Time Management Tip: Kill Your Mobile Notification Alerts
February 05 2013, 12:36 PM
Filed in: Opinion
i expect my productivity and focus to improve greatly by doing this one tiny step.
i'm saying goodbye to facebook, twitter, instagram, email and all of my other social media alerts that pop, ding and vibrate as they arrive whenever someone leaves a comment or sends a message.
i'll still be as active as ever, but i'll attend to the networks on my time, rather than attending to every ping as it happens. ahhh... i feel less anxious already.
have you tried this one simple little step yet? try it for a week, i dare ya'!
btClick to Read More...
Brian Thompson, Featured Speaker at Midem 2013 in Cannes, France
October 08 2012, 09:15 AM
Filed in: DIY Marketing Tips
Midem is the world's largest trade fair for the music industry and has been held since 1967. Several thousand musicians, producers, managers, and journalists from around the globe regularly attend the event.
I'll be doing a 30 minute session as a part of the Direct2Fan Camp, the place to be for artists and music entrepreneurs, highlighting the most crucial aspects of the new music business.
The “D2F from A to Z” series are 30min sessions covering one aspect of a D2F strategy every day, from funding to promotion.
When:
Sunday, January 27, 2013
10:40am - 11:10am
Topic:
D2F from A-Z: Distribution
If you plan on being at Midem and want to meet with me, please send me a tweet or email so we can set something up.
Visit Midem online at www.midem.com.Click to Read More...
10 Reasons Why Your Band Is About To Fire You
May 21 2012, 01:24 PM
Filed in: DIY Marketing Tips
So what the hell, here's another list for you:
1. You're always late for everything: rehearsals, gigs, load ins, load outs, sound checks, interviews, band meetings… you name it.
2. You don't possess the ability to ever be serious. Seriously. There's a time and a place for everything, but when it's time to focus on business you need to quit with the jack-assery so everyone else can concentrate on the task at hand.
3. You always complain. You're a negative downer on all of the good things the band is trying to create and do.Click to Read More...
How To Use ReverbNation To Promote Your Music: Webinar + Free Slideshow Download
May 09 2012, 06:50 AM
Filed in: Webinars
Join Brian Thompson and Michael Brandvold from The Music Biz Weekly along with Hypebot for a 60 minute webinar into the world of ReverbNation, followed by a 30 minute Q&A.
This webinar was Recorded Live on May 8, 2012 and the video recording can now be purchased at the link below for only $5.
Click to Read More...
The Importance Of An Artist Retaining Rights Ownership: The Rock Star Branding Podcast #15
May 09 2012, 06:50 AM
Filed in: Podcast
Join Brian Thompson, Michael Brandvold and Steve Jones for a 12 min discussion on the importance of an artist retaining ownership of their brand, masters and copyright. We talk about DIY success story Headwater, label troubles for metal band All Shall Perish, and the shutting down of Roadrunner Records offices.
Available on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and:
http://www.thornybleeder.com
http://www.thediydaily.com
http://www.michaelbrandvold.com
http://www.brandlikearockstar.com
If you want to book a one-on-one private consultation with Brian, click here for more info.
Click to Read More...
Pursue Your Passion: Goyte, A True DIY Music Success Story. You Can Do It Too.
April 19 2012, 08:14 PM
Filed in: Opinion
All of this success… for an album that was recorded by himself at home.
Here's an amazing example of someone who had a vision, pursued their passion and didn't let anything stand in their way. This defines DIY.
continue reading by clicking the link below… includes two short documentaries on the making of the album.Click to Read More...
Ep. 54: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Curt Smith From Tears For Fears Discusses Social Media and Being a DIY Artist
April 13 2012, 06:01 AM
Filed in: Podcast
In this week's episode we were lucky enough to have a fantastic discussion with Curt Smith, co-founder of the multi-platinum British music group Tears For Fears, with which he continues to tour worldwide, as well as an acclaimed solo musician.
Curt also writes music for film, television and the web, most recently scoring the independent feature Meth Head. He is also a regular speaker at creative, media and technology events including TEDxHollywood, TEDxSan Francisco, the Billboard Film & TV Music Conference.
Join Curt, Brian Thompson and Michael for a great conversation about social media and music, and being a DIY artist with no label. Visit Curt Online: http://www.curtsmithofficial.comListen on Soundcloud below, download on the widget below or via iTunes or Stitcher Radio.
As always, if you enjoyed this podcast please leave a comment and share it on your Facebook or Twitter page.
Click to Read More...Attention Canadian Artists: Meet TourHub, Your Band's New Best Friend
March 06 2012, 01:02 PM
Filed in: DIY Marketing Tips
TourHub: Canada’s Venues At Your Fingertips
The Music Industry Associations which form the Canadian Council of Music Industry Associations, has spent much of the last year developing an innovative new tool that is set to revolutionize how bands plan and book tours in Canada. That tool is TourHub.Click to Read More...
Indie DIY Artist Tip: Outsource Your Music Video
February 03 2012, 08:53 PM
Filed in: DIY Marketing Tips
So my brother outsourced his new music video to Bangalore, India. This is what he got back.
Was I intrigued? Big time.
Was the video going to be a lesson in what not to do? Was it going to become a viral sensation because it was so awful?
OR… was the end product something he could become incredibly proud of?
See for yourself:Click to Read More...
Bob Baker Explains The 3 E's Of Content Marketing | Ep. 36: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast
December 09 2011, 10:35 AM
Filed in: Podcast
Join myself, Michael Brandvold and Bob Baker for a fantastic 45min. roundtable discussion as we dive into Bob's 3 E's of Content Marketing: Educate, Entertain and Enlighten.
Not sure what the hell I mean by that? Well then click Play to find out!
Follow Bob online here:
Facebook | Twitter | The Buzz Factor Website
Click to Read More...
8 Steps To Get Your Band Noticed
November 24 2011, 12:31 PM
Filed in: DIY Marketing Tips
This is a guest post written by Marty Zylstra
from the Vancouver band Sweetheart.
Recently Sweetheart independently released an EP titled "XOXOX". Over the past few months we've been sending CDs out to press, getting college radio play, and local/regional commercial radio spins.
Using this experience I have distilled a "code" of how to promote yourself as an indie band locally/regionally into this simple formula:
Click to Read More...
Are Musicians Still Delusional About Getting Signed? - Ep. 32: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast
November 04 2011, 01:47 PM
Filed in: Podcast
Why? Because it's a fact that 75% of artists still want to get signed by a major label, despite the fact that the majority of artists never see any money from these relationships and they often get dropped after only a couple of years, leaving them with nothing… not even the ownership of their album masters.
Join Michael Brandvold and I as we kick off our discussion around a recent email to Bob Lefsetz that was sent to him by Matt Murphy, The Jazz Lawyer.
You can subscribe to The Music Biz Weekly Podcast oniTunes here… or listen to it on Soundcloud here or using the player below.
Ep. 32: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Are Musicians Still Delusional About Getting Signed? by Thorny Bleeder
As always I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments, join in on the discussion below...
Click to Read More...
The True Meaning of DIY. Be Your Own Boss. - Ep. 27: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast
October 06 2011, 11:12 PM
Filed in: Podcast
DIY = Being Self Reliant
Listen the podcast below for our 30 minute discussion on things you should consider as you prepare to do things on your own in the world of indie music marketing and promotion.
Despite what the term DIY implies, you don't need to do it all yourself… but you do need to remain in control and to find the right people to help support your goals.
Be smart, build yourself a quality support team.
You can subscribe to The Music Biz Weekly Podcast on iTunes here… or listen to it on Soundcloud here or using the player below.
Ep. 27: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - The True Meaning of DIY. Be Your Own Boss. by Thorny Bleeder Click to Read More...
Staying Relevant and Keeping in the Public Eye
October 04 2011, 10:50 AM
Filed in: DIY Marketing Tips
Most brands (and bands) find it a constant struggle to remain relevant and current to their customers and fans. But the truth is, it really isn't that difficult. In fact, it's easier than ever before.
What happened yesterday is old news. It's all about real time. It's about right now.
What's happening right now on Twitter? What's happening right now with my friends on Facebook's status ticker? What new music was leaked or just released this morning? What are today's blogs saying about that show last night? What's this week's unexpected viral video sensation?
All of these questions that we seek out in our day to day lives are based in the present. The now. The current and the happening.
Are you playing this game? Are you providing your connected audience with content for them to engage with on a regular basis?
It's not difficult, but it does take a concentrated effort and a focus to create a routine for your online marketing plan.
Let's make it really simple for you. Start with the following two basic concepts and then increase the two key modifiers (frequency and consistency) as you become more comfortable with your new social media marketing efforts.
1. Do something Small (at the very least) once a week.
This can be a blog post, a video blog, sharing a new photo, a gig, an interview...
2. Do something Big once a month.
This can be a live performance video, a free download of an acoustic cover tune or a new song or demo, a contest, a big event, new merch, new cross-promotions with other brands, bands, or charities, a live and interactive streaming video Q&A session. The only limit is your creativity.
You create your own story. Don't let your book remain unwritten.
Create content and engageable actions on a regular basis to give your audience something to chew on and to talk about.Social Media is word of mouth. If you're not giving people something to talk about, you're just simply not in the game.
-- Brian ThompsonClick to Read More...
Bob Cramer CEO of Nimbit Offers Direct-to-Fan Advice - Ep. 26: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast
September 30 2011, 11:47 AM
Filed in: Podcast
Nimbit creates solutions for independent musicians and independent record labels around the Direct-to-Fan Music Business Model. Direct-to-Fan gives musicians control over their music, fans, business and careers.
Nimbit artists use an online dashboard to see and manage their music business. This includes sales information, fan information, marketing promotions and results, storefront results, central product catalog (e.g., digital and physical music, merchandise, eTickets), central content management (e.g., band profile and gigs). This allows products and content to be entered once then viewed and changed in one place.
You can subscribe to The Music Biz Weekly Podcast on iTunes here… or listen to it on Soundcloud here or using the player below.
Ep. 26: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Bob Cramer CEO of Nimbit Offers Direct-to-Fan Advice by Thorny Bleeder
*sorry for the crummy audio from my end of Skype on this podcast. For some reason my iMac's mic kicked in instead of the really good external mic I always use. Dammit.Click to Read More...
Booking Gigs and How to be Prepared: Ep. 23 - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast
September 02 2011, 12:39 PM
Filed in: Podcast
The title says it all.
In a band and unsure how to go about booking shows or how to approach putting a tour together? Then you need to listen to today's new podcast.
Listen to it on Soundcloud here or just click play on the player below.
What hurdles have you faced while booking shows?
Share your experiences and knowledge using the comments below!
Ep. 23: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast- Booking Gigs and How to be Prepared by Thorny Bleeder
Click to Read More...
DIY Tip: Transform Online Chatter into Offline Opportunities
March 08 2011, 01:15 PM
Filed in: Podcast
Today's DIY Tip video blog is about transforming online chatter into offline opportunities.
Stuck in a rut online? Take it offline and connect in real life!
Stand out from the crowd, connect with influencers in your industry via the phone or going out for a beer or a coffee. Become more than just a tweet that scrolls across someone's screen... new opportunities await you.
PS - Can you tell that there's some reno's going on in my building?
Thanks for watching!
Brian
Click to Read More...
DIY TIp: Don't Push, Pull Them In!
March 07 2011, 11:19 AM
Filed in: Podcast
Today's video blog DIY Tip is about abolishing the idea that "...if you build it they will come."
Regardless of whether it's your latest album or recording, your blog, your book, or whatever it is your'e trying to spread to the world... you need to pull people in with creative use of social media.
Old media is dead.
Get started with social media today and pull people in by creating intrigue and interest... without cramming and pushing stuff down people's throats (ie. "advertising" or "selling" your goods).
Thanks for watching!
PS - Don't forget to sign up to The DIY Daily newsletter... it's free and full of tons of killer tips and information. Information is power!
Click to Read More...
Top 10 Ways How To Feel Miserable As An Artist
March 06 2011, 10:08 AM
Filed in: DIY Marketing Tips
(Or, What Not Do Do)
1. Constantly compare yourself to other artists.
2. Talk to your family about what you do and expect them to cheer you on.
3. Base the success of your entire career on one project.
4. Stick with what you know.
5. Undervalue your expertise.
6. Let money dictate what you do.
7. Bow to societal pressures.
8. Only do work that your family would love.
9. Do whatever the client/customer/gallery owner/patron/investor/ asks.
10. Set unachievable/overwhelming goals. To be accomplished by tomorrow.
Click to Read More...
Storify: Making Stories From The Social Web
February 03 2011, 09:59 AM
Filed in: DIY Marketing Tips
Every time I see a new social media tool, utility, service, app or website I just have to try it out. You never know which one's going to be the next big thing and you can't really trust all of the hype, reviews and press releases that flood the blogs. So whenever I see one that catches my eye I immediately sign up, dive in, and just try things out for myself.
This approach has led to some pretty spectacular tools in my social media arsenal. There are tools I can't live without such as Evernote and Instapaper, and then there's great Twitter management tools like Tweepi, Klout, and Twitter Grader, and of course there's always a plethora of new music sites which offer great potential, with my most recent favourite being Viinyl.
I was on a popular news site not too long ago when I noticed...
Click to Read More...
19 Essential Artist Advice Blogs You May Have Missed
August 30 2010, 01:59 PM
Filed in: DIY Marketing Tips
We know, it’s summer and you don’t want to stay indoors all day everyday, staring at a computer screen and reading blogs about how you can improve your career in music. Well don’t worry, even if you missed some of our columns while relaxing on the beach, we’ve put together a great list of our previous Indie Artist Advice columns on The Bleeder Blog so you can get you all caught up.
Summer is almost over and Fall is quickly approaching. If you're an independent artist, now's the time to dive in and refocus your efforts for the last quarter of the year.
If these articles leave you hungry for more information and ideas, we do private one-on-one consultations. Maybe we can help you out! Even if you're not in our area (Vancouver), we also do sessions via Skype. Feel free to send us an email if you're interested: brian@thornybleeder.com
Ok, let's get to it. Dig in and enjoy...
Click to Read More...
How To Break Your Band: Social Media
April 02 2010, 10:22 AM
Filed in: DIY Marketing Tips
The following video is from social media marketing guru Gary Vaynerchuck from Wine Library TV, who I've mentioned before here. This guy is doing everything right with social media and he's created an amazing brand for not only himself, but his company too.
In only 4 minutes he successfully explains why you must embrace and exploit social media now to grow the profile of your business. While his thoughts are directed towards businesses, we all know that as a DIY artist in an independent band you face the exact same hurdles; reaching a new audience, gaining new fans, and monetizing your new followers to grow your business.
Watch this video, there's some important lessons here for everyone!
Click to Read More...
Top 10 Ways To Break Up Your Band
July 09 2010, 10:52 AM
Filed in: DIY Marketing Tips
I've worked with tons of bands over the years and one thing remains constant, they almost all breakup eventually. Sure, some can go the distance and outlast the others, but what sets them apart from the bands that just can't seem to keep it together and fall apart?
Well, if you hate the music you play and you want to break up your band, here's a quick checklist for you:
- Leave the business side of things to just one band member.
- Don't have regular band meetings.
- Don't educate yourself on marketing and promotion.
- Don't make a list of goals (and never revise them if you do).
- Don't utilize the power of social media and online networking tools.
- Don't take your band seriously as an entrepreneurial business.
- Don't network with other bands and industry people.
- Don't build a team of passionate and experienced people around you.
- Assume that potential fans, blogs, press, radio stations, labels and agents will find out about your band just because your music is so damn awesome.
- Don't respect your fans, and don't interact with them in the way "new media" empowers you to.
Singer/Songwriter Gives Away Free Song A Week For A Year
March 24 2009, 11:29 AM
Filed in: Featured Artist
Thorny Bleeder is extremely honoured to present our latest discovery, Scott Valentine. We've created a truly unique approach to spread Scott's music to the world; through a newly launched website...
Click to Read More...
Free Downloads A Sign Of Your Success?
March 26 2009, 08:42 PM
Filed in: Opinion
Well, in short...Yes. The amount of downloads on bit torrent sites DO signal the amount of success you're having. Makes sense, right?
Click to Read More...
Podcast: Media, Gatekeepers, Fandom, Gaming & More
March 23 2009, 04:23 PM
Filed in: DIY Marketing Tips
Have a spare hour to listen in on a captivating discussion from music industry insiders?
Click to Read More...
John Mellencamp: The State Of The Music Business
March 23 2009, 09:35 AM
Filed in: Opinion
John Mellencamp posted the following editorial in today's Huffington Post...
Click to Read More...
Twitter Music Promotion and Marketing Guide
March 11 2009, 10:44 AM
Filed in: DIY Marketing Tips
Are you on Twitter yet? Is your band?
It can be confusing at first, regardless of how simple it may appear to be.Click to Read More...
Five Tips for Musicians to Engage Their Fans Digitally
March 11 2009, 10:25 AM
Filed in: DIY Marketing Tips
In today's wired marketplace, musicians have to forge a personal relationship with their audience to keep their fans' interest. And for many, that means creating opportunities for fans to have an inside look into all aspects of an artist's life.Click to Read More...
Former NIN Drummer Has New Ideas For Album Promotion
February 20 2009, 10:37 AM
Filed in: Music News
You know how Nine Inch Nails tie the digital goods (which can be duplicated ad infinitum) to scarce goods (merch, collector’s items, signed items, etc) to engage their audience and give them a chance to choose how much they’re willing to spend and what exactly they’re getting for their money?
Well, their former drummer Josh Freese has a new album, and he has decided to take the concept a couple of steps further.
It's pretty funny to see Josh taking the piss out of Trent Reznor for his ideas on releasing numerous "Special Edition Packages".
Click to Read More...
