Steps to Stardom

Improve you stage show

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:10:18 +0000

One of the most important things, in the music industry, is the artist stage performance. From an artist stand point, this is where they make their money. From a label stand point, this is where the artist advertise themselves, their music, and create sells. Below are a few videos that should assist you in your stage performance. If you need any further assistance, please let me know. Also, view the Steps to Stardom Volume One DVD. This DVD guide you step by step on how to gain stardom in the music industry.

Improving you stage performance

admin — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 15:08:59 +0000

I received a comment from a group asking how can they connect with the crowd better while they are performing? Here are a few videos which should help. Connecting to your audience is very important for various reasons. The people in the audience are your potential consumers, and you have to sell them on your product; which is your songs. Do you see the commercials that play on t.v. daily? These companies are using advertisement to convince viewers to by their products. While performing on stage you are doing the same thing; you are your advertisement. So go out there and sell your product! For more assistance with performing on stage, view the Steps to Stardom Volume One DVD.

How to get a booking agent

admin — Thu, 27 May 2010 02:38:25 +0000

Though a tiring process that requires research, patience, and perseverance, booking your band is a necessary evil if you wanna get out on the road and let the people hear your music.

As you continue to play out, you will, if you promote your shows properly (using flyers, word of mouth, e-mail, social networking sites, etc.) begin to draw more and more paying customers to your performances. This accomplishes two goals simultaneously: First, it shows the club that you are worth something—namely money. And second, as your draw gets bigger and bigger, you become attractive to Booking Agents.

The responsibility of a booking agent is simply to secure live performances for his clients. That’s it. He has no part in career planning and no stake in the band, other than his 10% commission from paying gigs that he secures for you. Here’s how the agency scenario works: If you are a new, baby band just starting to play-out, and your worth to a club is zero, then your worth to an agent is also zero because there is no income to commission. On the other hand, if you are being paid several hundred dollars per show, there is an income to commission and, quite possibly, an opportunity for an agent to increase that income with crafty negotiations. A definite reason for a booking agent to consider adding you to his roster.

There are many industry directories listing hundreds of booking agents, but the real chore is to find one who books the kinds of venues you play and who works with other artists compatible with your music so the possibility of “packaging” a show exists.

In most cases, finding the right agent is as simple as a telephone call. Most will ask you to send them a complete package including photo, bio, list of clubs you played at, and some of your music—a demo or finished CD. If they’re impressed, they will ask what it is you’re looking for and will then decide if you’re “worthy” of their time and effort.

How to attract an A&R to your music

admin — Tue, 04 May 2010 01:48:52 +0000

For those who do not know, A&R stands for artist and repertoire. In a recording company these individuals are responsible for auditioning and signing new talent to the label. For many artists this may be the most important person they will ever meet! Currently in the music industry, the A&R department works very close to management on many different levels. They are expected to understand the current tastes of the market and to be able to find artists that will be commercially successful. A&R executives rely mostly on the word of mouth of trusted associates, critics and business contacts. They also tend to favor bands that play in the same city that the record company is located. Contrary to popular belief, their decisions are rarely based on unsolicited demo tapes sent by musicians.

The A&R division oversees the recording process. This includes helping the artist to find the right record producer, scheduling time in a recording studio and advising the artist on all aspects of making a high quality recording. They work with the artist to choose the best songs (i.e.repertoire) to record. For artists who do not write their own music, they will assist in finding songs and songwriters. A&R executives maintain contact with their counterparts at music publishing companies to get new songs and material from songwriters and producers.

As the record nears completion, the A&R department works closely with the artist to determine if the record is acceptable to the record company. This may include suggesting that new songs need to be written or that some tracks need to be re-recorded. A key issue is whether the album has a single: a particular track which can be used to market the record on the radio. The industry cliche, “I don’t hear a single!” is a reference to this process.

Advice on Starting a Career in the Music Industry

admin — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 04:53:44 +0000

Making it in the music industry as a independent artist isn’t always easy. It takes a lot of sacrifice and determination. One thing that is good is that through the internet you can gain various forms of information that can assist you. Below is a video from Neil Portnow, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), he is giving a little advice on how to start a career in the music industry. This video do not go really in depth but it do offer some valuable information. If you want step by step guidance from major labels on making it in the music industry view the Steps to Stardom Volume One film.