Check out this quick 3 minute video that shows you how you can win a copy of Music 3.0, A Survival Guide To Making Music In The Internet Age by Bobby Owsinski.
Ok, se here’s the dealio. I want to learn some stuff about you guys and your music career. Just leave a comment below telling me:
- What you did right in 2010 to rock your music career
- What you are planning to do in 2011 to make a living off this music stuff
I’ll pick one winner at random on Friday and then snail mail them a copy of the book. Capishe? Capishe.
Next order of business. My homie John Oszajca just released his Music Marketing Manifesto 2.0 this week. It’s a killer couse with 22 videos, an 81-page manual, website templates and a whole bunch of other cool stuff. If you want to learn more about Internet Marketing, this is a no brainer. John was signed to Interscope in the late 90′s, was dropped and proceeded to make more dinero than virtually every person on that label minus Justin Beiber during that time frame.
It was all due to the Interwebs. Check out his course here.
So, drop a comment on your music marketing skillz in 2010 and your plans for 2011, win a book. Then check out John’s course.
Thanks for being down with GYRS and talk to you all soon.
-Greg
Tags: contest, john o, music 3.0, Music Marketing, music marketing manifesto
Leave A Reply (22 comments So Far)
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Seamus Anthony
527 days ago
1. In 2010 I re-committed to marketing my music in a big way and started taking action immediately, including writing a business plan. 2. In 2011 I intend to make my sales and income targets and otherwise carry out my biz plan including a bunch of cool ideas I got from the NME right here at GYRS.
Guilherme
527 days ago
In 2010 we`ve got a new status choice selecting better our gigs and thus receiveing more money related to the other 3 years playing. On the wave we`ve been called to the best stages here in Rio de Janeiro. In 2011 we are starting to know GYRS and we are working on it to multiply the revenues from 2010. Thank you.
Brandon Carter
527 days ago
This year I used your advise to I got my twitter followers up to 20,000! I got my Aweber email list over 40,000 (no bull sh*t!!!). I got over to 6,000,000 views on youtube!!! I did PAID show in NYC, Philly, DC, and NJ. I put out an FREE album to gain fans. I got covered on some of the most popular Hip-Hop websites (XXL.com, TheSource.com, NahRight.com, 2DopeBoys.com, ThisIs50.com… Ect). I really think that 2011 will be the year that my shit really blows up!!! thanks for the advice
T. Prince
527 days ago
1. I committed myself to becoming a better artist by sharpening my songwriting and music production skills. Additionally I set aside time every week to focus on a solid marketing strategy. 2. In 2011 I will be implementing this strategy which includes my own web documentary series. Hopefully I will acquire my 1,000 true fans!
Thomas Lalas
527 days ago
2010: After a lot of studying, I made every move to enhance my band’s web presence (profiles, website, blog, videos, mailing list…), 2011: We’ll start selling our music, still giving away loads of stuff, but we’ll mainly focus on selling merch n’ shows and other stuff (we have some innovative ideas) and will cultivate our relationship with our fans through our mailing list.
dan
527 days ago
We’ve followed a lot of your advice this year. We’re making time everyday to grow a genuine relationship with fans on the social web. We’ve started taking some sites that are taking music seriously serious as well like ReverbNation and Bandcamp. It’s already paying off. In early 2011 we’ll be releasing our first full-length record and plan on using the advice you’ve given regarding creating different packages so that we can have something for every level of fan and building up towards the release instead of release-and-pray. Thanks!!
David Broyles
527 days ago
This year, my band recorded one of the first music videos made entirely with the iPhone 4. The whole thing was completed in 48 hours from conception to upload, and has received over 53,000 hits on YouTube as of now. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IED2P_tBlaw We have continued to nurture our Twitter presence, and have over 5,000 followers. We also have started a fan funding campaign for our new recording project.
In the new year, we plan to put a campaign in motion to boost our internet presence even more, to the point where we have enough support around the country to support a tour. We will also release 4 digital EPs over the course of next year.
Meanwhile, I, as an individual, will continue to tour as a sideman with my wife, who is also a musician. We have used the house concert circuit and my wife’s passion for the issue of hunger to make a living from touring playing house concerts and food bank benefits. There will be more of that, as well as new ventures into new territories where we have not played before.
Mark Boyce - Truth Bomb - Manager
527 days ago
I appreciate the way you shoot straight g ro! Interestingly, I have found many similarities between learning the game of golf and the music business. There are so many “experts” that speak authoritatively on how to be successful. I have found that the best in both fields always listen as well as they speak. G RO, you are no exception, and you are proving my point by listening now. I am admittedly a novice at the music business. Here are three things that have worked for Truth Bomb in 2010 that was completely against all of the experts advice, not to mention all the folks who spend lots of money on their kids bands. 1. Radio play on major stations is not impossible as they say. We accomplished getting our music on KLTY/Dallas, Reach FM/Ft. Lauderdale, JQ99/MI. 88,7 The Cross/LA., Revival FM/Scotland, and Calvary Chapel Radio/England. 2. Record yourself if possible. Andrew recorded this music in his bedroom with equipment so cheap, you would not believe it if I told you. We are now using those connections with radio more effectively. 3. We also gave away over 10,000 downloads in 4 weeks of a song that did not go over well with radio (too slow and serious according to them) on our own website http://www.truthbomb.net. We promoted that give away on facebook. (Myspace seems to have died, for our genre at least.) That music give away expanded our fan base by over double in four weeks according to our calculations. 4, We also spent some time in 2010 volunteering at concerts for some of the biggest artists in our genre. It went against every grain in my body to help other bands for free, but the connections and knowledge we gained from seeing what they do right and wrong has already proved invaluable. We plan on copying what worked the best, from an organizational, performance and marketing standpoint. 5. We plan on hitting the road hard in Spring 2011. Merry Christmas! Mark B. God bless you G RO!
Deca
527 days ago
in 2010: -I put my website up’ created my facebook page and company page.
-created content for my website (reposted on facebook)
-used mailmonkey to start my mail campagn with call to action
i started late 2010 though
- sold about 20 beats
2011: im gonna pickup steam. i have to project recorded ready for promotion (using emails i got from facebook and my subscription tab on my website)
add more content ( video/free songs/articles)
connect with more people from the scene
Daniel Seriff
527 days ago
1. Finished a record with my band, Small Town Gossip. Got signed to a local indie label. Joined NACA, went to a NACA convention. Got a professional promo video put together. Got several people working for us behind the scenes.
Recorded a 2 song, then 5 song demo with Lean In. Streamed nearly every live gig via UStream.tv. Created http://www.leaninmusic.com.
2. Go on short tours with Small Town Gossip. Record a full length record with Lean In. Put the booking materials out to the festival circuit.
Name (required)
527 days ago
Hey guys, how’s things? Ok, I’ll be as straight-foward and non-cynical as possible. It is extremelly difficult to get people to open their wallets soley based on a new band they hear on the internet – period. ASCAP, BMI all have the same stats. They don’t look good. But I sitll believe that there is nothing from preventing 100,000 people from downloading (paying) for my music tonight. That is an unlikely event but noneless it stands. Been a musician for over 35 and spent the last year writing and recording about 50 + folk rock songs, they are not completely produced yet. Have a habit of not finishing things so my objective is to finish what has been started. Did release one CD last year which in on Bandcamp. People love my music, I know because they continually tell me. I’ve sold zero copies. I pay Jango a lot of money so people can listen to my music then not buy it. That doesn’t make the music less noteworthy, it’s just the state of the business online. I have a record label conspiracy theories that spiral around the fact they didn’t see this coming and now want to perpetuate this new status-quo but I digress. Terrestrial radio (non-satellite) is in a time warp as if the internet never existed; again, part of my conspiracy theory that I won’t go into here. But notice Soundscan will not go to bat for you as far as streaming royalties, which are a joke but nonetheless it is compensation due to you as a songwriter?
Ok for next year. Finish producing my music. Reach out to an entertainment attorney to see about having any of my material published so I can fight for 50% of the whopping 9.1 cents per copy sold. Yah! A synchronicity deal would thrill me, even if it were for a few grand. Once out of the studio, going to strap a guitar on and see how people warm up to the music live. Something I haven’t done a long time. Greg is a great guy, he gives away just as much as he charges for. Rare person. I would encourge everyone to read Don Passman’s “Everything You Need To Know About The Music Business”. I believe the current edition is seven.
To my fellow brothers and sisters who make music, I sincerly wish that anyone who has penned a noteworthy song that it bear some fruit somehow and not just become/remain a meaningless ache in your heart but rather something for the ages. Some monetary compensation, even if it’s a few dollars would make us all feel more worth something in this regard.
I wish you and yours a peaceful, happy holidays. Mosty I wish you all peace.
All the best,
Jimmy Pillar
Joanna
527 days ago
in 2010 I quit my day job to focus to my music full time,
a lot of networking signing with a licensing company, connected more with my fans, gained new ones,
spotted on next big sound,
making new official website,
started new & much better music marketing approach in order to re-invent my career thanks to some of your courses as label 2.0, new music economy, new music blueprint.
In 2011 as I am going to use what I have, am, will be learning from your courses and give some kick a** boost to my company and be the artist I want to be.
Happy Holidays to you!
Ignacio Priego
527 days ago
In 2010 I studied an MBA in Cultural Management -and received a grant thanks to it.
In 2011 I’m creating my website, it’s already time!
Bye!
Ace
526 days ago
In 2010 I got some headway into motivating and utilizing social media by getting myself nominated the 2nd best artist in Washington DC.
In 2011 I need to focus on branding, website development and getting more fans/listeners engaged outside of twitter, facebook etc.
Good question!
Cerebellion (Joe)
526 days ago
My band, Cerebellion, released our first full-length album, “Inalienable” in May. From June through the end of the year, we’ll have played 11 shows in 4 different markets. We’ve gotten a lot of good press online from reviews, blogs, and some online radio play. One of our songs was #1 on MTV’s Ourstage.com for Metal in July. Our album was featured as “New and Noteworthy” on iTunes. We’ve built our email list both online and at shows and really pushed our music both online and out on the streets with CD samplers.
In 2011, we’re going to shoot a video for our first single. We plan to tour and keep pushing forward using the many tools and online channels to build our email list and fan base. Lots of work to do in ’11!
The work Greg and Eric from Label 2.0 do, was a huge help to Cerebellion in 2010. Thank you!
Marcus Dutra
526 days ago
Well, in the beginning of the year I enrolled in a Music Production school just to better my skills in engineering, mixing, recording, etc etc… so I can make a better use of my home studio and maybe help others too.
I began my solo career too, released an EP, started a channel on YouTube, set up an account on MySpace and on Bandcamp (started collecting some nice email addresses) and promoting on twitter a lot too.
Last week I released an official video for one of my songs, which has been increasing my fan base, lots of people are knowing my work this way and I think it’s about time for me to get touring.
That’s my plan for the next year, besides releasing a new EP and some other cool videos!
James Biskey
525 days ago
2010 was about making an EP that I’m proud of, networking with artists, and keeping up my chops. 2011 will be about building on that to play lots of shows, turn a profit on the EP, use video to promote music, build and mobilize a fanbase, get press, license songs for TV or film, and release another album. GYRS is great inspiration for that! Thanks everyone, and thanks Greg!
P.S. When you click out of this text box and back in, everything you typed disappears. At least with Chrome. Might want to get that checked out.
Chris
524 days ago
In 2010, I bought my own website, got the name down just need to upload the content, which I will be outsourcing thanks to your insight on that topic. I finished recording my album, and I am now in the process of mixing and mastering, it will be done early 2011, I have engaged my fans in facebook, and twitter. I put a small business plan together on how to target my audience, and get the most exposure out of blogs, and sites with high traffic, using some of the resources i got from your free download. I will be trying out the facebook ads campain to see if it works, I will also try jango, i have many plans, hopefully one works. I doesn’t really matter if I win this or not even tho I want the free copy. I just wanted to say, you do provide valuable information for us aspiring artists, in an honest way. I really appreciate that. And Im thankful for you insight
Happy Holidays.
Kita-Simone
524 days ago
In 2010, I released my debut ep ‘Trial and Error” at http://www.kitasimone.com/music. I wrote my business and marketing plans and started to implement them. I revamped my social networks. I also transferred my website from a static site to a wordpress site.
In 2011, I plan to sell more merchandise, completely implement my marketing and business plans, and be a better artist/businesswoman than I am now.
Name (required)
524 days ago
I opened up pages on at least 5 different networking sites such as ReverbNation, Showcase Your Music, Room For Talent, Musicfinity, Smashsongs and a couple more. I also have the mandatory Facebook, Myspace and Twitter pages. For 2011, I plan to upgrade my home studio and put out as much music as posibble. I have also enetered the “Make A Star” song contest. Plan to blitz the market in 2011
Name (required)
522 days ago
First, just wanna say THANKS for all of your support Greg!
2010
-Made 3 MUSIC VIDEOS & 1 poster
-Recorded an 8 song ALBUM
-Playing FIRST SINGLE ON JANGO (awesome tool for indie artists – you get data of who “likes” the song (your “target market”
-Made SQUEEZE PAGE on website and offer free download of my first single http://realjobsb.com
-grown E-MAIL LIST to 910 people & sent consistent messages
-began PERFORMING to promote album and connect with people
-Sold 10 CD’s
2011
-Get Bass Player and Drummer
-Practice 4-5 songs for a 20-minute set
-WIN Battle of the Bands at UCSB on Feb. 24, 2011
-Play local gigs w/ band
-Play Extravaganza @ UCSB in May, 2011
-Play Regional Gigs
-Sell 500 CD’s
brandon jordan
522 days ago
This year i went back to UCLA extention classes for engineering and songwriting. I went from a “solo” artist, to staring a “band” called Rose Indian even though it’s only me in the band. Registered the name and website, and began pulling fans from my old band Killradio with a free rare mp3 and a free song from the new band if they signed up for the mailing list. I only have 3 songs but my video is being edited now by myself. I’ve learned Final Cut to do my own editing. My squeeze page is being made now. I’m a grunge 90′s guy but i’m from Los Angeles and I’m obessed with old noir and crime novels. I have married these two world together and created a make believe “city” where all my songs take place. With this kind of approach, i have spent a lot of time designing the “look” of the band, buying ebay jackets in many sizes so i can fit anyone who plays live with me in clothes that fit the sound of my band. I do agree that I can do more, but i am patient because a first impression is an important moment in the artist audience relationship. I am creating a world “I” can believe fully in, so I can sell people on not only a band, but a place where people can go when they listen to my music. In keeping the people in my band “open”, I am able to co-write with anyone I like. There are great guitarist with a killer riff that don’t want to be in bands. There are great writers that can’t play music. Co-writing has allowed me to spend more time doing the New Music Economy, learning Final Cut. I am still lost on the blogging world and it is the next step for me after I edit this video and launch the squeeze page.