Advice For Independent Bands

If only it were so simple in the life of an unsigned band. If you're reading this it's probably because your band is awesome, talented, unique, and... not ready to sign with a label.

"What?? No way!" You say, "we're all super talented and our songs are really well crafted. Of course we're ready."

No, you're not. That's not because your songs aren't good, or you're look isn't right, or any of that other stuff artists tend to over think. It's simply because most musicians tend to forget what half of the "Music Business" is. Business. (And to be honest the balance between "music" and "business" is really more like 20-80, favoring business.)

As much as we wish it were so, talent and skill simply are not good enough to warrant label interest. How many super-talented musicians do you know who are still unsigned? If talent were all it took, wouldn't they already be packing arenas?

The fact is record labels as businesses are looking for something they can cash in on quickly and with as little investment as possible... record labels sign success.

So what does that mean? As an unsigned band, it's up to you to establish a fan base, book shows, record, publish and distribute material, and yes, even make a profit.

Now I know this all sounds backwards. Isn't that what the label is for? In short; not really. At least not in today's music industry. Changes in consumption habits and technology have left record labels less willing to gamble on startup, and even up and coming acts, which means it's now up to unsigned bands to prove their success, and ultimate worth.

But better you're aware of the realities of the music industry earlier, than to haphazardly throw yourself into the mix with no real idea of what you need to accomplish to succeed. As stuffy as it is to talk and think business, it's even more frustrating to see all your efforts end in nothing.

So what can you, the unsigned band, do to become a success? Here are some tips to get you started:

* Record Some Music: This seems like a no-brainer, but record something. Anything. Set up a couple mics during practice, or ask a friend with equipment if they'll help you cut a demo. Or even find a studio with affordable rates. There are a variety of ways to get it done. Online classifieds, message boards and schools with audio engineering programs are good places to look.

* Give those recordings away (almost) free: At this stage the whole purpose of recording is to give fans something to remember you by. But that doesn't mean you can't get anything out of the transaction. A simple one-page website, or 'landing page', where people can download your stuff in exchange for sharing their email address is a great way to build a fan base. But keep it simple. Include a brief summary of your band, and explain how the process works. The page should have no more than 2 options for visitors: share your email and claim your download, or leave.

* Promote the download: Print business cards and hand them out at shows, you can get hundreds for extremely cheap. Promote it on your band's other online sites as well (Facebook, Reverbnation, Twitter, etc.)

* 

Upload your music for free at ReverbNation.com

Build, and use, an email list: I know, 'who still uses email?' But there's a reason you're doing all this. Firstly it establishes a direct connection with fans who you know are willing to act when it comes to hearing, and staying in the know on what the band is doing. And it's a much more direct method of promoting shows and other happenings than hoping your post will stand out amongst hundreds of updates on Facebook. Second, it proves to labels that your band has an active fan base, willing and excited to be involved with you, and ultimately more likely to financially support your efforts through show attendance and album sales.

* Find some signage: On average, new acts only seem to tell an audience the name of the band 2 to 3 times per set, if that. That's not enough to stick with most people, especially in a loud bar or venue. So put your name in writing. The kick drum graphic is a classic, and works great as long as no one is standing in the way. Whatever signage you chose, just make sure it's easy to read for everyone in an audience of 200 or so.

* Concerning merchandise: It's awesome! Everyone loves seeing their band's name on tee shirts, stickers, bracelets, buttons, beer cozies and the like. But don't expect to get your money back on them. As an unsigned band these are simply more tools to keep you on the top of people's minds. And you'll likely be giving most of it away for free anyway. I'm not saying avoid merchandise, because it's definitely good to have. And eventually it will be necessary. But do know that there are more efficient ways to build, and showcase, your success.

Obviously this list is far from comprehensive, and there are thousands of other ways to promote your music. But keep in mind that whatever you do, record labels are looking for trackable information that proves you're successful. As an unsigned band, starting with simple, low-cost methods is a great way to establish a foundation and take your first steps.

If you wish to gain more insight into the ongoing changes in the world of independent music, feel free to contact me using the email form below my Bandcamp player.

foxyform

Write Your Own Songs

In this entry I'll be discussing how songwriting fits into the 'big picture' as opposed to
specific songwriting techniques, which shall be addressed in a future publication. Let's
face it, a song is a story put to music. Say this to most songwriters & they'll babble on
to the point of tedium. I'll cut to the chase.


Most people who listen to music and have no connection with musicians don't give any
thought as to how a song actually comes to fruition.


• People don't care how long you took, just tell them the story.


Write a brief synopsis about each song IMMEDIATELY on completion. Save this, along
with the song lyrics, to the relevant folder & print AT LEAST two hard copies. Add your description to EVERY site that you submit the track to. This gives each track an identity of its' own to the listener & to the all-important search engines before it has even been heard. 


Song genre' (not everyone has heard of you...yet!) & tempo should be included wherever you are able.


• Let the song introduce itself.


Liner notes for albums, let alone individual songs, are grossly overlooked by most musicians these days. Give the public the credit they deserve. Liner notes work for you & FOR you. That's right. They're a win-win option that should not be passed up. You are PERSONALISING the song before its' even heard! You are drawing the prospective buyer inadvertently closer to a sale and you're giving a glimpse of what the song is about to YOUR way of thinking.


• Listeners rarely get the same meaning from your songs as you do. This is a HUGE positive!


How cool is it to have your own lyrics and music analysed

so closely as to have them
mean something totally different to someone you have never met? A great mistake
many songwriters make is to become 'precious' about the interpretation of their songs.


• Let people to enjoy your music as THEY want to.


By providing the aforementioned liner notes you are keeping your inbox clear of
lengthy descriptions of your own material. Whilst initially flattering, it becomes tedious.


Lyrically, people tend to enjoy exaggeration in a song. This can be problematic at times
but many years ago I found a couple of marvellous ways of doing this without any
effort at all. Swap from singing in the first person to singing in the second person.
Become “...the hollow guy at the bar...” If this isn't enough, swap gender!


• Don't sing about YOU & try role-reversal!!!


Each songwriter has their strengths & weaknesses. Well prior to utilising these to hilt,
one must be FULLY aware of them.


There is only one way to do this and it's the long way. Have one of your recorded
songs listened to by as many people that you know and have them honestly appraise
it. Ask them to actually WRITE their opinion down for you. Ask people from as many
different walks of life as you can. That's the easy part.

• Involve people before a song is even released!


Most people will initially laugh but believe me, secretly they'll be quite taken that you
have asked them. They'll be telling a lot of THEIR friends about it too! It's the most
congenial form of advertising that there is.


Now for the difficult part; sifting through your feedback. It will vary in every possible
manner that you can think of. Don't get bogged down. Look for consistencies, good
and bad. Keep firmly focussed on the fact that it is your SONGWRITING that is being
analysed and nothing more.


• So the guitar isn't loud enough. Who cares?


It is, of course, common courtesy to thank those kind enough to appraise your
songwriting skills by way of a finished product.
Once you have sifted through all of your opinions you should have a pretty definite
idea of where the general public see your strengths & weaknesses as a songwriter.
Now the fun really starts.


• Who are you really writing for?


Ask the vast majority of independent songwriters if we write because we enjoy it &
we'll say “Yes.” It's a pretty solid & stock-standard answer, otherwise we wouldn't be
independent. Ask the vast majority of independent songwriters if we write for the money, most jump up & down saying “No! Never!” Ask the vast majority of independent songwriters if we're writing for listeners, most will say, “Yes,” almost as an afterthought.


Truth be told, we write songs for all of the above reasons in varying degrees.


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