#musicbizz

Fritz Hammond, the ArenaCast podcast DJ:

  "It's all about the song. You can be the best musicians in the world, the best looking in the world and it will all fall down if the songs aren't there. So if there is one thing you do in 2012 focus on your songwriting. Focus on hooks. Every note, every word and every drum beat must be a hook - if it isn't then bin it. A hook doesn't have to be a nice tune it only has to be something memorable - something that people hum, shout or beat a table to. Think about your song's structure. Does it really need that solo, that drum fill or that extra synth? Think about space, pace and light and shade. Is your song in 3D or 2D? Tick those boxes and you don't have to worry about a thing." ~ Fritz Hammond

  Not every song has to have 1000 words per measure to get your point across. Think of your verses as twitter updates 140 charecters or less. The Key to success is having a CATCHY song that leers fans to purchase your album. I am not saying "Dumb it down" but be SMART about your time and your enerrgy, you make a radio hit that makes thousands of people want that album to hear that one song, it's YOUR CHOICE what the other 16 tracks on the album sound like.

  That's where REAL creativity strikes. YOu have gotten listeners to "bite" by giving them what they THINK they want then fill the rest of the album with what you, as an ARTIST, know they need!

Networking is not only important in the corporate world, it's important for anyone looking to expand their knowledge about their industry and meeting others who may have and be willing to share their knowledge. It's all about RELATIONSHIPS.

Below are some pointers that can help along your "networking" journey.

Tip 1) Go see live music events. This is a great way to interact with people involved in the music industry. Big concerts, small club nights, thousand-seat venues, and small coffee shops. Anywhere with live music shows is good. You'll meet the bands, the production crews, band management and marketing teams, etc. Trust me, go to the music.

  Tip 2) Always remember to follow up. Within a week of receiving a business card or contact info for a new industry contact, send them an email just as a reminder of meeting you. Be sure to mention anything specific said in your debut conversation with them to refresh their memory a bit. Keep it short and simple, just a quick hello. Don't try to sell them on anything right away. Establish the relationship.

  Tip 3) Identify the what and the who. what you want to accomplish and determine who you really need to network with to help you achieve the wanted success. If you are wanting to tour, then try to network with local booking agents and show promoters. If you are wanting to create a buzz around your upcoming album, then network with publicists and radio promoters. 

  Tip 4) Never turn down an opportunity. And by opportunity, I mean the chance to increase your clout, if even by a small amount. If possible try to attend all events you are asked to attend if only as a favor to a new industry contact. This means personal appearances, live performances, or maybe even guest judging a contest. Any chance you get to increase your clout in the music world, take it. Until you can afford not to...