In this past weekend's Weekly Music News blog, I wrote about Blazetrak, a service that allows you to submit a question to a music industry expert for a fee. When I say I wrote about them, I mean I ripped them apart. If you spend much time around here, you'll know how seriously I take the issue of especially independent and up and coming musicians investing their money wisely into things that will help them with their career and how skeptical I can be about paying for general information.
Well, as you might imagine, Blazetrak reached out to me. We are going to talk about the service later in the week - more on that later - but it seems there are a few bits of misinformation out there that I perpetuated, which clearly is not cool. So, let's clear a few things up:
- The "Spend a Day with Kenny Lattimore" I mentioned is no longer offered by Blazetrack, due to the price. They are working with Lattimore to develop something more affordable for musicians.
- The most expensive fee on the site is $115.
- The site is not only for asking questions but can be used to submit music directly to industry pros.
- You get a video response in 30 days or you get your money back.
- Big Boi is not yet active on Blazetrak
There you have it. Now it is your turn. I've already heard from some of you about Blazetrak, but I want to hear more. Have you used the service? Would you? Do you have a question for the Blazetrak team? Email me your questions by Wednesday, and I will pass them along.
Blazetrak - Some Clarifications and an Invitation for Questions originally appeared on About.com Music Careers on Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 at 08:26:28.
Last week, we talked about how to pay for your music career (see here if you missed it). Now, let's talk about how to spend the money once you have it. Make no mistake about it - spending your money the wrong way can be as detrimental (or maybe worse) than never having the money at all. When funds are limited, investing in the wrong thing can stand in your way of making future progress. Ready to figure it all out? Here are some things to keep in mind when you're budgeting your cash.
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How to Spend It originally appeared on About.com Music Careers on Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 at 09:16:59.
So, you need money for music project. That is hardly a unique position to be in - but where can you turn? Personal loans and credit cards are often relied on, but they are rarely the best choices. There are other options you can explore that can help you get the money you need without destroying your personal credit in the process. Consider these common music industry investors to get some idea of where you may be able to turn for help.
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Music Industry Investors originally appeared on About.com Music Careers on Thursday, March 11th, 2010 at 09:45:04.
The music industry might be all rock'n'roll and all that, but yes, you should still mind your manners. Remember just how much the music industry runs on word of mouth. When someone asks about you, do you want the response to be, "oh, you mean that person who sent me an email typed lIkE tHiS, stood me up for a meeting, didn't thank me for the two hours I spent responding to their questions by email, asked me for ten guest lists spots and then told everyone that they heard I was getting kicked out the band because I can't sing? Stay away."
Of course you don't. To that end, check out these music industry etiquette tips. Got some tips of your own to share? Let me know!
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Music Industry Etiquette originally appeared on About.com Music Careers on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 at 09:59:46.
When budgets are tight, hiring outside PR is never an easy decision. On one hand, bringing an experienced promotion company on board can give you better access to press opportunities than you can get on your own - especially if you are new at promoting your own music or promoting the music of your label. On the other hand, PR costs some major bank, and there is never any guarantee of results. (This last point is important - when you hire PR, you are paying for the service, not guaranteed results. Sometimes things just don't click - that is the gamble.)
So, should you do it? One thing to consider before you hire music PR is just how promotable your project is. For instance, your one-off seven inch single might be a masterpiece, but it is not the kind of thing a PR company can easily sink their teeth into and run with. That sort of project might be better handled in-house by you. What other questions should you ask yourself before you hire music PR? Find out. While we're on the subject, if you do make the leap, find out how you can help your PR company help you.
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Questions to Ask Before You Hire PR originally appeared on About.com Music Careers on Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 at 09:24:38.
You've found a good manager, they've decided to take the job - now how do you make sure things run smoothly? A manager can help your music career, but you've got to help them help you. That means defining roles, keeping them informed about things that are happening and taking up any management problems with your manager and not with the bands you're sharing a bill with tonight. How can you make your management relationship work? Learn more.
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How To Work With Your Manager originally appeared on About.com Music Careers on Thursday, January 7th, 2010 at 08:19:15.
