Promotion
How To Maximize Your Merch Sales At Venues
Jan0711:37 AM
Filed in: Indie Advice
Guest Post by Skip Taylor
for SaskMusic's
"The Session".
Reprinted with permission.
Things have changed drastically in the music business in the last 10 years. Physical CD sales have continued to spiral downwards and musicians have been forced to adapt and become smarter at how they handle all areas of their business to survive. More and more, merch sales have become a larger part of the average independent artist’s overall revenue plan.
Merchandise sales has become an area of great innovation and increased efficiency for those artists trying to maximize revenue. As the industry has gone through great transitions, many different business models have emerged. In this article I am going to be discussing some general “best practices,” but depending on your business model they may or may not be right for you. Ultimately, you will have to decide what is right for you and your business.
Click To Read More...
Top 20 Thorny Bleeder Marketing Advice Blog Posts for 2011
Dec2902:56 PM
Filed in: Indie Advice
Here's a year-end roundup of the Top 20 Music Marketing Articles I published this year, all of them original and exclusive content to Thorny Bleeder. These are listed in order of the number of views each blog post had, thanks to my Google Analytics data.
1. Change Your Thoughts. Change Your Mind. Change Your Life.
2. Danger! Do Not Use! Words To Avoid In Your Band Bio
3. 8 Ways To Get 100 Visitors A Day To Your Website
4. Here's Why the Number of Facebook 'Likes' Don't Matter
5. Top 10 Ways How To Feel Miserable As An Artist
Click To Read More...
What's More Important, a Facebook Like Or an Email Address? | Ep. 38: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast
Dec2205:27 PM
Filed in: Podcast
There's lots to consider with your digital strategy when releasing new media to your fans. Hit Play below and get our take on the subject.
What do YOU think?
Click To Read More...
Soar Above The Clouds! Be An All-Encompassing Entertainment Brand
Dec1409:37 AM
Filed in: Indie Advice
Your songs have to rock harder. You have to make people dance more intensely, cry longer, think deeper and love more passionately.
Sure, one or two great songs can give you a taste of success, but beyond that you're going to need something more long term to keep your career on track. To keep people interested, to stay fresh, to keep people talking and spreading the word about you... you need something that goes above and beyond what everyone else is doing.
So aside your music, what else are you doing to rise above the noise of the cluttered music scene? Here's an idea, you need to think of yourself as an all-encompassing entertainment brand, right from the beginning.
Click To Read More...
Be Concise.
Dec0612:14 PM
Filed in: Indie Advice
Don't waste words, don't waste notes. Be economic. This includes songs, intros, solos, blog posts, comments, bios, essays, books, video messages... whatever.
Be careful not to cut a thought or emotion short, but don't over-think it either. It's a fine line that's easy to cross.
Be concise and efficient. It brings focus to your message.
Don't make the same mistake Metallica continues to make. Just because you think a riff is groovy or fun to play, it doesn't mean your fans want to hear you play the same damn thing over and over for 18 minutes.
To quote Shakespeare, "Brevity is the soul of wit".
I hope this wasn't too long.
—Brian Thompson
Click To Read More...
People Don't Wait In A Digital Queue
Nov2805:07 PM
Filed in: Indie Advice
Pre-Releases. Advance listening. Singles going to radio a month before they're available. Video premieres before the music can be purchased.
Why do labels and bands still do this? Is it out of old habit? Or lack of marketing creativity?
Seriously though, who are we kidding?
People don't wait in a queue on release day any more. And more importantly, digital lineups don't exist.
Click To Read More...
Danger! Do Not Use! Words To Avoid In Your Band Bio
Nov2704:51 PM
Filed in: Indie Advice
In An Artist Bio Ever, Ever Again:
- molten
- unique
- brilliant
- must-hear
- hailing from
- buzz worthy
- one of a kind
- forged in the...
- fusing together
- up and coming
- critically acclaimed
- eagerly anticipated
- destined for success
- fuses blank with blank
Please?
Click To Read More...
8 Steps To Get Your Band Noticed
Nov2412:31 PM
Filed in: Indie Advice
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...
Staying Relevant and Keeping in the Public Eye
Oct0410:50 AM
Filed in: Indie Advice
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...
Music Industry Showcase Tips for Artists - Ep. 25: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast
Sep2211:30 AM
Filed in: Podcast
Whether your showcase is in front of a panel of judges, A&R reps, music industry executives, or just in front of an audience of tastemakers at a conference… we have some straight forward and simple advice to share with you.
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. 25: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Music Industry Showcase Tips for Artists by Thorny Bleeder
Click To Read More...
Is Social Media a Silver Bullet to Success?
Sep1611:13 AM
Filed in: Indie Advice
There is no silver bullet, no single solution to success in music, the arts, or entrepreneurial startups. But... there is a very well known and proven path.
In marketing, it's referred to as the Sales Funnel, which is as described as simply as this:
Awareness
Connection
Commerce
Now, if we parlay that into Music Marketing Direct-to-Fan terms, here's a formula for you to consider, made popular by technology blog Techdirt here:
CwF + RtB = $$$
defined as: connect with fans + reason to buy = sales
(read more about this formula here)
While social media won't guarantee your success, if it's used smartly and creatively it will begin to illuminate the path to awareness with your target audience. What you do with that connection is up to you.
And that's where it all begins...
Click To Read More...
How to Use Twitter to Promote Your Music (free download)
Sep0101:48 PM
Filed in: Indie Advice
How to Use Twitter to Promote Your Music
View more presentations from Brian Thompson
Here's a free download of the slideshow that accompanied last night's Music Marketing Webinar that Michael Brandvold and I presented on behalf of The Music Biz Weekly Podcast.
Did you miss the live webinar?
Download the 84 minute hands-on video tutorial here for only $9.99.
Click To Read More...
Episode 19 - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast
Email Marketing for Musicians
Aug0502:01 PM
Filed in: Podcast
The title says it all… today's podcast touches on Email Marketing for Musicians.
Click the Soundcloud widget to listen to it right here, or listen directly on Soundcloud itself here.
Follow us on Twitter:
@michaelsb
@thornybleeder
Follow us on Google+:
http://gplus.to/brandvold
http://gplus.to/thornybleeder
This Podcast is Available on iTunes and at:
http://www.thornybleeder.com
http://www.michaelbrandvold.com
Click To Read More...
Facebook: The Musician's Playbook
Aug0502:07 PM
Filed in: Indie Advice
Facebook has recently published an incredibly useful tool for everyone in the music industry, an official handbook for how to market your music on the world's number one social media networking site.
But be prepared, this isn't a short read.
It's an in depth 40 page document detailing the ins and outs of everything you'll need to know. It not only teaches you hot to pimp out your fan page, but it also shares valuable insight on how to maximize fan engagement and interaction… which is what everyone's #1 goal should be.
I've embedded the document below, but if you need to see the direct source you can find the document on Scribd here.
Musician's Playbook
8 Ways To Get 100 Visitors A Day To Your Website
Aug0312:24 PM
Filed in: Indie Advice
I received a tweet yesterday from fellow music marketer Chris Rockett from Promote Your Music, asking if I'd like to participate in a mutli-blogger guest post he's putting together for his website.
He had one question to ask and wanted a reply that was around 200 words long. So without skipping a beat I quickly cranked out the following email and fired it off to him.
Stay tuned to Promote Your Music for Chris's complete post with more tips on this topic from other music marketing bloggers.
Question:
What is the fastest way to get 100 targeted fans per day visiting your website on a consistent basis, without using paid traffic?
My Answer:Click To Read More...
Innovate. Dare To Be Different.
Aug0209:23 AM
Filed in: Indie Advice
How to Succeed in Life:
1. Dare to be different.
2. Be passionate.
3. Be curious.
4. Be creative in everything you do.
5. Innovate.
6. Deconstruct the old, build something new.
7. Be the disruptive change in a boring industry.
8. Change the game.
9. Don't play by the rules.
10. Stand apart from the crowd.
...Get Noticed!Click To Read More...
Episode 17 - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast
How To Promote AT Your Shows
Jul2204:30 PM
Filed in: Podcast
Today's topic is all about promoting your concert while you are AT your concert.
As a performing artist, what you do offstage, while you're in the venue, is just as important as your performance itself. Stand out. Be recognizable. Be approachable. Do something special each night to make potential fans remember you and talk about you afterwards.
Listen the to podcast right here for a full 30mins. of many more suggestions and ideas on what you can do to make your gig a memorable one.
Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter here and Michael on Twitter here. Join the discussion and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
If you can't see the embedded podcast player, click here to go to the podcast page directly on Soundcloud.
You can also subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by clicking here.
Click To Read More...
Episode 12: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast
Web Tools To Make You Stand Apart From The Crowd
Jun0202:07 PM
Filed in: Podcast
Our 12th episode! Listen to Thorny Bleeder's Brian Thompson and Michael Brandvold from Michael Brandvold Marketing as they have an uncharted, unscripted, straight-talkin, no-BS chat.
For this podcast we had no preplanned topics at all, we just hit "record" and went for it!
We start off by talking about Lady Gaga's response to the Amazon 99 cent album promotion, and then we shoot off into a discussion about new web tools to help bands market their music and to stand out from the rest of the crowd. We chat about Soundcloud, Tumblr, Soundrain, Minno, VYou, and then close the episode with some tips on formatting your blog posts.
Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter here and Michael on Twitter here.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share your own tips and tricks with us!
Click To Read More...
For this podcast we had no preplanned topics at all, we just hit "record" and went for it!
We start off by talking about Lady Gaga's response to the Amazon 99 cent album promotion, and then we shoot off into a discussion about new web tools to help bands market their music and to stand out from the rest of the crowd. We chat about Soundcloud, Tumblr, Soundrain, Minno, VYou, and then close the episode with some tips on formatting your blog posts.
Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter here and Michael on Twitter here.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share your own tips and tricks with us!
Click To Read More...
20,000 Tweets By The Sea
May3102:40 PM
Filed in: Podcast
This is a special broadcast in celebration of my 20,000th tweet!
I'm a nerd, I know.
But seriously though, I've had so much amazing success on Twitter that I felt I just had to do something special for this momentous little occasion.
So this is it. No cake. No presents. Just one big huge Thank-You to all of my amazing friends on Twitter! You guys rule. Seriously.
If you're wondering what the website is that you can vote on, that I mentioned in the video, here it is: http://urbancultureconference.com
And lastly... if you're wondering what that wicked blues tune is that's playing in the background, it's Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin' Bastards, "She Ain't You", featuring none other than the legendary Luther Dickinson on slide! Visit Ross online here: http://www.rossneilsen.com
Thanks for watching... peace!
Brian
Click To Read More...
How Do YOU Fit Into Culture?
May3112:03 PM
Filed in: Indie Advice
Content Marketing: Finding Your Niche
How Do You Fit Into Culture?
Not your band.
Not your music.
YOU.
The individual behind the music.
You are unique. You have individual tastes, interests, passions, and hobbies. Now... think for a moment. If you were to talk about a diverse subject matter on your blog (rather than just your music), and in your videos, in your photos, and in your tweets… you can attract an entirely new audience, which you never thought you could have access to.
People search the web to find answers to their questions. Perhaps YOU have the answer they're looking for! But they'll never find you if you don't blog about it. Or tweet it. Or make a video and post in on YouTube.
Examples:
Well... talk about it and share your knowledge and experiences!
Did you just whip up a batch of a killer homemade BBQ sauce? Share the recipe on your blog.
2. Are you an origami expert?
Blog about it! Create some instructional How-To YouTube videos (with your music playing in the background).
3. Do you have a pet hedgehog?
Cute always wins online.
This is Content Marketing.
This is Inbound Marketing.
This is how you enable potential fans to stumble upon your music... while they're searching for answers and info in Google Search.
Now that you've enabled fans to discover you... now it's time to turn the tables and for you to find them! If you want to enable fan-discovery, you need to search the web and dive into conversations surrounding the topics that interest you in your life. You’ll be amazed at who you meet and what they do!
Better yet, drill down the results even deeper by using: http://search.twitter.com
Use the extended search option to hyper-locate people discussing keywords surrounding your subject goal.
Search relevant Hashtags on Twitter, and then follow the key communicators on the topic… and talk to them! Create conversation and create a new relationship, that's what being Social is all about.
Use Google Blog Search. Use Technocrati Blog Search.
Find the blogs who specialize in these topics and start connecting with them!
Open yourself up to a whole new world. Be yourself, share yourself... and communicate with likeminded people! You'll be blown away at the results.
Trust me.
~ Brian Thompson
Click To Read More...
Episode 11: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast
How To Create An Event Around Your Album Release
May2710:16 AM
Filed in: Podcast
In today's podcast Michael Brandvold and I chat about this week's Amazon promotion for the new Lady Gaga album where they sold her new digital release, one day only, for only 99 cents. We discuss some of the problems this promotion had, the history of music retailers doing this type of "loss-leader" event, and we close with some key take-away learnings which artists can use in developing their music career by injecting some exciting and creative promotions into the mix.
Want to hear more? Well you'll just have to click 'play' then won't you? :)
Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter here, Michael on Twitter here, Ian on Twitter here, and Topspin Media on Twitter here.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share your own tips and tricks with us!
Thanks for listening,
~ Brian Thompson
Click To Read More...
Want to hear more? Well you'll just have to click 'play' then won't you? :)
Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter here, Michael on Twitter here, Ian on Twitter here, and Topspin Media on Twitter here.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share your own tips and tricks with us!
Thanks for listening,
~ Brian Thompson
Click To Read More...
Episode 10: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast
What Do Fans Want? Albums, Singles, or EPs?
May2001:52 PM
Filed in: Podcast
Here it is, our 10th Episode! Wow, time flies.
Well after two weeks of having some amazing guests (Ian Rogers from Topspin on Episode 8, J Sider from RootsMusic on Episode 9), this week's episode finds us back to just Michael and myself. Today's discussion begins with a reading from a recent article titled "Albums" (from April 28, 2011) in The Lefsetz Letters, written by Bob Lefsetz.
Check out Bob Lefsetz and The Lefsetz Letters. Read the "Albums" article here.
What begin on-topic with how music used to be released in the past, and how it should be released now, in the digital social age. But then we take a bit of a detour and discuss "brand monitoring" on social channels and across the web. Are you listening to what the internet is saying about you? If not, you need to. Anyways, listen to the podcast to learn more!
And many thanks listening everyone. If you enjoyed this episode and think you might have a friend who'll dig it, please share!
So, what do you think... Albums, Singles, or EPs? What's your choice?
~ Brian Thompson
Click To Read More...
Well after two weeks of having some amazing guests (Ian Rogers from Topspin on Episode 8, J Sider from RootsMusic on Episode 9), this week's episode finds us back to just Michael and myself. Today's discussion begins with a reading from a recent article titled "Albums" (from April 28, 2011) in The Lefsetz Letters, written by Bob Lefsetz.
Check out Bob Lefsetz and The Lefsetz Letters. Read the "Albums" article here.
What begin on-topic with how music used to be released in the past, and how it should be released now, in the digital social age. But then we take a bit of a detour and discuss "brand monitoring" on social channels and across the web. Are you listening to what the internet is saying about you? If not, you need to. Anyways, listen to the podcast to learn more!
And many thanks listening everyone. If you enjoyed this episode and think you might have a friend who'll dig it, please share!
So, what do you think... Albums, Singles, or EPs? What's your choice?
~ Brian Thompson
Click To Read More...
DIY Tip - Sometimes I Work Better In The Dark
May1911:51 AM
Filed in: Podcast
Life can be demanding. We all have our mandatory jobs and chores to the pay bills, but most of us also have our passion projects too. Too often, life gets in the way of spending some quality time to work on these goals.
You can find success, inspiration, and get some serious work done on these projects by simply changing your routine and/or the environment you do them in.
Every now and then I'll pull an all-nighter work session. I turn the lights out, close the blinds, turn on some non-distracting music (classical, mellow jazz, ambient, etc.)... and Focus!
It's amazing how much quality work you can crank out when there's no distractions. Its quiet, it's easier to get "in the zone", there's no emails coming in, there's no phone calls... there's no expectations.
It's just you and your work.
Now I'm not saying everyone should pull all-nighters, but you can find similar success with increased productivity by simplebeing in a different environment and having a different mind-set or approach to the task at hand.
Even something as simple as relocating to a coffee shop for a couple of hours with your laptop can equal 5 hours of work anywhere else!
Mix it up and stay inspired.
Thanks for watching :)
Brian Thompson
Click To Read More...
You can find success, inspiration, and get some serious work done on these projects by simply changing your routine and/or the environment you do them in.
Every now and then I'll pull an all-nighter work session. I turn the lights out, close the blinds, turn on some non-distracting music (classical, mellow jazz, ambient, etc.)... and Focus!
It's amazing how much quality work you can crank out when there's no distractions. Its quiet, it's easier to get "in the zone", there's no emails coming in, there's no phone calls... there's no expectations.
It's just you and your work.
Now I'm not saying everyone should pull all-nighters, but you can find similar success with increased productivity by simplebeing in a different environment and having a different mind-set or approach to the task at hand.
Even something as simple as relocating to a coffee shop for a couple of hours with your laptop can equal 5 hours of work anywhere else!
Mix it up and stay inspired.
Thanks for watching :)
Brian Thompson
Click To Read More...
Episode 9: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast
Discussing Facebook Marketing with the CEO of RootMusic
May1301:08 PM
Filed in: Podcast
RootMusic is a music startup based in San Francisco, California that makes the popular application BandPage, which is currently the number one entertainment application on Facebook with over 17 million users a month. BandPage launched in March 2010 and is an application that allows artists to create customized Fan Pages within Facebook. In August 2010, Billboard named RootMusic one of the "Top 10 Best Digital Media Startups".
The RootMusic BandPage Editor enables bands and musicians to easily create a professional-grade Facebook fan page via a simple and intuitive process. There have been over 200 articles written about BandPage, with TechCrunch saying that "RootMusic will probably be the service that changes the way Facebook looks when it comes to music."
Music player
Video Streaming
Live Twitter Feeds
Touring Schedule
Integrated photos from Facebook
Downloadable Tracks
Biography and Contact Panes
Integrated Facebook Wall
On April 1, the company launched a "Plus" edition of the product, which is available for $1.99 a month. This option allows users to customize their colours, fonts and have a banner on the top of their page.
Click To Read More...
Episode 8: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast
Music Marketing w/ Ian Rogers, CEO Topspin Media
May0610:56 AM
Filed in: Podcast
Topspin Media (also known as Topspin) is a technology company that provides e-commerce and marketing software & services for artists, their representatives, and their business partners. According to their website, their mission is to empower independent artists to build sustainable businesses, and to supply established artists, record labels, and managers with tools that allow them to operate in the modern music industry.
Topspin was founded in 2007 by Peter Gotcher (co-creator of ProTools) and Shamal Ranasinghe. In 2008, former Yahoo!Music General Manager Ian Rogers was named CEO of Topspin. The company initially engaged with a small number of clients on a one-on-one basis, gradually adding more artists and new features. In 2008, Topspin was named Indie Visionary of the Year by Billboard magazine. The company has had a notable presence at industry conferences such as MIDEM and South By Southwest.
Listen the podcast on Soundcloud here:
Topspin serves over three thousand artists including musicians, filmmakers, and authors. Notable clients include: David Byrne and Brian Eno, Paul McCartney, Linkin Park, Eminem, Beastie Boys, Arcade Fire, and Trent Reznor.
Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter here, Michael on Twitter here, Ian on Twitter here, and Topspin Media on Twitter here.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share your own tips and tricks with us!
Click To Read More...
DIY Tip - Under Sell & Over Deliver
May0410:45 AM
Filed in: Podcast
I get solicited with a ton of new music from independent artists. And on the flipside of that, I've also sent out a slew of cold-call emails and press releases to industry people as well.
One of the main things I've learned from being on the receiving end of these messages, and from getting successful replies to the messages I've sent out, is that you need to NOT "over sell" your music or product.
If you rave and go on and on and on about how great you or your product is, I immediately call BS and delete the message, let alone listen to the music. And I know I'm not alone in this. When you receive hundreds and hundreds of weekly emails, it's just a natural part of the review and editing process.
So... if you want your message to be read, and for your links to be clicked and listened to or looked at, under sell... and over deliver! Intrigue me with a short little description. Be humble. Be honest. Give me an idea of what it is about, but please don't tell me it's the next-best-thing... nothing can ever live up to that hype. Nothing.
But if you create an air of intrigue and pull me in and I end up being blown away by it, you win! Nothing beats the feeling of having discovered something truly amazing... especially if you get the sense that the artist doesn't even realize how killer the music is.
So there you go. A quick little promo tip for you...
Under Sell & Over Deliver!
Thanks for watching :)
Brian Thompson
Click To Read More...
Episode 7: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast
E-Commerce Solutions For Bands
Apr2901:25 PM
Filed in: Podcast
Here we go folks, another edition of our weekly podcast featuring Brian Thompson from Thorny Bleeder and Michael Brandvold from Michael Brandvold Marketing.
This week's topic? E-Commerce Solutions for Bands.
We discuss everything from getting your music up on iTunes and the Amazon MP3 Store, in addition to options on how to handle your merchandise sales and email marketing campaigns.
What platforms are you using to sell your band's music and merch?
Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter here and Michael on Twitter here.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share your own tips and tricks with us!
Click To Read More...
DIY Tip - Change Your Future!
Apr2211:51 AM
Filed in: Podcast
Everything that happens to you today is a result of what you did yesterday, last month... 6 months ago. If you're not happy with where things are at in your world today, then make some changes and do things differently... it will change your future! Otherwise, if you keep doing things exactly as you have been, you'll be in the exact same spot six months or a year from now.
Change your future by making changes in your life Today!
Click To Read More...
Change your future by making changes in your life Today!
Click To Read More...
DIY Tip - Personal Branding
Apr1503:43 PM
Filed in: Podcast
Outside of (and in addition) to what you're already doing with your band, you should also consider your own personal branding and how it can complement and enhance your music's brand.
Do you write? Are you a photographer? A cartoonist? Are you a producer, film directors, music teacher, graphic artist, financial analysts, chef, yoga instructor, train collector, or kite enthusiast?
Diversify. Add these elements to your bio and discuss them in interviews. Blog about them on your band's website. Join niche forums on the internet dedicated to these creative pursuits and start new conversations with those communities.
Publicize and promote what you're doing... and your music will have a better chance of being found and stumbled upon by an entirely new community.
Thanks for watching,
Brian ThompsonClick To Read More...
DIY Tip - Polish Before You Promote
Apr0712:04 PM
Filed in: Podcast
Before you start promoting your music to industry professionals (agents, managers, labels, etc.) there's a few things you need to make sure if you have in order first.
- Have a website.
- Can I listen to your music somewhere other than MySpace? (Bandcamp, Soundcloud, etc.)
- Can I download free samples of your music?
- Make sure you have a Blog and have recent posts.
- Optimize your Facebook Page and have a music player installed on it (and make sure you're actually engaging with fans on FB regularly too).
- Be active on Twitter.
- Do you have video performance clips on YouTube?
You might only have one chance at connecting with an industry insider, make sure all of your ducks are in a row before you reach out to them! If your presentation is anything less than professional, they'll probably just walk away and ignore you.
Polish Before You Promote!
Click To Read More...
- Have a website.
- Can I listen to your music somewhere other than MySpace? (Bandcamp, Soundcloud, etc.)
- Can I download free samples of your music?
- Make sure you have a Blog and have recent posts.
- Optimize your Facebook Page and have a music player installed on it (and make sure you're actually engaging with fans on FB regularly too).
- Be active on Twitter.
- Do you have video performance clips on YouTube?
You might only have one chance at connecting with an industry insider, make sure all of your ducks are in a row before you reach out to them! If your presentation is anything less than professional, they'll probably just walk away and ignore you.
Polish Before You Promote!
Click To Read More...
DIY Tip: Where's The Wow?
Mar3102:16 PM
Filed in: Podcast
Ok. Your album rocks. It's a modern day masterpiece. It's FULL of Wow. The Wow Factor is in full effect!
But… why are you having such a tough time to get people to talk about you? Where's the word of mouth? Where's the press and the blog buzz? Where's the fans freaking out about you on Facebook and Twitter? Where are the people at your gigs? And… where are the sales?
I'm willing to bet that you're lacking the Wow Factor in everything else you're doing. If you want to stand out from the crowd, you have to be different than everyone else, in everything you do. Add some Wow to your marketing and promotion, your graphics, photos, videos, blogs and tweets!
If you want to be the subject of people raving about you behind your back, make sure you're worth talking about… in everything you do. Add some Wow!
Click To Read More...
DIY Tip - Make Do With Less and Be More
Mar2410:19 AM
Filed in: Podcast
Ok, first things first. This video was shot early in the morning after an insomnia-filled night, resulting in less than three hours sleep. So I made do with less. I look tired. My voice sounds a little scratchy. My eyes are watery... but I think I still got my point across in a record 49 seconds.
Today's DIY Tip is a quick little reminder of something we all know but rarely practice. By following this tiny little bit of advice you can learn more, do more... and accomplish more!
So this is it. Make do with less. Less TV, less video games, less pointless web surfing for pointless content, and perhaps for some people... even less sleep.
Instead, take those minutes and hours saved and do more reading, researching, learning, communicating, networking, marketing, promoting, practicing, creating... doing!
Make your life Rock. Get off the couch and just do it!
Thanks for watching!
Click To Read More...
DIY Tip: Passion, Persistance, Perseverance & Tenacity
Mar2303:57 PM
Filed in: Podcast
Today's DIY Tip is a simple reminder of what history has proven to us time and time again:
Success = Passion + Persistance + Perseverance + Tenacity
If you have these ingredients and and personality traits, you are destined to succeed at whatever it is you set out to do in life.
I also talk a little about the new Art Of Dying album that was just released, Vices And Virtues, and the fundraising campaign that Billy the Kid has launched.
Thanks for watching!
Brian Thompson
DIY Tip: Social Media Rewards For Fandom & Loyalty
Mar1511:51 AM
Filed in: Podcast
Today's DIY Tip is about monitoring the mentions of your band (or brand) online and making the most out of your supporters and fans.
If you're tracking what's being said about you online (Twitter, blogs, blog comments, Facebook fan page postings, etc.) you have a huge opportunity to reward your fans and strengthen the relationship.
Do you have a casual, unconnected fan who casually mentioned you in their Twitter feed? Why don't you send them a private thank you message? Why don't you reward their public display of affection for you with a link to a free download? Or a coupon for a discount in your store? Or a meet n' great opportunity at one of your live shows? Or a personalized video thank you message?
The possibilities are endless and the upside benefits are immeasurable. And it only takes a moment of your time!
By giving out random acts of kindness to people who speak about you, you're opening the doors to creating a potential lifelong fan or customer, who in turn will continue to evangelize you to their friends and followers, which in turn creates new fans.
It's just one big happy, continuous circle of social currency paying off... for both you and your fans.
Reward your fans and keep the love coming!
Thanks for watching!
Brian Thompson
Click To Read More...
DIY Tip: Social Media Is A Slow Roast, Not A TV Dinner
Mar1412:53 PM
Filed in: Podcast
Today's DIY Tip video blog is about developing and nurturing new relationships with people of influence (music blogger, magazine editor, agent, manager, label, etc.) through social media, before you hit them up with a sales pitch or a favour.
Don't rush things online, it doesn't work! To quote Chris Brogran in his book Trust Agents, "Social Media Is A Slow Roast, Not A TV Dinner!".
Thanks for watching!
Brian ThompsonClick To Read More...
DIY Tip: Transform Online Chatter into Offline Opportunities
Mar0801:15 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!
Mar0711:19 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
Mar0610:08 AM
Filed in: Indie Advice
(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...
Video: Thorny Bleeder Q & Eh? with Nimbus School Of Recording Arts
Feb0610:32 PM
Filed in: Podcast
We had such a great turnout that it went for over two and a half hours long.
Whoa.
So... if you have a spare 2 1/2 hours, and you're really interested in music marketing, watch the recorded version of our video web chat below!
Watch live streaming video from thornybleeder at livestream.com
Click To Read More...
Storify: Making Stories From The Social Web
Feb0309:59 AM
Filed in: Indie Advice
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...
Brian Thompson Added as Speaker at Social Media Camp
Jan3112:37 PM
Filed in: Music News
Thorny Bleeder is happy to announce that our very own Brian Thompson has just been added as a speaker to the Social Media Camp 2011 conference in beautiful Victoria, BC.
The first Social Media Camp in Victoria had over 450 people in attendance. See how they rated SMCV10.
The second annual Social Media Camp, dubbed #SMCV11 (for your Twitter users), is scheduled for Friday, June 3rd & Saturday, June 4th at the Victoria Conference Centre. Two jam packed days committed to the Social Media exploration, sharing and learning with a double-shot of networking.
Whether you are an avid Facebook user, interested in learning about Twitter, or you’re trying to grow your business by leveraging social media tools – there is something for everyone at this event.
Hope to see you there!
Register Today
Click To Read More...
NEW Q & Eh? Live Video Chat: Sunday, Feb. 6
Jan2704:29 PM
Filed in: Podcast
Join Thorny Bleeder's Brian Thompson and special guest Chris Brandt for an uncensored, live video chat Q & EH? session:
Sunday, February 6
7pm PST / 10pm EST
http://www.livestream.com/thornybleeder
This is a free event and it's a completely open forum for you to ask whatever questions you have for Brian and Chris. Topics for discussion include (but aren't limited to):
- Social Media Marketing
- Artist Development
- Music Marketing
- Thorny Bleeder
- Nimbus School Of Recording Arts
Who the F@#k is Chris Brandt?
With 10 years’ experience at Universal Music, Chris managed the sales, promotion and marketing of over 6,000 releases a year. In 2004 he launched Cazart! Records, an independent label and music publishing company. Most recently, Chris spent 3 years as the President of the Board of Directors for Music BC.
Through his work at Nimbus, Chris is proud to support the efforts of Music Therapists at BC Children’s Hospital and Canuck Place, and partner with The Music Therapy Ride to design mobile recording units for use in hospitals. In his other life, Chris teaches regular yoga classes and workshops.
Lock this date into your calendar now and we'll see you online Sunday, February 6th at 7pm PST!
Click To Read More...
Don't Be Lost in a Crowd, Leave Digital Footprints
Dec0911:37 AM
Filed in: Indie Advice
One of the fundamentals of marketing is to know who your customer is and understand their behaviours. But, do artists and their teams really grasp this concept?
The biggest struggle any developing artist faces is figuring out how to reach new fans. But rarely do they approach this hurdle from the right mindset.
Every artist needs to spend some serious time understanding and decrypting the behaviour of a music fan and how they discover new music. You can learn an awful lot about how to market and promote your own music by simply learning the importance of how to build fans, by being a fan.
So let's take a look in the mirror shall we? As a self-confessed music junkie myself, I need to reflect upon how I stumbled upon my most recent musical passions. Admittedly, the process is different with each and every artist. The more resources an artist has behind them, the easier it is to discover them through traditional media (radio, magazines, TV, film). But time after time I've discovered new independent artists by stumbling upon an online trail of their digital footprints. And these new artists who I've become fans and supporters of are just as cash-strapped as yourself.
Wait a minute. Digital footprints?
Let me explain.
Click To Read More...
19 Essential Artist Advice Blogs You May Have Missed
Aug3001:59 PM
Filed in: Indie Advice
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...
Top 10 Ways To Sell More Merch
May2711:42 AM
Filed in: Indie Advice
I remember reading an interview with the band D.R.I. many years ago, who said that if it wasn't for t-shirt sales they wouldn't be able to exist as a band. As a kid, I was shocked that a band wasn't able to survive on music sales and performances alone. And that was many years before music's digital revolution.
So here we are in 2010 and band merchandise is more import than ever. As an artist, independent or signed, merch is your lifeblood. It's your store front. It's where you make your money. It's where you connect with your fans. It's what gives your band a face on the streets.
Your merch table is your music career survival kit, and it deserves to be treated as such.
As a former music buyer for one of Canada's largest music chains, I spent many hours analyzing consumer behaviours and how people react to product placement, display techniques, and their affect on sales. It's not a hard thing to grasp, much of it is common sense: Make your shit look good and put it in a highly visible location.
So let's get to it. Here's my list on how you as an artist can make the most of your merchandise...
Click To Read More...
Band uses recyclables to finance new recording
May0702:59 PM
Filed in: Music News
It's often been said that people look for hope in the bottom of a bottle.
But if you're assuming that Fredericton's own Ross Neilsen and The Sufferin' Bastards hit the bottle looking for inspiration behind their smokin' new record, Redemption, you ought to think again.
To cover the costs of producing their new record, Neilsen and the Bastards relied upon the generosity of fellow New Brunswickers, who donated their returnable beverage containers so that the band could claim the deposit money to put towards their recording fees.
Click To Read More...
Watch It Grow: An Experiment In Digital Busking
May0702:59 PM
Filed in: Indie Advice
If you're a regular reader of The Bleeder Blog, you'll remember a blog we posted in late April titled: Vancouver Musician Cultivates Earth Day Interest. On Earth Day, April 22, Victoria singer/songwriter Scott Valentine hit the streets of Vancouver and handed out 19,000 digital songs via free download cards.
It's a little grassroots street level marketing campaign which I've decided to call Digital Busking (or if you prefer, Busking 2.0). So if you happen to hear this term pop up anywhere in the next couple of years, remember that you heard it here first!
Continue reading for exclusive photos and feedback from the event...Click To Read More...
Top 31 Ways To Suck At Social Media Marketing
Mar2912:46 PM
Filed in: Indie Advice
If you want to truly SUCK at using social media, please follow this list closely and you'll be guaranteed limited exposure and zero online buzz!
Click To Read More...
Top 10 Ways To Break Up Your Band
Jul0910:52 AM
Filed in: Indie Advice
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.
The Online Artist Report Card
Jun1708:48 AM
Filed in: Indie Advice
Some of the things I discover online are far too important to just send a quick little tweet about, and this is one of them. In today's world of Web 2.0 and the development of independent artists, what you do in the online world is quite possibly the single most important aspect of your career.
Are you hunkering down at the computer every day, connecting with fans or trying to find new ones? Are you easy to find online? Is there enough interesting content about your band to keep fans interested and excited about what you're doing?
I found this Online Artist Report Card on the music marketing and social media blog Way Cool Jnr at this link, which was originally developed from Native Digital.
So if you're pursuing a career in music, take the following quiz and see how you measure up with 'Social Media Marketing'.Click To Read More...
Show Success Before Asking For Help
Jun1112:17 PM
Filed in: Indie Advice
Regardless of how everyone is probably sick of hearing all the press and buzz about Twitter, myself included, I continue to use it daily to spread music industry related news and articles, free mp3's, and tips for music marketing and promotion. To the uninitiated, Twitter is an over-hyped, social web-thingy that doesn't really make any sense. But if you give it a chance, and 'follow' the right people with similar interests, you'll find a wealth of information and knowledge that would otherwise be lost.
Here's an example of the type of thing I send out on Twitter: http://sivers.org/success-firstClick To Read More...
3 Axioms of 21st Century Music Biz
May3110:59 AM
Filed in: Indie Advice
The following summary regarding the marketing and promotion of music in the twenty-first century comes from James Lamberti, VP Of Marketing & Artist Services for Topspin Media, a new technology startup.
These three tiny bullet points summarize the business perfectly for today's artist and content owner. Of course, it does over-simplifiy things greatly as none of these steps are simple to excel at, and each requires a tremendous amount of time to successfully develop. Click To Read More...
Give 'Em What They Want
May2702:02 PM
Filed in: Indie Advice
To be a successful business you need to understand your customer, how they relate to your product, and what they want from your product.
Is the music business doing this? Are you doing this?
Click To Read More...
Scott Valentine Presents: Choose Your Own Price
Apr0302:52 PM
Filed in: Music News
As with everything Scott Valentine does, he's challenging the status quo and music industry standard, and has come up with an incredibly generous and original offer for his fans to buy the Seasons album. If giving away every track on the four CD album wasn't enough, Valentine is now letting you buy the album by Choosing Your Own Price.
Click To Read More...
Podcast: Media, Gatekeepers, Fandom, Gaming & More
Mar2304:23 PM
Filed in: Indie Advice
Have a spare hour to listen in on a captivating discussion from music industry insiders?
Click To Read More...
Building Your Fan List
Jan1911:24 AM
Filed in: Indie Advice
What's the most important part in Music, that has always been there, and always will be, but is the most Ignored?
Click To Read More...
