After covering the Revolver Golden Gods Awards and the Big 4, we realized that Heavy Music is evolving very quickly and if any artists out there don't jump on board the crazy train of Heavy Music in full force, they will probably be left behind. We have news for every artist out there: if you are laying back waiting for your "big break" because you believe your music is the sound of the future, you might as well just go to sleep now because maybe in your dreams your "big break" might become a reality.
While the music industry is suffering because of very low record sales, the artists that are embracing the D.Y.I. (Do It Yourself) approach, are the ones that are rising above the hard tides. This method applies to any successful business and its evident that if used wisely it can help to improve anybody's career.
Here are some very useful tips for any artists that want to get their music heard and most importantly to stand out from the flood of artists that are trying to catch their "big break":
When PERFORMING:
- Be careful about booking gigs too often within the same area, last thing you want is to seem like you are desperate for gigs. Your goal should be to always draw the biggest number of fans possible at every gig, this is the only way you will keep getting booked and eventually will be asked to perform at high profile gigs. Also, make sure you are cordial both on and off stage, and make sure you stay at the event so you can greet your fans. Chances are that you need new fans, so why go hide from them?
- Regardless of how miserable you might be feeling, be very positive while on stage. The people that are there to see you, are there for you to uplift their spirits and not to hear you whine about your misery. Oh, and make sure your gear is in tune, that all your cables work well, and that you are ready to rock!
- Setup your merchandise in a visible spot within the venue, and make sure its well lit. Also, while you are not on stage it's a great idea to be at the merch table since there wont be a better person then yourself to sell your own brand.
When MARKETING:
- If you produce a music video that you hope helps to get some attention, do not cut any corners. It is really easy to identify a low budget badly produced video, so don't diminish you chances of being seen or heard by having a shitty video. Also make sure to post the video on YouTube, Vimeo, and Muzu TV.
- Social tools like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter can help any artist not only to have a close interaction with their fans, but to also keep them updated about new releases and upcoming gigs. However, the only way to stand out from the millions of artists that use these tools is to keep updating these pages constantly, otherwise you will have little to no impact.
- A solid website! Just because there are free social networking tools out there, does not meant that you don't need a well designed website. The internet is ever changing, but a solid website can be timeless and it will psychologically make your fans think that you already caught that "big break".
- Distribute your music in a Digital format via I-Tunes, CD Baby, etc. One great way to encourage people to buy your music is to give out a song for FREE on an MP3 card (that contains your logo and URL) at your gigs. This will give your fans a sense of importance since you are interacting with them face to face. While giving out a CD can also be efficient, today's digital generation might not even bother listening to the CD, but will most likely use the MP3 card to download your music to their computer. If they like your music they might buy some more songs or buy your CD at the next show.
When FREE:
- Support other artists, assist networking events, and always carry a business card with you. Every opportunity you have to present your brand to someone else is golden!
We hope you are inspired by this article to get out there and rock out with the right mindset and attitude. And remember that if you want your music to be taken seriously, you need to be able to transmit the message in a professional and original way. Times are changing, so be creative and rise up! \m/
Here is a recent interview we did with one of the hardest working dudes in the music industry: Jamey Jasta from Hatebreed and Kingdom Of Sorrow. On this interview he discusses how he manages to reinvent himself constantly as an enterpreneur and how kids can market their music in order to get solid exposure.
Related links:
FacebookTwitterMy SpaceI-TunesCD BabyYouTubeVimeoMuzu TV
The Big 4 of Thrash Metal (Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax & Megadeth) are coming to the East Coast! On Wednesday September 14 history will be made when The Big 4 hit a Grand Slam at the Yankee Stadium. We're pretty sure that this show will be even better then then one in Indio, California. Tickets go on sale on Friday, May 6 on Ticketmaster!
Last night Down performed a legendary concert at the Best Buy Theater in New York City. From the second Phil Anselmo and the boys got on stage, the crowd went wild and didn't stop raging out of control until security emptied the place up after Down destroyed everyone's necks and vocal chords. Down does not take anything for granted and they know that New York City always expects the best from them, and last night they performed their best show in New York City to this day.
Performing all the "hit" songs from their three albums with full Bower Power combined with the shredding guitar of Kirk Windstein (Crowbar) and Pepper Keenan, Down is one of the tightest bands you will ever hear and last night was no exception. As in any successful band, the lead singer is the master of ceremony and Phil Anselmo last night proved that he is the best front-man in Heavy Music history. The man makes the guys lose their minds and the girls scream obnoxiously loud. All in all, a great mix of extreme music and amazing people. New York City is quickly becoming the capital of Metal, and nobody can stop us! \m/
There is no doubt in our minds that Dino Cazares is one of the most versatile, original, and badass guitarists of our generation! Throughout his successful musical career Dino has proven that he is armed with an arsenal of riffs that crush you in the balls, and that each note he plays gets branded on your brain forever. This is why we decided to baptize Dino as "The Riffmanufacturer", while interviewing him at the "Black Carpet" of the Revolver Golden Gods Awards last week in Los Angeles.
While his career has hit some bumps on the road, the biggest one being when we had to leave Fear Factory. Dino today is going full force with all of his three bands: Fear Factory, Divine Heresy, and Asesino. The future is bright for Dino Cazares, and we predict a storm full of crushing riffs and amazing live performances within the next decade (at least).
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After covering the Revolver Golden Gods Awards and the Big 4, we realized that Heavy Music is evolving very quickly and if any artists out there don't jump on board the crazy train of Heavy Music in full force, they will probably be left behind. We have news for every artist out there: if you are laying back waiting for your "big break" because you believe your music is the sound of the future, you might as well just go to sleep now because maybe in your dreams your "big break" might become a reality. 
- Be careful about booking gigs too often within the same area, last thing you want is to seem like you are desperate for gigs. Your goal should be to always draw the biggest number of fans possible at every gig, this is the only way you will keep getting booked and eventually will be asked to perform at high profile gigs. Also, make sure you are cordial both on and off stage, and make sure you stay at the event so you can greet your fans. Chances are that you need new fans, so why go hide from them?
- If you produce a music video that you hope helps to get some attention, do not cut any corners. It is really easy to identify a low budget badly produced video, so don't diminish you chances of being seen or heard by having a shitty video. Also make sure to post the video on YouTube, Vimeo, and Muzu TV.
- Distribute your music in a Digital format via I-Tunes, CD Baby, etc. One great way to encourage people to buy your music is to give out a song for FREE on an MP3 card (that contains your logo and URL) at your gigs. This will give your fans a sense of importance since you are interacting with them face to face. While giving out a CD can also be efficient, today's digital generation might not even bother listening to the CD, but will most likely use the MP3 card to download your music to their computer. If they like your music they might buy some more songs or buy your CD at the next show.