Get the Gig

We this episode, we talk online marketing for artists with Randi Skinner of RS Consulting and Jen & Tony of TB Winds!

It is unfortunate that so many of us have had gigs get cancelled, but while we are all at home, why not use this time to improve our social media and web presence? I will be talking with Mindy Arendt and Ritchy Flo, getting tips for artists that want to improve their social media and web presence.

I put together a formula, a template, that anyone can use to enhance their marketing strategy. This is the formula I use on all of my events when I want to draw large crowds. From poetry readings to PTA meetings, if you want more people at your events, the Successful Event Formula is for you!Formula: MV + (2 Months of U Advertising * 4%) = Large Crowds

I know, it's super boring, but it's important. I wanted to share some of what I've learned in the tax world. I'm not a tax expert, but I hope it will help you with your taxes as you continue to purse your musical career.Key Takeaways:- Get comfortable with a W9 form.- Set aside 20-25% for taxes (maybe more, maybe less, depending on your area).- $600 is when you need to start paying taxes.- If you didn't set aside money this year, the IRS may let you do payments one time, so you can catch up for next year.

If you missed "Get the Gig: A Night For Musicians," now is your chance to hear from some giants of the DIY music industry. On the panel we had:Brendon Anthony, Director of the Texas Music OfficeCarl Finch, Brave ComboMcKenzie Smith, MIDLAKE BANDDanielle Longueville, Oaktopia & Class ActionEllie Gonzalez, The Denton Vibe w/ Diva Girl Ellie & Lost Poet LoungeVictor Gann, Endorsed Artist at Ernie Ball & Owner of Evia Music

Want more press coverage? On this episode, hear from Lucinda Breeding, Features Editor for the Denton Record-Chronicle, on best practices for press coverage.

This was my opening presentation at the "Get the Gig" book launch!

Licensing can be a confusing and complicated world. Victor Gann has made his career playing music for television networks such as ESPN and ghost performing on major albums. On this episode, Victor shares some insights on what steps artists need to take to make money through licensing, as well as some best practices for bands.

On this episode, I had the opportunity to talk with a true titan of DIY music, Jon Christopher Davis! Jon gave some incredible advice on how he became the accomplished musician he is today.

On this episode of the "Get the Gig" podcast, we sat down with a true expert in music entrepreneurism. Jen Guzman is not only a very talented musician and entrepreneur herself, but she is also the music entrepreneurism Teaching Fellow at the University of North Texas. If you want to make money as an artist, this is the episode for you!

The Greater Denton Arts Council hosted a social media and PR panel. My fellow panelists were: Josh Berthume (Swash Labs), Mindy Arendt (Something Shiny) and artist Mancini, moderated by Andy Odom (Santander Consumer USA).

On episode 1 of the "Get the Gig" podcast, we interviewed an amazing musician and social media hustler, Jessie Frye! Find more about Jessie Frye at JessieFrye.com, Spotify, & @jessiefryemusic.

I get asked all of the time what I am looking for when I book an artist. Truthfully, I want to see them play live somewhere first, but if I can't I have been known to book artists that have a really good live action video.

When it comes to email, it is best to keep it short and sweet.

When promoting shows, we often think we are in the business of one-by-one advertising. However, things begin to really take off when tastemakers start bringing their circles to our shows.

Crowds need time to discover shows and then work them into their schedules. So, how much time do you need in order to effectively promote?

I measure all of my marketing efforts against the 4% rule. Did 4% of the people I invited show up? What often happens is musicians measure against 50% to 90%, and when 5% show up they get discouraged when they should be celebrating.

In the beginning, it is easy to get discouraged when promoting your shows. The amount of work and energy you put into promo just doesn't yeild a good crowd return, at first. But the promo isn't just for the crowds, it's also for the venues. You want them to know that when they work with you they are going to be seen by more eyes. Even if the crowds do not come to the show, you got the venue's brand in front of more people on social media, posters, etc. Sometimes, it's not about drawing a big crowd, it's about showing the venue you are a serious artist.

This is a constant debate among artists. "Should I play more or am I oversaturating?" The answer is not one size fits all, it depends on where you are in your musical career.

Having a PA System can really set you apart when seeking gigs in restaurants and other non-traditional music venues.

We've all heard artists say "it's hard to get people to leave the house, buy tickets, and go to shows," but data is showing that there is still hope.

Why always asking for money from venues, even if you don't need it, is always a good idea.

Music is powerful. Music pulls us out of our deepest valleys and accompanies us on top of our highest mountains. The experience you create for people, as a musician, is unbelievably valuable.

You cannot force inspiration, but sometimes our best work comes when we set aside time for creativity.

If you are not already, you need to be on Facebook. Facebook is the number one place venues go to decide if they want to book an artist.

The performance onstage is only a small part of music marketing. There is so much work that needs to be done offstage as well. However, just because it's not onstage doesn't mean that it's not also art.

There is a belief out there that seems odd to me. A lot of people think that the only way to succeed in music is to quit your job. They believe that quitting your job will give you desperation, which will push you forward. I say that desperation will force you to make decisions that you don't want to make.

It's amazing how powerful a few new friends can be for your career. I truly believe that adding a few new friends, for no reason other than friendship, will create huge opportunities for your music.

You need to make sure that the production behind your recordings and videos is world class. You want those tools working for you, and opening up doors, not working against you.

As artists, we need to always be looking for new opportunities to grow. We often think that performing is the only way to get better, and while it's very important, having someone that can critique your skills and expand your range could be just as important. The next step in your growth as an artist might be to take lessons, to further polish the craft. This could payoff big in the long run!

Open Mics give you an amazing opportunity to practice and crowd test songs, but more importantly they give you a chance to get your foot in the door at new venues. A great Open Mic performance could make all of the difference, so play as many as you can!

We often think that our appearance is just for the audience, but it's not. Yes, we want to look good for the audience, but giving care and attention to our look communicates to the talent buyer that we are serious and worth booking again.

If you look at the crowd of a venue, often you will find that the people that play there also socialize there. They spent time in the venue, built relationships and established trust.

Too often, artists give up too soon. They work hard but even the best marketed artists need time for their audience to take shape. In the beginning you will not see the appropriate return on your marketing investments, but over time those efforts begin to compound. So, just because you're not seeing results right now, doesn't mean that your marketing won't pay off in the future. Keep pushing!

As you graduate to bigger and bigger venues, they will expect you to bring your own cabling. This may seem like something small, but when it's 10-minutes to showtime this could be a HUGE problem. I see this all of the time, it's the number one thing I see catch musicians off guard when they play a new venue.

Arriving early is always a good idea, but the earlier you arrive to a venue the more opportunities you will find to make impressions on the staff.

On today's Daily Rant, I talk about the importance of working WITH the sound guy, instead of battling them.

On today's Daily Rant, I give a head nod to Tim O'Reilly. Piracy is not the enemy, obscurity is. Don't let fear stop you from building a presence online.

On today's Daily Rant, I talk about how artists really need to have a Facebook Page, not just a personal profile, and why.

On today's Daily Rant, I talk about the power little suprises for venues can have on your career.

On today's Daily Rant, I talk about Facebook advertising, and the power it can have for artists.

Today's Daily Rant is about the importance of Social Media for artists.

For the month of July, I am adding a new series to the "Get the Gig" podcast called the "Daily Rant." Everyday, I am going to do a quick rant on marketing tips for artists. On Day 1, I am talking about the importance of live action pictures.