off the TV episode.
Check out the site.
Check out the site.
Feb 1, 2007
Umputun's Weekly
Thanks to Umputun's Weekly Podcast for featuring my music in show #110. The show is broadcast in Russian.
Check out the site.
Check out the site.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)