How To Create A Quality Press Kit

A press kit is an essential tool for artists and bands to have in the music industry.    Press kits are a form of a resume to get their music out to the world.  Press kits are used for “music promotion, music publicity, booking agents, and band promotion” (Craft, 2011).  A successful press kit has many elements, such as a bio, pictures, an information page, and among others.

First, musicians must have a bio explaining who they are; where they are from; what genre their music is; who their influences are; and where they want to be in the future. The bio must have an eye-catching backstory about the band as well.  Also, include the musician’s history of quality performances and areas they have performed in.  The band or artist’s fan base should be included as well. Furthermore, a list of what equipment the band or artist takes to a venue, such as mics, amps, laptop, etc.  The list of equipment can also be on a separate page if needed.

Next, the press kit also needs 8x10 photos of the artist or band.  These photos do not need to be professional, but it is preferred.  The pictures should be glossy.   Other shots can be included of performances as well.

All press kits should include a booking information page. This page should list the contact information such as, phone numbers, email address, websites, and fax information.

Additionally, a demo CD with three of the band or artist’s best music is needed in a press kit. The music should be professionally mixed and mastered for good quality. The CD should be labeled with the names of each song and contact information. The CD sleeve should also have a professional look to it as well.  

Other things that should be included in a press kit are: a song list that the band or artist performs; music reviews; and a business card.  A cover letter personally addressed to the recipient introducing the band or artist, with contact information also needs to be added.  The letter should present the band’s name and logo as the letterhead.

Finally, the press kit should be in a professional eye-catching envelope or folder to entice the recipient to view what’s inside.  This could be done by custom designing or by using stickers with the band’s name and logo on the cover. 

The press kit can make or break the opportunity for a band or artist to get a gig or a publicity deal.  It is important to be original and creative when putting it together.

Only the spectacular ones have a chance in this difficult industry.

References:
Craft, K. (2011). Entertainment Media Publishing And Distribution. pg. 105.

BECOMING AN ARTIST MANAGER

It seems like this day and age everyone wants to be a rapper or an artist manager. Do you have what it takes to be an artist manager?  Nowadays managers wear many hats.  It is a very involved career.  An individual considering this position needs to understand what it entails to be successful in this career.   Skills that are required to be a proficient manager are: leadership, communication, and dedication, to name a few.

First and foremost, the manager needs to be a leader and a knowledgeable businessperson.  The successful leader has a vision for his artist and himself.  They also have a self-direction or a motivation to prosper.  Furthermore, a leader makes executive decisions about everything from strategies for marketing their artist to budgeting for an event.

Another important requirement is effective communication skills.  A manager has to talk to everyone in the music industry, such as booking agents, promoters, and media.  The manager has to basically sell the artist and their music.  It is all about networking.  The manager must also to be patient and understanding with those in the field, considering that attitudes and egos tend to run high in this industry.

Dedication is also vital in this field.  This job is extremely time consuming and a 7-day a week, 24 hour position.  “As a manager, you must always be prepared for business regardless of the time of the day or day of the week; which means as a manager you do not have set office hours with weekends and holidays off or vacation” (Skindeepdj, 2012).

 It’s important to understand that what the manager does reflects on the artist and vise- versa.  If you aren’t willing to put the time or energy into your artist, then you should reconsider your position.  With skills such as, leadership, communication, and dedication, a manager can provide a talented artist an exciting career in music, as well as for him or her self.  

Reference:

Skindeepdj, Nov. 6, 2012.  THE SECRET TO BEING A GOOD ARTIST MANAGER.  http://skindeepdj.wordpress.com/2012/11/06/the-secret-to-being-a-good-artist-manager/

TECH N9NE

Although I am fairly new to the genre of Rap and Hip-hop, I have found a mentor. His name is Aaron Dontez Yates, A.K.A. Tech N9ne.  This man is not only an extremely talented musician; he is a brilliant businessman.  He and his business partner and manager, Travis O'Guin, started their own independent label, Strange Music, located in Kansas City, Missouri. This label now also houses publishing, merchandising, booking, and touring.

First and foremost, I respect his originality- from his appearance, to his style of music.  He does not conform to what society expects from him.  According to Billboard Magazine, “N9ne started his rap career with a simple dream: to bring his music to the world without compromising his style or integrity” (Mitchell, 2009). 

I also respect his business sense.  His label realizes that it’s the fans that made them successful.  Without the fans, they wouldn’t be anywhere as successful as they are today.  Tech N9ne and his label go out of their way to make it a personal experience for their fans, for example he frequently tours all over the world, offers free merchandise to his fans, as well as his involvement with social media to interact with his fans.  According to Tech, if you “take care of your customers,and they will take care of you” (Alonzo, 2013).

What fascinates me most is how he made a name for himself without the use of radio promotion.  He created his buzz on his own merit. He had no problem performing in front of seven people, because he knew they would spread the word of his awesome talent. He gained his following “one fan at a time” (Mitchell, 2009). Today, he performs for sold out shows all over the world. Tech also utilizes his street teams from all over, to spread the word about him; by offering prospective fans sample CDs of his music.

         Tech N9ne and his label, Strange Music, are the future of underground Hip-Hop. His talent and his admiration for his fans will continue to help him prevail long into the future.  I wish him continued success with his future endeavors.

Austin, A. (2013). Let These Aspiring Hip-Hop Moguls Drop Some   Wisdom. Kansas City Business Journal.

        http://m.bizjournals.com/kansascity/print-edition/2013/09/20/entrepreneur-let-these-aspiring.html?r=full

Mitchell, G. (2009). Nine Lives. Billboard, 121(26), 20-21.

Important Facts About Negotiating

When an opportunity comes up for an up and coming artist in the music industry such as a manager contract or even a possible record deal, negotiation comes into play. It is very important to know how to negotiate properly to get the best deal. Three techniques in doing this are: mutual benefits; to separate people from the problem; and having a Best Alternative To A Negotiated Agreement (BATNA).

In the art of negotiating, mutual benefit is an admirable goal since it doesn't rely on dirty tricks or egos, but rather goes to the heart of what negotiating really is. In the Video "How to negotiate so everyone wins, especially you!" Ronald M. Shapiro reminds us why using a win win mindset is much more effective in negotiations; whether you are signing a lease, going thru a divorce settlement or working out a record deal. Looking for points of agreement rather than ego driven tactics can really focus your negotiations and help the parties come up with something of value for both sides. When you think in terms of "I win, you lose," he says you can get into trouble because win/lose = lose/lose most of the time. The negotiation stalls, conflict arises and it falls apart.  
A great strategy is demonstrated when he uses the audience in a $10.00 mock negotiation. In the demonstration, the parties have to negotiate dividing $10.00 but they can't split it evenly. Rather than using the I win, you lose mindset; Mr. Shapiro reminds us that instead, if we agree to what we can agree on and THEN negotiate the rest, we are much closer to a win win situation. So for example, a good way is if both agree to get 4 dollars each, then they can flip a coin for the remaining 2 bucks!  It's a simple but brilliant strategy and goes to the heart of what true negotiating really is. I will be sure to remember it, as it will come in handy in everyday life! 

The next technique is to separate people from the problem.  According to William Ury, author of Getting to Yes, discusses negotiations, how to reach agreements, and separating people from the problem in the video, Negotiating for Sustainable Agreements.  He reminds us that we negotiate everyday w/our spouses, kids, coworkers and bosses. Ury tells us that the ability to avoid conflict during negotiations has more to do with what WE can do ourselves rather than what we think our opponent can do. Conflict arises when we fail to separate our egos, or feelings from the negotiations. We all have the power to NOT react he reminds us. He recalls how some cultures and tribes rely on  "cooling off" periods when things get heated.

From South Africa to Venezuela he has seen it all. What he's noticed is that time and again, simple things like: respect, avoiding pressure and insulting or humiliating, and really listening to the other side works! And not just listening to their position, but the interests behind them is KEY to reaching peaceful creative solutions. 

We learn that conflict is a growth industry and that how we handle conflict can be key to avoiding problems, even war. Separating personalities from the disagreements is hard; and it seems is hard-wired in humans; so in negotiations we sometimes need to step back and look at the bigger picture. What is the goal? Listen to what the other party really wants. He tells us to bridge the gap of understanding and leave our emotions out of it. We can do this by reframing our positions and building "Golden bridges"

Separating our egos or "the person from the problem" using these key tips; Ury points out that we can avoid the pitfalls that undermine any negotiation. By doing so, we can focus on what's behind the positions, or the heart of the matter. By asking questions we can learn and discover better ways to bridge the gaps of understanding. This is a powerful message for anybody from heads of states to parents. Lessons we can all benefit from. 

The final technique is the Best Alternative Negotiated Agreement or BATNA.  This is an agreement created by the interested party of what he is willing to accept, but it is vital that the party has researched and has all the facts about what is being negotiated, as well as how much he is willing to accept.  They need to know what their value is and they need to be self confident in what they are negotiating for.  The interested party should not settle for anything less than their BATNA. 

To some, negotiating an important contract or record deal can be unnerving, but the bottom line when negotiating is to make sure you have done your homework so you can have a successful negotiation meeting.  Also, making sure there is a mutual respect and keeping emotions at bay and maintaining professionalism during a meeting will prove to be successful. 

References:

References:

How to Negotiate so Everyone Wins, Especially You!

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtU3zrc-kIU

It’s All About The BATNA Baby

     http://betterpodcast.com/post/24538955133/better-2-its-all-about-the-batna-baby-in-this

William Ury: Negotiating for Sustainable Agreements
     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1NHqPDzqoU

AN INTERVIEW WITH SHATTERING SILENCE'S GUITARIST A.J. MURPHY

Today I thought I would switch up genres and interview AJ Murphy from Shattering Silence, an independent metal band from Brevard County Florida.

321 Indie Hip Hop: Hi A.J., how’s it going?

A.J. Murphy: Pretty good.

321 Indie Hip Hop: What brought you to want to play music?

A.J. Murphy: It was either do drugs or play music!

321 Indie Hip Hop: Great quote; I have to definitely include it. What instrument do you play in the band?

A.J. Murphy: I am the guitarist and back up vocalist.

321 Indie Hip Hop: When did your band first get together?

A.J. Murphy: We played together for years, but officially played our first show April 13, 2007.

321 Indie Hip Hop: What does the band have in the works at the moment?

A.J. Murphy: We have our first album, Blood Rust, produced by Joe Rodriguez of The Flock Of Seagulls, forecasted to be released late this year or early 2014.

321 Indie Hip Hop: Is there any of the band’s music out there that can be heard or seen anywhere?

A.J. Murphy: We released the Duct Tape EP in 2012 as well as a video for our single, Take The Hand Of A Liar located on You Tube.  We also have a bonus video in the works for our new album that will be released with the CD.

321 Indie Hip Hop: So tell me where did you all come up with the name Shattering Silence?

A.J. Murphy: To tell you the truth, we just locked ourselves in a room and said we were not allowed out till we came up with a name and several hours later the name just happened. 

 321 Indie Hip Hop: Tell me a little about yourself, when did you start playing guitar?

A.J. Murphy: I was about 14 years old when a friend said that I needed to learn guitar, but he gave up teaching me, so I just continued to teach myself and loved it.

321 Indie Hip Hop: Who were your music influences growing up?

 A.J. Murphy: I can go on forever, but Jimmy Page, Jeff Loomis of Never More, and DimeBag Darrell of Pantera have all been influences in my style of music.

321 Indie Hip Hop: Well A.J. Thanks for your time and I’m looking forward to hearing your new CD when it comes out.

Shattering Silence can be contacted on:

Facebook/ ShatteringSilenceFl

Twitter/ Shattersilence