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How Should I Price My Merchandise?

By NationWide Source - Jan 13, 2014 Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

As a musician, you may not fancy yourself a finance or business person. But the fact remains that selling merchandise should be one of the things you think about quite a bit. It not only gets your images, music, and more out to a far wider audience, but it is how a lot of musicians finance their gigs, enable their recordings, and gauge their success. It’s an all-around good thing… but that doesn’t make it simple. One important factor in selling merchandise is setting the right price. Here are a few good rules of thumb to consider.

Compare

One way to find out how to price your merchandise is to have a look around at what others are charging for their posters, CDs, coffee mugs, bumper stickers, t-shirts and other goods. Be sure to account for quality differences as well as name recognition. A professionally recorded, produced, and packaged CD can sell for more than something recorded in a garage and burned on a home computer. A more-established band can ask a little more.

Fans

Try putting yourself in your fans’ shoes. What would you be willing to pay if the same merchandise belonged to an artist that you liked? How much did you already pay get in the door? Are you carrying cash, and if so, how much? This also brings up payment options. Doing cash-only sales at an event means making change. Pricing things in round numbers ($5/10/20) can help, as can bundling items (think 2 for $20).

Costs

What is the cost (factor in time) for you as the artist? Are you able to buy these items in bulk? Are you on a lengthy tour and hauling them in your luggage or trunk? These are all things which can and should drive up or down the costs of your things.

Payout

Another thing to consider is what is the reward going to be for you as the artist? If you are playing for the first time in a big city, getting your name out might be more important than making a larger dollar profit.

Miscellaneous

Some final thoughts to consider: Who is your audience? Have you established yourself in your genre, or are you brand new to the game? Where are these sales happening? Is cash the best option, or would a card reader be a worthwhile investment?

How did you find the sweet spot for your merchandise prices? Did adjusting prices increase or decrease sales?

Getting Bloggers and Magazines to Review Your Music

By NationWide Source - Jan 13, 2014 Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

As an up-and-coming musician, you may have no idea where to begin when it comes to how to market your music. Anyone who has been successful in creative endeavors can tell you it’s no longer enough to put out a quality product and wait for attention. Your audience has to hear about that product, and they have to hear about it from a trusted, established source. While this source can be someone they know and trust, it can also be professional writers and bloggers in the music industry.

Here are some tips for reaching that group:

Do your homework

Find out which outlets fit your niche, who the contact people are, and whether or not they accept submissions. Subscribe to those magazines, read those blogs, or follow those writers.

Make contact

Send out copies of your music, press packets, and so forth. Tailor each submission to the recipient, too.

***Check their submission guidelines…* *Twice***

The press or person might require certain formats or pieces of information, or they might only communicate with managers and record labels. Don’t let a procedural mistake cost you this opportunity.

Focus on quality

Be sure that what you’re sending is as polished and professional as your budget allows, both in sound and appearance. If you want to be taken seriously as an artist, make sure your product reflects that.

Be relevant

Only send your product to appropriate people. Asking a magazine that focuses on heavy metal to review your jazz flute album probably won’t be an effective use of anyone’s time or money.

Follow up

If you haven’t heard back within a couple weeks, a polite letter, email, or (perhaps most impressively) phone call or two is acceptable. However, do NOT let this turn into nagging or begging.

Be thankful

If the press does feature you, by all means, do a happy dance. Then, send a thank you note. Be sure to share the feature on your website and social media platforms. Even if you’re not featured, thank them for their time and ask if they know of anyone in the industry who may be interested.

If you’re not sure where to start, try the music blog scene. Read and interact with music blogs like Hypebot, Digital Music News, and Ditto Music. They might answer questions you didn’t know you had, or they could simply point you on to the next link.

Have you been featured? If so, where, and how did you make this happen?

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Know Your Niche To Get The Right Gigs

By NationWide Source - Jan 13, 2014 Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

We know that, as an artists, you are always trying to stand out and avoid being generalized. However, defining yourself and looking at how others perceive you—in other words, knowing your niche—is in your best interest.

Look Within

What is your preferred style of music? Where do you think your sound fits in? Who would you compare yourself to? What is the best sound for your performances or live recordings?

If you’re a solo artist, this is a journey you need to take on your own. If you’re a member of a band (and want to keep things that way), uncovering your niche has got to be a group effort.

Listen to Others

Once you have an outline of who you think you are, ask those you trust for their opinion. Even if you don’t see it from the get-go, as a performer you need to be open to the ways in which others perceive you. What do others think of your music? Which musicians do others most readily identify your music as being similar to? How accurate is your own view of your musical style compared to theirs? If there is a discrepancy, what changes do you need to make?

Put it to Action

Knowing your niche is a powerful tool that can help you book gigs, market your band, and reach more fans. For marketing and building a fan base, you know now how to accurately describe yourself to record stores, record labels, and potential fans. Use this knowledge to your advantage.

In terms of gigs, evaluate which venues and audiences are best suited to your niche. Does it make sense for a club DJ to play venues better suited to an acoustic duo? Or a barbershop quartet to be drowned out at a battle of the bands? Maybe you have been playing half-empty venues when you would do better to focus on more-intimate, smaller settings. Ask yourself these questions: Where is your music most readily felt? Where is your target audience? What venues allow you to connect with your audience and appropriately showcase your talent?

If you’re rehearsing or booking gigs or wanting to record and haven’t yet figured out your niche, stop what you’re doing (we mean it) and figure this out. It will be worth it in the long run. If you’ve already done this, great job! We’d love to hear what you discovered.

Have you discovered your niche yet? Has identifying your niche helped or hindered your music career?

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Thriving Outside the Big City as a Musician

By NationWide Source - Jan 13, 2014 Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Forget the myths. You don’t need to live in New York or L.A. to become famous. It didn’t work that way for R.E.M., playing their way through the small city of Athens, Georgia. There are some great ways to get more fans without having to book a world tour.

Get out there and gig

It’s the old-fashioned way, and it’s the best. No matter the how big your online presence gets, fans will never know what you’re all about until they can see sweat dripping off your face. Just remember two rules: Start small, and start locally. That will lead you to…

Become a fixture in your home town

There is something to be said about the fact that the Beatles played sold-out performances at Liverpool clubs before anyone in America knew their name. They were Liverpool’s band first. Don’t try to conquer to world right out of the starting gate.

This “social media” business

You may have noticed this thing called social media that all the kids are raving about?

Of course you know the value of social media. But what you may not realize is that there’s an unspoken code of behavior on various platforms. Fans will expect you to adhere to it. For example:

Facebook should be a professional platform for news and announcements. Forget the pictures of the cat sitting in the guitar case.
Twitter is the place for fun stuff and mini-updates. Keep it band-related. No politics.
Instagram is where you get to play around a bit. Feel free to post pics from last night’s after-gig party. Put a more human face on your image.
Tumblr is your personal soap box. Got an opinion? Post it here. Engage your fans and solicit their comments. Don’t forget to respond to them, for…

Decrease the distance between you and your fan base as much as possible

Yes, that’s a pretty long heading, but read it carefully. Read it again. Building a fan base is like growing a plant. It doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in stages and only through careful cultivation and diligence. If you want to get more fans, you must remember that this is the age of interconnection. Encourage fans to share things you post. Engage them in dialogue. Hold contests. Don’t be afraid to send out a personal email every once in a while to thank a fan for his or her contribution or loyalty.

Are you a small town musician? What steps have you taken to help your band thrive?

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Create Your Set List

By NationWide Source - Jan 13, 2014 Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

For a second, picture yourself as a chef. You wouldn’t stick a filet mignon on a paper plate and expect your critics to give rave reviews. Nor would you pull out the platinum-plated china for a sloppy joe. The better the product, the more time you would spend on presentation, on showcasing what you have to offer in its best possible light.

Where are we going with this? Designing a good set list is key to presenting your band’s talents in a way that is attractive, inviting, palatable, and easily digested. When done right, it results in better reviews and more business. Here are a few tips on designing a good set list:

The first song is all about first impressions

Think of this like a first date or a first interview. The audience is getting to know you, looking at how you present yourself, how you interact with each other and them, what your sound is like. Choose a strong, energetic first impression. You want to catch their interest so that, as your set plays on, you can showcase the full range of your talent to an engaged audience.

Alternate covers with originals.

No matter how good the original songs might be, bombarding a new audience with stuff they’ve never heard can cause them to tune out. Keep things fresh by bringing the audience back to their safe zones with a few cover songs.

Change up keys, tempos, and moods.

Your average concert-goer couldn’t identify a key to save their life. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t feel the effect of a bunch of songs in D Minor, the saddest of all keys. Varying the key, tempo, and mood can achieve a powerful effect on an unsuspecting audience. Which brings us to…

Play it out like a drama.

Think of the best concept albums out there—Dark Side of the Moon, Sgt. Pepper, etc. Think of how they start, how they progress, just where they climax, and how they end. Like an album or movie, a good set list should have a rise and a fall, with your biggest, all-out extravaganza happening toward the end.

Leave ’em wanting more.

It’s the rare band that can get away with the thirty-minute jams and have the audience clamoring for thirty minutes more. Punch them up, get them revved, and give them a proper ending that leaves them satisfied but still a little bit hungry. Sorry, we just can’t stay away from the food metaphors.

Anyway, bon appetit!

How did you determine your set list? Does it change for every gig, or is it pretty set in stone?

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Crowdfunding: 5 Websites For Funding Your Album Recording

By NationWide Source - Jan 13, 2014 Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

So, your band is rockin’, your set list is solid, you’re performing regularly… and then you start thinking about recording. A little research shows that it’s not a cheap process. You could always tap into your trust fund to finance the project. Wait, you don’t have one? There are your lotto winnings to consider. Not that lucky? I suppose you don’t want to max out your credit lines, either?

What if there was another way to fund your project, one where those who like your music and want the end product help you get it? More and more artists are pursuing this path and crowdfunding their recording projects. Want to learn more or join in? Here are some of the top sites for doing just that:

PledgeMusic

You set your own goals determined on the needs of the project. The site doesn’t charge fans unless the funding goal is reached. Once the project is fully funded, PledgeMusic charges its 15% fee; however, there are no hidden fees for credit card processing. Pledge Music can also be used for pre-orders if you already have a completed album.

SellaBand

This site also charges a flat 15% fee upon reaching the funding goal. Sellaband does offer revenue sharing as an option. You can offer a revenue share to donors who buy a certain number of “parts,” to encourage larger donations. This revenue stream for an album is five years or the length of the tour (if the project you’re funding is a tour).

Kickstarter

Probably one of the better-known crowdfunding sites, Kickstarter works with musicians as well as artists, photographers, designers, and so on. The site charges a 5% fee along with a 3-5% fee for credit card processing. Kickstarter also has a legal contract that you must fulfill. They require that, if the funding goal is reached, you must complete the project; otherwise, the funds must be returned to the donors. This could be problematic if you spent the money on the project and are still unable to complete it, because you’ll need to re-raise the funds to refund your donors. However, this guarantee might comfort those investing in your project.

Indiegogo

This site offers you the option of a flexible funding or fixed music crowdfunding campaign. Musicians that choose flexible funding will be charged 9% by Indiegogo and 3% for credit card processing. If you reach your goal, Indiegogo gives 5% of their fee back to you. If you don’t reach the goal, they keep the whole 9%, but you also keep the rest of the money that was raised. With fixed funding, 4% of raised funds go to Indiegogo once the goal is met. If the goal is not met, everything is refunded to the contributors.

Feed the Muse

Like the other sites, this website lets you set up a project and share it with potential investors. Funds are generally sent out weekly (by electronic transfer) or monthly (by check), as long as the amount is over $100. If the amount is under $100, payments will be made quarterly. The amount taken by Feed the Muse is unclear, since one page states that it takes 10% and another page lists 7.5%. However, it does state that the fees include those for processing credit cards. The site does not give an option for refunds to donors.

Have you used one of these sites? Or one like these? How was your experience?

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Get Gigs: The Best of Online Booking

By NationWide Source - Jan 13, 2014 Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Need help finding your next show? Do you want a bar? A festival? A house party? Don’t know where to start?

Online booking sites can be a great resource for your band, but finding the right site and knowing what to look for can make a huge difference. Below, we highlight several sites for you to consider.

Sonicbids

Sonicbids is a streamlined way for your band to apply for opportunities including music festivals, magazines, and gigs. The registration fee is $12.99 for a monthly subscription or $9.99 a month with an annual subscription. When you sign up, you will create an electronic press kit (EPK) that includes photos, streaming music, and video. When you find an opportunity that interests you and your bandmates, you simply pay the application fee, which ranges from a couple bucks up to $50 for larger festivals.

GigMasters

GigMasters has the most positive online reviews and best reputation for showing you how to book gigs. Paying the membership fee of $79 for three months does not mean you won’t have to do some work. This requires a professional EPK or resume that showcases why your band is worth the money you are asking for. Including a live music video is a must to demonstrate to promoters that you can play in front of a crowd. Edited music clips are not a good sales tool for live gigging.

ReverbNation

ReverbNation allows fans, bands, venues, and record labels to create profiles. The basic artist profile, which includes their gig finder service, is advertised as free. However, ReverbNation requires that you have a Reverb Press Kit to submit booking requests, and it charges $5.95 per month for this service (not considering a free trial period). They also offer three different subscription levels (free, $19.95, and $41.67 a month), with a good handful of other services a la carte.

Gig Salad

For good results with Gig Salad, you’ll probably want at least the semi-pro membership, which costs $9.99 a month but provides access to gigs within a 120-mile radius. Adding music or video to your profile will require upgrading to the pro membership for $19.99 a month, but this also includes an unlimited radius. Gig Salad is also geared toward magicians and other entertainers, but it can be useful for musicians, too. Booking one gig from the site will pay for six months of membership.

Overall, be wary of postings that are vague about the requirements and details or, worse yet, don’t have any listed. Also, be sure that you’re going after gigs that you are ready for. Maybe save that Carnegie Hall gig for when you have a few more shows under your belt…

Want more tips on getting the gigs you want? Here’s 5 Important Tips to Help You Get Gigs.

Have you used an online booking site? How did it work out for you? If you haven’t, what’s holding you back from trying one?

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4 Cost-Free Ways to Promote Your Music

By NationWide Source - Jan 10, 2014 Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

The magical world of independent musicians—where we play to feed our passion and where making money may be just a dream for the distant future—requires many of us to wear multiple hats, from scheduling our own gigs to finding the best (and budget-friendly) marketing strategies.

With that in mind, here are a few easy and free marketing techniques that you should be utilizing:

Google Alerts

Do you know that you can get free alerts from Google when new internet conversations occur about your band’s music? Google scours the interwebs to find the keyword and sends you an e-mail. If you have a unique band name, like “Punky and the Obese Flies,” sifting through the results should be quick and easy. If the name of your band is “The Frogs,” then you may have to weed through links about licking psychoactive frogs. Stay focused! It’s marketing time! Follow these free trails back to the discussion about your band and interact with these fans.

Follow up with your fans

Get in on the conversation. Use social media—Facebook and Twitter, for starters. The way most fan bases grow is through sincere interaction between musicians and the fans. Drop the “rock star” complex and talk with your fans. Thank them for supporting you, listening to your songs, and coming to your shows. However, if you don’t post regularly, your Facebook “likes” may forget why they ever like your music in the first place.

Videos

Another great (and free) social media platform is YouTube. Post videos of your band’s performances or covers of your favorite songs on YouTube, then link them up to your other social media profiles.

QR Codes

Have you heard of these? Anyone with a smart phone can scan the code (on your gig flier or business card or disc packaging) and be directed to a webpage of your choosing without typing in the address. You can link this barcode to your ReverbNation profile, your Facebook fanpage, or your band’s website, giving potential fans immediate and easy access to the unique musical creations of your band.

Now, go out and put one or all of these to good use… then get back to playing!

Have you tried any of the above methods to promote your music? How did it work out? Are there other methods you’ve tried that market your music better?

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Do You Need A Record Label?

By NationWide Source - Jan 10, 2014 Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

If you are in the middle of recording an album or are dreaming of doing so one day, you might have asked yourself whether or not you need a record label, and what they even do. Here is some information to help you decide.

Why Labels Exist

Record labels exist to fund music recording projects, which can cost thousands of dollars. Labels sign artists they believe will be profitable then oversee the production process, from song selection to recording to marketing to distribution. Established labels can offer artists several benefits including their vast experience, important connections, and deep pockets.

Major Labels: Drawbacks

The music industry has undergone numerous changes over the last fifty years. Notably, a series of mergers has resulted in only a handful of major recording companies. Because of the ratio of talent to labels, it can be difficult to sign with these labels or receive focused attention after signing. A management company that invests in artist promotion could make signing on easier. Big record labels are notorious for contracts that do not benefit the artist. The contracts can require that artists repay various percentages of recording, touring, and/or merchandising expenses. Artists who don’t, or whose albums don’t make enough of a profit, might be dropped. Lastly, major labels often own master recordings or the rights to the music.

Alternatives to Major Labels

While some artists still dream of being signed by a major label, there are two viable alternatives to major record labels. The first is to use independent labels, which have varying degrees of industry clout and available financing. These labels generally allow artists more control over the project and may provide more-focused attention than larger labels can. However, artists might have to invest more money in the process up front.

Another option is to release your music yourself. It can be difficult to make money with a self-released album (unless you perform in public a lot or get media exposure), but it’s not impossible. The upside is that you absolutely own and control your music. The internet is a fantastic tool that has made the process easier. You can research the stages of the process, hand-pick your studio, promote your music and events the way you want, and distribute your music. There are numerous websites for streaming or selling your music online, and social media outlets are vital tools for promoting your music.

Have or do you use a record label? Why or why not?

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5 Questions To Ask A Studio Before Recording Music

By NationWide Source - Jan 10, 2014 Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Recording your music is an exciting, important, and often expensive step in your music career. If you’re ready to take that step, here are some questions you should ask the studio before you start recording:

Does the recording studio specialize in genres?

There are potential benefits and disadvantages to finding a studio that specializes. A producer or audio engineer who pairs their skill with an understanding of and passion for your style can make the experience and the final product much more enjoyable. On the other hand, you want to be sure the final result still sounds like you, not the hundreds of other bands this studio has worked with. Finding the right balance is essential.

How does the studio charge?

Recording studios usually charge by the hour, but some studios might be flexible and charge for a block of time, such as a day, week, or month. Ask if there are any fees for running over, or if time costs less if you book more.

How long on average does it take to record one song?

There is no magic formula to calculate how long it will take to record your song. There are factors, though, that can help the studio give you a better idea of the time needed. A band that is prepared and well-rehearsed will likely need less takes to get a song than a band that is still deciding on an arrangement. Likewise, a complex song (say, with a gospel choir, lead singer, and ten instruments) will probably require more time and takes than a song with one singer and three instruments. Talk to the studio and see if they can give you some idea on time-frames.

What should you bring to the studio?

Bring your instruments and lyric sheets to the session. If you are not performing the instruments yourself, ask the studio if they have musicians and instruments available or if you should hire some ahead of time. If so, make sure the lyric sheets include chord progressions. The ideal producer is an all in one musical talent who can handle every phase of recording and understands various instruments. Ask if you need to bring any other equipment, especially if there is a certain item you want to use (if they don’t have it).

What happens after the recording is finished?

Usually, but not always, the session fee includes the cost of recording and then mixing and mastering the music. This is an intricate process which involves EQ adjusting and audio sweetening. Remixing is often necessary for refinement. A studio with a talented audio engineer is priceless.

If you have recorded with a studio before, what advice do you have for those heading into their first recording experience? If you are thinking about recording with a studio, what questions do you have?

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